Buyer Beware

As one of the world’s top producers of imaging and information products, Fujifilm is dedicated to providing goods of unsurpassed quality. Unfortunately, some parties do not prescribe the same high standards. Some choose to "pirate" the bodies, lenses, batteries, and flashes of one-time-use cameras produced by quality name brands like Fujifilm. These "reloaders" will open up the camera and place no-name brand film into the QuickSnap body, and try to reseal the camera with electrical tape to avoid exposing the film to light, wrap the camera in their own packaging, and try to sell it back to unsuspecting picture takers. What’s missing? The rigorous quality control that is the hallmark of the Fujifilm Reuse and Recycle program, and the top-of-the-line film that makes Fujifilm a household name.

These reloaded cameras may be priced lower than their legitimate counterparts, but they are not a good value to consumers. Consider these factors: Is the lens optimally aligned? Will the film advance without scratches? Has the film been exposed during loading? Is the battery working? Will the flash fire? And will no-name film live up to your expectations?

Consumer Protection

As pirated, "reloaded" cameras continue to reach store shelves, here are a few ways to protect yourself against purchasing second-rate merchandise:

• Stick with brands you know
  The familiar Fujifilm logo guarantees reliable Fujifilm quality.
• Look for contact information
  If the brand is unfamiliar, check for the manufacturer’s address. If there is none listed, you may need to question the brand’s legitimacy.
• Look out for poor packaging
  If the cardboard wrapping around the plastic camera body seems shoddily attached, you may have purchased a pirate brand.
• Take a look inside
  To be really sure, you can safely take the cardboard cover off the plastic shell. If it is a pirated shell, it will often still carry a Fujifilm or other brand name – if the reloader hasn’t tried to remove it! Remember: Don’t open the plastic camera shell as you may get an electric shock or expose your film.

The imaging industry is uniting to prevent the proliferation of pirated one-time-use cameras. Currently, manufacturers are trying to protect consumers from purchasing sub-standard products by offering the following advice:

Take your one-time-use cameras to a reputable retail photoprocessors for developing; they will likely participate in the QuickSnap Reuse and Recycle program and the camera body will be returned to Fujifilm sorting centers. Fujifilm recommends asking your photoprocessor if they participate in the program before leaving your pictures to be developed.

Once the cameras arrive in our hands at the Fujifilm sorting centers, pirated cameras are separated. They are then disassembled manually and the components are carefully inspected. Pirated and sub-standard parts are discarded or recycled. Our ongoing goal is to offer the best product available, while conserving natural resources as much as possible.