Faulty Canon DSLR - Err 70 - EOS 600D

nik_k

On 12 June 2013 (so a little less than 14 months ago) I bought a Canon EOS 600D DSLR camera from Argos. This camera is now displaying an 'Err 70' fault, which is not allowing the camera to function.

I have Googled the fault code, having looked at both the official Canon support site and at photography forums. This is a well known fault.

Canon provides a parts and labour warranty for 12 months from the date of purchase of the product. They now want me to return the camera to one of their authorised service facilities, at which point they will provide an estimate for the cost of repair. This estimate may be chargeable, if the repair is declined.

Looking at the photography forum posts, this isn't a rare error, and the consensus is that by sending back to Canon they just replace the interior circuit board and send a bill around the £200/300 region.

I paid £420 for this camera, and would expect it to have lasted for longer than 14 months before requiring such a costly repair. I know Canon's warranty is a 12 month warranty, but I'm unsure as to how to approach this under the Sale of Goods Act. Other MSE posts I've read through refer to a different 24 month period. I don't think that any average person would dispute that it is reasonable to expect the camera to function for more than 14 months.

Any advice would be very gratefully received

Bantex_2

SoGA is between you and the retailer. Have you spoken to Argos?

nik_k

Bantex wrote: »

SoGA is between you and the retailer. Have you spoken to Argos?

Nope, not yet. Though from previous experience, dealing with Argos is never a productive experience!

wealdroam

nik_k wrote: »

Any advice would be very gratefully received

Scoll to the top of this page and click on Consumer Rights "Give me my money back!"

Here is a short extract from that document:

Know who's responsible

When returning items, beware shops trying the oldest trick in the book: saying they're not responsible for the shoddy goods and you must call the manufacturer. This is total nonsense!

If a company fobs you off by saying “go to the maker instead”, it's wrong. It's the retailer's job to sort it.

It doesn't matter if it's an iPod from a high street shop or a designer frock from a department store. If something's broken, torn, ripped or faulty, the seller has a legal duty to put it right as your contract is with it.

The manufacturer owes you nothing beyond that stated in their warranty.

k3lvc

nik_k wrote: »

Nope, not yet. Though from previous experience, dealing with Argos is never a productive experience!

So out of interest why buy from them to start with ?

nik_k

k3lvc wrote: »

So out of interest why buy from them to start with ?

Ummm...I ask myself the very same question every time I buy anything from Argos...or more accurately, every time I have an issue with something I've bought from Argos! Needless to say, their cheap prices attract.

nik_k

wealdroam wrote: »

Scoll to the top of this page and click on Consumer Rights "Give me my money back!"

Here is a short extract from that document:

The manufacturer owes you nothing beyond that stated in their warranty.

If I walk into Argos, how do I approach it? Their stance, I'm assuming, will be that it was >12 months ago

wealdroam

nik_k wrote: »

If I walk into Argos, how do I approach it? Their stance, I'm assuming, will be that it was >12 months ago

How to Complain.

Read all of both articles.

SuperHan

If Argos turn you away as the product is older than 12 months (or older than 6 months), then you will need to get an independent engineers report to say the fault is inherent. Jessops or small independent camera stores are likely to be able to provide this report.

If the report finds that the fault is inherent, then you should take the camera back to Argos. They will refund you for the report, and will either repair, replace or refund (maybe partially) the camera for you.

Any refund can take in to account the camera has been used for 14 months. If it is reasonable to expect it would last around 3 years for example, they may refund say £250 (just over half, as this is the amount of life it has left). Given the prices you have quoted for the repair, they may deem this more economical than actually getting the camera repaired or replacing it, so be aware that this may be a likely outcome.

ThumbRemote

I would expect the Argos store to turn you away.

In the first instance, before getting an independent report, I would try writing to Argos customer services and enclosing evidence that the error code is common (ie making an effort to show it is inherent).

They may have more power than a store does. For little effort, it's worth a try.

nik_k

Right...well I emailed Argos Customer Services to see what they had to say on the matter. This is what they've come back with...

"All our products come with a warranty which covers against manufacturing faults for the first 12 months. After the first 12 months we can help return the item back to the manufacturer for inspection. If the item is found to have a manufacturing fault the repair will be carried out free of charge. If the fault has been caused by accidental damage or ware and tear there can be a charge, this will be depending on what the fault is. If this a suitable option please return to local store with a copy of this email and receipt"

Does this seem fair enough? I'm inclined to go into my local store with the camera, and get them to send it off. If Canon then come back with a big bill, I'll then have the opportunity to progress things with Argos, but if Canon can repair FOC, all will be good.

Thoughts please folks?