Hot Deal of the Day and Rip off of the Day!

Hot Deal of the Day and Rip off of the Day!

The HOT Deal of the day…

Hey guys! It’s only around 2 weeks until Christmas (give or take a day or two) and today Amazon is having a “deal of the day’ in the camera department, and it’s a great little Olympus that can be had for a song, or $189 with a 16GB memory card! Damn, I remember when a 1GB memory card cost $399, now you can get a 16GB card with a nice Olympus compact XZ-2 camera for $189 with free shipping if you are an Amazon prime member!

Click here for this “Gold Box Deal of the Day” from Amazon, while supplies last.

Screen Shot 2014-12-09 at 10.37.09 AM

The RIP OFF of the day…

Now for the rip off of the day. Even though B&H Photo cleared out the Hasselblad Stellar for $999, Wiloughby’s is still selling the same kit for $3,595! Yep, the same orange SE kit that I purchased (along with over 40 of you here who snagged the Orange before they sold out) for $999 can be had on Amazon for $3595! RIP OFF!! The Stellar SE is absolutely worth the $999 and I adore my Orange version. Not only is it made with better materials it is also Made in Japan unlike the Sony RX100 that is made in China, so they are made in different factories. The initial batch of RX100’s were made in Japan as well, then Sony switched it up to China which is when some people had issues with Quality Control. So the SE stellar at $999 is a great buy for a fantastic camera with unbelievable IQ for the size. Fast, gorgeous IQ, superb video, fit in you pocket design, exotic wood grip, Italian leather neck and wrist strap, real wooden storage box and of course the Hasselblad name which will be a good thing for resale.

But if you buy one, AVOID the RIP OFF at Amazon for $3595 and buy it here at B&H while they have a couple left (white or black).  I have two more I bought and will be reselling them on Amazon soon (one orange sold already) for $1500 each which will be the lowest price offered on Amazon (current lowest from a third-party is $2490 making mine the best deal on Amazon). When B&H Sells out, there will be no more of these deals to be found with shipping from the USA. When I sell the other, that will have paid for my own Stellar. Win/Win as this means I will have gotten a spectacular camera for free 🙂 Similar to when people buy a $25k Leica special edition and sell it a few years later for $3-$5k profit. No difference. But to be clear, I love the Stellar, it is a pretty awesome little camera.

Can’t do that with the RX100 V1 as the resale is at around $240-$250.

Stellar SE vs RX100 V1

  • Stellar uses premium materials 
  • Stellar has unique design (better for resale)
  • Stellar has the Hasselblad name (resale)
  • Stellar has a real exotic wood grip (makes a big difference in handling)
  • Stellar is made in Japan, RX100 in China
  • Stellar comes with Italian Leather neck strap and wrists strap that matches the camera colors
  • Stellar seems to have better color (firmware? Imagination? Fluke?) 
  • Stellar has real wooden storage case/box. It’s beautiful. (not needed but nice to have)
  • Resale Value of Stellar SE will most likely be a little more than $999 within 6 months. RX100 – $250
  • Both fit in any front jeans pocket. It’s tiny. 

Of course there is the new RX100 V3 for less than the $999 Stellar, and this camera gives you a pop up EVF which is brilliant, but very small. It is thicker, and has a fold out LCD (which makes it thicker) and personally, I prefer the V1 sensor AND lens. The RX100 V3 will give you a wider lens at 24 (vs 28) but you lose out on the reach (V3 is only 70mm). Some say the V3 lens is sharper but my Stellar lens is as sharp as I could want, even in the corners. The Stellar II is on its way which will be an RX100 II souped up. Will go for $2500 in a NON SE version! Again, making this one a good buy.

All from the Stellar – 1st one at ISO 3200

TO THE BITTER FEW:

To those who are uninformed and making comments about me buying a couple of stellar SE’s and reselling them for a small profit, well, I suggest you read what I wrote when I 1st announced this deal. I stated up front I would do this, and suggested others do the same..I even said “mark my words” in one post about being able to sell for more than paid. Now it appears some of you feel this was done “behind the scenes” and secretly and are attacking me for it (two of you). Well, this just shows you did not read my original post, my original intent and my suggestion that others should and could do the same as me, making the Stellar SE a WIN/WIN situation when buying it. Problem is that not many believed me and now they are mad that they look foolish after publicly stating the camera is worth $200. There are so many bitter, hateful and any people in the internet world. Those who attack and hate just for the fun of it. It’s sad.

If I find a good deal I will always pass it on to you guys, I do not hold back and always share info with you guys when it is valuable information. I do find it funny that I was attacked for even posting the deal in the 1st place with a couple of others saying “it’s worth $200” – “You are stupid for buying that” and my personal fave “how retarded are you for falling for that so called deal”? None of those comments were approved of course but goes to show how wrong they all were.

BOTTOM LINE FACT: The Stellar SE is a FABULOUS camera that offers quite a bit more than the standard RX100 V1 and for ME and many others it is well worth the $999 (especially counting resale value which can be up to $1500). I mentioned it all above as well as in my very 1st post on this blowout last week (where I stated I would buy more and resell and make some money). Nothing wrong at all with that, in fact, it’s 100% right and how life works. You either act or you do not. I act. I think MAKING money is always better than LOSING money as so many do every day in this crazy world of digital photography.

So to those bitching and moaning that I did what I originally said I would do, get over yourself and move on. No one controls what I do, this site or what I say but myself. Been like this since day one. I live life in an open way and just as I shared this deal and the benefits of the deal (reselling later for more than you paid which is a rarity) I will always tell it like it is. Two years ago I started a NO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to attacks in comments – and anyone who is attacking, degrading, name calling, or accusing will be banned. Period. Educate yourself before making any accusations or starting any conspiracy theories. (as in, read what I wrote a week ago). If you do not like the rules then do not come  here.

Thank you all! Again, this was aimed at the couple of guys who were making silly accusations without being educated on the matter before they spoke, not everyone else. I only posted it here as they failed to read the comments where I explained all of this already so it had to be placed here in hopes they would actually READ before they SPEAK. If anyone still wants a Stellar SE for $999, you can still get one in white or black HERE. Once they are gone is when the resale will spike a little. Consider that a tip 🙂

Steve

42 Comments

  1. Steve you should pay no attention to those who don’t get it. I bought four Stellar and four Coolpix A and did great in giving away Christmas gifts; I kept one of each for myself. Both are great buys. Thanks for alerting to us.

  2. Don’t see any issue with what Steve is doing. It’s called the marketplace. It’s also called the law of supply and demand. Tired of people crying foul and hollering ‘that’s not fair’ because life is decidedly not fair/equitable – some are more gifted and savvy. But there will be justice in the end so let’s all play nice. 🙂

  3. This blog, specifically the comments section, has been an education in how the rudest comments and sharpest criticism comes, without exception, from people who prefer themselves to remain anonymous.

    If Steve Huff wishes to make a small profit on a camera that is his right to do so, and he neither needs to justify or rationalize that decision to his readers and followers. For those who scorn and criticize the author of this blog for something that they themselves would do had they the chance, but attack others for doing so, are hypocritical, shallow and cowards, for hiding behind the guise of anonymity.

  4. Hi Steve,

    I just wanted to thank you for sharing the deal, yours being open to us about your luck at selling the Stellars, and I am glad for your family that your Christmas budget has been bolstered due to BH’s offer.

    I don’t feel tricked in any way, and I fail to find anything immoral about selling things for a profit. That’s what everyone does who makes a living (in part) by trading.

    For me it’s yours being open about it that makes all the difference.

    I love your site – and usually find the comments to be exceptionally constructive and motivating.

    Keep up the good work.

  5. Steve, i like your style, your way, your guts!
    All the way!
    Just to let you know i support you and this site.
    Merry Xmas in advance!

  6. Hi Steve,

    I’ve been reading your site for a while now, since I first got interested in photography 3 years ago. I haven’t posted anything before but this time I feel compelled to.
    I do not live in the US, but if I had I would have probably bought 10 Stellars for resale later. I agree with you that the camera looks stunning and that the price at $999 is a great deal. I don’t understand why some people can’t be honest with themselves and admit they would have done exactly the same as you did, had they just grown a pair to do the investment in the first place.
    Please keep as REAL as always and I look forward to some more amazing reviews and money making ideas from you in the future.

  7. Sweet. It’s definitely a nice, (and of course) legal way to make some profits.

    Kudos to Steve for sharing the deal with all of us, and letting interested buyers benefit from it.

    Also, if one were to search for “Buy Hasselblad Stellar” online, they can easily find the articles by Steve which mentioned the discount, and also the product page of the Stellar from B&H Photo.

    All this can be found within the first search page.

    This means that interested buyers would have no problem finding the $999 deal.

    So I don’t see how one would be “ripped off of $500” buying the Stellar from Steve.

    In fact, whoever willingly bought his Stellar is most likely happy about buying it at a lower price than what Amazon retails it for.

    No one pressured the buyer into buying the orange Stellar; they can buy it in other colours. If they missed the $999 orange Stellar deal, too bad. That’s retail.

    In the end, it’s their choice to buy the $1500 camera from Steve.

  8. Hi Steve, I do appreciate your comments and enjoy reading your site. I purchased the orange version of the Stellar SE last week at B&H, and I agree with you, the camera is beautifully designed and built, high quality camera. After reading your post, I concluded that I purchased correctly. Thank you for your great comments!

  9. I don’t really care about any potential conflict of interest or even ostensible shamelessness or anything like that. You provide a lot of content for free and if you can make some extra income by reselling a deal you clued your readers into, good for you. In the end, I imagine that the orange colorway would have sold out regardless of your promotion. You made a bet and your bet paid off. That’s it.

    I do wonder, however, how persistent the resale value of the Stellar will be. I have no idea what the resale value of the Hasselblad re-designs are, in general, but I have a hard time believing that anyone would pay even $1000 for the RX100v1-based Stellar in, say, three years. But maybe I’m just underestimating the value that people place on the finishes, as opposed to the guts.

    But as an owner of all three of the RX100 versions, I would stress that there are significant upgrades from each version to the next. From MkI to MkII, there is:
    – A sensor with high ISO quality about a stop better, and higher max ISO.
    – Multi-sensor hot shoe that allows addition of add-on EVF or external microphone.
    – Tilting LCD.
    – 24fps video.
    – Slightly better battery life.
    – WiFi and NFC

    From MkII to MIII, there’s the built-in EVF, flip-up LCD, and better video codec. For some, it’s an upgrade to get 24mm at the wide end and f/2.8 at the tele end. For others, it’s a downgrade to lose range on the tele end. And it is perceptibly thicker and this can actually be felt in one’s pants pocket.

    Anyway, I wouldn’t advise people to get the MkI for any reason other than to save money, so certainly wouldn’t recommend the Stellar at even $1,000. I wouldn’t even use a Stellar if someone gave one to me for free. BUT…the fact that you basically got one for free…well, more power to you. All the people who think they have some sort of ethical complaint can go kick rocks.

  10. Buy low, sell high, repeat as often as possible.

    This is going to be interesting to watch. Tonight eBay has about two dozen “Stellars” for sale at prices ranging from $999 to $3,995.

    Some folks who bought high are going to be hurt. Others, like our host, will benefit.

    I’d hate to be the guy that bought one at retail today for $3,900.

    I bought a “Stellar” last night after seeing it on B&H and reading this blog. I can’t quite decide whether I should play with it or leave it in the box and wait for the market to find its level and sell, if it’s profitable enough.

    Simonson

  11. Thanks, Steve. for what you do. You and Brandon are more than generous with your time and expertise. I really get a lot from your posts – long may you continue. Happy Holidays!

  12. Steve,
    In the first photo your beard is out of control … though your red sweater is rather festive.
    Happy Holidays from ulfie!

  13. Steve, yes, I read everything. I have to admit tho that it was the ‘rip off’ statement in this post that got my attention. But whether you stated your intentions at the beginning or not, the taint still remains. No one is ‘bitching’ and ‘moaning’ — we are just giving you our viewpoint as readers of your site. Of course, you can choose to ignore this feedback if you wish. All the best.

    • Unfortunately it comes across as being bitter on your end. Only two readers were complaining about it, and with 70K visits today so far, thats not bad at all. The reality is there is 100% NOTHING wrong with what I stated I would do, and then followed through with. It was quite smart actually, and luckily, for me, I was right and did not lose money. But that was the chance I took with MY money.

      I am assuming that YOU never sold anything in life for a profit? According to you that would be wrong…which is very odd and untrue.

      BECAUSE of the fact I announced my intentions on my 1st Stellar SE post makes you complaint invalid 100%. Nothing was behind the scenes or secretive. Was all up front and out in the open and the only reason it was done that way is so that my readers could take that same chance of they wanted to. Yes, to help all of YOU with what I found to be a great deal.

      So the fact that remains is nothing I did was out of the ordinary, wrong or deceptive. Quite the opposite and I’d do it again in a nanosecond (I probably will).

      And yes, $3500 is a rip off. $1500 is not when the lowest price available for the orange in the USA is $2600..or $2159 for a used one. Mine was untouched brand new in box for $1500 and someone who wanted that particular camera in that color was very happy about it. A win/win for everyone yet a couple here have the nerve to say it was wrong or deceptive. Insanity! 😉

      Steve

      • Steve, all those negative comments could have make sense if your original post has been done AFTER the BH deal was over; like “This is the best compact camera ever, blah blah blah unfortunately all cameras in BH for $999 are gone, but by the way I do have 3 for $1500 which is better than the original $3500”

        Right now, Tuesday 9th, 2014 @ 11:30pm BH still has black and white ones so the opportunity still there for everybody so why the complaining?

  14. I think Steve’s idea is brillant and wish I had the risk taking gene (and the money). Of course, if I did it the camera would only lose value and I’d be lucky to sell for what I paid for it. I think any camera or product is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If someone comes along and really wants this camera after the Amazon deal is over, they may really want to pay 1500 or so and come away thinking they got a great deal and maybe they did.

    • There is no risk in this, you flip the merchandise on Amazon. If they don`t sell in a reasonably short time window you return the unopened packages for full refund to B&H. No downside, only upside, definitely smart and legal.

  15. “Resale Value of Stellar SE will most likely be a little more than $999 within 6 months” — do you really expect this digital compact camera to increase in value over time? That’s probably a first in the industry, right?

  16. Steve been reading your site for years but not start trouble yet buying something and marking it up 50% to turn a quick buck is kinda the concept of scalpers/flippers. This is true if it is a $1000 Stellar or a $20 Funko statue that someone flips for $100. Yes it is supply and demand but does it really belong here on the site? It is great you are paying for you Stellar by buying three and selling two on Amazon but is it something that you should be talking about here. It tends to cast doubts on what are deals we see here vs what deals are listed here for a quick $ to be made. Just think that a higher standard should hoped for. It hit me as “look I got some noob for $1500 cause they don’t read my site or visit B&H.” Also someone wanting a orange one did not get the change cause they are being bought to flip for quick cash. Again just my two cents and delete if you wish.

    PS And yes I did look at the Stellar after reading your post but did not get one because I was looking for a orange one.

    • Me buying three of them with the goal of getting my original free is 100% perfectly fine to talk about here. I bought mine WHEN they were available and took advantage of the deal. At $1500 it will still be $2k less than others for sale in the USA. Yes, supply and demand. Anyone could have done it (and I suspect a few others did the same). I simply took advantage of the deal to buy myself one for my personal use and two more (which I said I was going to do in the original post) to sell, which in turn, will get me my personal one for free. Don’t hate on me because I acted on an opportunity that anyone could have acted on. Just how I live life..when opportunity presents itself, take it – no hesitation. Ever.

      • And that is great. That is not what I saying. You as a person can flip to your hearts content. My objection really was “bragging” and that may be too strong of a word, sorry, on the site. Especially when calling a company selling them for $3595. Heck they may have old stock they have $3000 in to as cost. This site always has been a photo site. A gathering of people who enjoy photography and the sharing of the love that goes into them. It just kinds tarnished the image a bit reading that from you. Was not what I have to come to expect here. Just being honest.

        • Then you must not know this site very well, as I have posted about these kinds of deals in the past, dating back to 6 years ago – doing the same thing. This is a personal site, and always has been. I do not hold back anything as long time readers will tell you. I say what I say because I am real and not afraid of saying the wrong thing. If someone doesn’t like it, well, nothing I can do about it. I will not change the way I run the site because someone is upset I am making $500 selling a camera. I am telling others they can do the same, not “bragging”. Basically it is showing that yes, this $999 is a deal in more ways than one. That is the point as others who have no clue about what they talk about were trash talking saying it was worth $200. I am just pointing out the obvious.

      • I`m afraid your logic is incomplete here. You did what is called front running in the financial world. You use your popular blog to push hot deals (nothing wrong about this part) and thereby steer or create demand. Anticipating (knowing) that the demand will dry up the limited product supply and trying to benefit from it as an early buyer is comparable to front running. Not an opportunity everyone could have acted on, as you write, unless they had a popular blog themselves.

        • I’m afraid you missed a few things…

          But in my original announcement of the stellar deal I stated I would be possibly doing this. Anyone could have done the same. It is what it is and I could have kept it quiet, but figured some of you would want to do that deal as well, so I suggested it as a smart buy. I informed everyone about it before I even bought the other two (while other cranky heads were saying Id be lucky to sell them for $250). My blog, I can do what I want with it and say what I want with it, and I can risk my own money if I choose to do so, I do it all the time. No front running, just clearly stating my intentions right up front and following through with them. I did not “create demand”, I notified my readers of a great deal, talked about the possibility of later eBay profits on the camera for crystal clear reasons, and bought a couple more a day after I posted that. People make their own choices, and just as I was allowed to buy as many as I wanted, everyone had and still has that same opportunity. Problem is most people are afraid of any risk in life, so they play it safe. I take risks in everything I do which is why I live a stress free and happy life today.

          But no harm or foul was done at all. Just informing the readers of a fantastic camera at a great price. My personal Stellar is staying with me and not being sold. I prefer it to the LX100 and X100T which I have here as well (just as I still own a Nikon V1, Olympus E-P2 and various golden oldies). I’ve been honest and up front on this blog since day one, but most read bits and pieces every now and then so they miss out on what it is all about. The reason this blog is popular is because of this very reason. Personal, honest, holding nothing back and not trying to be politically correct or worrying about anything but the facts. This is why some camera companies hate me, because I did not kiss their behind when they sent me review units, I told the truth (unlike a few blogs out there) as I have no obligation to anyone or any company.

          It will stay that way and whoever doesn’t like it can easily stay away..it is not like anyone is forced to come here. It’s free, it’s available and you can come or you can avoid it. No biggie to me. Either way, nothing will ever change here because a couple people feel slighted or offended for no real reason. It is what it is. We all live our life and we all make our own choices. Because I announced my intentions a week ago and followed through with them is no reason to get upset 🙂

          This site comes from my passion for it, not for any other reason. This is why I do not stress about traffic, hits, analytics, or click throughs. I never even check those things anymore unless I am curious (as I was with the stellar). If the site vanished tomorrow I would still go on and live a happy life which is another reason it is popular. One guy, his passion, his honesty and telling it like it is no matter what along with easy to read real world reviews and reports along with thousands of posts from OTHERS, which is what really makes the site special TO ME.

          Either way, I think you missed my remarks in my original post last week:

          “PS – Oh! Before I forget…For those of you who are angry, bitter, full of negativity and hate about me posting the deal on this camera, get over it. Your negative remarks will not be approved if that is what you decide to leave. Cameras are PERSONAL CHOICE and we buy what we enjoy, like, use and cameras that can be fun, inspirational and ones that get the job done. If someone wants to buy a Leica M for $8000, so be it! If someone wants a Canon Rebel, then good for them. If someone wants a Leica D-Lux over an LX100, more power to them. If someone wants a 70% off Stellar over an RX100 then that is cool as well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to me this camera is gorgeous. It was just insanely priced before and that is what made it the laughing stock that it was. At $999 it is a great buy, and again, one that can be resold later for more (mark my words), so nothing to lose 🙂 I may buy 3 more just to sell later!”

          So I guess I should have done what most would have done..keep it on the sly and be secretive about it, not letting anyone know of this benefit of buying it (great real value). NOT. Would never do that. If another deal like this pops up, will do the same. Many did this with the Nikon V1 blow outs a couple of years back, buying a full 2 lens kit for $240 and selling for $500-$600. It’s a no brainer and again, anyone could have done it just as I did..I had no special privilege as I announced and suggested it to all here well before I even did it.

          Thanks

          • I think you’ve completely missed the point here, Steve. No one appears to be slighted or offended. They just now have a different view of what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, so to speak, at this site. I don’t want to speak for others here that have already spoken, but I know that’s exactly how I’m looking at it.

            Is it really wise to put this kind of doubt in reader’s minds?

            Every review here was assumed to be unbiased by this reader, in the past…but now there is this shadow…maybe there is a reason why one camera is ‘chosen’ as the favorite over another in a comparison. Maybe the subtle ‘digs’ against one model are there for a reason.

            And that reason is simply: profit.

            If you have enough readers and traffic to completely ignore this perception, more power to you.

          • Nothing was “behind the scenes” – was upfront when I first posted the deal. Did no one read it? Guess not. I suggested buying to resell later and said I was most likely going to do this myself. I said it again un my 2nd post and again here, where I followed through and left an update for everyone. No secret, no behind the scenes…but if you read the original post you would know this. Sorry, but you are wrong.

          • Steve…please stop digging in your heels and look at this from your reader’s viewpoint. This is simply reader perception…it’s called ‘doubt.’ I for one will be reading every review in a different light, from now on, because I’ll always have in the back of my mind whether something is profit-driven or whether it’s completely unbiased reporting.

            There is nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with reader perception of this nature.

          • Again, you never read the original statement a week ago where I STATED I would do this. I suggest you NOT read any future reviews if you feel that way. My reviews are always honest, 100% which is why Leica doesn’t like me now and why Fuji refuses to send me anything (I wrote negative remarks on the latest Leica and a couple of Fujis and sadly that is all it takes in the political review world). If it was about money I would be praising and posting about everything under the sun. I’d be saying “The new Fuji X100T is amazing, and well worth the upgrade” – Problem is, I do not think this to be true so that will not be said by me for a quick few dollars. Instead I will take heat for criticizing the X100T for having a soft lens, mediocre close focus performance and somewhat flat files in anything but perfect lighting.

            I ONLY write about what I find to be REALLY good products, could be a bag, a camera, a lens, or a strap. I refuse to review so many items because they are sub par and not something I could ever recommend, even turning down a cool $10k for one advertiser who wanted to peddle his crappy product. This is why you do not see ALL cameras reviewed here. If you do not see it, I did not like it.

            But if you can’t read correctly (as in, when I posted a week ago I would do this AS A TIP to others to do the same) then PLEASE, I BEG YOU, do not come here at all anymore. I’d rather NOT have you here if you think that as it is 100% nonsense and so opposite of me and what I do here. If I can make $1k by doing something I recommended others do (but 98% of people are afraid to do it) then why wouldn’t I do it? That would be silly and quite dumb to literally throw away that chance. There are many opportunities in life but sadly most pass them up. I do not and never do as long as they are A: Easy. B: Legal and C: Ethical. Selling a camera that no one else in the USA is selling for less than $2400 for $1500 means I gave someone else a deal they could not have gotten otherwise.

            So time to let it rest or go..sorry.

            TO THE BITTER FEW:

            To those who are uninformed and making comments about me buying a couple of stellar SE’s and reselling them for a profit, well, I suggest you read what I wrote when I 1st announced this deal. I stated up front I would do this, and suggested others do the same..I even said “mark my words” in one post about being able to sell for more than paid. Now it appears some of you feel this was done “behind the scenes” and secretly and are attacking me for it (two of you). Well, this just shows you did not read my original post, my original intent and my suggestion that others should and could do the same as me, making the Stellar SE a WIN/WIN situation when buying it. Problem is that not many believed me.

            If I find a good deal I will always pass it on to you guys, I do not hold back and always share info with you guys when it is valuable information. I do find it funny that I was attacked for even posting the deal in the 1st place with a couple of others saying “it’s worth $200” – “You are stupid for buying that” and my personal fave “how retarded are you for falling for that so called deal”? None of those comments were approved of course but goes to show how wrong they all were.

            BOTTOM LINE FACT: The Stellar SE is a FABULOUS camera that offers quite a bit more than the standard RX100 V1 and for ME and many others it is well worth the $999 (especially counting resale value). I mentioned it all above as well as in my very 1st post on this blowout last week (where I stated I would buy more and resell and make some money). Nothing wrong at all with that, in fact, it’s 100% right and how life works. You either act or you do not. I act. I think MAKING money is always better than LOSING money as so many do every day in this crazy world of digital photography.

            So to those bitching and moaning that I did what I originally said I would do, get over yourself and move on. No one controls what I do, this site or what I say but myself. Been like this since day one. I live life in an open way and just as I shared this deal and the benefits of the deal (reselling later for more than you paid) I will always tell it like it is. Two years ago I started a NO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to attacks in comments – and anyone who is attacking, degrading, name calling, or accusing will be banned. Period. Educate yourself before making any accusations or starting any conspiracy theories. (as in, read what I wrote a week ago). If you do not like the rules then do not come here.

            Thank you all! Again, this was aimed at the couple of guys who were making silly accusations without being educated on the matter before they spoke, not everyone else. I only posted it here as they failed to read the comments where I explained all of this already.

            Steve

  17. Did I just read this? Don’t be ripped off by Amazon, but you’re going to sell on Amazon for $500 more than the B&H price? So who is ripping whom?

    • Guess you did not read it correctly.

      $3500 is a rip off. $1500 is not, when the product you are selling in brand new, unopened, in box and can not be found in the USA cheaper than $3500. Try to start trouble here and you will be banned. Thanks

      • But it CAN be found for less than $3500…as you yourself state…and you even provided a link…B&H has multiple versions in stock for $999 — including orange. So my question is valid…not trying to create trouble. You have a lot of credibility in this market. Am I the only reader who thinks maybe admitting to flipping these for profit is not a wise thing to do?

        • I love this blog, I’ve been following it for a long time, but I have to agree with sprocket on this one… Using your credibility in a market to foster demand for a product, knowing that you will be flipping these cameras for a profit later on seems a bit dodgy… Not trying to create trouble, just expressing my opinion here.

          • Does no one read? I posted this a week ago as I announced the deal. I stated my intentions and suggested others do the same. Was no conspiracy or hidden agenda, was all in the open and I am confident many others who bought one did so after reading my advice on reselling later. I did not secretly buy up two more and sell them and then announce it. I mentioned I would do this, a day later I bought two more (after I told you all here I was). I could have kept it on the sly like most would have done but thats not how I work. I am upfront, I am honest, and I like to share opportunities with my readers. But when you do not read what I write and jump to conclusions it is pretty ridiculous. I may go buy two more today in white so when I announce later that I sold 4 of them later on, do not be surprised.

          • I don´t understand the fuzz because you (just like anyone else could done) can make a profit with a product somebody else is willing to buy. BH still have stock so is not like they are selling like pancakes though…

          • Well, I do read, and I am neither bitter nor a hater (well actually, I do am a bit bitter). Allow me to illustrate the point I am trying to make with an analogy: I am a gigantic fan of the band Pearl Jam. Every time they’re on tour close to where I live, I try to get tickets. But, often, I can’t. Why? Because when the tickets are released, some people buy 10 of them to resell them afterwards for a profit. So, I am left with the option of either paying much more or not see them at all. Some people call this practice “making the most out of an opportunity”. I don’t. I think it’s gaming the system and I think it’s just plain wrong. It does not matter whether they announced publicly that they would do it or not.

            I do realize that the analogy is not perfect, but you get the gist. For instance, people buying from you would still save money vs. buying full price. Sure, but in the end, they will pay 500 more vs. B&H prices…
            Sure, everybody could to the same thing. Yes, but because you bought 2 more for your personal profit, some people did not get to buy them at a discounted price for their personal use and will have to pay either more from you.

            I still think this is manipulating supply and demand of a scarce item (just like the concert tickets) and taking advantage of price differences in markets. It’s still arbitrage. It’s what financial traders do all day long. Some say there are no issue with that. I disagree. This is an ethical question, I guess we can agree to disagree.

            Otherwise, I love your website, I admire your work, enthusiasm and independence of expression. I have been learning a ton from this website everyday for a long time and I wanted to thank you for that.

          • So have you ever bought a car and sold it years later for a profit? Have you ever sold a lens for a profit? Have you ever sold ANYTHING for a profit? There was absolutely ZERO manipulation. ZERO. You may have read, but you did not understand. B&H had 1-200 of these when I posted the deal. IN that post I mentioned that whoever buys one could resell later, most likely for a profit. Believe me, making $500 on a camera is nothing for me. It costs me 7-8X that every month just to keep this website going. Do you SERIOUSLY think for one second I was doing all of that just so I could make a teeny amount of cash that would not even cover 1/7th of my monthly cost to run this FREE site? Seriously? I bought one for myself, and am keeping it because its an awesome little camera, was a great buy and it’s something special/unique.

            There are still cameras available, no manipulating at all. There are people out there that would love an orange Stellar SE, but they do not want to pay $4k for one, but they would be happy to pay $1500. I have every right to sell one of the extras I bought for $1500 because you can not get the orange, brand new, for less than that (shipping from the USA, new in box, etc). So it is called SUPPLY AND DEMAND.

            Throughout my whole life I have bought and sold items. When I was a kid I would buy 5 packs of Hubba Bubba and sell it by the piece and double my money. It’s called being smart as money is needed to survive, live, and eat.

            If you are moaning and groaning and upset about me buying my own stellar and LOVING it, and buying an extra two of them to resell for $500 profit (as I predicted I could from the get go and suggested others do as well) then you have some issues with yourself, not me.

            I hope when you sell your house you do not sell it for more than you paid, or when you sell ANYTHING you own you do not raise the price over what you paid. Even if one day you find an old rare lens worth $10k at a garage sale for $50, I would surely hope you would sell it for $50 and not $10k. Ridiculous isn’t it?

            It’s SUPPLY and DEMAND. The Orange SE sold out at $999 within 24 hours. It’s the most popular color. No one wants to pay $4k or $3500 or even $2400 (Amazon prices) so I offered one of mine for $1500, much less than anyone else, and it was a win win for everyone. I made $500, the person was able to get the camera they wanted for much less than others are selling it for. Just because this person missed the B&H Deal doesn’t mean he had to miss out on my deal and he was happy to buy it.

            So to anyone saying me selling a camera I bought with my own money, taking action on a deal to do so and risking my money, and selling it for a small profit, well, you guys have some issues..as I said, with yourself, not me.

            I am sick of the ridiculous nonsense that some people spew who obviously do not understand the facts, or how life works. This has NOTHING to do with scalping concert tickets as that is a horrible comparison.

            Again, have you ever in life sold ANYTHING for a profit? If so, then you did the same thing I did. If not, then maybe that is why you are bitter.

  18. Question about built in Japan vs built in China.. The Nikon DF is built in Japan (and Nikon makes a big deal out of it having that on the top plate by the ISO selector), while the D610/750 is made in China (maybe Thailand?). Did you notice any difference in build quality?

    • Sometimes you can, other times you can not. I have seen made in China or Malaysia cameras that had issues with build or things falling off but it’s not a rule. I am sure there have been issues with made in Japan cameras as well but generally, many prefer Made in Japan over made in China.

    • Hey Huss,

      Noone complains (any more) about the 810 being made in Thailand, noone ever complained about the V3 (great camera btw) being made in China.

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