loneranger
Well-known
Looking to buy a fuji GF670 soon, any advise from other owners out there, about where to get one, anything to look out for? There seems to be lots on ebay from Japanese sellers, is it worth spending more to get a new one, versus others in excellent shape? Any advise would be apreciated
xyz3450
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And if I may add to Lonerangers question, for those who have bought from Japanese sellers (and who might live in the US or Europe), do you have recommendations or experiences with particular sellers you are able to share? thanks....
taemo
eat sleep shoot
on Facebook, on some classified camera groups I saw some selling their GF670, around 1300$
let me know if interested and I'll let you know the group and user
let me know if interested and I'll let you know the group and user
f16sunshine
Moderator
I got one from a member here a couple years ago. It's turned into my go to MF camera even displacing the Rolleiflex.
You might try a want to buy advert in the classified.
Cheers!
You might try a want to buy advert in the classified.
Cheers!
Out to Lunch
Ventor
Interesting, I've had the same urge. Considering the particularities of this camera, I'd go for a pristine or new item. Ebay lists both. Mostly from Japan.
loneranger
Well-known
I guess I am leaning towards buying a new one, which means my only choice is ebay and Japan.
Might keep in mind the same camera is sold under the Voigtlander name, with a black finish. Check our host's listing here: https://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii.htm
xyz3450
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Of course ..... :bang:
Thanks for the link Doug.....
edit -- a quick check says its out of stock ...
Chris Bail
Regular Guy
Cameraquest is currently out of stock. I've also been looking at the GF670, for its lower price and relative availability...albeit in Japan.
Hogarth Ferguson
Well-known
I bought mine from Japan camera Hunter in 2013 specifically for the black version. I cannot suggest him enough.
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
Not specific to a 670, and did give this some thought, but was reluctant to name just one or two. I have bought from at least 15 different Japanese sellers on eBay, and have never had a problem. Would have to say that, as a rule, the quality of the cameras, lenses, whatever, the quality of the packaging and the quality of communications has been better than buying from my fellow countrymen, where there have been the occasional glaring misrepresentations and ridiculous packaging. Obviously, there is no hard and fast rule, just my experience. If using eBay, I always read the feedback comments not just look at the percentage favorable. If I was having to make a blanket generalization about which was the best country to buy cameras from, it would be Japan. At least in my -way too much- buying experience
xyz3450
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Larry, completely understand and thanks for the reply. There are so many sellers on ebay, and with good feedback, I sometimes find it difficult to know where to start....
FujiLove
Well-known
Agree with this completely. The Japanese eBay sellers seem to be extremely honest and great to deal with. Everything I've bought from Japan has been better than described and arrived in the UK in double quick time. One item took just over 36 hours...then spent ten days in UK customs!
xyz3450
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The last bit about customs does not sound fun. :bang: Was the tax duty to be paid on a used item; or were customs interested in only new goods?
benji77
@R.F.F
I bought mine from JCH about 2 years ago I think.
According to him, it was a set that had the cloth (sorry I forgot the actual name) refurbished, and a dust mark in the lens, with some paint fall here and there. I am never one who cares about cosmetic blemishes unless it shows signs of it affecting the operations of the camera, so i went ahead. It was about US$900-1000 I think.
Till today, it has given me amazing images from hikes and street work.
Awesome camera.
Go for it.
According to him, it was a set that had the cloth (sorry I forgot the actual name) refurbished, and a dust mark in the lens, with some paint fall here and there. I am never one who cares about cosmetic blemishes unless it shows signs of it affecting the operations of the camera, so i went ahead. It was about US$900-1000 I think.
Till today, it has given me amazing images from hikes and street work.
Awesome camera.
Go for it.
FujiLove
Well-known
When you import items over a certain value (£40?) from countries such as Japan and the US into the UK you have to pay VAT @ 20% plus import duty. I think that was about 5%, but it varies by country. That applies to both the item cost AND the postage (which always seems like a massive rip off to me). In addition, you pay Parcelforce processing fees of about £10 per package.
As an example, if you buy a camera on eBay from Japan for £500 including postage, you will end up paying about £635.
Note that if you're a VAT registered business you can claim the VAT portion back, but not the import duty.
Edit: yes, this applies to new and used items, but I think there are exemptions or lower rates for very old items (antiques etc.)
FujiLove
Well-known
There are a couple of Japanese GF670s on eBay right now going for about £1150. These will cost roughly £1450 to import to the UK...assuming the seller lists their value on the package. If they don't, then it may pass straight through customs with no extra costs. Clearly this is illegal and not recommended: if anything happens to the camera en route, you will have no insurance cover.
ashfaque
Learning
Sellers from Japan are generally more trustworthy and they are more conservative in their appraisal of the goods that are selling.
Having said that, I'd encourage you to contact Bellamy (of JCH). Send him an email to see if he can give you better deal. Then you can compare his and ebay sellers' (from Japan). Heck if you have money, get the GF670w as well. GF670w is considerably cheaper in Japan than in the and EU.
Speaking of EU VAT, few years ago, I had the shock of my life when my uncle sent me a Dell Axim from the USA. IIRC, i ended up paying the delivery guy about 75 pounds! Ultimately there was no cost savings. So just be careful of the VAT and import duty if you're buying things from any non-EU sellers. It's not fun.
Bests,
Ashfaque
Having said that, I'd encourage you to contact Bellamy (of JCH). Send him an email to see if he can give you better deal. Then you can compare his and ebay sellers' (from Japan). Heck if you have money, get the GF670w as well. GF670w is considerably cheaper in Japan than in the and EU.
Speaking of EU VAT, few years ago, I had the shock of my life when my uncle sent me a Dell Axim from the USA. IIRC, i ended up paying the delivery guy about 75 pounds! Ultimately there was no cost savings. So just be careful of the VAT and import duty if you're buying things from any non-EU sellers. It's not fun.
Bests,
Ashfaque
jamin-b
Well-known
Totally agree about the positive feedback for Japanese sellers on eBay, and with often the items being even better than described . If even have had to return a couple of faulty items and there was no nonsense and effusive apologies. Some of the sellers even include a nice green tea bag with their lenses!
wjlapier
Well-known
Another happy buyer of equipment from Japan ebay sellers. Never had a problem at all.