20% off Olympus refurb (code FIREWORKS)

Just sold a few things and was debating between the 17 and 25.

Now I have both coming.

Figure I can sell one or the other later if I feel like it.

 

I just got a silver Pen F!

 

I'm in the middle of a second protracted return experience with Olympus Outlet this year. Two lenses (25/1.8 and 12-40 PRO) I received were awful - the 25 was severely decentered and the 12-40 was mushy throughout the zoom range, as if it had been dropped and the alignment skewed. It's been almost a month since I returned the 12-40 (at my expense) and no refund yet, despite following all of their procedures for an expedited return - they say normally it takes 25 business days to credit a return once it's received, which is nuts. I was told last week I'd see a credit no later than today, but still no dice.

Unfortunately both experiences soured me from buying again. Despite the claims of a "5-point inspection," it appears a company named Tech Data in Texas simply repackages Oly's returns that look cosmetically ok without testing them first.

 

The time I returned a couple things wasn't a problem. I think it did take a couple weeks for the refund, but it wasn't an issue to me although I know it can be for others.

Just ordered a silver Pen F with the goal of it replacing my EP5. Maybe, we'll see how well I like it.

 

Really nice deal on the E-PM2 body.

 

I was VERY tempted. But I would really just be buying it to try it and sell it on. With the price of the 17 and 25 I might keep both.

I've purchased and returned things from them in past and yes the return process takes longer than it really should.

 

These are excellent deals and the selection is pretty good this time around. But sales tax in my state does take a big chunk out of the savings.

 

Indeed. FYI, I had a refurb EPM2 converted to infrared and have really enjoyed it. $148 + tax under this sale makes it a great deal if interested in IR. You get an IR dedicated body that uses all your existing lenses and fits into a corner of your camera bag. What's not to like? (wish it used BLN batteries though)

FYI, with the 14-42EZ lens the EPM2 fits into the Lowepro Dashpoint 20 camera pouch. Versatile little pouch, easily attaching to hipbelts or shoulder straps of other bags.

 

Purchased the E-P5 even though I own an E-M1 & E-M5. I've been itching to try out one and almost jumped the gun multiple times in the past when it looked like the price for one was getting pretty decent, but for $192 it seems like a no brainer!

 

That EP5 + VF-4 + 17mm keeps taunting me, every time I click on it I get a 404 error.

 

It went out of stock some days ago. Yet who knows, save the link to your bookmarks and keep trying.

Pen F in silver is 404'ing now as is the EP5 in silver, although white seems available.

Anyone else notice that the $3500 refurb EM5 mark II PRO kit apparently disappeared before the sale?

 

Knock wood, so far everything I'd bought from the refurb store has been fine. Yet I've read similar reports and it certainly seems the operation is not on par with Apple's refurbs which I also buy.

As to pricing; yes the buyer has to pay attention.

 

I just tried the Pen F I got as far as applying the code to reduce it to $767.

 

Yep, it seems to have come back. Once it'd started 404ing I figured it was down for the count.

 

Even if you don't get charged sales tax, all states still have tax code that requires you to pay it with your income tax anyway. Might as well make it easy and pay it up front instead of risking an audit and fines. The states are cracking down more now given that so much potential revenue is lost due to www sales.

Only way to legally avoid it in most states is buying used.

 

I paid about $36 in taxes. I'm sure Virginia will spend it wisely.

 

Good opportunity to get an Olympus AIR to experiment with. I picked up one during the last 20% off. <sigh> I just ordered a 14-150mm II.