Purchasing a Hasselblad...USA vs.Sweden

Kimberly Anderson · Jun 11, 2010

Hello folks,

Looking for a 500 series body, 80 & 150mm lens, finder, a few backs, etc...

Was wondering about buying in the USA vs. buying in Sweden. I have found an interesting site in Sweden and am doing the conversion from Kroner to US Dollars.

Prices over there don't seem so bad...

Just wondering if anyone else has done the math and thinking.

Thanks!

Sirius Glass · Jun 11, 2010

Based on my real experience, both Samys on Fairfax in Los Angeles and KEH are competitive. KEH has more inventory and a better return policy. About half my equipment comes from each.

Steve

Darkroom317 · Jun 11, 2010

Shipping is an issue though. Also, it's Kronor.

lns · Jun 11, 2010

Personally, I worry about returns. If a camera, lens or back has an issue, the time, expense and hassle of the return would eat into your savings pretty quickly.

-Laura

photomat- · Jun 12, 2010

lns said:
Personally, I worry about returns. If a camera, lens or back has an issue, the time, expense and hassle of the return would eat into your savings pretty quickly.

-Laura

+1

I find it hard to get better prices on lenses and backs than with Keh. I used Georgeury.com when I bought my 500CM, he rates the condition of his used gear conservatively. Both give you an ample warranty for used gear.

Kimberly Anderson · Jun 12, 2010

The main reason I ask is because I will be *IN* Sweden for three weeks this summer. If there was a problem I would be able to (hopefully...), return the items to the seller.

The Kroner exchange doesn't worry me, since I'll be using them there anyway.

I have used KEH in the past and will heartily agree their service is amazing and every piece of gear I've ever gotten from them has exceeded expectation.

Thanks guys.

sarahfoto · Jun 12, 2010

What site have you been looking at? Living in Sweden maybe I can tell you if it's someone you would like to do business with, or not.
Sarah

k_jupiter · Jun 12, 2010

Michael Slade said:
The Kroner exchange doesn't worry me, since I'll be using them there anyway.

As a frequent traveler to Europe, that statement... confuses me. Whether you exchange here, exchange there, exchange anytime or place, the conversion needs to be accounted for if you are making price a critical factor in your purchase. Whether you are there using Kronor, or buying from the states, the law of economics still applies.

tim in san jose

Sirius Glass · Jun 12, 2010

If you buy it in Sweden, you could get hit at U. S. Customs. Is the risk of that worth buying in Sweden and sending equipment back and forth over the Atlantic to save a few shelkels?

Steve

NJS · Jun 12, 2010

The Kroner exchange doesn't worry me, since I'll be using them there anyway.

Click to expand...

If you buy stuff from Europe and you're living in USA, you don't need to exchange $$$ in Kronors. You may stuff some of them onto your bank account before purchase but they'll be exchanged in dollars anyway once you hit 'bill me' button and then exchanged again into Kroners once they hit european banks. so, you loose some that way by exchanging them twice.

Jesper · Jun 12, 2010

Hasselblad is reasonably cheap in Sweden and equipment are not hard to find.
Cheapest is of course to buy from a private seller. If you know Swedish you can try www.blocket.se
Next Saturday there is an auction in Stockholm with loads of Hassy-stuff (www.lpfoto.se for tha catalogue).
Are you looking for anything special?

If you have any questions or need any help finding stuff in Sweden just let me know (I live there).

Kimberly Anderson · Jun 12, 2010

What I'm not nervous about is the use of the Kronor. If the equipment is significantly cheaper in Sweden, then it will make up for the currency exchange loss. Yes, there is a value loss when you exchange, but there might be a value gain if the gear is less expensive to begin with. THAT is what I am trying to figure out.

I am looking for a 500c or 500c/m, an 80 and a 150, a few backs and maybe even an eye-level finder. A basic kit for doing some landscape and portraiture while I'm there.

The site I was looking at was the Swedish eBay, and I found a 500c package that was 3000 Kronor (379.80 USD) A Dead Link Removed is priced at $518.00.

It seems that if you can find the right seller, it could be advantageous to purchase in Sweden. Customs? I've never been asked to declare cameras in customs and prove they were mine with original USA sales receipts.

We will be in Lund for a while. If you have any leads on Hassy stuff, let me know Jesper. I will look at the auction on the lpfoto.se site.

Thanks!

EDIT: Just looked at the auction site. Very easy to navigate...very reasonable prices. It looks like I will be purchasing my Hassy stuff in Sweden.

Jesper · Jun 12, 2010

This one appeared today on Blocket.se http://www.blocket.se/kalmar/Hasselblad_501_CM_27982323.htm?ca=23_10&w=3
You will see what is in the deal from the picture. The seller wants 5000kronor.
There is a mail-to-link by the letter icon if you want to get in touch with the seller, and let me know if you need anything translated,

I will take a look at some sites and send you some links.

Sirius Glass · Jun 12, 2010

Michael Slade said:
Customs? I've never been asked to declare cameras in customs and prove they were mine with original USA sales receipts.

This has been my experience, but I would not want you to be on the wrong side of the question. Of course there is always, " This old stuff, I have had for years, why would I carry documentation papers after all these years?"

Enjoy

Steve

k_jupiter · Jun 12, 2010

Sirius Glass said:
This has been my experience, but I would not want you to be on the wrong side of the question. Of course there is always, " This old stuff, I have had for years, why would I carry documentation papers after all these years?"

Enjoy

Steve

As a US citizen you would get $800.00 purchases duty free anyway.

Just don't mess around with Customs. They get upset when you do that.

tim in san jose

PVia · Jun 12, 2010

photomat- said:
+1

I find it hard to get better prices on lenses and backs than with Keh. I used Georgeury.com when I bought my 500CM, he rates the condition of his used gear conservatively. Both give you an ample warranty for used gear.

Thanks for that link...looks like a great place.

Purchasing a Hasselblad...USA vs.Sweden

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