"Ok given a price for a brand new XT-1 of $999 in most places, one has to know that when camera is being sold for $749, something "gray" is going on. However, if you know the camera and you know that it has been out long enough now for the various bugs to be worked out by Fuji, getting a new xt-1 for $749, without a warranty essentially, is still far better than buying a used camera (pig in the poke as my dad used to say) for roughly the same price or more on todays market. Other than sensor dust, I have not had a problem with any of my fuji cameras - the pro 1, xpro2, a couple of xt-1's prior to this one (one went down on the street when I tripped over a guard rail...damned guard rails!!!)...a x100s, x100T and an x20, my first fuji camera...they are simply well built cameras. And if there is going to be a problem it is almost always seen when the camera first comes out.
And so I save $250 which I can apply to a sensor cleaning at some place that does a faster and better job than FujiFilm down in NJ...sorry Fuji, that place has lied to me, kept me hanging, done shoddy work.
Now as for Abe's...Jeff Stevens, the guy that I spoke with to order the camera, was an absolute gentleman and offered patient and knowledgable service. And I am not an easy customer to deal with, ask lots of questions, speak my mind. Jeff even gave me expedited delivery at no extra cost, which makes my immediate gratification syndrome very happy. The camera was delivered two days after the sale, in mint mint condition. It was a relatively new model because it only needed the latest firmware upgrade. Fabulous!!
Any of you old enough will remember the Avis slogan, We try harder (was it Avis?)...Abe's went thru a difficult transition when it was bought out from the current corp in NJ...plenty of evidence for that on the www....I got a new camera at an amazing price, got flawless, courteous service, generous even and I am a totally happy camper! Thank you Jeff!"
"What can I say. I would adopt these guys it if it was possible. They treat you like family. They only suggest what makes sense on your purchase. And then they make it worth your while."
"I would like to thank you Jeff and Abe's of Maine for your excellent handling, pricing and speedy delivery on my new Sigma 150-600 DG OS HSM Sports lens and Sigma 120-300 DG OS HSM Sports lens today. You and Abe's of Maine are the sales representative and company that I look forward to working with in the future. Thank You very much for the efficient handling and delivery of my orders. BRAVO, this is now internet sales is meant to be at its very best.
Regards,
Chris"
"Abe of Maine is faster than the speed of light! I called Mr. Jeff Stevens on Monday, June 19, to confirm my online order for a Nikon 5200 camera, and by Thursday, June 23, the UPS man was at my door. The camera arrived in perfect condition. I wholeheartedly recommend Abe of Maine! Thank you, Jeff, for your wonderful service!! "
"They have sold me a Sony camera which is similar to the U.S. version but is not a U.S. model and did not say anything. Now if I want to take photos in the U.S. standard format NTSC it takes an extremely long time for the camera to boot up. An when I called up Sony they had confirmed that this model is not made for the U.S. market, and besides that it will prevent me from taking photos quickly the parts will also be hard to get since it's not a model for the U.S. market.
Apparently they are buying stuff over seas which are not U.S. versions and selling it here. Won't buying anything else from them."
Classic bait and switch operation. Avoid them!!!"
"Jason Scott, Abe of Maine Customer Service Manager, was extremely helpful with a shipping logistics problem. Jason was very courteous. He listened very closely to find out the details of my situation. He then advised me on how we could resolve the problem. The problem was resolved within a few hours of contacting the office."
"Everything was smooth and nice, we love our new tv, was as we expected and even when we live in the very south of the country, was here on time and in perfect shape :)
Thank you Jason and Ted!!!"
"I needed a camera lens quickly and Jeff hooked me up with the fastest shipping. Since I am local, he called to confirm the order and got it to me quickly. Would buy from them again."
"Jeff from Abe's of Maine just called to followup on my order. He pleasantly offered me some extra items to go with the camera I purchased. He validated my info and upgraded me to faster shipping. I was extremely pleased knowing my camera would be here for the weekend. This is my first purchase from Abe's and with this type of followup I will be getting the rest of my photo equipment here as well. "
"My mother has been putting money away for a new television for almost a year now. She is finally ready to purchase and asked me for some assistance. I found her the LG 55EF9500 and searched Google shopping for the best price. Abe's of Maine came up (Google yourself and see) with a price of $2329 with no tax and free shipping. This television sells for $2999 in most all big box retailers and she just couldn't afford that much. She was however willing to stretch her budget a little to accommodate the $2329 price.
Having dealt with them many years ago I advised my Mom that this is a good company and to go ahead and make the purchase. She did. Boy was that a mistake.
The next day she received a call, first asking her to purchase extended warranty plans, and when she declined, telling her that she would have to pay $289 for the shipping. She questioned this and was then told that it's to cover the insurance on the shipment. She texted me what was going on and I told her not to pay them anything more than she already had. Their website specifically stated free shipping in not one but two places (once on the product page itself and another when you are checking out). The man who called her (Jeff Stevens x272) was rude to her and she got off the phone and asked me to step in.
I called Jeff and asked what was going on. He fed me the same line about paying for the insurance of the shipment. I responded by saying you cannot state free shipping in multiple places on your website and then call and basically say "Ha Ha, just kidding, pay us another $289 or you don't get the product". He started yelling at me (bear in mind I did not speak to him in an agitated voice in any way) saying I shouldn't bother ever calling them again until I "learned how to speak to people".
I told him to cancel the order and hung up.
Classic bait and switch operation. Run away!
----------
I wanted to write this update because after posting reviews on Yelp, Reseller Ratings, and the BBB, I received a call from Abe's of Maine's customer service manager who was very nice and very helpful. He apologized numerous times for everything that transpired and agreed to sell the TV to my mother for exactly what is listed on the website (read: no additional charges). The TV was delivered today (white glove) and everything looks good."
"i placed the order with Abe of Maine with now hassle. Jason in customer service is ecxelent to deal with. I recommend this company to all."
"Jeff handled my order with efficiency and professionalism. When a problem arose with my card, he quickly took care of it. This is my second camera order from Abe's of Maine and I will order from them again."
"I have only been involved in photography for a couple of years and, in my inexperience, ordered the wrong teleconverter for my camera. When I called to ask about the order, I talked with a wonderful man named Ted who helped me find the right one for my camera, changed the order in the system, and gave me upgraded shipping. I just got the lens and love it! Abe's is honest, has a great inventory, and knowledgeable sales people."
"I shopped around everywhere. I mean everywhere online, and in-store. Abes of Maine had the best price by far! The customer service is outstanding. I will definitely shop at Abes of Maine exclusively in the future. "
"Jeff call to confirm order and upgrade to express shipping. Great customer service! "