Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK

In message , Dave writes
>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
>from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.

I have been doing the same exercise for the D300

>Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the one
>of the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good reputation and
>two years warranty. They are looking quite attractive though at this
>minute in time.

Never the cheapest but they are VERY good and service second to none.
You get what you pay for,

All the others you listed bar Jessops are not exactly photo specialists?
IF you are looking for a D3 that is a lot of money to spend on a whim
for a supplier.

Go and get a UK digital Camera magazine. Look at the adverts, better
than the Internet.

Try
www.Calumetphoto.co.uk

AJ Purdy
Park
Clifton
Camera Warehouse
Walters Video

--
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Dave" wrote in message
>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it from.
>I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>
> I looked at Simply Electronics (the cheapest I could find at 2548), but a
> search of the internet reveals they are not too decent/honest and are
> based in Hong Kong. I've bought other stuff from places like them, without
> fuss, but are not going to risk it on a D3, as there it too much money
> involved.
>
> Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the one of
> the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good reputation and two
> years warranty. They are looking quite attractive though at this minute
> in time.
>
> Amazon has them at £2771, but its on the Amazon market place which I'm a
> bit more suspicous of. I've bought loads of books via the amazon
> marketplace, but not willing to do so on an expensive camera.
>
> John Lewis, who offer one of the best customer service policies around do
> not unfortunately sell them. (I did think of asking if they could get one
> in, but I doubt it).
>
> I did think of Jessops too, but at £2849 they are the most expensive. But
> I know when I bought an F6 from them, I managed to get it below their list
> price, but it also took a long time to come in.
>
> I'd rather find someone that has one physically in stock, where I can
> collect one and is a reputable UK dealer. I'm not looking to save the
> last penny, but neither do I wish to pay an excessive amount.
>
> Any ideas who I might have overlooked?



Simply Electronics are listing it for £2399, but no address details would
put me off. Looks like they maybe oversea's as you mentioned, so even if
you received it, I'm not sure whether Nikon UK would give you any support if
you had a problem as it will be a grey import.

Just done a quick google.
Park Camera's. £2749.
http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/7419/groupID/8...tegoryI

Warehouse Express. £2749
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1021977

As someone else mentioned, maybe looking through a couple of mags as well.
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Jake" wrote in message

> "Dave" wrote in message
>>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it from.
>>I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>>
>> I looked at Simply Electronics (the cheapest I could find at 2548), but a
>> search of the internet reveals they are not too decent/honest and are
>> based in Hong Kong. I've bought other stuff from places like them,
>> without fuss, but are not going to risk it on a D3, as there it too much
>> money involved.
>>
>> Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the one of
>> the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good reputation and two
>> years warranty. They are looking quite attractive though at this minute
>> in time.
>>
>> Amazon has them at £2771, but its on the Amazon market place which I'm a
>> bit more suspicous of. I've bought loads of books via the amazon
>> marketplace, but not willing to do so on an expensive camera.
>>
>> John Lewis, who offer one of the best customer service policies around do
>> not unfortunately sell them. (I did think of asking if they could get one
>> in, but I doubt it).
>>
>> I did think of Jessops too, but at £2849 they are the most expensive. But
>> I know when I bought an F6 from them, I managed to get it below their
>> list price, but it also took a long time to come in.
>>
>> I'd rather find someone that has one physically in stock, where I can
>> collect one and is a reputable UK dealer. I'm not looking to save the
>> last penny, but neither do I wish to pay an excessive amount.
>>
>> Any ideas who I might have overlooked?
>
>
>
> Simply Electronics are listing it for £2399, but no address details would
> put me off. Looks like they maybe oversea's as you mentioned, so even if
> you received it, I'm not sure whether Nikon UK would give you any support
> if you had a problem as it will be a grey import.
>
> Just done a quick google.
> Park Camera's. £2749.
> http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/7419/groupID/8...tegoryI
>
> Warehouse Express. £2749
> http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1021977
>
> As someone else mentioned, maybe looking through a couple of mags as well.

Purely Gadgets £2495
http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=9736&wysiwyg=9
Free Postage with code PGCPBA8FD
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

Chris H wrote:
> In message , Dave writes
>> I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
>> from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>
> I have been doing the same exercise for the D300

You need to be careful when there is a lot of money involved. I'm not
too bothered about taking a risk to save a bit of money on cheaper
items, (I bought an SB-800 and a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter from the far
East) but I'm not taking an chances on an expensive camera.


>> Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the one
>> of the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good reputation
>> and two years warranty. They are looking quite attractive though at
>> this minute in time.
>
> Never the cheapest but they are VERY good and service second to none.
> You get what you pay for,

Yes, I am aware of their service. I think I might well buy from them. I
could be there in about 90 minutes from home.

If SRS in Watford have them in stock @ £2699, then I think Jessops would
match them. That's if I could find a Jessops store with one. (Watford is
a long way from me.)

£100 difference from Grays and SRS is quite a bit of money. If it was
£50, then I would not consider it, but I can have quite a few beers for
£100. But perhaps on such an item, £100 is not too significant.

> All the others you listed bar Jessops are not exactly photo specialists?
> IF you are looking for a D3 that is a lot of money to spend on a whim
> for a supplier.

I'd trust John Lewis, but they are unable to supply one. At least with
them if anything was wrong, I know there would be no arguments.

> Go and get a UK digital Camera magazine. Look at the adverts, better
> than the Internet.

Yes, I've been doing that. I suspect its worth phoning places too, as
often prices are lower than printed. I found Kingley Photographic have
them on their web site at £2899, which is the most expensive I've seen
them anywhere. They might well sell cheaper than that thought. (I've
used them before, know their shop has been there at least 15 years, so
trust them).


> Try
> www.Calumetphoto.co.uk
>
> AJ Purdy
> Park
> Clifton
> Camera Warehouse
> Walters Video
>

Thanks for those suggestions.




Dave (I am the original poster, but a different computer, so name a bit
different).
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

DubDriver wrote:
>
> "Jake" wrote in message
>
>> "Dave" wrote in message
>>> I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
>>> from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.

> Purely Gadgets £2495
> http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=9736&wysiwyg=9
> Free Postage with code PGCPBA8FD
>

I don't get a good feeling about Purely Gadgets. Cheap yes (actually
£2595, not £2495), but not somewhere I'd trust too much. They might be
fine, but they don't inspire confidence, and that I want when spending
this sort of money.
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Dave" wrote in message
> Chris H wrote:
> > In message , Dave writes
> >> I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
> >> from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
> >
> > I have been doing the same exercise for the D300
>
> You need to be careful when there is a lot of money involved. I'm not
> too bothered about taking a risk to save a bit of money on cheaper
> items, (I bought an SB-800 and a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter from the far
> East) but I'm not taking an chances on an expensive camera.
>
>
> >> Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the one
> >> of the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good reputation
> >> and two years warranty. They are looking quite attractive though at
> >> this minute in time.
> >
> > Never the cheapest but they are VERY good and service second to none.
> > You get what you pay for,
>
> Yes, I am aware of their service. I think I might well buy from them. I
> could be there in about 90 minutes from home.
>
> If SRS in Watford have them in stock @ £2699, then I think Jessops would
> match them. That's if I could find a Jessops store with one. (Watford is
> a long way from me.)

SRS have a shop on the parade around the corner from Rayners Lane Tube
station. The guy who manages the shop stops in at Watford on the way to
work each morning and so could arrange collection from RL.

Its doubtful if Jessops managers are given any discretion over pricing -
they certainly won't match the prices in Jacobs across the road from them
in New Oxford Street.


michael adams

....











>
> £100 difference from Grays and SRS is quite a bit of money. If it was
> £50, then I would not consider it, but I can have quite a few beers for
> £100. But perhaps on such an item, £100 is not too significant.
>
> > All the others you listed bar Jessops are not exactly photo specialists?
> > IF you are looking for a D3 that is a lot of money to spend on a whim
> > for a supplier.
>
> I'd trust John Lewis, but they are unable to supply one. At least with
> them if anything was wrong, I know there would be no arguments.
>
> > Go and get a UK digital Camera magazine. Look at the adverts, better
> > than the Internet.
>
> Yes, I've been doing that. I suspect its worth phoning places too, as
> often prices are lower than printed. I found Kingley Photographic have
> them on their web site at £2899, which is the most expensive I've seen
> them anywhere. They might well sell cheaper than that thought. (I've
> used them before, know their shop has been there at least 15 years, so
> trust them).
>
>
> > Try
> > www.Calumetphoto.co.uk
> >
> > AJ Purdy
> > Park
> > Clifton
> > Camera Warehouse
> > Walters Video
> >
>
> Thanks for those suggestions.
>
>
>
>
> Dave (I am the original poster, but a different computer, so name a bit
> different).
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

In message , Dave writes
>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
>from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.

Personally I shall be buying my D300 from Calumet at the end of the
week.


--
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

michael adams wrote:

> SRS have a shop on the parade around the corner from Rayners Lane Tube
> station. The guy who manages the shop stops in at Watford on the way to
> work each morning and so could arrange collection from RL.

Thank you.

> Its doubtful if Jessops managers are given any discretion over pricing -
> they certainly won't match the prices in Jacobs across the road from them
> in New Oxford Street.
>
>
> michael adams


I have negotiated deals with Jessops managers for non-trivial amounts of
money.

I bought a Nikon F6 at a price below the Jessops list price at the time
in the shop in Tottenham Court Road. It took some time to get it though.
I've no idea how he justified the price, but I got the F6. It was soon
after the F6 was released.

In the New Oxford St store, I was going to buy a Nikon 80-200 F2.8 IF-ED
VR lens, but I was aware Grays of Westminster gave a two year warranty
on their lenses. Jessops then did a 'price match' of the lens, at a
price *below* that of Grays (or anywhere else reputable for that
matter). Effectively the manager lied on a form about a price found
elsewhere.

They then sold me a 3 year warranty for the standard price of the
warranty - that was not discounted. The net result was I got a lens + a
3 year warranty which included accidental damage at the same price as
from Grays with a 2 year warranty, which would not included accidental
damage.

Things may have changed a bit - it was a good few years ago I bought the
F6 and the VR lens was not exactly recent either. But I had some success
in two central London Jessops stores.




Dave
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Chris H" wrote in message

> In message , Dave writes
>>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it from.
>>I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>
> Personally I shall be buying my D300 from Calumet at the end of the week.
>> --
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
> \/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>
One of my friends bought a D300 from the local Jessops store for the same
price and at the same time, as I got mine from Amazon.

When he got it home and used it, his first image was numbered above DSC
3500. When he complained they claimed that was due to "In-Store"
demonstration. They did give him a Free Memory Card, but only a 1 Gig. An
8 Gig Extreme IV might have been nearer the mark.

I know that the "frame" number appears when the image is reviewed, but he
only noticed when he saw the file titles after transferring to his computer.

We have both had the cameras for about 1 month, but mine has only just gone
beyond image DSC 1000.

I think it might be a bit pointless relying too much on retailers past
reputations. Buyer Beware.

Roy G
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Chris H" wrote in message

> In message , Dave writes
>>I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it from.
>>I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>
> Personally I shall be buying my D300 from Calumet at the end of the week.
>
>
> --
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
> \/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>
>
One of my friends bought a D300 from the local Jessops store for the same
price and at the same time, as I got mine from Amazon.

When he got it home and used it, his first image was numbered above DSC
3500. When he complained they claimed that was due to "In-Store"
demonstration. They did give him a Free Memory Card, but only a 1 Gig. An
8 Gig Extreme IV might have been nearer the mark.

I know that the "frame" number appears when the image is reviewed, but he
only noticed when he saw the file titles after transferring to his computer.

We have both had the cameras for about 1 month, but mine has only just gone
beyond image DSC 1000.

I think it might be a bit pointless relying too much on retailers past
reputations. Buyer Beware.

Roy G
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

In message , Dave writes
>Chris H wrote:
>> In message , Dave writes
>>> I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it
>>>from. I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>> I have been doing the same exercise for the D300
>
>You need to be careful when there is a lot of money involved. I

I agree. .

>'m not too bothered about taking a risk to save a bit of money on
>cheaper items, (I bought an SB-800 and a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter from
>the far East) but I'm not taking an chances on an expensive camera.

I am not going to the cheapest (which is a mail order of shore place)
but going to a local (30 miles) branch of Calumet.

The main sellers are within 15 GBP /30 USD of each other. So it is not
worth saving 15GBP and going mail order over a local supplier where I
can walk in and pick up the camera.

>>> Grays of Westminster is another option, but at £2799 they are the
>>>one of the more expensive. They have the advantage of a good
>>>reputation and two years warranty. They are looking quite
>>>attractive though at this minute in time.
>> Never the cheapest but they are VERY good and service second to
>>none. You get what you pay for,
>
>Yes, I am aware of their service. I think I might well buy from them. I
>could be there in about 90 minutes from home.

Not the cheapest though. There are other reputable places in the same
area.

>If SRS in Watford have them in stock @ £2699, then I think Jessops
>would match them. That's if I could find a Jessops store with one.
>(Watford is a long way from me.)

Jessops are a good bet even if they tend to focus on (no pun intended)
the low end consumer. They don't actually stock the D300 in the local
branch let alone the D3

>£100 difference from Grays and SRS is quite a bit of money. If it was
>£50, then I would not consider it, but I can have quite a few beers for
>£100. But perhaps on such an item, £100 is not too significant.

Save the 100 GBP unless you are a professional photographer who is
likely to make use of Grays other support and services.

>
>> All the others you listed bar Jessops are not exactly photo
>>specialists? IF you are looking for a D3 that is a lot of money to
>>spend on a whim for a supplier.
>
>I'd trust John Lewis, but they are unable to supply one. At least with
>them if anything was wrong, I know there would be no arguments.

John Lewes just supply boxes. The other places mentioned do have more
than a passing interest in photography.

>> Go and get a UK digital Camera magazine. Look at the adverts, better
>>than the Internet.
>
>Yes, I've been doing that. I suspect its worth phoning places too, as
>often prices are lower than printed. I found Kingley Photographic have
>them on their web site at £2899, which is the most expensive I've seen
>them anywhere. They might well sell cheaper than that thought. (I've
>used them before, know their shop has been there at least 15 years, so
>trust them).

That is worth at lest 30 GBP in my book. A shop you can trust.


>> Try
>> www.Calumetphoto.co.uk
>> AJ Purdy
>> Park
>> Clifton
>> Camera Warehouse
>> Walters Video
>>
>
>Thanks for those suggestions.
>Dave (I am the original poster, but a different computer, so name a bit
>different).

If you are in London www.calumentphoto.co.uk they have a London branch
and do mail order. I looked at a camera in the local Birmingham branch
but as they did not have the special package t I wanted I did it mail
order.

Just going to pick up a D300 and lens tomorrow from the Brum branch. I
could save 10-15GBP but I would probably loose that on shipping Also you
can't beat walking into a well informed shop and checking the contents
of the box before you pay.....


--
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

Roy G wrote:
> "Chris H" wrote in message
>
>> In message , Dave writes
>>> I wish to buy a Nikon D3 body, but are not too sure where to get it from.
>>> I'm looking for the cheapest *decent* place.
>> Personally I shall be buying my D300 from Calumet at the end of the week.
>>
>>
>> --
>> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
>> \/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
>> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>>
>>
> One of my friends bought a D300 from the local Jessops store for the same
> price and at the same time, as I got mine from Amazon.
>
> When he got it home and used it, his first image was numbered above DSC
> 3500. When he complained they claimed that was due to "In-Store"
> demonstration. They did give him a Free Memory Card, but only a 1 Gig. An
> 8 Gig Extreme IV might have been nearer the mark.

I think that is taking the ****. I'd personally register the warranty
with Nikon, then take the camera back saying I wanted my money back and
making sure they knew the warranty was registered. I reckon they would
give a LOT more than a 1 GB card, as they could not sell it as new - it
would be worth less than an ex-demo model I feel.


> I think it might be a bit pointless relying too much on retailers past
> reputations. Buyer Beware.
>
> Roy G

Very true, but it's probably the best we can go on though. I got a lens
and flashgun from Japan, which came over marked as "no commercial
value". I paid no VAT/import duty on them. Worked out very well. Not
sure what would have happened had they got damaged in shipping, but they
did not so I was OK. But I'm not going to take such a chance on a D3. A
few hundred pounds I could afford to lose if the worst came to the
worst. A few thousand I could not!

Dave
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK 

"Chris H" wrote in message

>
> If you are in London www.calumentphoto.co.uk they have a London branch
> and do mail order.


Your link is wrong. Its calumet without the "n"


michael adams

....

I looked at a camera in the local Birmingham branch
> but as they did not have the special package t I wanted I did it mail
> order.
>
> Just going to pick up a D300 and lens tomorrow from the Brum branch. I
> could save 10-15GBP but I would probably loose that on shipping Also you
> can't beat walking into a well informed shop and checking the contents
> of the box before you pay.....
>
>
> --
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
> \/\/\/\/\ Chris Hills Staffs England /\/\/\/\/
> \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Where to buy Nikon D3 body in the UK