UK members - where do you buy your gear

Dave, I prefer to use the two mentioned below. They are still independent and interested in photography rather than quick sales....
1) Camarthen Cameras..... http://www.carmarthencameras.co.uk/
2) Mifsuds..... http://mifsuds.com/ They have an impressive second hand list. They are also happy to take a call and will give you an honest opinion of an item on their list.

Happy Christmas to all.....

Wilkinson Cameras - http://www.wilkinson.co.uk/stores/ - are a smaller retailer in the NW. Nearest branch to you is either Liverpool or Warrington. Very competitive and charge internet prices over the counter.

UK Digital - http://www.ukdigital.co.uk/?gclid=CI...FQ8gfAodvmJUPg - is also very competitive. They are based in Clitheroe and so not quite so accessible to you.

I use one or the other depending on price because I prefer to look someone in the eye when I'm spending large amounts. Over the counter, they are both extremely helpful. Only had problems with gear bought from Wilkinsons but their return service to Nikon was excellent. They are preferred partners for Nikon, Canon and Fuji and so are part of that select few retailers that can include manufacturers special offers. However, I have not used either for mail order and so don't know how they perform in that area.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Great ideas there, and lots of places to try - personal opinions are so much better than surfing the internet.

Special thanks to John 2 for a couple of local suggestions. In fact, my sister in law lives near Rawtenstall, so it's a journey we do quite often, and Clitheroe is certainly near enough. Sadly, to get to Norwich to visit Wex is a four hour drive each way.

Best season's greetings to everyone,

Dave

If you want some real "old fashioned" customer service, helpfulness and knowledge, you can't beat Digital Depot in Stevenage old town, Hertfordshire. I have been dealing with them for over ten years and nothing is too much trouble for them.
http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/

They ship anywhere.

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Originally Posted by GrahamS

If you want some real "old fashioned" customer service, helpfulness and knowledge, you can't beat Digital Depot in Stevenage old town, Hertfordshire. I have been dealing with them for over ten years and nothing is too much trouble for them.
http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/

They ship anywhere.

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Stevenage has an OLD town????

I remember when Stevenage was a NEW town.

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Originally Posted by Saorsa

Stevenage has an OLD town????

I remember when Stevenage was a NEW town.

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Stevenage old town is south of the railway tracks - a half-mile of the original London road, most of the shops are in listed buildings dating from the 1700's or early 1800's. It's a great place to shop and to take street shots. The new town is north of the tracks, built in the 1950's, and it looks it! But hey, this is the heart of the space industry and you would never know it.

I've found Clifton Cameras in Dursley, SRS in Watford and Park Cameras in Burgess Hill brilliant to deal with and all are official dealers for most makes

Bought a new 14-140mm for my Panasonic from ukdigital as recommended by John2 in the post above.

http://www.ukdigital.co.uk/?gclid=CI...FQ8gfAodvmJUPg

It's a bit of a drive (by UK standards!) from where I am, but I found them very professional and helpful. Would certainly use them again for a significant purchase.

Mind you, I nearly wavered when I saw that Amazon had just (yesterday) done a big price cut on the lens. Still, I paid what I was prepared to, and my conscience is clear (well, on this at least :))

I buy my gear from various sources: WEX, Bristol Cameras, LC Exchange and my local camera shop in Bishops Stortford. Found prices vary by 10-12 pounds, but the local shop has Human, Knowledgable assistance...

I got my kit at Castle cameras in Salisbury and Bournemouth. Also Amazon do good deals.

I can't fault Clifton Cameras for their after sales service. I purchased a new Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 "Sport" online from them but when I received the lens it had front-focusing issues, and if I attached a TC it back-focused. I spoke to them on the phone, explained the problem, and asked if I could drive down for a replacement as I didn't want to wait for it by post. No problem, when I got there they had the replacement lens waiting for me and didn't even test the original, just inspected it for any signs of mis-treatment. They suggested I take the new lens over to WWT Slimbridge (which was only 15mins from the shop) to test it out, which I did.....and it was perfect!!

I have used Cameraworld and Calumet. In both the staff were knowledgeable and happy to spend time talking to customers about their needs.