Cuddeback Complaints...

[Buckslayer]

I’m having major Cuddeback issues. In June I bought the new Expert 3.0. When I got it, it didn’t come with the cable to attach it to the tree… I said, “Well I’ll use the screw, so I won’t worry about it.”

Upon first using the cam, I found that tightening the screw popped the batteries loose, causing all the info to be lost in the settings, reverting back to whatever was last saved. I put up with that too, and inserted a piece of wire between the plastic and metal battery plate to give it extra support, which worked keeping the battery plate making contact.

Three weeks ago it rained all week long… and somehow, moisture got inside. I'm not even talking about droplets, but more like condensation. I left it inside the house in the sun, and out in my truck in the sun to dry it out well. Well, since that wet week (only 6 pics all week in high traffic) its been eating through batteries, with only about 15 pictures per set of 4Ds, instead of the 1500 photos per set I had been getting prior. Also the flash is going off at random intervals when the camera is turned on…

All I know is that I wish I had the previous model Cuddeback, the c3000… I still have friends who haven’t ever had a problem with it. I’ve been trying to call Cuddeback all morning and haven’t got through to tech.

Just a warning for those considering this camera. I’ve read reviews online of all of this happening, and also such things as the circuit boards going bad – and not saving to memory cards… especially in higher heat.

Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions, help? I’ve even thought of the possibility of selling it for whatever I can get for it, and making a home-brew using that money. Just stinks knowing I spent 330 bucks on it, and look where it got me. I know I’m ranting, but Cuddeback was always a good company so I didn’t expect this. I coulda built 2 homebrews for that price – and maybe I should’ve. I’ve read of lots of their cams coming back from servicing, and the problem still exists anyway?!?

[1997xltlimited]

thats the exact same thing that happened to my expert...... Returned it and got the new leaf river 6.3 very nice cam. Good luck

[Bond]

Even though I build my own cams and recommend building their own to anyone who asks, I still follow the commercial cam news. I always thought Cuddeback and Leaf river were 2 of the cam companies that actually know how to make a decent cam. It's a shame now that Cuddeback sold out and spent so much money on advertising and hardly any on making a good cam.

I'll stick to my homebrews.

[wtnhunt]

Will stick with homebrews from here on as well. Leaf river does make a great cam and has great customer service. Too bad cudde has seemed in my opinion to really drop the ball here lately with their leak issues and poor handling of customer service issues.

[Mirage]

man that stinks, sorry about your problem. I have three cuddebacks but they are the older models i have sent them back a couple of times for some issues but they fixed them right away for me. I guess because i own 3 camera it dosnt bother me to send one in once in awhile. "about one a year so far"
i spend about 35 bucks and they fix them but i have never had them leak water the older style just didnt leak. But I guess i will not be getting a new cuddeback like i wanted. think i will shop ebay for a used one maybe an older one like i have. Please let us know what they do to fix your problem,

good luck
Sean

[Buckslayer]

Still can't get a hold of them... How unethical is it to return it to cabelas in exchange for a new one, even though I bought it online? Couldn't I just say it was a gift, and let Cabelas handle the return for me? I do give them a lot of business each year...

[wtnhunt]

[ QUOTE ]
How unethical is it to return it to cabelas in exchange for a new one, even though I bought it online? Couldn't I just say it was a gift, and let Cabelas handle the return for me? I do give them a lot of business each year...

[/ QUOTE ]

Cabelas has a great return and customer service policy no doubt about that. Really dont think it would be unethical to return it to cabelas at all if the product is not as it should be and is within the time frame to be returned. They will have more luck with getting it back to cudde than you will.

[Mirage]

I would do just that!

[Buckslayer]

I think the start of a Saturday trip is in the making... I'm dying without a camera watching my woods while I'm gone all week!!! After only three months I'm totally attached to that thing - well until it started acting up...

[Mirage]

it is just crazy how muchyou want to see those pics!

[Buckslayer]

I ended up taking the Cuddeback to Cabela's and returning it, in exchange for a Stealth Cam V330MTR. All week I couldn't get through to Non-typical. I'm going to sell the Stealth Cam on eBay and in our classifieds here. PM me if you read this here and are interested in the stealth cam. Its brand new, unopened, with $50 mail in rebate!