42nd Street’s advertised prices are lies. In order to get the advertised equipment at the advertised price, one is required to buy junk packages of add-on equipment at ridiculously high prices.

Last weekend I ordered from 42nd St. a grey market 105mm Nikkor for $700 (normal US import price around $900.) At that time the web site said they had plenty of that lens in stock. Two days later I got an email saying they over-sold their inventory and that they expected to fill the order in 4 to 6 weeks. At that time, and still to today, the web site says they have plenty of that lens in stock.

After several emails it turns out that they could find that lens, for immediate shipment, if I purchased an accessory kit for $150. That package included a $6 uncoated UV filter and a flimsy tripod and some other useless junk. If I did that I’d end up paying $850 for a grey market lens.

Bottom line, one spends way too much for what is advertised as a bargain when dealing with 42nd St. Photo. If you want a grey market lens, you are much better off going to e-Bay.