Honest, efficient & fair prices, what more can you want

I had to buy different copies of the same tilt shift (PC-E) Nikkor lens, first from eBay (but a dealer not a private sale), second one came from a camera store in Leeds. The first one had a problem with the tilt feature on the tilt shift lens It has a locking dial, and also a tilt adjustment dial. When you open the lock, the lens is supposed to stay put, and only move when you turn the other, adjustment dial, but on this lens, once you unlocked it, gravity took over and the lens dropped to full tilt. The second lens had a different issue. When fitted to the camera, a gentle push to one side or the other caused the lens to move, or rock, slightly, as if the lens mount was loose. The lens is designed to fit into the camera mount, and if needed, it can rotate 180 degrees, and that rocking motion was between the ring part, which fitted into the camera, and, the main body of the lens. The mount itself was not moving. These problems told us that both lenses, far from being excellent as described, were actually ex professional use lenses, hammered for years of use, and now on the used market cheap. After sending both back for a refund (the Leeds dealer insisted on me paying the 15 quid return postage) I set about finding one again. This is where Ffordes came in. They had one for about £100 more than those others I tried, and I emailed, explaining the trouble I was having and asking them to check this one first. Ffordes replied confirming the mint condition and that the tilt action was a little loose but ok. I went ahead and they got it to me next working day. On unpacking, it was indeed, mint, and that tilt action problem was just in one direction. Rotating the lens sorted that out. These lenses are very expensive new, so instead of paying 2199 I paid 850. That is of course, a lot of money, but represents a great saving, and Ffords honesty and service can be fully trusted. After my previous experience I was half expecting to be returning my purchase for a third time (first time with Ffordes) but that was not the case. Very happy indeed, and wish I had decided to go with them first time around. The moral of the story is, if you want a PC-E lens, be prepared to pay just a tad more than the cheapest on sale, or, you will regret it. Lesson learned here. As to Ffordes, they will be my first port of call on any future requirements, thank you guys.