buying online - anyone used martin's camera shop?

[roger94503]

Has anyone had good / bad experience with
www.martinscamerashop.co.uk

They seem to have great prices, and great testimonials on their own site, but before I part with a large chunk of change I'd appreciate your feedback - if they are as good as they look I'm sure some of you guys will have some experience of them

thanks

 

[timmygcsc2308]

not sure about canon stuff but just had a browse on the nikon gear and it doesn't seem too dissimilar to Jessops/Warehouse Express prices

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Has anyone had good / bad experience with
www.martinscamerashop.co.uk

They seem to have great prices, and great testimonials on their own site, but before I part with a large chunk of change I'd appreciate your feedback - if they are as good as they look I'm sure some of you guys will have some experience of them

thanks

Seriously though,they sell grey imports, so make sure you know what you're getting warranty-wise, as a lot of the stuff won't be covered by the manufacturer.

 

[chip]

I have used Martins Camera shop and was happy with the service.

I had to wait a few days for delivery but saved about £150 on Nikon 85mm f1.4 lens. And they did tell me how long delivery would be and delivered within that timescale.

I read someone state on here that they sell grey imports, I must admit I was NOT aware of this and unsure if this is correct, but would want clarification from martinscamershop before buying again.

 

[micloi]

When I called and asked for a lens they admitted that it was a grey import.

I would go with Kerso or Digital Depot IMHO

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I have used Martins Camera shop and was happy with the service.

I had to wait a few days for delivery but saved about £150 on Nikon 85mm f1.4 lens. And they did tell me how long delivery would be and delivered within that timescale.

I read someone state on here that they sell grey imports, I must admit I was NOT aware of this and unsure if this is correct, but would want clarification from martinscamershop before buying again.

It's easy enough to tell, have a look and see what it says on your Nikon warranty card, if it's not got a Nikon Europe stamp on it, or if the lens serial number starts with US then it's a grey import. The Nikon USA boxes also tend to be different (on the "pro" model lenses at least), being of the picture type,rather than the all-gold ones that we get in Europe and the camera bodies can come in black/yellow boxes.

 

[allanm]

I bought a Nikon 18-200VR off them a few years back. UK stock and cheaper than anywhere else, just.
I had a problem with the lens under warranty and they sorted it out for me with Nikon UK. No problems with them in my experience.
Allan

 

[chip]

It's easy enough to tell, have a look and see what it says on your Nikon warranty card, if it's not got a Nikon Europe stamp on it, or if the lens serial number starts with US then it's a grey import. The Nikon USA boxes also tend to be different (on the "pro" model lenses at least), being of the picture type,rather than the all-gold ones that we get in Europe and the camera bodies can come in black/yellow boxes.

That's interesting. My lens has a 6 digit number without any prefix and came in a normal looking gold box.

I can't find the warranty card (not important as it has long expired) but I wasn't aware it might be a grey import when I bought it. Would Nikon pick this up, or care, when I registered it (which I did)?

Martins Camera Shop website states:

"WARRANTY: All Cameras and Lenses sold on this site are covered by Nikon or Canon 12 months manufacturers warranty. All repairs will be carried out by Nikon or Canon."

Perhaps they are not telling us which international service division the camera will need to be sent to

Although it doesnt really matter to me now, I have no idea if my lens is UK import or grey.

Not my most used lens, but definitely my favourite, grey or not

 

[Trig's]

not sure about canon stuff but just had a browse on the nikon gear and it doesn't seem too dissimilar to Jessops/Warehouse Express prices

Seriously though,they sell grey imports, so make sure you know what you're getting warranty-wise, as a lot of the stuff won't be covered by the manufacturer.

Bloody dear for imports & dearer than WE/Jessops etc if you ask me - just checked them for a D700.... over £1900 & that was with their 3% discount off.....

 

[Flash In The Pan]

That's interesting. My lens has a 6 digit number without any prefix and came in a normal looking gold box.

I can't find the warranty card (not important as it has long expired) but I wasn't aware it might be a grey import when I bought it. Would Nikon pick this up, or care, when I registered it (which I did)?

Martins Camera Shop website states:


Perhaps they are not telling us which international service division the camera will need to be sent to

Although it doesnt really matter to me now, I have no idea if my lens is UK import or grey.

Not my most used lens, but definitely my favourite, grey or not

Nikon lenses have an international warranty anway, but a common trick is to remove the warranty card from the box so that the buyer doesn't know it's origin, camera bodies are whole different ball game as Nikon UK won't honour the warranty on one intended for a different market, unless (iirc) the owner has purchased it personally in the other country andd has proof that they did so.

 

[Walt]

Only used them once (for a Hoya filter), the price was the best i could find at the time but did take a lot longer to arrive than i expected.

 

[Clonetrooper]

Seriously though,they sell grey imports, so make sure you know what you're getting warranty-wise, as a lot of the stuff won't be covered by the manufacturer.

Like what? How is it different to buying a lens from Kerso?

Geniune question, not trying to be funny.

I have used Martins and they were fine for my 1000D but recently ordered a lens and they were woefull. Took ages to eventually find out the item was not in stock and had to chase them every week for an update. Then had to chase them for 2 weeks for a refund.

I won't be using them again.

 

[jakeblu]

Like what? How is it different to buying a lens from Kerso?

Geniune question, not trying to be funny.

As Graham said, makes no difference with lenses, Canon and Nikon warranties on lenses are international but cameras are a different matter. Canon will not touch a camera that was not meant to be sold here. Not really a problem, just means the warranty is held by the supplier.

Steve

 

[roger94503]

Thanks all for the replies - seems to be quite mixed

i.e. some people suggest their prices not always competitive
others say to avoid as they are 'grey imports' although one of those people suggested going to Kerso - having had a look at 'Kerso' isn't he just an individual importing gear from the USA to order? Isn't that a 'grey import'

Apologies if I am misunderstanding, I'm new here, and just after advice to getting a new lens a bit cheaper (but safely)

As far as price is concerned, for the lens I am after (Canon EF 100 - 400), Martin's were £1225 (or £1188 with the 3% off for not paying by card) PLUS they give a free Hoya UV filter allegedly worth about £50 plus

I'm ignoring the eBay 'buy now' offers at £1100

this compares to Amazon and Jessops online exclusive at £1268 without the filter (or jessops in store at £1189)

I was hoping for a strong response endorsing Martin's so that I could save around £130, but perhaps that will be the cost of peace and mind going to Jessops who can do the online price with collect at store - at least I would only have to drive into town if I get a problem with it

 

[Cris_L]

I placed an order from these guys, nothing online said it was out of stock but I then got an email saying the item was out of stock and would up to 14 working days.

So being impatient i cancelled the order.

 

[Trig's]

I placed an order from these guys, nothing online said it was out of stock but I then got an email saying the item was out of stock and would up to 14 working days.

So being impatient i cancelled the order.

Thank god I'm not the only one