Photographic Stores/Retailers

[diverdrew]

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone could help me locate an Olympus retailer in Orlando...reason, I am looking to purchase a C-8080 camera plus underwater housing (considerably cheaper stateside than here in Blighty):D....isn't everything.

I know I am taking a risk with the customs & excise guys, but hey, life without risks 'aint worth living;)

I've checked quite a few online resources for the camera in the UK and it is virtually DOUBLE the price of online stores in the US.

Thanks in advance

Drew

[phaedra]

Just checked B&H and J&R, both top quality US on-line retailers and the price is around $750, UK price from Cameras2U or Amazon.co.uk is £446.95 inc free delivery or £465 from Pixmania with a 2 year warranty. So price difference is only around £25 to £45.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/42461/art/olympus/camedia-c-8080-wide-zoom.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001KNRTA/qid=1101344402/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/026-8812810-1315661

http://www.cameras2u.com/products/details.cfm?PRODUCT=146112

[diverdrew]

Thanks Jeff, but Foto Connection (based out of NY) have it at $499 (£265),a considerable saving over the UK price (have seen both Amazon & Pixmania prices) also the underwater housing is just a case of swap the $ for a £ sign. Admitedly, the warranty (2yr) is something to consider. Am planning a trip to the keys so may try and find somewhere en-route (again, if anyone can help, let me know). Thanks for taking the time to reply though.:)

Drew

[Ray9]

Now diverdrew, How do you think they can do that?

I will tell you how!! You will be buying a grey market unwarrantied item, They warranty available though may be $70+.. delivery and insurance think upward of $50..then you will find yourself in a hard sell on accessories. Which they sometime insist you HAVE to have to get the price.
Do an eopinion search.
Go with Fox or Ritz camera's save the heartache.

[SteveW]

Hi Drew

When we were over last year we paid a visit to a store on the 192 North, just past Marker 11 (i think). I found them very helpful and prepared to negotiate if you had cash. It was a big store and everything you could imagine. I'm over in January and want a new Digital SLR.... I phoned him last week and the same camera with memory sticks, lens upgrade etc is 50% cheaper (and thats before I negotiate !)

Name:Gustavo
Camers Unlimited
407 787 3535

[diverdrew]

Hi Ray

Grey Market import doesn't really bother me, I buy my SCUBA gear (Regs, so fairly important life support equipment) thru a retailer in Bristol who is not an authorised reseller (on the Basis that Scubapro and other companies) hate the fact that he undercuts the opposition and so will not allow him to purchase legitimately, hence he imports from Spain. I have also purchased from Leisure-Pro in NY, same scenario. The prospect of NOT having a warranty IS an issue, as I acknowledged (especially as this is an Hi-Tech electrronic bit of kit which (unlike my scuba regulators) I would not be able to service/repair.

I would be more concerned at the fact that I intend to take this camera to 30 metres in a little plastic box with nothing to protect the sudden influx of sal[bad language filtered out]er than a small silicone ring[msnwink]. No warranty covers that, which is why I have insurance.

Hard pressure sales tactics do not work with me...ever (I work in pharmaceutical Sales for the 3rd largest Blue Chip company in the world).

I will check out Fox & Ritz cameras (thanks for the info) and see what they have.

Thanks for the inputs, keep 'em coming. Anyine had direct experience good or bad of buying similar items ? If so, who from & what did you buy ?

Cheers, Drew

[diverdrew]

Hi Steve,

I think we were compiling replies at the same time, thank you for taking the time to reply and I will check out the place you mention.

Cheers, Drew

[thistle1314]

Hey this is all good information for my husband. Thanks for this.

[diverdrew]

Interesting.... I have just read my post and (not being one for unwarranted profanity) was surprised to see the word w-a-t-e-r (as in salt water) edited out for reasons of profanity. Wow, this English/Americanish language thing is getting out of control.[msnwink]

Was saying that Salt H20 in camera would be a bad thing, not covered by any warranty.

Drew

[Ray9]

[website link edited]

[diverdrew]

Thanks for the link Ray.

I guess the moral is Caveat Emptor ! Bullying sales tactics work on some people and not on others. It still shouldn't prevent someone from wanting the best deal for their hard earned cash.

Drew

[phaedra]

The bit it filtered out was the last letter of salt and the first 3 of water, which when put together on their own make a slightly rude word :D

Do a Google search and check out Foto Connections ratings on Epinions etc. there will be a reason why there listed (as opposed to actual in your hand) price is so low :)

Or have a look here,

http://www.bbbnewyork.org/businessreports/Default.aspx?id=79450&page=1&NameValue=foto&action=search1

[Magical Dreams]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by diverdrew
Hi All

I was wondering if anyone could help me locate an Olympus retailer in Orlando...reason, I am looking to purchase a C-8080 camera plus underwater housing (considerably cheaper stateside than here in Blighty):D....isn't everything.

I know I am taking a risk with the customs & excise guys, but hey, life without risks 'aint worth living;)

I've checked quite a few online resources for the camera in the UK and it is virtually DOUBLE the price of online stores in the US.

Thanks in advance

Drew
[/quote]

Try ebuyer.com

or 7dayshop.com

Both have a good selection of high end spec cameras!

[lynne]

Ebuyer sell American imports, so check first if you are buying a camera or you wont have a warranty
Lynne

[Magical Dreams]

Not all their goods are imports though!!

The camera in question shows the Olympus Europe logo!

Plus, very little can go wrong with this type of camera unless you do damage to it!!

I'd risk the money compared to UK high street prices which are quite high for this model!

Argos have them on sale for £599
Ebuyer have them on sale for ££441

You decide!!

[phaedra]

Lynne, I've bought 17 assorted cameras from Ebuyer this year, Casio, Fuji, Canon, Olympus, Nikon & Konica/Minlota. Every camera has been UK or European stock.

All are covered by manufacturers warranty and of course your primary warranty is with Ebuyer themselves under the sales of goods act.

If you've received a US import from Ebuyer I'd be very interested in the details, make, model, S/No etc. please PM me if you wish.

[Magical Dreams]

You will find their prices very hard to beat!

[diverdrew]

Thanks to everyone who posted a reply to my request for help. I think the biggest risk I will be taking with this camera....when I purchase it, will definately be submerging it in salt water (in a waterproof housing, obviously) and subjecting it to 4 atmospheres of pressure ! Still can't wait to do it though [xmas1]

Will let you know how I get on.

Cheers, Drew