A CDN ordering film from the US

[J J Kapsberger]

Looking in the B&H Photo website I see that ordering film through them is so much cheaper than purchasing it at my usual local photo store here. We're talking about a 50% savings almost. Have any of my fellow Canadian RFF users done that, ordering film and having it brought across the border by mail? Is it safe doing that; i.e., could I expect the film to arrive in good shape, not having been fogged or anything like that?

 

[thomasw_]

yes i have, but depending on the shipping costs and whether you get stuck with the customs duties, that savings can diminish to nothing.

can you say adorama? ridiculous shipping options --- I mean, it is film, not a leica body, why do i need brown to deliver?! and you get the film rammed up your a$$ by harshly declared customs duties, nullifying any savings. so be careful JJ; it depends from whom you buy it.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Thanks for the advice, T. I have to admit the reason I went looking for film on the site is to spread out B&H's absolutely ridiculous S&H on a battery adapter for the Gossen Lunasix 3. They want to charge USD 25 for shipping me that vary small item. I thought if I bought some film, the shipping charges on a per-item basis would be lowered to a more reasonable level.

Why did you have to pay duties on film from the US? I can see GST and PST but not duties (aside from Canada Custom's accursed $5.00 'handling' charge).

 

[sienarot]

I've bought film from B&H many times in the past without any problems to the film. As you figured out, it's only worth it if you're already making a larger order anyways. Making a strictly film order negates any savings once you hit shipping/brokerage.

 

[Max Power]

I've never purchased from B&H, but I can recommend Freestyle. They shipped USPS to me, and at a very reasonable rate.

Kent