The upgrade service was to be available from May 21 through September sometime. I had sent messages to both Precision and Ricoh asking when and where I could find details on how to proceed with an upgrade. Still have received no reply. On May 23 a Ricoh Imaging FB posting provided some details and links related to the upgrade. I followed the links. I downloaded the forms. I went online and requested and paid for an upgrade. This morning, May 24, I took my camera to UPS for shipment to Precision. Mid-day, May 24 I received an e-mial from Precision instructing me to print, sign, and return (along with the camera) a signed Consent Agreement. Oops. Camera already sent. Fortunately, they also allowed for a scan-to-pdf and an email reply to convey my agreement.
Some bits I found odd/interesting about this transaction: 1. In the FAQ at one of the links, the question is “turnaround - how long?”, the answer is seven to ten days. 2. In the Consent Agreement I needed to sign and send back, it is stated that: “…after RICOH has received the requested item, it will take approximately 7 to 10 days until the customer takes delivery of the requested item…” [Unless other repair work is indicated.] 3. The Consent Agreement also makes clear that I will not get back the mother board or other components that they will be replacing. Oh well. 4. I received an email back from Precision asking for my shipper’s tracking number so that they could know where my camera is while on its way to them. The assurance of a 7-10 day turnaround really intrigues me. Combined with the four-month window [and never ever available anyplace again], my speculation is that Precision staff has been supplemented with techs from Japan(?) for this window of opportunity. And that they will bring in more if the demand for upgrades exceeds their expectations. And the tracking-number business is about trying to anticipate work load. I will report WRT outcomes of this process in 7-10 days… stan -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
