We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 16, 2011.

Shipping Status | Extender Update | Capture "Birthmarks"

Update #16 · Aug 6, 2011 · 28 comments

Hi everyone!

It seems we have a divided community at the moment.  There are those who have received their reward, and those who haven't.  Right now, it's about a 50/50 split, with the good news being that people who have received Capture are loving it.  We'll aim to change that this week.

SHIPPING STATUS

We finally hit our stride in getting units assembled, labels printed, and packages shipped last week.  Then, on Thursday, we ran out of clamping bolts, with the resupply of 14,000 units stuck in customs.  We almost had it!  We'll have them early this week though, and with all of the units prepped and waiting to receive their final clamping screws, I anticipate that all units will be shipped by the end of next week, or possibly into the first half of the week of the 15th.  Yes, that is an optimistic goal, but it should be possible.

No international units have been shipped yet.  I realize I haven't previously stated that international units would be the second lot to be shipped, and that's because it was never my intention to withhold the shipping of international units.  However, the complication of correctly setting up customs information for the 48 countries has proved a major challenge.  I'm working with the USPS, the US Export Commercial Service, and foreign governments to make sure that units get through to backers without delay, and without incurring duties.  Ultimately, it will be up to each country to determine if there are additional duties or import tariffs to be paid.  But, I'm working to minimize that, as I've determined that it is legal for me to label these as a "gift", and place the value below the retail price due to the fact that these are simply a pledge reward....not a purchase.

I sincerely apologize to the international backers for this delay, but hopefully it will result in a much higher success rate in the always risky business of international shipping.

EXTENDER UPDATE

We've received a lot of questions from backers who were expecting to receive their Extenders when they received their Capture untis.  Remember, these are still under development.  I will refrain from providing an exact date of when you can expect them to ship, though I will say that there is much forward progress.  The tooling for the polyurethane pads is being made as we speak, and I have been given a date of 9/15 for First Articles.  My hope is that production units will ship by the end of October, if not sooner.

CAPTURE "BIRTHMARKS"

A number of people who have received Capture have noticed a little funny business going on around the Quick Release Button Cover.  With the first 6000 units that are coming from my manufacturer, you will have one of two scenarios:

In the first scenario (the first 1000 units), you will see a bare aluminum machine mark.  This mark is there to make room for the upper assembly screw to be installed.  After some thought, I decided to remove that screw all together.  However, the manufacturer did not coordinate the change in the machining program with the change in the tooling to remove the corresponding hole in the Quick Release Button Cover.  So, as a result, the second "birthmark" is a Quick Release Button Cover with a hole in it, but no screw.  There's no screw because there is no tapped hole behind it.

Rest assured that in either case, your unit is properly assembled, albeit a little strange in its appearance.  Only kickstarter backers will ever have this issue, so if you see a fellow photographer in the field with a birthmarked unit, you can share a little pride in knowing you both backed this beauty.

Wish us luck this week as we enter the home stretch, and don't forget to find us on facebook where the community of users is growing every day!  It's a great place to ask and answer questions, and share the good about what Capture is doing for you.

Talk to you soon,

Peter

Comments

    1. Missing_small

      Creator Benjamin Alexander on August 17, 2011

      Recieved mine today, and I have to say that I really like the design. I won't say there is no room for improvement, but I can't think of anything you haven't already thought of at this time.

    2. Missing_small

      Creator sejtam on August 15, 2011

      Hmm. still waiting for mine. Is there a way to check about the individual status?

    3. Missing_large_green.small

      Creator Manic on August 15, 2011

      I saw this update in the morning, and I still hadn't received mine... so of course it arrived that afternoon! Make that another happy customer :D

    4. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Karsten Laqua on August 10, 2011

      Got mine and love it:
      http://youtu.be/7RlnDo0YR0Q…

      Can't wait for my first outing!

    5. Missing_small

      Creator Mark Pavia on August 9, 2011

      Got mine. Used it 3 hours later for trip with my kids. Worked like a charm. Even had to run for a bus with it on my hip and had NO issue. Try that with a camera strap. Thanks for making a great product. My 7 year old thinks its cool and belongs on Batman's belt.

    6. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Jesse Lee on August 9, 2011

      This is my favorite sentence in your update: "... with the good news being that people who have received Capture are loving it. We'll aim to change that this week."

      I received mine and I love it - so please don't aim to change that! :)

      Just messing with you, seriously, it's a great product and I love using it!

      -Jesse

    7. Missing_small

      Creator Julia Rohs on August 7, 2011

      I received my Capture earlier this week, and had my first chance to really put it to use today during a trip to the zoo. Absolutely fantastic design, I cannot imaging going back to using a strap, bag, or anything other than the Capture for all my picture taking adventures!

    8. Missing_small

      Creator Peter Beckett on August 7, 2011

      Hi Peter,
      I received my unit on Thursday. Thanks much! It's everything I hoped for. VERY nice design and implementation.

      FYI, My first impression was that it's rather smaller than I was expecting.

      Well done Peter. This is a hard act for you to follow - and I eagerly await news on what it might be!!!

      Pete (San Jose, CA)

    9. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Arkady Tan on August 7, 2011

      Hi Peter, thanks for the updates :)
      Like many of us here, I'm prepared to wait for the package to arrive.
      It's not uncommon for snags in manufacturing, assembly and complications in shipping.
      Cheers and keep up with the good work :)

    10. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Angie & Chuck Thier on August 7, 2011

      I received mine and love it! Thank you!!

    11. Missing_small

      Creator Ken Yee on August 7, 2011

      So if you're in the first 6000, and you're willing to wait to avoid the birthmarks, is that possible?

    12. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Steevens Alconcel on August 7, 2011

      Peter, will we get a shipping notice before it is shipped, and what service are you guys using to ship?

    13. Missing_small

      Creator Diane Khatib on August 7, 2011

      Just received mine......this is very well made and it's going to be a lot of fun to use.Congrats on your 2 babies.... Capture and "little Dering"!!!

    14. Missing_small

      Creator Gary Woodson on August 7, 2011

      Hi Peter,
      I look forward to receiving 2 units whenever circumstances dictate. I plan to use one to loan out to friends to give them a hands on possibility , as I'm sure they will want on too!

      Thanks
      Gary Woodson

    15. Missing_small

      Creator Dave Carrington on August 6, 2011

      HI Peter...I got my unit yesterday and man, am I pleased! It's a well made, compact, thoughtfully designed piece of equipment. I'll be recommending this to all my photo buddies. I wish you further success and I hope that all the people waiting will be as happy as I am! It's worth the wait folks. Give him a little slack.

    16. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Daniel Gonzalez on August 6, 2011

      Hi Peter is there a way that I can get another unit right now?

    17. Missing_small

      Creator Mark Koski on August 6, 2011

      Hi Peter, Another Canadian here, but (from the sounds of it) unlike others I'm right on the border so had mine shipped to my alternate U.S. shipping address. The Capture arrived nearly a week ago, but I had to wait until today to pick it up. I took the capture for it's first test drive. So far so good.

      x2 on camshaft's comments about shipping USPS to Canadians. It's a far better choice than traditional couriers.

      Earl. Not a good way to run a business? With all due respect, I don't think that's a fair criticism. When we DONATED money to Peter to pursue his dream, Peak Design may have been a company but wasn't an established, fully functioning business yet. Kickstarter is not a retail site, but a place for start ups, like Peter's, to get initial funding. We weren't directly purchasing Captures. We were told we'd get them in exchange for our donation to the company when they were finally ready . Business start ups will run into snags. It's nothing new and should be expected. Koodos to Peter for dealing with them and keeping us informed. Please, cut the man some slack. Starting a business is hard enough. One that's obviously taken off far faster than expected must be a nightmare to keep up with.

    18. John%20south%20park%202.small

      Creator John Repp on August 6, 2011

      As I was reading this update my unit arrived today, looks great. Can't wait to try it out. Also excited for the extenders, when available.

    19. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Owen The on August 6, 2011

      I'm with the other international backers here. I was under the impression that I'd expect my package around now, particularly as I'd backed in the first few days this project launched and with all the updates indicating that they'd be shipped in backing order. I had a few events coming up where it'd be perfect, but it looks like it 'aint going to happen too soon. Australia is far away though....

    20. 20081127_0328marshall%20street.small

      Creator David Stevens on August 6, 2011

      Hi Peter, as an early backer from the UK Im obviously disappointed to read the latest update, but only because Im so eager to get hold of my unit and start using it. I understand the reasoning behind the delay and that you are only trying to help us non US customers. Does USPS have a table showing estimated delivery times to non US destinations that you could post a link to on here or facebook, just so we can get a better idea of when we may receive them? Cheers and can't wait for mine- Dave

    21. 20090607-dsc_3004.small

      Creator Peter Dering on August 6, 2011

      @Earle,
      Your units are slated to ship on Monday. Although I have stated that it is not my policy to offer a refund for kickstarter supporters, I will rescind your $100 pledge if you are unsatisfied with the timing.
      Kind regards, Peter.

    22. Missing_small

      Creator Lance McMillan on August 6, 2011

      Like other international backers(myself being from Canada) I am disappointed to hear that none have been shipped. It is understandable that there are more complications, but not so much that they will be the second lot to be shipped as you said in a previous update "I will be shipping units as they come off the assembly line, and I will send them to backers in the order in which they have pledged."
      Hope things get sorted out soon.

    23. 20090607-dsc_3004.small

      Creator Peter Dering on August 6, 2011

      @Terry, Gwenael, Jacquet, camshaft....thank you very much for your words and your support.

    24. Missing_small

      Creator Ola Larsson on August 6, 2011

      Hi Peter. Thanks for the updates, I´m looking forward to receiving the unit and start testing it. Take your time! As an old word of speech: The one who awaits something great, will get it! :-D

    25. Avatarletter220.small

      Creator Gwenaël Jacquet on August 6, 2011

      I'm from France and I completly understand that you ship the first unit to you home country. Much easier. I can wait. Thanks for sharring all this with us and specially thanks for the "gift" idea.

    26. Missing_small

      Creator Earle Maxson on August 6, 2011

      I am totally disenchanted with this process. I jumped aboard with a pledge for two Capture units back at the beginning of May. One for me, one for my son-in-laws birthday (five days from now). At that time your propaganda indicated I would be getting a shipment in mid-July. There have been a ton of updates, all of which pushed the delivery date back. I was not looking for excuses. I am looking for the goods. Not a good way to run a business, Pete. Like I said - I am totally disenchanted.

    27. Missing_small

      Creator camshaft on August 6, 2011

      Just wanted to thank Peter for all his hard work and the unbelievable work involved to ship all these units. As Terry above I'm Canadian and sad what we are put in the second lot but it can be understood. Many US retailers will not ship USPS because of the added complications compared to UPS or Fedex. So I was surprised when Peter replied to my question that items would be shipped USPS to Canadian buyers. Great for us Canadian buyers EH ! but a huge pain the in Ass for Peter.
      So a big thank you Peter for the astronomical extra work to ship these units USPS. Much appreciated !!
      Cam

    28. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Terry Debono on August 6, 2011

      Congratulations on your progress. It good to know your success is continuing to grow.

      Disheartening to learn of the the delay in shipping to Canadian backers. Especially as we pledged early and paid the additional shipping etc.

      Please advise us when the International shipments will be released - this way we can stop looking in our mail boxes until that time.

      P.S. Duty costs are relatively marginal in Canada on a "low ticket" item like this - and candidly I would pay the duty at full value - your product was never a price sensitive one ( to me ) - I pledged and purchased on the basis of your products innovation - If the unit had cost more money, I would have still pledged and bought...

      Best - always,

      Terry

5,258
Backers
$364,698
pledged of $10,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
May 2, 2011 - Jul 16, 2011 (75 days)

  • Pledge $1 or more

    49 backers

    If you can't swing $50 for a Capture unit, you can still help the project by pledging any amount you feel comfortable with. All pledges are much appreciated.

  • Pledge $25 or more

    14 backers

    Need extra plates for multiple cameras? Tack on $25/plate to your pledge for any reward you select. Keep in mind that the Bread and Butter reward already comes with 1 plate. Be careful here though...this reward alone will NOT get you a Capture unit...it's for extra plates only. Have a look at the Bread and Butter below if you're looking to pre order Capture.

  • Pledge $50 or more

    3372 backers

    Bread and Butter Award. Receive one Capture unit at a great price (retail will be $70 + tax and shipping). Includes shipping via USPS. For shipping to Canada, add $10. International funders, add $15. Select this reward and order in multiples of $50 if you want multiple units.

  • Pledge $75 or more

    1594 backers

    Bread, Butter, and Marmalade. Receive one Capture unit, and also pre order Capture Extenders, the attachment which let's you affix Capture to hard stuff, like your bike frame or the roof rack of your car. Same shipping terms as above.

  • Pledge $100 or more

    100 backers All gone!

    Eager Beaver Award. Need it now? Receive one Capture unit, but get it before June 1. I'm going to have 100 first articles available before I can produce the main batch. If you need to get one before June 1, this is the only way to fly. Supply is limited. Sorry, US shipping only.

  • Pledge $100 or more

    100 backers All gone!

    Early Birder Reward. This is the second round of Early Units that can be shipped. All backers (US and International) are allowed to pledge. Add $15 for international shipping or $10 for Canadian shipping (only one time if you order multiple units). To order multiple units, order in multiples of $100. Units will be shipped the day shipping information is received, beginning Wednesday 6/22. Shipping information will be collected by via a Google Document "Form". Information will be kept private. You will be sent the form within 24 hours of your pledge. Note that introductory retail price of Capture will likely be $79.99 (as opposed to $70 as stated above). Approximate (not guaranteed) date of delivery for Bread and Butter pledging is August 1, pending manufacturing capabilities.

Featured!