Re: Mamiya Cameras, a bit OT

["Frank Schiffel" <SchifF@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

EPOI did the same thing with Nikon before they sold out to Nikon USA. we sent an Nikon F with some lenses to a friend who was in the secret service. he had to go to the post office, pay duty then file the Nikon name off the front of the camera. otherwise it would be returned to us or destroyed.

customs will hassle you on this. 

I ended up getting a form from customs (and you have to do it in front of the customs officer) noting what camera equipment I had in the US before I left, then when I returned they checked the stuff against the form. otherwise its pay duty on it. unless you carry all your sales receipts with you.

customs is part of law enforcement. and the biggest bastards are at JFK in New York.

>>> "Karl and Anita Shah-Jenner" <shahjen@xxxxxxxxxx> 6/8/00 11:16:03 AM >>>
Joseph writes:

>         Customs officials are far too busy tracking down illegal drugs,
>arms, etc, etc, to worry about the serial number on a camera.  I suspect
>this story is a bit of aurban legend, encouraged by soem people.
>         Even if it was true, you sinply point out you were overseas, your
>camera went into the ocean during a storm/accident, or it was ripped off
>out of your hotel room, etc, etc - any reasonable story, and you needed a
>new one right away to finish the job, so you bought one locally.  End of
story.


I thought I was dreaming too when I saw it, but here's the link:

http://mamiya.com/Section1/Sitemap/Disclaimer/disclaim.htm 

and here's a clipped quote from the page..

""TRADEMARKS AND GRAY MARKET WARNING NOTICE

Under Section 526 (a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, the importation of any
foreign-origin merchandise bearing the MAMIYA or SEKONIC trademarks, without
the written consent of Mamiya America Corporation, is unlawful and
prohibited. Unauthorized importations are subject to seizure and forfeiture
by the United States Customs Service.

Mamiya America Corporation has directed Customs to enforce these trademarks
aggressively, and to prohibit the importations of "gray-market" merchandise.
Mamiya America Corporation will also pursue all of its available remedies
for injunctive relief and damages against any persons who import,
distribute, sell or otherwise deal in gray market merchandise bearing these
marks. """


I only posted my original bit out of concern - I suspect though you're right
and although Mamiya distributors would rather people didn't import, I can't
see customs officers "enforcing this aggessively", but it pays to be aware
of the law ... they DO after all use the term "any person"

All the best

Karl



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