Canon upgrade/import advice

undesign

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Feb 5, 2007
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With strong Rand I'm considering importing to upgrade from the 550D to a 7D. B&H seems to be a well-known and trusted seller - how does the warranty work? Can I send it to the local Canon if anything should happen?
 

bwana

MyBroadband
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If something goes wrong you'll need to send it back to the country of origin . . . which is something I've yet to have to do.
 

SubliminalThought

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Oct 25, 2007
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AFAIK, only lenses are duty free whereas you will pay duties on the camera body.

If you get knocked with 20% duties and 14% VAT and choose UPS shipping ($115) you are looking at landed cost of R15515 for the body. Orms price is R 15,295.00.

Not so sure what the duties are on the camera. Had a SARS Customs sheet somewhere. Even if it is lower at 10%, I still don't think it would be worth it importing.
 

undesign

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If something goes wrong you'll need to send it back to the country of origin . . . which is something I've yet to have to do.

Hmmm...it does put me off a bit. But damn, the price is almost to good to ignore. I want to buy the 15-85mm regardless of whether I upgrade or not - currently about R8,000 here in SA. I can get a 7D + 15-85 combo from B&H for R16k shipping included!
 

undesign

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AFAIK, only lenses are duty free whereas you will pay duties on the camera body.

If you get knocked with 20% duties and 14% VAT and choose UPS shipping ($115) you are looking at landed cost of R15515 for the body. Orms price is R 15,295.00.

Not so sure what the duties are on the camera. Had a SARS Customs sheet somewhere. Even if it is lower at 10%, I still don't think it would be worth it importing.

Bloody SARS...:(

Assuming duties and VAT of R3,350 I can land the 7D + 15-85 here for R19,500.

Vs. maybe R22k here. Agreed, doesn't look so great anymore. Oh well...off to CameraWorld to see what they can do for me...
 

SubliminalThought

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Oct 25, 2007
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You would save around 2k... for a 20k product. Maybe try to get the local retailers to give you some discount. I imported a lens and saved R5k on a R20k part. Lenses also carry an international warranty. I have been looking at the 7D since it came out. *sigh* ... my spending on anything has (un)fortunately been limited.
 

Juggy

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Nov 19, 2004
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That's a fantastic price! Have you dealt with them before?



No, I haven't although I have spoken with them on the phone and everything seemed koscher. I would find a JHB mate to go to them and collect with cash if I were you.

If you need a hand I might know someone in Vanderbijlpark
 
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undesign

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Feb 5, 2007
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No, I haven't although I have spoken with them on the phone and everything seemed koscher. I would find a JHB mate to go to them and collect with cash if I were you.

If you need a hand I might know someone in Vanderbijlpark

Thanks Juggy. They seem legit - there's a thread on Outdoorphoto discussing them. Grey imports it seems.

I'm waiting for my regular store to quote me, if it's much more expensive I will seriously consider CameraQuip.
 
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