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| Click photo for a gallery of images taken by the Pentax K20D. |
In a sign that the pro market is an increasingly important one for camera companies, Pentax has announced the formation of its Professional Services Program (PPS), joining Canon and Nikon in offering pro shooters rush turnaround on SLR repairs, loaner equipment, and direct access to customer service support.
Announced during the 2008 PMA trade show in Las Vegas, Pentax's PPS launch coincides with several new product announcements, such as the flagship Pentax K20D digital SLR, the entry level K200D, several new zoom lenses and a raft of point and shoots.
Press release and fact sheet below.
Press Release:
PENTAX ANNOUNCES PRO PROGRAM: BENEFITS INCLUDE EQUIPMENT LOANS AND EXPEDITED REPAIRS
GOLDEN, CO. (January 31, 2008)--PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a PENTAX Professional Services program (PPS) to support professional photographers with several services and benefits. Designed exclusively to support PENTAX products for the working pro, membership is complimentary and limited to working professional photographers.
Known for superior photography products including the K series of digital SLR camera bodies that are compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, PENTAX systems allow lens interchangeability for a multitude of photographic options. PENTAX will continue to release new and exciting lenses including super fast, special purpose, impressive zoom ranges, and telephoto lenses that will incorporate the new SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) technology for ultra fast and quiet auto-focusing.
Benefits to members of the new PPS program include:
• 72 hour rush turnaround on most PENTAX digital SLR repairs. (Repair charges may be incurred depending on existing or extended warranty programs.)
• Short-term equipment loans that allow photographers to evaluate equipment prior to an actual purchase and/or borrow unique or limited availability lenses for one-time shoots.
• Direct access to dedicated customer service representatives in PENTAX headquarters to answer technical questions, arrange product loans, or monitor equipment through the repair process to make sure the repair process is timely.
PPS membership is limited to PENTAX professional photographers who derive 51 percent or more of their annual income from photography. Membership may be obtained by completing a PENTAX Professional Service program application. Interested photographers are asked to complete the application, provide an original signature and mail it to the address listed on the form (fax or e-mail copies of this application will not be accepted). PENTAX will notify new members about acceptance within 2-3 weeks. At the time of acceptance, PENTAX will provide more information about rush repair servicing, short-term product loans, and a list of the contact information for PPS customer service representatives who will be able to assist with any aspect of the PPS program, products and services.
For more information about the PENTAX Professional Services program including an application, e-mail customer.followup@pentax.com or call 1-800-877-0155 (press "0" and ask to speak to PENTAX Professional Services).
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
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PENTAX Professional Services FACT SHEET
Membership Qualifications
The PPS (PENTAX Professional Services) program is designed for and is only available to the working PENTAX professional photographer. A working PENTAX professional photographer is someone who derives 51% or more of their annual income from photography. Semi-professional photographers and amateur/photo enthusiasts will not be accepted to the program. Membership must be renewed every two years to verify continuing professional status. Renewal applications will be sent to you automatically every two years.
Professional Rush Servicing
The PPS program provides for 72 hour professional rush repair turnaround on most digital product repairs. This is a time-frame that should be maintained on an ongoing basis, however, repairs may take longer than this due to an unexpected increase in volume or a parts availability issue. PPS program rush repairs on PENTAX medium format professional cameras (post-1975 6x7, 67, 67II, 645n, and 645nII) will require five working days.
Note: Pre-1975 6x7's (w/o mirror lock up) have not been serviceable for many years and the original 645 camera was recently added to the list of products that are no longer serviceable as well. Many older lenses in these two formats are also no longer serviceable. Your PPS customer service rep will be able to answer any specific question you may have on this subject.
Loaner Equipment
Loaner equipment will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so photographers are encouraged to plan equipment needs in advance. Equipment may be reserved up to two weeks in advance and should be arranged through one of the professional services customer service representatives at PENTAX corporate headquarters. Members may contact the phone number and e-mail that is provided to members of PPS for information on equipment availability. All product loans are provided on a short-term basis not to exceed a maximum of 14 calendar days. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in your inability to borrow products in the future.
Borrower's Responsibility
The borrower of any product(s) loaned through the PPS program is responsible for the proper care and condition of the equipment (excluding reasonable wear and tear), and will be held financially responsible for the full value of the equipment and any included accessories in the event of theft, damage, or loss of any kind. Insurance coverage on borrowed equipment is recommended and is the PPS member's responsibility to obtain. In addition, the PPS member is responsible for all costs associated with the return shipment and adequate shipping insurance to cover the full value of all loaned products to the PPS department.
Any particular item available in the PPS loaner pool may be borrowed no more than two times, after which members will be asked to make a decision as to whether or not they want to actually purchase the product model. Items in the PPS loaner equipment pool are NOT available for purchase.
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