I thank the responders who have pointed me in the direction of Robert White in London. His prices are exceptionally low, especially on German lenses. Is there any other hidden expenses I am not aware of dealng with an overseas merchandiser, such as frieght, possible grey market products, etc..
Gary: Robert White is an excellent dealer to work with. They will usually give you a very accurate estimate of shipping charges, and shipping is very prompt. Some products may be subject to US duties, which tend to range from 2-5% on camera products. You can check out potential duties on the department of commerce website.
By definition, when you buy from Robert White, YOU ARE a grey market importer, since you are not buying through a US importer or distributer. So what... The rest of the world does just fine with products that don't get marked up by US importers. Last I checked, they actually make great photos with these products. The whole concept of grey market and the very name "grey" are an invention of US importers who wish to maintain unreasonable markups via scare tactics.
Don't get me wrong... I support official US importers who are fair and provide real value added for their costs... I will ususally pay 10-20% more for officially imported products. But 50-60% markups on large-format lenses for a "lifetime" warranty that doesn't cover the shutter (which is the only thing likely to fail in a lifetime) is absurd. Paying $700 for a Gitzo CF tripod in the US vs $450 from Robert White is equally absurd.
Gary I can't answer your question from the import aspect because I live in the u k. But he and his team offer a superb service at very competitive prices. I purc hase nearly all my hardware from him and depending on how much you spend he will often cut you a deal. I've had free lens panels, a Heliopan 67mm UV filter even a free View Camera mag.!(mind you I was spending quite a fair bit at the time). I've also had some sponsorship from him in the supply of film. Don't be afraid to ask for his best price or any deals, you could end up saving even more.
Good luck,
Gary I have been dealing with Robert for the last 10 years!! He is a gentleman in the true sense of the word!! You CAN buy new or used with complete confidence, there are NO hidden extras. He does not "grade" his used stock as most dealers tend to do, rather he gives you an honest description of the item. I have found that he tends to "under" describe used goods, leaving the purchaser pleasantly surprised, especially buying mail order. All goods shipped are packed lovingly by his staff. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! Both he and his staff are a mine of information , especially with LF. If you get a chance to visit his premises, do so, they are an Aladdins Cave !! Regards Paul
Greetings,
I can only second the remarks of the previous posters. I have purchase two lens' from Robert and he is courteous, professional and trustworthy. He will advise you of all costs except US Customs and you stand a 50-50 chance of paying that. Many times small parcels pass through Customs without being assessed duty. Regardless, considering the savings, duty is negligible.
Regards,
I am new to the field of large format cameras and have made two major (for me) purchases through Robert White and had them send the equipment (camera, 2 lens, filter, film holders, Polaroid back, etc.) to me here in Chicago. Both times, I got very courteous and prompt service, accurate information, fast shipping, and paid only 1-2% import duty. My purchases were complicated by the fact that my credit card company put automatic holds on the purchase both times for fear of fraud...and each time, the folks at RW were patient and bent over backwards to accommodate a very frustrating process - making extra phonecalls, holding equipment, etc.
Thus, having spent a lot of time on the phone and a lot of money, I can do nothing but recommend them highly.
I too have used RW and found the process very easy. I recently purchased a Gitzo tripod and saved a good sum of money. RW is very professional and pleasant to work with.
Right after I placed the order, I called my credit card bank and advised them to expect a charge from the UK. This permitted the charge to go through trouble free. The only unexpected charge was from UPS who adds a small customs brokerage charge (around $20). This is in addition to the 2% customs fee and is in the noise for largish purchases.
Sorry to post a question that has been answered before. Could one of you readers please provide contact information regarding Robert White? Thanks for your assistance.
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/
tim a
You'd be amazed how small the demand is for pictures of trees... - Fred Astaire to Audrey Hepburn
www.photo-muse.blogspot.com blog
How is the duty on a purchase from the UK paid? Does UPS pay it if necessary and pass on the cost?
John Hennessy
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks