Purchasing Pentax DSLR in Philippines

Karl Stevens · 08-12-2011, 11:53 AM

Just wondering if there were any Pinoy Pentaxians here?

My niece's birthday is approaching, and I'd like to get her a K-r kit; she's in the Philippines (Makati), and I'm in Canada. I can send the money to my brother-in-law so he can purchase it, but he's having a tough time finding one at a reasonable price.

I've tried looking online, and the prices seem *very* high - one I found wanted 45,000 pesos for the K-r, which works out to about $1050 - pretty steep for a camera that goes for $699 here.

Are there any good places in Makati (or nearby) that stock Pentax?

K57XR · 08-12-2011, 12:58 PM

It's hard to say if you're actually seeing the cost of what they would actually sell it over there or internet "worldwide" pricing.

Is this a surprise for her by any chance? If not, then maybe you can tell her what to look for and see what kind of deal she can get over there.

From what I understand this photographer is a respected Filipino Pentaxian (Bong Manayon). Maybe you can email him for advice.
Here's his gallery which includes his website: PENTAX Photo Gallery

Hope this helps, Cheers!

ltded · 08-12-2011, 05:05 PM

There is a Pentax store at Robinson Galleria, Ortigas Center. It is the official Pentax distributor in Manila. For the price of K-r kit, check the link.

Classifieds Ads of jonathan sia (jcssss) Philippines - 2

barus · 08-14-2011, 02:34 AM

Hi, check dbgadgets.multiply.com they sell a lot of different gadgets at a lower price. I personally have not bought from them, but my friend has although it was a mobile phone. But tell your brother-in-law to ask about the warranty in case something's wrong with the unit.

Your niece is one lucky girl! K-r would be perfect for her and I hope she joins the forum after she gets her camera.

richard balonglong · 08-14-2011, 07:32 AM

Hello!
Pinoy Pentaxian here from Baguio City...
+1 on Barus. go to dbgadgets. Here's a direct link for the KR: DBGADGETS - DIGICAM: Pentax

GrinMode · 08-15-2011, 05:06 AM

Comparing prices in the Philippines (of practically anything tech related) is 'disheartening'

.

You want it cheap, buy outside.

You can buy from the links mentioned above. Your best bet's Jon Sia. He owns Camerahaus which claims 'official' distributorship in the country'.

Karl Stevens · 08-16-2011, 11:21 AM

Thanks everybody - the places mentioned look much more reasonable!

kaarde · 08-20-2011, 06:47 PM

Having travelled a lot around the world, you'd be surprised on the cost of electronics in other parts of the world. Canada electronics are very cheap compared to other countries, might be good to buy locally and ship to the Philippines. But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local).

Best places to buy electronis: China, USA and Canada (be very careful when buying in China... had a flash that worked only 3 shots...)

Cheers

richard balonglong · 08-20-2011, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by kaarde

But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local)

Very true! When I bought my K110D in US before, and when shipped here in the Philippines, the Customs charged me a very large random fees! And to share a fellow photographer's experience, when he bought a handycam from other country, and when shipped here, they charged my friend a very large fee, and there's more, they even stole the camera!! They just left the box, and the user manual, and just placed some weights. F**k!!! The Philippine's Customs are corrupt and thieves!!!
So, when shipping items here in the Philippines, make sure that it's in a gift wrap, or better, if you have friends travelling here in the Philippines, give the item to them so there will be no problem...

Unsinkable II · 08-21-2011, 02:33 AM

It dismays me to see the pricing in the Philippines considering the cameras are made in Cebu!

It's also interesting here in HK in the way camera companies handle local pricing. Canon and Nikon make an effort to keep their prices very competitive (often cheaper than B&H/Amazon etc), I assume to capitalise on HK's reputation as a cheap place to buy electronics, and thereby gain sales through business travelers and tourists.

Pentax on the other hand sell their stuff for substantially higher than the US. The only way to get value-priced Pentax equipment here is to buy grey-market or have B&H ship internationally (no sales tax in HK). Mind you, it's still way cheaper in HK than the Philippines.

Alizarine · 03-02-2012, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by Unsinkable II

It dismays me to see the pricing in the Philippines considering the cameras are made in Cebu! It's also interesting here in HK in the way camera companies handle local pricing. Canon and Nikon make an effort to keep their prices very competitive (often cheaper than B&H/Amazon etc), I assume to capitalise on HK's reputation as a cheap place to buy electronics, and thereby gain sales through business travelers and tourists. Pentax on the other hand sell their stuff for substantially higher than the US. The only way to get value-priced Pentax equipment here is to buy grey-market or have B&H ship internationally (no sales tax in HK). Mind you, it's still way cheaper in HK than the Philippines.

I am sure envious of our neighboring SEA countries with Pentax products. Our local authorized sellers here.. sells it for around a 30% markup in most items.

For example, a the $160 DA 35 2.4 in the US is... Php17,000 ($400+?) here.... the DA40 Ltd here costs around $571

Alizarine · 03-02-2012, 03:05 AM

Originally posted by kaarde

But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local).

Very true, sadly.

vmaniqui · 03-03-2012, 12:55 AM

since you mentioned you're from canada, why not check HENRY's CAMERA. there is a K-R body that sells for $599. even target here in usa has one for $699 with lens kit. why limit yourself to phil. when you know that they sell the camera at a higher price.

jcamero · 03-03-2012, 08:37 AM

One way to avoid taxes, but a lengthly process is to send it in a Balikbayan Box. My wife is from CEBU. We send 2 boxes every year for Christmas delivery, (it takes 2 months via surface freight, boat). We have never had any issues as far as items disappearing from the boxes. Just bury it inside the box, maybe even disguise it a little. Don't list it on the manifest. We send Point and Shoots, camcorders, even microwave ovens without any hassle. Just remember, the climate is hot and humid, so pack for local conditions.

totsmuyco · 12-04-2014, 04:54 PM

Hi, I know this thread is over a year old. But can any of you tell where I can purchase Pentax cameras and lenses here in the Philippines besides Camerahaus? I'm really hoping to buy a HD 33-300 wr. I hope you guys can help. Thanks

08-12-2011, 11:53 AM	#1
Karl Stevens Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 128	Purchasing Pentax DSLR in Philippines Just wondering if there were any Pinoy Pentaxians here? My niece's birthday is approaching, and I'd like to get her a K-r kit; she's in the Philippines (Makati), and I'm in Canada. I can send the money to my brother-in-law so he can purchase it, but he's having a tough time finding one at a reasonable price. I've tried looking online, and the prices seem very high - one I found wanted 45,000 pesos for the K-r, which works out to about $1050 - pretty steep for a camera that goes for $699 here. Are there any good places in Makati (or nearby) that stock Pentax?

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08-12-2011, 12:58 PM	#2
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	It's hard to say if you're actually seeing the cost of what they would actually sell it over there or internet "worldwide" pricing. Is this a surprise for her by any chance? If not, then maybe you can tell her what to look for and see what kind of deal she can get over there. From what I understand this photographer is a respected Filipino Pentaxian (Bong Manayon). Maybe you can email him for advice. Here's his gallery which includes his website: PENTAX Photo Gallery Hope this helps, Cheers!

08-12-2011, 05:05 PM	#3
ltded New Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Manila Posts: 6	There is a Pentax store at Robinson Galleria, Ortigas Center. It is the official Pentax distributor in Manila. For the price of K-r kit, check the link. Classifieds Ads of jonathan sia (jcssss) Philippines - 2

08-14-2011, 02:34 AM	#4
barus New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 5	Hi, check dbgadgets.multiply.com they sell a lot of different gadgets at a lower price. I personally have not bought from them, but my friend has although it was a mobile phone. But tell your brother-in-law to ask about the warranty in case something's wrong with the unit. Your niece is one lucky girl! K-r would be perfect for her and I hope she joins the forum after she gets her camera.

08-14-2011, 07:32 AM	#5
richard balonglong Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 350	Hello! Pinoy Pentaxian here from Baguio City... +1 on Barus. go to dbgadgets. Here's a direct link for the KR: DBGADGETS - DIGICAM: Pentax

08-15-2011, 05:06 AM	#6
GrinMode Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 249	Comparing prices in the Philippines (of practically anything tech related) is 'disheartening' . You want it cheap, buy outside. You can buy from the links mentioned above. Your best bet's Jon Sia. He owns Camerahaus which claims 'official' distributorship in the country'.

08-16-2011, 11:21 AM	#7
Karl Stevens Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 128 Original Poster	Thanks everybody - the places mentioned look much more reasonable!

08-20-2011, 06:47 PM	#8
kaarde New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 21	Having travelled a lot around the world, you'd be surprised on the cost of electronics in other parts of the world. Canada electronics are very cheap compared to other countries, might be good to buy locally and ship to the Philippines. But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local). Best places to buy electronis: China, USA and Canada (be very careful when buying in China... had a flash that worked only 3 shots...) Cheers

08-20-2011, 11:24 PM	#9
richard balonglong Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 350	Originally posted by kaarde But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local) Very true! When I bought my K110D in US before, and when shipped here in the Philippines, the Customs charged me a very large random fees! And to share a fellow photographer's experience, when he bought a handycam from other country, and when shipped here, they charged my friend a very large fee, and there's more, they even stole the camera!! They just left the box, and the user manual, and just placed some weights. F**k!!! The Philippine's Customs are corrupt and thieves!!! So, when shipping items here in the Philippines, make sure that it's in a gift wrap, or better, if you have friends travelling here in the Philippines, give the item to them so there will be no problem...

08-21-2011, 02:33 AM	#10
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	It dismays me to see the pricing in the Philippines considering the cameras are made in Cebu! It's also interesting here in HK in the way camera companies handle local pricing. Canon and Nikon make an effort to keep their prices very competitive (often cheaper than B&H/Amazon etc), I assume to capitalise on HK's reputation as a cheap place to buy electronics, and thereby gain sales through business travelers and tourists. Pentax on the other hand sell their stuff for substantially higher than the US. The only way to get value-priced Pentax equipment here is to buy grey-market or have B&H ship internationally (no sales tax in HK). Mind you, it's still way cheaper in HK than the Philippines.

03-02-2012, 03:02 AM	#11
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by Unsinkable II It dismays me to see the pricing in the Philippines considering the cameras are made in Cebu! It's also interesting here in HK in the way camera companies handle local pricing. Canon and Nikon make an effort to keep their prices very competitive (often cheaper than B&H/Amazon etc), I assume to capitalise on HK's reputation as a cheap place to buy electronics, and thereby gain sales through business travelers and tourists. Pentax on the other hand sell their stuff for substantially higher than the US. The only way to get value-priced Pentax equipment here is to buy grey-market or have B&H ship internationally (no sales tax in HK). Mind you, it's still way cheaper in HK than the Philippines. I am sure envious of our neighboring SEA countries with Pentax products. Our local authorized sellers here.. sells it for around a 30% markup in most items. For example, a the $160 DA 35 2.4 in the US is... Php17,000 ($400+?) here.... the DA40 Ltd here costs around $571

03-02-2012, 03:05 AM	#12
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by kaarde But be careful, as I heard that the Philippines customs charge random fees (to be confirmed by a local). Very true, sadly.

03-03-2012, 12:55 AM	#13
vmaniqui Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 68	since you mentioned you're from canada, why not check HENRY's CAMERA. there is a K-R body that sells for $599. even target here in usa has one for $699 with lens kit. why limit yourself to phil. when you know that they sell the camera at a higher price.

03-03-2012, 08:37 AM	#14
jcamero Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Albums Posts: 151	One way to avoid taxes, but a lengthly process is to send it in a Balikbayan Box. My wife is from CEBU. We send 2 boxes every year for Christmas delivery, (it takes 2 months via surface freight, boat). We have never had any issues as far as items disappearing from the boxes. Just bury it inside the box, maybe even disguise it a little. Don't list it on the manifest. We send Point and Shoots, camcorders, even microwave ovens without any hassle. Just remember, the climate is hot and humid, so pack for local conditions.

12-04-2014, 04:54 PM	#15
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Hi, I know this thread is over a year old. But can any of you tell where I can purchase Pentax cameras and lenses here in the Philippines besides Camerahaus? I'm really hoping to buy a HD 33-300 wr. I hope you guys can help. Thanks