Anyone Bought a Chamonix 4x5 in the UK ?

[IanBarber]

For some time I have been looking at purchasing a 4x5 filed camera and have narrowed my research down to the Chamonix 045-N.

Initially, I was looking at the Ebony but as this is my first time with 4x5 I just could not justify the cost.

I was wondering if anyone has actually bought the Chamonix in the UK direct from the suppliers as I was wondering what extra import duty charges were added. I have been searching eBay for a used model but like the Ebony, they just don't seem to appear on the used market.

Ian

[Barry Wilkinson]

I bought a 45F1 quite a long time ago now. I sent my payment to Hugo Zhang in the USA who arranged for the camera to be sent directly to me from China. Hugo is a nice guy to deal with and very helpful. If you need further information please PM me.

Barry
UK

[dave_whatever]

I've had three shipments of a camera from chamonix (two purchased, and one replacement due to damage) and only one of them was stung by customs. If you do get stung it'll cost you an extra 20% ish.

[Robert Oliver]

I also highly recommend Hugo in the USA... His customer service has been impeccable!

I had a thread strip on a locking knob, and I had a replacement (plus two extra knobs for good measure) within the week at no charge whatsoever.

My original 4x5 Chamonix N-1 is still going strong. Can't praise the builders or Hugo enough!

[IanBarber]

I've had three shipments of a camera from chamonix (two purchased, and one replacement due to damage) and only one of them was stung by customs. If you do get stung it'll cost you an extra 20% ish.

Thanks, I need to factor this into my costings now.

[Steven Tribe]

The import change is exactly the current VAT rate of the Country in question - EU countries have different VAT charges. It might be better to arrange shipment through one of the countries with a lower rate!

Getting through without the levy is very unlikely these days!

[dave_whatever]

Thanks, I need to factor this into my costings now.

Will PM you about this too...

[go_jmo]

I bought a new 045H-1 from Hugo here in the UK last month. The VAT I paid on customs was the same as I paid on a second hand lens from Japan - this was down the helpful description Hugo put on the camera (which was very nice of him). The camera took about 3 weeks from order to delivery - most of which was in customs and I tracked it the entire time. Hugo is a joy to deal with the Chamonix I have is a superbly made camera. If you have the funds available I would recommend it.

[Collas]

When I bought my F1 a couple of years ago it arrived in the UK as photographic samples!

Nick