where to buy CV Lenses in the UK

[bluedust]

Are there any places that sell these lenses at a good price?

 

[Paul T.]

Robert White's is a well regarded shop. I bought my first couple of VCs from Jessops classics, becausethey were readily accessible and because the money was burning a hole in my pocket.. More recently I've bought mail order from Steven Gandy at cameraquest - his prices are terrific... in fact I sold my VC 25/4 on fleabay for more than he charges new!

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Robert White.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Just this week I ordered a camera from Robert White late morning on Tuesday and they had it in Lisbon by breakfast time on Wednesday.

 

[thmk]

I second that. Robert White. Great service. Very communicative.

 

[anglophone1]

Robert White nice folk [and RFF sponsors]but mail order only.
Ffordes in Scotland -about the same price, and you can SEE the kit. not much use if you're not in Scotland.
Otherwise if you want to deal over the counter , Jessops classic opposite the British Museum in London.
You're spoiled for choice now! 😛
Clive

 

[Toby]

The classic camera (also near the british museum) is very knowlegable but not so cheap -but also has zeiss ikon and plenty of second hand leica bodies... R G Lewis is also nearby on southampton row maybe you could play one against the other ?

 

[Goodyear]

Ffordes are my usual for most gear. Reasonable prices, knowledgeable and helpful, utterly massive range of used gear.

www.ffordes.com

 

[Fred]

Robert White are very good, I've popped over to see them a couple of times. Really nice bunch who know about the gear they sell. You need to give em a call if you want to visit.

I've used Ffordes in Scotland (too far to travel) as well for some used kit a while back, fantastic service and all the stuff was very well packed. It's worth noting that RW have taken over importing the CV stuff from Sangers earlier this year.

Dale Photographic in Leeds still carry some stock but not the full range, I got my 28 Skopar 35 Ultron and 90 lanthar from them a while back. They advertise in AP, might be worth a call.

 

[John Robertson]

😎 Ffordes in Beauly about 12miles north of Inverness. The new shop and gallery is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Its on the western side of the town on the road to Glen Affric in an old church. Car parking and a nice cafe. Huge stock of S/H stuff especially Leica
Great scenery in the area BTW, especially now with autumn colours!!

 

[TimF]

Robert White are indeed very good. On the downside, since they took over the distribution of Voigtlander I've heard complaints from other dealers that they can't get decent wholesale terms on the stuff.

One UK chain as a result is no longer carrying the range, and a well known London Leica dealer (already mentioned in this thread) will only get items to special order - and for definite sales, not to look at first.

If the problem is widespread and affecting many more dealers than the two noted above, its a great shame, as the profile of CV in the UK will inevitably decline. I hope Robert White will have a change of heart on this.

 

[dud]

I agree that both ffordes and Robert White offer truly excellent service, but am I the only person in the UK who would be happy to pay just a little less for their CV lenses?

If you want a "price sensitive" suggestion I'd check out the reputable second hand dealers - such as ffordes. If you're lucky you could get a second hand CV lens for the same price as new in the US 🙂

 

[John Robertson]

Robert White are indeed very good. On the downside, since they took over the distribution of Voigtlander I've heard complaints from other dealers that they can't get decent wholesale terms on the stuff.

.

I was in Ffordes shop in Beauly last week, and got exactly the same information.
Come on Robert White play the game fairly!!! :bang:

 

[CJP6008]

Ditto re Robert White and CV distribution in UK. Ffordes intimated to me that RW charge them such high prices that I could get it cheaper from RW than they could. Don't get me wrong, the RW people are good, it is a good company and prices are good. However perhaps an examination of what distribution and distributor actually mean would not go amiss. Presumably the intension of CV in appointing them was not to create a monopoly?

PS has anyone actually got a CV 40mm Ultron (SLR fit) that they opine on?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Ffordes told me last week that they could get a Voigtlander R3a in two weeks.

Robert White had one in stock.

Guess why I went to Robert White?

 

[John Robertson]

Ffordes told me last week that they could get a Voigtlander R3a in two weeks.

Robert White had one in stock.

Guess why I went to Robert White?

Thats what they wanted I think, but remember the saying about having all your eggs in one basket!!

 

[sfb_dot_com]

Just as an afterthought, why not pop in to your local branch of Jessops (if you live in the UK that is 🙄 ). They are having a clearance sale right now & you might be able to pick up a bargain. I got my 12mm Heliar for a screamingly good price, to go with a Bessa L body at a price lower than you would pay on Ebay.

Also credit to the young guy on the film camera stand - he knew his stuff.

Andy 😎

 

[markinlondon]

You were lucky, Andy. The last time I called into Jessops the guy at the film and processing counter had no idea what Tri-x was!!

Mark

 

[sfb_dot_com]

You were lucky, Andy. The last time I called into Jessops the guy at the film and processing counter had no idea what Tri-x was!!

Mark

This guy did! - but he had to ask how to use the computer so I could get my discount, seems like priorities in the right order to me! 😛

Andy

 

[John Robertson]

VERY unusual for Jessops!! Although I did buy my R2 from them and they matched the lowest price +postage in Amateur Photographer .