Camera grey imports, would you?

[fatbikerbill]

I'm still dithering on cameras, specifically the om-5

Would you consider a grey import from the likes of hdew or cotswold cameras?

The major downside that I can see is that the warranty is just with that shop. Current saving today is £500, so £1000 instead of £1500.

Yes I am a berk for missing the cashback deal.

[voodoo_simon]

It’s easy to say yes when it’s not my money, but, my two previous cameras and all my lenses were second hand.

Fairly well used (but good condition) and they didn’t miss a beat for a good few years (one survived quite a bit drop too!). Took about 6 years of personal ownership for my DSLR to die (went out in all weathers, I didn’t look after it etc) but I think it just got out of date (would have been into double figures of age by the time it finished off)

[Valerio]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Sure things can go wrong but for me it's worth the gamble.

I bought my phone from a grey importer, paid £700 instead of £1500. Havent looked back and would definitely do it again.

[Lazarus]

Amazed a phone can cost £1500, personally i need persuading to get to 3 figures for a phone( and only did that as it was waterproof)

Camera depends on known reliability of camera and known customer service of shop..ie how big is the risk on either front if low, for both, then probably. If high then probably no

[thenorthwind]

I bought my first dSLR as a gery import. No regrets, but then I never had to claim under warranty, so I guess that's the risk you take.

Amazed a phone can cost £1500, personally i need persuading to get to 3 figures for a phone( and only did that as it was waterproof)

Ha, my thought too!

[Valerio]

Amazed a phone can cost £1500, personally i need persuading to get to 3 figures for a phone( and only did that as it was waterproof)

Camera depends on known reliability of camera and known customer service of shop..ie how big is the risk on either front if low, for both, then probably. If high then probably no

A lot of people might say the same about dedicated cameras....as every phone has one nowadays

Jokes aside, I'll never be able to justify spending £1500 for a phone, £700 is still an awful lot but they tend to last me ages and the only phones that didnt last me 5yrs are the "cheap" ones.
The good ones also tend to retain some value even after a few years.

In my case, the grey imported phone also came with twice the RAM of phones for the UK market which was a bonus.

[Lazarus]

(Not a dig, I am just the same)
We can all justify what we spend... i justify Ti frames as they last a lifetime despite my oldest being 8 years old and multiple bikes as they all have a purpose . The only chance of my bike being for the rest of my life is an unexpected death....i know this.

PS you seem to be using RAM the way i use more travel

One of those we all overspend on things we like ( so go for it Phil). I remember when my cousin said what he spent on his camera and he said i was the only one who had not said " how much" ...i simply replied " i own bikes that cost more". If you use it then its worth it. My phone is basically a phone with back up gps mapping. Anything would satisfy my needs. You are only wasting your money if you dont use that RAM and hey half price what a bargain ( its what I would be saying as well)

[RobLyon]

It's the month of Black friday. I'd expect some deals coming up as It's a luxury item that probably isn't selling too well atm. I've seen a fair few prices dropping recently (not cameras just generally).

I buy most things used too. If it's genuinely a 1/3rd off from a reputable supplier I can't see an issue with that.

Not sure if these are grey import but they are occassionally discounted when ebay put offers on.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276711546793 ... SwDApje3pu

[JackT]

I've used HDEW in the past and have had to make use of the 3 year warrantee for a faulty on-off switch on an EM5ii. They have a repair contract with A. J. Johnstone & Co in Glasgow, and it was all fine, though the on-off switch failed a third time out of warrantee. It's a well-documented design fault with that particular model so bad luck really.

I've not used Cotswold Camera though I have heard it said that you may be liable for the VAT and customs duties. Whether HMRC comes to collect is another question.

There's currently a *very* good deal on the OM-1 with the excellent 12-40 mk2 PRO lens currently on the OM System website until 15 November (£1299). A 5 year warrantee is available as an add-on. Am trying hard to resist temptation myself.

As others have said, this is the month of Black Friday. I have heard that OM System is only allowed to sell "Olympus" badged cameras until the end of this year. Which may explain the heavy discount on the OM-1.

[Valerio]

(Not a dig, I am just the same)
We can all justify what we spend... i justify Ti frames as they last a lifetime despite my oldest being 8 years old and multiple bikes as they all have a purpose . The only chance of my bike being for the rest of my life is an unexpected death....i know this.

PS you seem to be using RAM the way i use more travel

One of those we all overspend on things we like ( so go for it Phil). I remember when my cousin said what he spent on his camera and he said i was the only one who had not said " how much" ...i simply replied " i own bikes that cost more". If you use it then its worth it. My phone is basically a phone with back up gps mapping. Anything would satisfy my needs. You are only wasting your money if you dont use that RAM and hey half price what a bargain ( its what I would be saying as well)

Not a dig, but it does feel like it

[RobLyon]

There's currently a *very* good deal on the OM-1 with the excellent 12-40 mk2 PRO lens currently on the OM System website until 15 November (£1299). A 5 year warrantee is available as an add-on. Am trying hard to resist temptation myself.

That is a good deal, It took me a bit of finding as you need discount code,

SINGLESDAY2024GB

I've just paid 875 for a used e-m1 mk3 and a panasonic/leica 12-60 f2.8-4.0.

[rudedog]

I used Hdew for a canon 70D DSLR a few years ago, it had focusing issues and Hdew swapped it out with no question. I wouldn’t hesitate in using them again.

[thenorthwind]

I've just paid 875 for a used e-m1 mk3 and a panasonic/leica 12-60 f2.8-4.0.

Nice I've got my eye on that lens, even more so now both my original kit lenses have bitten the dust Interested to know how you get on with it.

[RobLyon]

I've just paid 875 for a used e-m1 mk3 and a panasonic/leica 12-60 f2.8-4.0.

Nice I've got my eye on that lens, even more so now both my original kit lenses have bitten the dust Interested to know how you get on with it.

The reviews i watched after I bought it said you can barely tell the difference with the lumix version which is a fair bit cheaper. Its also only f2.8 at 12mm. So ive not even received it and ive got buyers remorse.