In the realm of "Alt" gear (Leica, etc.), it can be difficult to source certain gear sometimes. I noticed that MAP camera has some pieces that I might be interested in (and likely will continue to get others). I'm not intimately familiar with them, personally ... but, I understand that others think well of them.
I'm mostly wondering how the process of international ordering from the U.S. works with MAP camera. You know, customs, returns, warranty, fees, etc.
The first camera I ever bought was a Canon A-1 in Kowloon, back around '83, so there's a bit of (loose association of international purchase) nostalgia with the notion of buying from MAP. But, I'm a little hesitant because if it is a "big ticket" item, and there are issues ... what a PITA it might become. I think MAP has a good rep, but ... ya just never, know.
I bought used a Leica MP there in person in October. Very straight forward and got it tax free.
I just bought a used Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.5 SC online through Buyee. Straightforward so far, but you can only buy used items, the exchange rate is not the best and you still have to pay japanese consumption tax. I'll be able to tell you more once it is here.
I personally shine away from purchasing used gear from non-US based domestic sources. I had to return a few times purchased items which is more difficult with international shipping etc. I also found that including shipping and potential taxation when importing the price is not cheaper than getting it domestically. The only advantage using international sources is potentially having more choices and not needing to wait until the desired camera or lens gear appears on a domestic site for a reasonable quality and pricing.
I have bought from them through Buyee, you wouldn't know the difference between them and a US vendor being here in the US. Actually, shipping is extremely quick, I have had my lenses within 3 business days each time. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
They also have decent deals listed on eBay....again, super fast shipping. Nothing to worry about regarding customs, etc. I haven't returned anything, but they mention they allow returns. Not sure who pays return shipping, that would be expensive
I’ve bought a ton of stuff (lenses, cameras and fountain pens) from other countries. It’s true the return process is more expensive, but if the store has a good reputation the process is otherwise the same as in the US. I’ve bought from MAP Camera as well and had a good experience.
Warranty would depend on the age, brand and store policies, just like in the US.
I’ve never been charged taxes or duties on camera gear when importing, other than eBay charging a sales tax on everything nowadays or FedEx slapping on a fee (none of the other shippers have done so).
Maybe it’s because I’m a foreigner myself, but I don’t really get this hesitance about buying from otherwise reputable foreign stores.
I have bought Leica items directly from Leica Wetzlar Classic store and have been happy with all purchases. Since my shipments come to the US I often pay US duty, but it was not a deal breaker. I have purchased used Leica gear from Canada and was charged about 5% US duty, but that was about 10 years ago.
I can understand shipments to Austria/Spain/NL have other issues like paying VAT if buying from another EU country, but comments about non-US purchases are not what the OP asked.
RustyBug wrote:
In the realm of "Alt" gear (Leica, etc.), it can be difficult to source certain gear sometimes. I noticed that MAP camera has some pieces that I might be interested in (and likely will continue to get others). I'm not intimately familiar with them, personally ... but, I understand that others think well of them.
I'm mostly wondering how the process of international ordering from the U.S. works with MAP camera. You know, customs, returns, warranty, fees, etc.
The first camera I ever bought was a Canon A-1 in Kowloon, back around '83, so there's a bit of (loose association of international purchase) nostalgia with the notion of buying from MAP. But, I'm a little hesitant because if it is a "big ticket" item, and there are issues ... what a PITA it might become. I think MAP has a good rep, but ... ya just never, know.
As others have said, buying through Buyee is very smooth. But if you can swing the ticket.. Japan is a very interesting experience and Tokyo is absolutely filled with camera stores. My favorite place to travel too.
I use MAP Camera via eBay. Free shipping. Returns. The most impressive packaging for shipping I've see to date. And, the item photos and descriptions on eBay are the best I've come across, including from those from authorized Leica dealers. Prices are competitive, sometimes they do slight discounts on selected items. I've used Tamarkin, CameraQuest and MAP Camera (almost) exclusively for M and LTM items, and between Tamarkin and MAP, I trust MAP Camera more.
mapgraphs wrote:
I use MAP Camera via eBay. Free shipping. Returns. The most impressive packaging for shipping I've see to date. And, the item photos and descriptions on eBay are the best I've come across, including from those from authorized Leica dealers. Prices are competitive, sometimes they do slight discounts on selected items. I've used Tamarkin, CameraQuest and MAP Camera (almost) exclusively for M and LTM items, and between Tamarkin and MAP, I trust MAP Camera more.
Same experience with Map on eBay. As easy on my end as a domestic purchase, and been satisfied every time.
BPsmith511 wrote:
As others have said, buying through Buyee is very smooth. But if you can swing the ticket.. Japan is a very interesting experience and Tokyo is absolutely filled with camera stores. My favorite place to travel too.
Travel to Tokyo is dangerous for my wallet, between Hands, stationary stores and camera stores, not to mention all that delicious food…
RoamingScott wrote:
Buy through ebay as others have said, it's braindead safe as the buyer.
And super safe if you buy from Map camera. I have bought half a dozen things from them through E-bay and they come in just a couple days and if you stay below I believe $2,500 there are zero issue with importing the items. I do have to pay sales tax these days, but that is true with everything on E-bay as far as I know. I have paid no other taxes, however, with Map camera.
Steve Spencer wrote:
And super safe if you buy from Map camera. I have bought half a dozen things from them through E-bay and they come in just a couple days and if you stay below I believe $2,500 there are zero issue with importing the items. I do have to pay sales tax these days, but that is true with everything on E-bay as far as I know. I have paid no other taxes, however, with Map camera.
Yes, I was referring to buying from Map THROUGH eBay vs direct. It smooths all the processes out for the US buyer to have eBay involved.
I've never paid tax or import duties from any Japanese eBay shop, Map included.
mapgraphs wrote:
I use MAP Camera via eBay. Free shipping. Returns. The most impressive packaging for shipping I've see to date. And, the item photos and descriptions on eBay are the best I've come across, including from those from authorized Leica dealers. Prices are competitive, sometimes they do slight discounts on selected items. .
I have used them as well and agree with all of the above statements.
RoamingScott wrote:
Buy through ebay as others have said, it's braindead safe as the buyer.
Only if you use PayPal and take into account you get whacked by eBay for sales taxes, while a direct purchase (or flying there) generally is tax and duty free.
I have purchased from MAP Camera via eBay several times and have never had a bad experience. They do a great job of packaging and the item is shipped quickly. I have never had to pay import duties either. You can double check, but I believe that if import duties are charged, MAP Camera covers those for shipments to the US.
Only one time did I need to return a lens because it was decentered. I tested it (tripod, brick wall) so that I could be sure. When I contacted them about the return, they asked how I tested it and to send them images from the testing, which I did. There was no issue at all with the return and they paid the shipping cost. A refund was given the same day that the lens arrived back in their hands.
One more vote for MAP and Ebay. Only dissapointment is that they are usually firm on their prices unlike some other Japanese vendors.
On a side note, buying overseas is very easy these days. Back in the ‘60’s in college we would buy new Nikons from Hong Kong at very good prices. But to pass through customs they had to remove the Nikon plate from the F bodies and mail them separately. And cover the engraved nikon name on the body with an easily removeable black wax. All this because EPOI held the US rights to Nikon at that time.
It’s almost worth the ticket price to Japan just to visit MAP. A really cool store on 7 floors.
Only thing is that Sony bodies in Japan have Japan only menus. Other than that they have as good a reputation as possible. I’ve bought from them many times. Though not in US and not had to return anything.
