Impressive service from Big Camera

[FracturedRabbit]

I bought an Olympus E-M1 from Big Camera in Pattaya last month.

Took it to Japan last week and the rear dial, which I use for exposure compensation, started to work intermittently. Returning to Thailand, I took the camera and warranty to Big Camera. They said they would send it up to Olympus on Friday as part of a routine shipment to Bangkok. I explained that I wanted the camera back as quickly as possible and so would instead drive up to Bangkok today and deliver it to the Olympus service centre.

I was asked to wait a moment, phone calls were made, then one of the staff announced she would personally take it to Bangkok for me today. This afternoon she called me to say she was on the way back with the camera fixed. Olympus had initially quoted a week, but she had talked them into doing it while she waited and by 1930 I had my camera back with a new rear dial fitted.

Pleased to see that Olympus are set up with spares and trained technicians to handle a camera that has just been released; but really impressed by the attitude and service from Big Camera. The lady concerned received a large box of chocolates!

[MJP]

That's good and surprising to be honest, Olympus making such an effort with customer support in smaller markets.

There's a Big Camera now in Roi-Et and although it's not like a fully stocked store the staff are very helpful and knowledgable.

[Tywais]

Good to hear about the support from both BC and Olympus. I didn't realize it was available in Thailand yet as the site I was going to order from in the US shows not available until December. Guess I'll look around in Chiang Mai at the major camera stores and see what's up. Did you see if the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens was available here? Will hold off now pushing that button if I can get it locally. Maybe a trip to Bangkok is in order. Also, would you mind telling me the cost in Thailand or you can PM me? I know I saved 50% of the kit cost ordering my GH2 from BHPhoto in the US over the same kit here. But other cameras I've found nearly the same price here.

[FracturedRabbit]

I believe the 12-40mm is available because I have had mine for nearly a month.... I paid 45k for the camera, with 4/3 adapter from Big Camera (the promotion finished last month) and I paid 32k for the lens from AV Camera. I paid for the lens by bank transfer on a Friday afternoon and it arrived at my condo in Pattaya via EMS the following morning. When I bought the body, the lens was not available, but the official price for the body and lens is now 74k; just have to look around for the good deals, for example, last week AV Camera had a deal for E-M1 and 12-40mm for 59,000 baht; which is an amazing offer.

[Tywais]

I believe the 12-40mm is available because I have had mine for nearly a month.... I paid 45k for the camera, with 4/3 adapter from Big Camera (the promotion finished last month) and I paid 32k for the lens from AV Camera. I paid for the lens by bank transfer on a Friday afternoon and it arrived at my condo in Pattaya via EMS the following morning. When I bought the body, the lens was not available, but the official price for the body and lens is now 74k; just have to look around for the good deals, for example, last week AV Camera had a deal for E-M1 and 12-40mm for 59,000 baht; which is an amazing offer.

Thanks a lot for that info FR. That is highly competitive with the US prices. Then add shipping, customs, taxes and quite a bit cheaper. Will look around for any specials.

[MJP]

Good to hear about the support from both BC and Olympus. I didn't realize it was available in Thailand yet as the site I was going to order from in the US shows not available until December. Guess I'll look around in Chiang Mai at the major camera stores and see what's up. Did you see if the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens was available here? Will hold off now pushing that button if I can get it locally. Maybe a trip to Bangkok is in order. Also, would you mind telling me the cost in Thailand or you can PM me? I know I saved 50% of the kit cost ordering my GH2 from BHPhoto in the US over the same kit here. But other cameras I've found nearly the same price here.

Tywais, Big Camera outlets can be found at Big C centres. They'll order for you in store and you can pick up.

[Tywais]

How did you order from AV Camera as I can't find any online ordering? I see their offer of 59,990 from the 21st so will contact them about current pricing.

[FracturedRabbit]

How did you order from AV Camera as I can't find any online ordering? I see their offer of 59,990 from the 21st so will contact them about current pricing.

[email protected]

Address it to Khun Mana, the owner. His English is good and he is a nice guy.