Buying a camera from Japan?

[John Conway]

A few pieces have come up on ebay that I was interested in but I have not as of yet purchased anything on ebay from Japan. I guess if the feedback is good it should be fine. Anyone ever have a problem with a non US purchase?

[John Koehrer]

I've bought two LF lenses from two different vendors, prices were good, items were clean and shipping was fast.

[banjo]

I got a VH Horseman, Horseman roll film holder, Wista roll film holder, &
2 Horseman Lens

GOOD LUCK SO FAR from 3 different vendors

[mortensen]

I think you could generally trust japanese vendors more than most others - if you've been to the country you'll know why. Customs will most probably be an issue, but i guess you have already calculated with that.

My ebay problems have always been with individuals, not nationalities...

[Cesar Barreto]

I've several items bought from japanese vendors and just have nice words towards them. But Mortensen of course has a good point about nationalities.

[Ken Lee]

What happens with US Customs when you purchase from a dealer ? Do they hold the item and demand a fee ?

When I've purchased from individuals, they did not: the item went to me with no interruption.

[mortensen]

Well, I'm in Denmark, so I can't speak of US regulations, but here... customs always snatches any outside-EU purchase and then adds a solid 30% charge - 25% VAT (even though you buy used goods) + a 5% fee just to annoy you a little extra.

all the talk about globalization suddenly seems a bit hollow, you know...

[Brian Ellis]

What happens with US Customs when you purchase from a dealer ? Do they hold the item and demand a fee ?

When I've purchased from individuals, they did not: the item went to me with no interruption.

AFAIK the fees, duties, taxes, tariffs, etc. are always collected by the carrier at the time the item is delivered to you, not by Customs itself, regardless of whether the seller is an individual or a dealer. At least that's what's always been done when I've purchased internationally and I've purchased from individuals and dealers (though not very often).

[John Conway]

Well, my camera arrived today from Japan. Excellent transaction without a glitch. I can't believe how fast they got it to my door. And it looks even better than it did in the pics.

[Michael Clark]

Well, my camera arrived today from Japan. Excellent transaction without a glitch. I can't believe how fast they got it to my door. And it looks even better than it did in the pics.

John, which mail service did they use to send your item from Japan ?

Mike