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Re: [OM] Re: Roger Key's quest for a Gitzo [Part 1]

Subject: Re: [OM] Re: Roger Key's quest for a Gitzo [Part 1]
From: Tris Schuler <tristanjohn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 06:01:04 -0700
I thought about VAT the other day, Roger, and it seems to me the cheapest course would be to ship the item first to America where it could be received by a friend, who would then turn it directly around for you and ship it back to you (wherever you live) as a "used" gift, with, of course, minimal (if any) import duties collected as a result. Of course, implicit to this subterfuge resides an article of trust on your part, but if you look around carefully I'm sure you'll discern a likely Olympus who'd be pleased sort to lend you a helpful hand.

And time wouldn't be such a factor, either, provided you used FedEx. I was more or less forced to accept UPS as my carrier with Robert White as Stu informed me that FedEx does not have service to Poole, that an intermediary agent would need to be used to get the parcel first to FedEx's nearest station. I'd assume that would be Southampton, but I don't know. In the event I took a deep breath, crossed myself and prayed for the best.

And sure enough. The ever business-like Stu followed through like a champ by delivering my UPS tracking number within two hours of our phone conversation, and I headed straight away to the UPS tracking site to confirm. It then required the UPS software a nanosecond to tell me that the tracking number I'd just entered made no sense to it!

I explained this to Stu and asked him for a "better" tracking number, but I'm afraid that's the best he'll be able to do. With UPS this silliness is par for the course, and so, again, and for whatever it's worth . . . if you have the choice, give your business to Federal Express.

        (andmaygodhavemercyontherestof...headded)

Tris



At 02:30 PM 7/26/01 +0200, you wrote:



Hi Tris

Very interesting tale (both parts)....I took another look at www.gitzo.com to
see the details of the Explorer (G2227, G2228, G2220). The weights are very
attractive compared with Benbos or UNI-Locs, that are somewhat similar in
nature. The Carbon (CF) models are still out of my range, but I was surprised to find that the G2220 3-section aluminum version costs only 400f the CF version
(G2227) - 109UKP instead of 252UKP (Robert White prices). So I will try to get
the 2220 after I have sold some of my excess Olympus bodies (7 too many). The
weight difference is only 10% (G2220=2.2Kg, G2227=2.0Kg). I should note that
there is no 4-section aluminum version. Another thing that I should mention for
Europeans like me is that Robert White's prices do not include VAT/MOMS/OMS
(Sales Tax) - 17.5 0.000000e+00xtra for us in Europe (EU). Shipping costs 
outside the UK
are also high - if I end up ordering one, I will have it sent to my mother's
address in UK!
These tripods look to be a grat match for lightweight OM's.

Roger Key




Re the relatively high cost of Gitzo tripods . . . everyone is sobered by
the price of Gitzo tripods, as well as other high-end gear. This is a rite
of photography, Roger.

Re cartage of kit: I suggest you try a Lowepro Mini Trekker. These
backpacks are perfect mates for the light, compact Gitzo tripods, with
convenient holders on the back replete with a quick-release function.
Assuming a body and lens already in hand, an Olympus user could tote
another body and/or three or four lenses plus filters/film/accessories with
little difficulty using one of these well-designed and sturdily-built
packs. I've found nothing better, though Lowepro does sell larger backpacks
(actually, sells an entire system, which you are apparently aware of).

One of our members suggested Robert White Camera Specialists in Poole,
England and thoughtfully provided us with a link . . .

         http//www.robertwhite.co.uk/

         . . . which I followed.

...

First, Roger, Robert White Camera Specialists will sell you a Gitzo G2228
four-section Explorer for $410.00, which amounts to a $125 savings over the
price presently listed on B&H Photo out of New York.....................




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