Grey or UK?

BlackDogPhoto

BlackDogPhoto

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I’m considering putting down a fair amount of money on a camera (OM3) and couple of lenses (all relative I realise).

I understand there are established grey importers like Panamoz, HDEW, and Cotswold Camera and some over 3-5 year warranties.

So my question is given the significant saving over UK prices what are the risks?

As a hobbyist it can save me potentially £1000 so it’s a genuine question. I like to support UK businesses but I’ve checked and emailed there’s no offers anywhere ..
 
Over the last seven years I have bought Nikon D500, Nikon D780, Nikon Z5 & Nikon z8 from either E-infinity or Cotswold Cameras. Never had a problem.
 
I asked Cotswold if they would let me view the customs declaration, they declined.
You have to realise that you are the importer and companies like Cotswold are only acting as your agent.
Entirely your choice, but its not for me, so in the words of the poster above that makes me barmy :)
 
No issues with any of the non-UK importers, I have used all of them in the past, and still will, but for the record I bought my OM3 body from Ffordes (grey market no showing stock at the time). Great camera, you’ll enjoy it.
 
I have bought bodies and lenses from Panmoz and HDEW excellent service
My R5 camera needed repair at just under 3 years, if I remember correctly and Panamoz were excellent so helpful, I sent my Camera to Canon UK and Panamoz refunded me the cost really quickly within a day
 
tijuana taxi said:
I asked Cotswold if they would let me view the customs declaration, they declined.
You have to realise that you are the importer and companies like Cotswold are only acting as your agent.
Entirely your choice, but its not for me, so in the words of the poster above that makes me barmy :)
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Wonder how they slink things past! Disguised as socks!
 
stickytape said:
Wonder how they slink things past! Disguised as socks!
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To be honest, I’m not really bothered. Price and availability are the governing factors. We live in an international market place. The bureaucracy involved in chasing tiny amounts would cost more than the revenues. Just think how many more civil servants they would need.
 
I suppose you could guess that they are being shipped in as low value personal imports and that as they are being shipped in in your name you could be caught in a "VAT" trap ........ but I have never seen any reports that this has happened.

Even so when you add VAT to the prices charged by these guys the total is still well under the UK Dealer price in many cases ........ so even if you were to get caught, (and I have seen no reports that people have), you are still "winning" even if you have to pay the VAT.

Just do your homework
 
Stephen L said:
To be honest, I’m not really bothered. Price and availability are the governing factors. We live in an international market place. The bureaucracy involved in chasing tiny amounts would cost more than the revenues. Just think how many more civil servants they would need.
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Haven't they laid a load off?
 
I think so
BillN_33 said:
I suppose you could guess that they are being shipped in as low value personal imports and that as they are being shipped in in your name you could be caught in a "VAT" trap ........ but I have never seen any reports that this has happened.

Even so when you add VAT to the prices charged by these guys the total is still well under the UK Dealer price in many cases ........ so even if you were to get caught, (and I have seen no reports that people have), you are still "winning" even if you have to pay the VAT.

Just do your homework
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I think some of the grey importers will pay you back if you get stung with import charges.
 
If it is lenses your after have a look at what is for sale in Japan. Used lenses marked mint or near mint to us look new. I have bought 4 from Japan directly and and save a lot of money even after import duty of around £130. No dust inside or fungus or peeling anywhere.
the latest one is this the pana 100-400mm lens MK1 shown below . Saved about £300 on the equiviant UK used lens in this condition


many advertised on ebay have internal dust issues or parts missing like end caps or hoods , so something to watch out for, so be carefull

P1014568.JPG
 
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From Cotswold Cameras website T&C's.

Maybe useful for some:

"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. Please note that by making a purchase on this website you will be acting as the importer of the product for all purposes including all customs regulations, copyright and trademark laws. You accept that the role of Cotswold Cameras is limited to sourcing products and making them available for you to import directly from the country of origin. By purchasing a product through this website you authorise our suppliers to make arrangements for clearance of customs on your behalf for the products you have ordered."
 
GreenNinja67 said:
From Cotswold Cameras website T&C's.

Maybe useful for some:

"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. Please note that by making a purchase on this website you will be acting as the importer of the product for all purposes including all customs regulations, copyright and trademark laws. You accept that the role of Cotswold Cameras is limited to sourcing products and making them available for you to import directly from the country of origin. By purchasing a product through this website you authorise our suppliers to make arrangements for clearance of customs on your behalf for the products you have ordered."
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They don't though :ROFLMAO:

I purchased a £10,000 lens from them, and it cost £10,000 - no additional fees.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
From Cotswold Cameras website T&C's.

Maybe useful for some:

"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. Please note that by making a purchase on this website you will be acting as the importer of the product for all purposes including all customs regulations, copyright and trademark laws. You accept that the role of Cotswold Cameras is limited to sourcing products and making them available for you to import directly from the country of origin. By purchasing a product through this website you authorise our suppliers to make arrangements for clearance of customs on your behalf for the products you have ordered."
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From Cotswold Cameras FAQs :)

Screenshot 2025-08-21 at 13.00.29.png
 
I haven't, have you tried looking at Trust Pilot reviews?

I've used E-Infinity and Panamoz way too many times over the years :ROFLMAO: and used Cotswold Cameras once, but as I said above it was for a £10k lens, I contacted the owner before ordering to satisfy myself it was legit and the service was excellent.
 
 
turbotoes said:
I’ve bought bodies and lenses from Panamoz, They stand by their warranty (3 years local) and I can’t see a reason to buy uk stock.
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This 100%.

Even as an NPS member, I can’t justify not buying grey, unless there are offers on.
 
+1 for HDEW; have used them twice in the last year with no Issue. I don't think Panamoz has the OM-3 in stock as its not showing for me on their website (UK). I used to buy all my gear used in the UK but as of late it is now frequently more expensive than buying new grey. I almost pulled the trigger on an OM-3 this week from HDEW but have decided to stick with my R8.
 
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+1 for HDEW

Covered recall issues on a camera of mine, was without it a couple of weeks but first class service.
 
Plain Nev said:
Most people seem to rate Cotswold very highly. And, to be honest you would be barmy to ignore the price difference.
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I ordered a camera and lens from these recently (2 months) and have been impressed. A price you can not ignore. Out of interest, I wasn't happy with the way the camera switched between EVF and the monitor. I got in touch and they were very quick to reply and came up with the solution. Very helpful.

Best of luck @BlackDogPhoto with your new kit, where ever you choose to buy, I'm sure you'll love it.
 
As I posted in a previous thread 'Ordered Nikon Z6 iii on 31st July 25 from Cotswold arrived today 4 Aug 25. UK shop £2499. Panamoz £1570. Cotsawold £1459' so why would anyone realistically throw away a £1000 unless of course there a pro footballer or movie star. I understand people say we should support our own retailers but it is very hard to do if I assume like most of us here have working class jobs or like me on a pension.
 
russellsnr said:
As I posted in a previous thread 'Ordered Nikon Z6 iii on 31st July 25 from Cotswold arrived today 4 Aug 25. UK shop £2499. Panamoz £1570. Cotsawold £1459' so why would anyone realistically throw away a £1000 unless of course there a pro footballer or movie star. I understand people say we should support our own retailers but it is very hard to do if I assume like most of us here have working class jobs or like me on a pension.
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And best price in UK for a used Nikon Z6iii is £1849 (Park Cameras).

I was worried that it would impact resale value if I ever traded my grey gear in but MPB didn't bat an eyelid.
 
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The Duke of Bork said:
I've bought from Cotswold, HDEW and UK Digital over the years without issue.
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Just to nit-pick, UK Digital is a real UK shop in Clitheroe. Quite close to me, use it frequently. ;)
 
Stephen L said:
Just to nit-pick, UK Digital is a real UK shop in Clitheroe. Quite close to me, use it frequently. ;)
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Still grey though, I got my Olympus 150-400 from them when supply through official channels was very patchy. Confirmed with Olympus UK later that year at their stand at the Birdfair.
 
The Duke of Bork said:
Still grey though, I got my Olympus 150-400 from them when supply through official channels was very patchy. Confirmed with Olympus UK later that year at their stand at the Birdfair.
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I know several people who have bought expensive OM System lenses at full price with full registration. I have personally seen the amount of stock “in the back”.
 
Whereish are you? I’m in Settle
 
Had a look at there website but could not see any Nikon equipment, maybe need new glasses:cool:
 
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