Sigma makes right by SD1 early adopters
posted Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 4:20 PM EDT
Last month, Sigma Corp. announced an amazing price drop on its flagship SLR, the SD1. The list price was slashed by 52%, while official street pricing fell by a truly spectacular two thirds of the then-market price.
Without question, it was great news for those considering buying the Sigma SD1. In a stroke, it made Sigma's high-res, full-color Foveon sensor-based SLR--now renamed the Sigma SD1 Merrill--into a genuine contender.
For those who'd already bought in at the higher price, though, the move would've been unfair. Recognizing that, the company made clear that it would do the right thing by early adopters of the Sigma SD1, and stated that it was preparing a scheme that would allow its faithful customers to receive other SIgma products with a value that would set things straight.
That scheme is now underway, with a number of press releases and statements confirming the details in various markets around the world. The US press release can be seen at the end of this news item, while Sigma's own sites carry information for those of you in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. (Customers in other markets should contact their local Sigma office or representative for advice.)
Current Sigma SD1 owners who purchased at the original price of about US$6,900 before February 23rd, 2012 have until May 31st to register for the SD1 Point Support Program. Once registered, they will receive 40 points, each with a value of approximately ¥10,000 (roughly equating to US$120), for a total value of ¥400,000 (~US$4,800 or thereabouts). The points can be used towards purchase of Sigma products, with each product's point cost value having been established based on market prices as of the SD1 price cut announcement on February 8th, 2012. (The list of eligible products and point values is available to SD1 owners on submission of their registration to join the program.)
It goes without saying that those who bought the SD1 Merrill at the new, lower price are of course not eligible for the program.
Kudos to Sigma for ensuring the satisfaction of their customers in this way!
Press Release
Sigma Corporation of America announces SD1 Point Support Program
Program compensates current SD1 owners for price reduction with additional photography gear
Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 23, 2012 — Sigma Corporation of America today announced the SD1 Point Support Program, which is designed to compensate loyal SD1 users who purchased the 46-megapixel DSLR camera at its original price, prior to the price reduction that was announced Feb. 8.
Each SD1 owner who registers and qualifies for the SD1 Point Support Program prior to May 31, 2012 will be given a total of 40 points to be redeemed for new Sigma products. Eligible products are allocated points toward this system based on the product's market price as of Feb. 8, 2012. A list of products and point designations will be supplied to SD1 owners once registration is complete.
To register for the SD1 Point Support Program, SD1 owners who purchased the camera before Feb. 23, 2012 at the price of $6,899 should contact their nearest Sigma subsidiary or distributor for more information. It does not matter if the camera was originally purchased in another country.
Sigma SD1 owners in the United States may contact Sigma Corporation of America Marketing Director Christine Moossmann starting on Monday, Feb. 27 by emailing [email protected] or by calling (631) 227-2017. SD1 Merrill users are not eligible for the SD1 Point Support Program. For information about the program or to register, contact Christine Moossmann at [email protected] or by calling (631) 227-2017. Visit Sigma Corporation of America on the web at www.sigmaphoto.com.
About Sigma Corporation
For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation's expertise and innovation has driven the company's core philosophy of "knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination," with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.