MW Classic Cameras London online shop experience/opinions/recomendations

Coldkennels said:
This is such a shame.

I used to love MW Classic Cameras - had a bunch of stuff off them about a decade ago. Always really well priced, and they were reliable with shipping orders out promptly. I even went to visit their old offices a couple of times (someone in the l-camera-forum thread posted a link to a blog where someone did just that: The MW Classic ); it was borderline chaos, but they at least knew where everything was.

However, I did notice once or twice that something would be sold in person then not removed from the website for a while. If they're now selling on eBay as well, I suspect this is the root of the issue - they're not keeping track of stock properly across the two platforms.

Last time I tried to order from them online was probably in 2020 or 2021. I'd seen reports about people not getting their orders, but thought I'd give them a chance. Sure enough, months of emails but still no order. I ended up getting my money back through Paypal. Now they don't even offer Paypal as an option on the website - I'm guessing Paypal closed their account due to the amount of chargebacks they were getting.

At some point after that I tried arranging a visit to their new office in Bethnal Green to buy something in person; no one replied to my emails, the form on the website to arrange a visit didn't seem to work, and no one was answering the phone. I eventually chanced it while I was in the area. No one answered the door.

I don't know how on earth they're still in business.
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I have been to the Islington office. It is chaotic and their stock control is hopeless. I always picked up items from them rather than risk postage. I would arrive at their offices to be told the item had been sold and a refund was made on the spot.
 
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Progress on the FOKOS ordered a month ago, as mentioned above. We'll see how it progresses.

16/12/24
Thank you for your order
Hi Malcolm,
Just to let you know — we've received your order #250767, and it is now being processed:
[Order #250767] (December 16, 2024)


10/1/25
Any feedback on the item below? Nothing has been received to date.


17/1/25 13:06
I have received no reply to the email below. Can you please inform me of the progress of this order.


17/1/25 14:41
Hello Malcolm
Thank you for your order.
I will send off the finder to you early next week
Apologies for the delay
Regards
David
 
Malcolm M said:
Progress on the FOKOS ordered a month ago, as mentioned above. We'll see how it progresses.

16/12/24
Thank you for your order
Hi Malcolm,
Just to let you know — we've received your order #250767, and it is now being processed:
[Order #250767] (December 16, 2024)


10/1/25
Any feedback on the item below? Nothing has been received to date.


17/1/25 13:06
I have received no reply to the email below. Can you please inform me of the progress of this order.


17/1/25 14:41
Hello Malcolm
Thank you for your order.
I will send off the finder to you early next week
Apologies for the delay
Regards
David
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That is great news, I'm happy for you!
I placed the order on 25th december but never recived any mail at all... Maybe I'm a fool, but I'm still waiting...
 
My recent transaction with them on eBay was ok albeit lack of communication. I placed the order and paid on Dec'18, and queried them via PayPal contact on Dec'21. They shipped out via DHL on Dec'23. I did get DHL tracking emails and everything, and arrived in California rather quickly despite the holidays. And the item is as good as described, no issues.
 
Update on the order for the FOKOS above. Nothing has arrived, and they haven't replied to any further emails. Text of email sent a couple of minutes ago...

It is almost a month since your last reply, and nothing has arrived. Do I have to begin legal procedures to reclaim my money?
 
Do we believe this....?

Dear Malcolm

Thank you for your order - the FOKOS rangefinder is being sent TODAY by DHL 24hour courier

You will be emailed the tracking details later today

Apologies for the delay

With Regards

David Woodford
 
I must say that I have had nothing but happy dealings with David Woodford over the last five years or so - any amount of Contax RF stuff from MW at very good prices - but I have always enquired and ordered over the phone...
 
Arnold Layne said:
Hi all.

I created an account on 25th December, placed an order of £209.00 and I have no news at all. Didn't even recived an e-mail for the order confirmation. I sent an e-mail asking for info but no answer. If I look in my account in the orders section, it just says "Processing".

What to think? Do you have any experience with them?
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I first dealt with them a decade ago and they were fine. The last two times, they were awful. I eventually got refunded, and will never attempt to buy anything from them again.
I read somewhere that one of the partners had left, and that's when it all went bad, the timing of which explains the difference I found.
 
I first dealt with them a decade ago and they were fine. The last two times, they were awful. I eventually got refunded, and will never attempt to buy anything from them again.
I read somewhere that one of the partners had left, and that's when it all went bad, the timing of which explains the difference I found.
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I had exactly the same experience. Tried to buy a Leica Standard from them, but ended up getting my money back from Paypal. Someone who works a lot in the second hand camera trade told me the same story. One of their partners left and it went downhill since.
 
Valkir1987 said:
I had exactly the same experience. Tried to buy a Leica Standard from them, but ended up getting my money back from Paypal. Someone who works a lot in the second hand camera trade told me the same story. One of their partners left and it went downhill since.
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I don't think there's any intention to scam anyone, it's just chaotic.
 
I bought from them again over eBay, and the overall experience is fine. Shipping from UK to US is quite fast, and the items are as described. There is a lack of communication, but I guess they might be busy.
 
Farside said:
I first dealt with them a decade ago and they were fine. The last two times, they were awful. I eventually got refunded, and will never attempt to buy anything from them again.
I read somewhere that one of the partners had left, and that's when it all went bad, the timing of which explains the difference I found.
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I heard he had died and the remaining fella seems to just not be very good at sorting. I don’t think there is any malice involved with mw just a lack of organisation and willing.
 
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