Martin's Camera Shop Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Always great service”
Written on: 13/03/2013
Just bought another lens from Martin's camera shop and very pleased with the price and service. Over the past couple of years I have spent about £7000 on lenses and cameras, paying by bank transfer. [name removed] has always kept me informed of progress with the orders and they have been delivered according to their estimated timescales. A bonus is their promise of a pro digital filter with each lens, making a further saving. I will certainly use them again and am happy to recommend them. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Worried to order from here? why?”
Written on: 25/09/2012 by gjwell
Ok, I had ordered from here in the past (only a filter) so when looking to make a substantial purchase was pleased to see a very good price. I was ordering a canon 70-200 2.4IS MKII and a Nikon 18-105. When I got to the checkout only to find that I could only pay by direct credit transfer! no protection of a credit card :(.. I figured the price was good and I had ordered from them before so it would be fine. After placing the order I thought how stupid have I been! I have absolutely... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“waited for months”
Written on: 04/07/2012 by zuluflair
Placed an order for the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM with this company and after a week was informed that the order will be late due to cannon discontinuing this lens. Was offered a refund but told that it would be around another 3 weeks for the order to be delivered if I waited. I agreed to wait and after another 4 weeks of silence, when I started chasing my order up, was issued a refund and told that this unit is discontinued and not available any more. Frustrating news, but more annoying... (read more)
★★★★★
“I had great service from Martin's”
Written on: 06/06/2012 by graham12345678 (1 review written)
I don't normally do reviews, but having read what others are saying I thought I should tell you about my experiences for balance. Since 2008 I have bought a Canon 40D, a 10-22mm zoom, a 100mm macro and a 17-40 lens from Martins. All have arrived in reasonable time, and when my 40D shutter failed three times (the original, then 2 replacements from the Canon service centre) they replaced the camera. Email communication was always polite and friendly. I'd have no hesitation in buying from... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Be very careful with this company”
Written on: 18/05/2012
Bought a Canon 5D several years ago from them. All was fine until camera broke down, my fault. When I sent it to Canon for repair at my cost, Canon sent it back with the following comment "As the serial number plate does not conform to Canon norms, for legal reasons we are unfortunately not able to offer any repair service on this product, either on a warranty or chargeable basis."... Not sure where Martin's Camera shop source products but I will not use this company again! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Can't knock them for prices but customer service is awful”
Written on: 16/05/2012
There is something wrong with the people who own this business, arrogant, little care for their customers and not really on this planet regarding modern business practice. I admit I was woed by the price of the item I wanted to purchase, even though my instinct told me no one gives that amount of money to an online store without a firm delivery promise, but I did. I did phone for stock position and for when the item would be delivered, I was told once money was in their bank, which they... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Bad Service ”
Written on: 10/04/2012
Ordered 2 cameras, first one delivered to wrong address, second one, gave back word on agreed price even though I gave them £1000 deposite and email confirming price. Now waiting for return of deposite. Very Hard to reach on the phone always goes to anserphone, despite working from home.! Linda is very curt and only helpfull if taking money from you. I have spent £8k with them in the past but will never use them again or reccomend them to anyone. (read more)
Yzfjohn's Comment
Written on: 21/04/2012
MMMMM ... maybe I am in the same boat!!!!!
Reply to this comment
★☆☆☆☆
“sociopathic business practices, steals returned items”
Written on: 04/03/2012
When returning a camera lens, they stole it and refused to refund me. Furthermore they did not know what the laws about returning items from online shops were. I had to show them a government funded website to make my case of what the law really is and then when the lens was returned to them, they stole it, plain and simple. I asked them not to phone me when going through the returns process, because I suffer from a muscle spasm disorder that affects my face and tongue (even capitalizing... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 14/04/2012
I hope you have managed to resolve this issue of yours.
Not that it really helps but you have helped me in avoiding this trouble.
if you havn't yet got conclusion to this i wish it to happen speedily for you!
best of luck.
Reply to this comment
Bzerckich's Comment
Written on: 16/04/2012
I'm glad to gear you're avoiding them. Personally I've always found that Warehouse Express, Park Cameras, Wilkinson Cameras to have very good service, but the best to me is Amazon by a mile. 30 days to return, returns i've always found are painless. Of course Amazon doesn't give advice, but if you know what you need they're great and if you buy something that isn't to your liking, you've got 30 days to return it!
Reply to this comment
★☆☆☆☆
“Purchase of camera lens”
Written on: 13/06/2011
Absolutely terrible service. When lens ordered I was told over the phone the item would take 1 week to arrive. Three weeks passes and no delivery. Difficult to contact by phone and poor communication by email. They were the cheapest, but if they can't supply what is the point! Avoid!! (read more)
★★★★★
“They were upfront with me - Canon lens not in stock...”
Written on: 05/05/2011
They were upfront with me - Canon lens not in stock and expected until (date given) so I ordered knowing when it would come - and it did. I was completely satisfied
Be realistic here - we choose Martin's because of the price, usually one of the lowest available, so don't expect an 'everything in stock' scenario with over-night delivery - High stock levels translate to higher prices - the Martin's way is the key to their pricing
I will use them every time in future -
PS - Linda could not...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 41 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Ordered my lens on a sunday hoping to get it to...”
Written on: 11/01/2011
Ordered my lens on a sunday hoping to get it to photograph my daughter's wedding the following weekend. It was only when I rang them on the friday (and left a voice mail) that I was called back and reassured that it would be with me by the following tuesday.
I sent a polite email advising them to let customers know that there is going to be a delay. I also explained my dissapointment at not being able to photograph the wedding but have since had to responce.
(read more)
★★★★★
“Just wanted to let you know that the Lens turned up as...”
Written on: 10/11/2010
Just wanted to let you know that the Lens turned up as expected yesterday.
Thank you again for the excellent service which truly makes a difference
these days. Having previously purchased the Canon 100-400mm L lens from you
, I didn't hesitate to buy the 24-105mm L from you - the offer of 3%
discount plus a free Hoya filter as well as your excellent service made it a
very easy choice. I will certainly be ordering my next piece of Photographic
equipment from you.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“My order did not arrive after three and a half weeks...”
Written on: 13/09/2010
My order did not arrive after three and a half weeks after I placed the order!!!! There was only and only email exchange as a customer service, which was very slow and unprofessional. The reason for the delay in their opinion was down to their supplier and was out of their hands. 21 century now, and they are not able to place an order with their suppliers as it comes, total nonsense. They want to do everything cheap that why everything works like that. Finally I have cancelled an order and... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Today: Thus 12 Uag 2010 ”
Written on: 12/08/2010
Today: Thus 12 Uag 2010
Terrible service, ordered online, got call saying the lens was out of stock and may be 10-12 (Full Working) days (So 14-15 Days!). Emailed to say how disappointed I was that there was no indication that the lens was unavailable (I needed it for a family event) and hoped that a 3-5 day window was enough. Got an email back saying it was my fault for not phoning and checking (Its' e-commerce for god sake, thats the point of it) and that due to the nature of my email...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“What a terrible service! I ordered a high price lense...”
Written on: 02/06/2010
What a terrible service! I ordered a high price lense from Martins Camera Shop, the transaction on the website went through fine and I eagerly awaited my product to be delievered. 3 days after purchase I got an email telling me they wouldnt send it out without proof of address or identity (after they've taken my money!) Checking my rights, there was nothing in their terms and conditions or anything stated when I made the transaction - they simply decided to change the terms of contract AFTER... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I placed an order on the 19th March. It is now the...”
Written on: 28/04/2010
I placed an order on the 19th March. It is now the 28th April.
After being unable to complete my order by the 19th April I requested a refund. As of this morning I hadn't received payment and contacted them via e-mail. They replied saying that a cheque would be sent out by first class post.
This means that they have had nearly £1,000 of my money for nearly 6 weeks and have yet to provide me with either my order or a refund.
Completely unacceptable.
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“they charged my card and then they said that it was...”
Written on: 28/04/2010
they charged my card and then they said that it was not authorised, took 15 days to cancel the order and refund my card.
Bad Service Ever Seen !
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Two and a half weeks ago I ordered two canion EF...”
Written on: 07/04/2010
Two and a half weeks ago I ordered two canion EF lenses and filters. I received one of the lenses a week after placing the order, however the other lens and filters are still out of stock.
I've spoken to Linda on a couple of occasions who is very pleasant but not particularly helpful with regard to lead-times as I've been misinformed on two occasions about delivery dates. Like other posters I've been offered a refund but am reluctant to cancel the order as the price is very competitive....
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I ordered a lens on-line which they immediately...”
Written on: 25/02/2010
I ordered a lens on-line which they immediately charged me for despite their not having the lens in stock. The lens took nearly two weeks to arrive. When it did arrive it was not as hoped for so I returned it next by next day delivery, 35 days later I have still not received a refund. This means that they have sat on my money for 50 days and I have nothing to show for it. To add insult to injury I found the lens over 10% cheaper at another shop the day it was delivered.
DO NOT DO on-line...
(read more)
★★★★★
“This is the second camera lens I have bought from...”
Written on: 06/02/2010
This is the second camera lens I have bought from Martin's Camera Shop Ltd. The lens is a Canon EF 85mm f1.2, advertised at £1600 but I was offered 3% discount for paying by Bank Transfer, this saved me an extra £48. The price was the lowest I could find in the UK. Delivery was 3 days, the lens is immaculate and covered by the usual 12 month Canon UK warranty should anything go wrong.
The sales staff were very helpful and polite. Communication all the way through was excellent. I will not...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 41 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Ordered a fisheye was told it was out of stock and...”
Written on: 23/11/2009
Ordered a fisheye was told it was out of stock and would have to be ordered in. I had to wait over 2 weeks yet they had already debited the money! The lens eventually arrived and it was an unoffical import, yet no mention of this on their website! One to avoid in the future as I would rather pay that little bit more and get next day delivery and a genuine uk lense. (read more)
★★★★★
“Have friends who used them so bought a used 40D from...”
Written on: 09/11/2009
Have friends who used them so bought a used 40D from them for £400, in better condition than I had expected, and a great camera. I continue to check them out for used gear. My "layout of shop" regers to theior on-line shop of course. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i ordered nikon 24 -70 mm 2.8 lense from martin's...”
Written on: 05/11/2009
i ordered nikon 24 -70 mm 2.8 lense from martin's camera shop 14 days ago but lense still not delivered. 2 days ago i send email to martins camera shop and still didn't get any answer. I sold my sigma 28-70mm 2.8 and i was think that i will get nikon lense in 10 days .I'm so desapointed with so bad service.
Sunny Doran from Ireland
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Advertised goods they don't even stock.BEWARE martin's...”
Written on: 19/09/2009 by Micktech (2 reviews written)
Advertised goods they don't even stock.BEWARE martin's camera shop Payed via bank transfer for speed only to be told approx 3days for money to enter account and then 10 -14 days for product to come into stock. the camera never existed and now they are sending a cheque back as a refund as it costs them to use bank transfer. Maybe they should change their bank.
Phone them and check your item is in their possesion BEFORE paying , and use a credit card for safety. You have been warned!!!
It...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have used Martins Camera Shop on several occasions...”
Written on: 19/05/2009
I have used Martins Camera Shop on several occasions and I have never being disappointed yet. It is such a welcome relief to deal with a company which is staffed by human beings instead of the usual corporate robots we have to listen to so many times over the telepnone from the call centres of much larger companies. Martin himself has given me a lot of very useful advice when making my purchases, and he doesnt just try to sell you the most expensive option. His staff are always helpful and... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I ordered a Canon EF 35mm f2 lens from Martin's camera...”
Written on: 15/04/2009
I ordered a Canon EF 35mm f2 lens from Martin's camera shop. They have a great web site that promises good communication as my order progresses and 10 working days even if it is out of stock. After five weeks I had no lens and no proactive communication from them at all. They didn't reply to an email and a second one just said they would try and find out the status of my order. If you phone them you discover they have a very long lunch break from 11:00 until 14:30. When I did get through I... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I found Martin's Camera Shop to have a very friendly...”
Written on: 18/03/2009
I found Martin's Camera Shop to have a very friendly and professional service. The price was good, I was told immediately that the item was out of stock but delivery expected in seven days. I was kept informed of the delivery status and, as I wanted to collect the item, I received a phone call on the morning it was expected to arrive. (read more)
★★★★★
“First time I have used Martins camera shop, and...”
Written on: 26/02/2009
First time I have used Martins camera shop, and slightly wary about it. Placed an order by phone and advised the lens was out of stock ( Canon 70-200mm F4 IS). Got an e mail response very quickly to confirm order and advise delivery could be upto 10 working days. Got another e mail on working day 7 to advise my order had been despatched and received the lens the following day. I thought this was very good service and the lens was a lot cheaper than I could find elsewhere. Very impressed with... (read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent value - best price I could find for a Sigma...”
Written on: 13/11/2008 by JBStaffs (1 review written)
Excellent value - best price I could find for a Sigma 18 - 200 OS lens.
Quickly supplied using Royal Mail special delivery for free.
Good communication.
Also ordered a branded UV filter which couldn't be supplied immediately so a temporary was sent and when the proper one arrived I was allowed to keep the temporary one.
Excellent service in every way.
Clearly an internet shop rather than a supplier with masses of stock but if that means good prices and good service as my experience...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I phoned Martins Cameras on a Wednesday evening and...”
Written on: 13/08/2008
I phoned Martins Cameras on a Wednesday evening and got their answerphone. I left my number and within 10 minutes I got called back and they took my order (Sigma 150-500 OS)and payment. She explained that the item was not in stock but should be arriving in 5-6 working days. This morning, (the following Wednesday), my lens was delivered safely. I am a very happy customer, and would buy from them again. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 41 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“I, too have never managed to get through on Martin's...”
Written on: 23/07/2008 by czar60 (1 review written)
I, too have never managed to get through on Martin's Camera Shop's hotline. I ordered a Nikon lens hoping for a fast delivery. One huge problem is not being able to check stock levels at the time of ordering although the company do say that they will contact the buyer if there is a problem. After a few days I contacted them by email (no one answered the phone when I called) to get a delivery estimate and only then received an email to tell me that the lens was out of stock! (read more)
Micktech's Response to czar60's Review
Written on: 20/09/2009
I found this review very helpful because...it seems that I'm not the only person being failed in the customer services area (or lack of!)of this retailer
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“Ordered and purchased Canon 40D kit at 12.30pm on...”
Written on: 13/06/2008 by rugbytalisman
Ordered and purchased Canon 40D kit at 12.30pm on Thursday, arrived at my doorstep 11.15am Friday ! What a delight to deal with. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Very happy customer would use Martin's Camera Shop...”
Written on: 09/06/2008 by Rsavage
Very happy customer would use Martin's Camera Shop again the saving was approx £100 on the Fish lens I bought .
I have dealt with far worse companies a lot bigger retailers and they don't have the same customer service as Martins Camera Shop.
Rob
(read more)
★★★★★
“These are the best prices I've found, and whilst...”
Written on: 08/04/2008
These are the best prices I've found, and whilst delivery can be slightly variable, this is a real and honest internet shop. They answer e-mails and phone calls and if you order something you will get it. If you need it now then let them know that, and if they can't supply on time go somewhere else and pay more.
Your choice!
One satisfied customer.
(read more)
★★★★★
“The lens is NOT a grey import, its a UK legit one,...”
Written on: 14/02/2008
The lens is NOT a grey import, its a UK legit one, only slightly more expensive than a hong kong one, but without the risk. I've read several stories of people buying from HK from other companies but ending paying VAT/tax and it costing more than UK. Try this company, I did and had a very positive experience. (read more)
★★★★★
“This company is superb as far as I an concerned. I...”
Written on: 10/02/2008 by Dr Watts (1 review written)
This company is superb as far as I an concerned. I cannot sing their praises too highly. I have used them three times now and each time I did, I received excellent service all round.
The first purchase was for a Canon 5D Camera body which I paid for by credit card. The next two purchases were for a 24-70mm lens and then a 70-200mm. I paid for my second and third purchases by cheque. On both occasions, I received my lenses before my cheques had cleared. I have never come across a company...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I contacted Martin's by phone for a price and within...”
Written on: 05/02/2008
I contacted Martin's by phone for a price and within an hour had it back by email, despite being told it would probably be the next day.
No complaints Recommended so far!
(read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“think carefully before using them ”
Written on: 29/01/2008
think carefully before using them (read more)
464622_Usjoeus's Comment
Written on: 03/06/2009
I agree with this review because...that was my experience too.
Reply to this comment
Micktech's Comment
Written on: 20/09/2009
as before think carefully about using this retailer
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“I placed an order with Martin's Camera Shop just...”
Written on: 24/01/2008 by CameraGirl 1 (1 review written)
I placed an order with Martin's Camera Shop just before Christmas. I received excellent service all round. I would highly recommend this camera dealer to any one who was looking for an online shop with fantastic prices, friendly service and top notch products. (read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“If it arrives before Christmas (I actually got through...”
Written on: 21/12/2007
If it arrives before Christmas (I actually got through to a lady on the phone who said "It's on back order, but I promise it'll be with you before Christmas, and I'll ring you before we send it") I'll amend this review, but with only 2 delivery days left and no signs of life from them, it seems extremely unlikely.... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 31 - 40 of 41 Reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
“I have placed orders twice with Martins camera shop....”
Written on: 14/12/2007 by andykapped (1 review written)
I have placed orders twice with Martins camera shop. The first time was for a canon 40d and lens. I placed the order on a Wednesday and received the usual automatic confirmation email, by the next Wednesday I hadn't heard anything from them and so I decided to call them to see what was happening.
What makes me laugh is that on their website they claim that you can place orders via their "Telephone order HOTLINE". No matter how many times I tried to call Martins Camera Shop, I never got...
(read more)
overview
Top 5 Camera Shops & Photo Processing
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. PhotoBox - www.photobox.co.uk
375 reviews read latest review -
2. Camera World
34 reviews read latest review -
3. Max Spielman
66 reviews read latest review -
4. Bristol Cameras
141 reviews read latest review -
5. Martin's Camera Shop
41 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Camera Shops & Photo Processing
-
Max Spielman
"Scratched negatives" Read More
-
Process C-22 Old Film Processing
"Good things come to those who ..." Read More
-
PhotoBox - www.photobox.co.uk
"Never receive the product!" Read More
-
Bristol Cameras
"No Stock, No Good. " Read More
-
Camera World
"Canon EOS600D Kit Online order" Read More
Latest items in Camera Shops & Photo Processing
See more ▼
- You are here:
- Review Centre
- High Street Shopping
- Camera Shops & Photo Processing
- Martin's Camera Shop
- Overview
Guest's Comment
Written on: 20/04/2012
Oh dear.... I think I maybe in the same boat too with this company......