grey imports.

[adam hoskins]

I'm sure this has been talked to death but I am in oz at present and am thinking about getting 5d mk3 they roughly retail for about 2.5k in English money here but can get them from site which I assume I'd grey imports which works out to be 2k in English money. Now does this matter can I get camera fixed in UK . My current camera 60d is grey import and never had an issue had it for three yrs. Does a UK warranty only last 1 yr anyway

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I've not had issues with Canon - I've had my UK 1DII repaired in the US by Canon CPS for example, no questions asked

Make sure you get proof of purchase, and don't mention it to customs on the way home

 

[Pete Askew]

I'm sure there will be no issues. I tend to buy my gear from a select group of small retailers in the UK (Commercial Cameras, Robert White and Teamwork Digital). Although they are often slightly more expensive than the bigger ones (eg WEX - although CC usually matches their prices), I value the superb support and reliability they provide and like to return that favour and promote UK enterprise. So although a 'grey import' might be cheaper, I would not go that route as I would rather see the money flow through the hard-pressed UK retailers. But I can understand the attraction and it would be a significant saving for you and if it is a choice between cheapest discounter in the UK and one where you are at them moment it probably doesn't make much difference, especially to the smaller retailers. That is one of the problems with global supply chains.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I buy my gear from London camera exchange in Worcester for the most part now ... I used to buy it from sight 2 sound.
I go local not just for the warranty but for the support... I know Garath and Jim in LCE pretty well, I know they will do me te best deal they can without even having to ask. I go in there and chat **** at them at least once a week probably to the point that I annoy them... But I get damn good and honest service... Sometimes at a slight premium, sometimes not.
Ive had a few niggles with the focusing on the d800, being completely honest it appears I just had it set up wrong... I'm still not sure it is quite as good as the d3 was, but that's by the by! The point is, I visited lce three times with the camera and various lenses, I even bumped into Jim down the pub one night and shatter to him there about it. Between us we have come to a solution that works and allows me to continue to work in the same way I did with the d3! If I'd bought the camera from oz I wouldn't have that service or the peice of mind of that service... But I would have £500 in my pocket ...
I think it's a personal thing...
The chances are you won't have any issues, and you always have this forum for asking questions ... But me personally, I'd opt for supporting my local economy. Not just for the "moral" reasons, but (more) for the selfish long term ones! Local service from smaller shops on stuff like this is just better IMO

 

[adam hoskins]

I do agree with local support , completely . It is only because I'm in oz and the other day nearly bought the 5d mk3 but I did not have a cheque clear in time. I know the difference in price is bonkers over hear the d800 is only 1700 brand new I am tempted to buy the 24-70 mk2 lens as well . But we will see got three weeks here so concentrating on taking photos but could come back with some nice bits of equipment.

 

[Andy Boardman]

grey imports a no no from me

Thought I would throw my two pence worth in on this one, grey imports are not covered under UK warranty depending on where they come from, if from NZ for instance deffo not covered.Sigma for instance will cover international warranties here in the UK PROVIDED YOU SUPPLY THE ORIGINAL RECEIPT, & CUSTOMS PAPERWORK to show import duty & VAT has been paid, I belive it is their duty to report any imports with out this so you will get into even more trouble if a UK resident.Not declaring it at customs is a criminal offence by the way so chucking the boxes & instructions etc away & putting in your bag as if it was there all the time is at your own risk.
Plus as others have said already you do get proper good service from your local supplier ( like us LOL) & if there was a major problem & say the camera needed to be exchanged due to major problem what would you do then ??
Things like that need to be thought of in the bigger picture so there you go, just my thoughts & I do not mean to upset anyone or offend members, it is nice to know that some people here support us UK indie dealers

 

[Paul Lange]

I would say if its a couple of hundred quid go for it and take the risk for something that costs over a thousand then really think about buying from a UK dealer. putting it into another perspective: Aussies pay the difference in other ways with high taxes and high cost of living especially on food. You are not being ripped off anymore or less but taxes and duties than anyone else.