Hello Fuji Forum -
Despite starting with a Fuji in 2011, this is my first post! I have a pointed question: is there a recommended strategy or point of contact person at Fuji USA repair to try to convince them to exchange with me a replacement camera instead of repairing my X100S for the third time? My strategy thus far is just to ask nicely! I fear that even after a 3rd repair, this particular camera will fail again since that’s it’s historical pattern. The repair number for this order is RP1603020048 in case anyone can plug Fuji. I enjoy the design of the Fuji X100 series cameras and use one for a pocket-able backup camera. However, I’m struggling with their reliability and would like Fuji to do better. When I owned the first X100, it suddenly quit working and needed repair. When the X100S debuted, I upgraded. However, my copy has failed three times out of warranty, and ownership is getting embarrassing when I pull it out in front of a group of people and then have a confused face while I figure out that no pictures will be taken that day, but also ownership is getting long in the tooth with repairs costing a few hundred dollars apiece.
My X100S was again returned back to Fuji USA yesterday for repair, but at least this time the repair is under warranty, since the last prior repair was some 88 days and 79 images before. I am hoping there is some way to pull strings to get Fuji to swap this camera for another refurbished unit; it’d be my hope that a new roll of the dice will yield a more reliable camera. I don’t feel malice towards Fuji, but this time they sold me a lemon. I take pride in caring for my gear, partly because I hope to recoup resale value someday; my X100S still looks almost new. Partly it’s my personality to take care of things and I have “mechanical sympathy” when using things as I’m a veteran consulting product development mechanical engineer with 32 utility patents. I have followed my late father’s footsteps doing amateur photography and the Argus C3 he first taught me to use is still working. But that’s a mirrorless camera for which electrical problems are not possible. I completely understand that a small point & shoot is more fragile, but by comparison have experienced faultless reliability from the Nikon D3X, D3S, three D4’s, the D4s and now D5. Those are powerful storm-worthy cameras with sublime ergonomics that melt into your hand.
Cheerio –
Ralph E Burns
ralpheburns.com
ascent-design.com
