buying camera equipment.
 

Is buying camera equipment in Europe a better deal than in the US? I am looking for 35mm lens or a medium format camera body. What about a guarantee? Where are the good places to shop in Italy or France?

Last I knew most warranties on cameras and such purchased in Europe weren't valid in the US. Haven't bought anything there for a while so that may have changed. <BR> <BR>twenj

Laura: <BR> <BR>(1) The camera business in the US is fiercely competitive. (2) European countries invariably charge a VAT of 12 to 18 percent. (3) B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com) with whom I've done business and which is generally considered to be a reliable vendor has great prices and dependable service. B&H sells both new and used stuff. <BR> <BR>On our trips to Europe and UK, I've checked prices in the local stores. Film and cameras are generally more costly except for occasional private label film sales at chain stores like Photo Porst. I have no connection with B&H except for being a completely staisfied customer. <BR> <BR>My advice is to buy whatever I needed from B&H. Try it out and learn to use it. Then go off to a happy trip in Europe.

You might be able to pick up a vintage Leica, 'blad, Contax or the like cheaper in Europe, but remember that most cameras are made in the Far East now.

I tried to buy a Ricoh GR-1 camera overseas the last couple of times I went. (They don't carry it in the US). I've found it was cheaper to mail order it from home than it was to go there in person and buy it. <BR> <BR>Also the warranty issue is valid. <BR> <BR>I also recommend B&H. I doubt if you'd find it cheaper for what they're selling it for. <BR> <BR>Photo Gallery: http://www.jimtardio.com

I've bought at B&H for decades. They are reliable and have the (overall) the best prices in the States. I too have compared prices while on location and have always gone with B&H. I do not work for or have any association with B&H, just another happy customer. bhphoto.com.

Might sound like a B&H commercial, but I would also highly recommend it. Sometimes you can get foreign versions from B&H as well, since it does sell gray-market items, and you can pay substantially less for them. I purchased an EOS-5 from B&H, which is the foreign version of the Canon A2E. I payed less for it and got a few better features to boot. Some people will warn you against buying gray-market, but it is an option. I don't have any first-hand experience with the warranty issues, but if you look at www.photo.net, you will see others' experiences. It seems that sometimes the U.S.-based facilities (Canon U.S.A. for example) will honor non-U.S. warranties.