[farnz]

Daniel,

Along with Red Dot I would strongly recommend Photo Design Studio. There are plenty of recommendations for Red Dot Cameras on the forum so I shall not waste time adding to them other than to say I support them.

I have dealt with the proprietor of Photo Design Studios, Frank Foster, a number of times, he is a true gentleman and I been entirely satisfied on each occasion.

Delivery is next morning by Royal Mail Special Delivery in the UK and, surprisingly, he often manages next day delivery to the USA. (I joked with him that he must have driven from Devon directly to Heathrow, boarded a flight to the USA and hand-delivered the lens himself and he said that the lens wouldn't have reached its destination any quicker if he had!)

Sales are by telephone, which can be very handy because Frank is pleasant to talk to, knowledgeable and keen to make sure you get exactly what you're looking for. Insured shipping costs in the UK are £11, which is very reasonable compared with the extortionate price some courier companies charge.

I bought a 50/1.4 Summilux-M aspherical from PDS on 22nd December at £1,749 but I regret that it might be the last at that price although I advise you to check with Frank in just in case. (Despite the typically high volumes of Christmas mail the lens was in my hands the next morning.)

PDS is based in a village in Devon and has (I think) only 2 staff so is able to offer smaller margins than other dealers.

Pete.