C100: The C100 -- still valuable enough for a carnet?

[QuickHitRecord]

The C100 has fallen in retail price so much in recent months that it retails for about the same price as a higher end DSLR and those seem to pass through borders freely without a carnet. I'm wondering if it's still a necessity to get a carnet for a small C100 kit (in my case two or three lenses, a mic, and perhaps a monitor -- all in a Pelican 1510 case).

Specifically, I would be traveling to the UK for two-day paid shoot.

What have been your experiences?

 

[nedcam]

I have never had a carnet for the UK. If I was going to a corrupt 3rd world backwater where bribes are expected then I would request the client pay for a carnet. However, several days before I depart I bring all the gear I plan to use, at least the expensive electronic items and lenses, and have a registration of the serial numbers made at the Customs office at the airport. Takes 15 minutes. They keep a copy and I get one. See attachment below. ALL YOU CAMERAMEN WHO MAY GET AN INTERNATIONAL GIG: PRINT OUT A COUPLE COPIES OF THIS ATTACHMENT.

Upon arrival at the UK Customs, if questioned I would give them a copy of the equipment list on official US Customs letterhead with a cool looking embossed stamp. Most of the time I am waved through and they don't ask any questions except why am I coming into the UK. When I leave the UK, if the agent wants to make sure I am leaving with all the gear I brought in, in case I sold something and didn't pay tax, that's my proof. A Poor Man's Carnet.

When I arrive back at O'Hare if they have any questions I still have my proof. Customs agents tend to only care about items that look new and were not made in their country. Another fail safe is to bring the equipment receipts of the very expensive items, which I used to do when my cameras cost $40-60K. In sum, I don't think you need to worry about a used looking C100.

P.S. What I usually worry about is being hassled for my purpose. Most arrivals have a Biz and Tourist line or at least the agent will ask which one you're there for. If you go into tourist line or say you're a tourist with pro looking cases they raise an eyebrow. Your Pelican case screams Professional or Navy Seal. If you go into the biz line they may ask where's your Work Visa? Short story: I was once sent back to the US from the Toronto airport trying to BS my way in without the proper paperwork, which takes two months to get and explains why a Canadian can't do your job. When I used to travel a lot internationally we would make sure our local client, or at least the fixer, was at arrivals and we had a working phone on us. That way if there was flak at Customs our guy could run interference. It's important that you say you're leaving in a few days so they don't think you're stealing a citizen's work.

If the video you will be doing is to promote business for a UK company or subsidiary, raise funds for a do-good project that benefits the UK, anything positive, have your client on their stationery write a letter as to what your purpose is and you can flash that at them.

I would not say anything about being paid. I'd say I am volunteering to film (never say Shoot) in exchange for a trip to the UK. At least the UK is civilized. Please report back when you return about how it was getting in and out.

 

[QuickHitRecord]

Thanks, Ned. This is tremendously helpful. A poor man's carnet. Brilliant!

 

[bengiles]

I've taken a C100, Miller tripod and Thinktank Airport roller through UK Customs from outside the EU several times. And a couple of times in a huge SKB/Peli case.

I'm British, but they don't know that, when I walk through the Green Channel. I think you'll find it a whole lot more relaxed than you may be imagining - unless you physically fit certain profiles they may be on the look out for.

On the other hand, I totally get the concern about taking kit in/out of a country, when you haven't done it before - I had the same concerns when planning a trip to Nepal last year. However, on subsequent trips over there, I casually walked in and out with far more gear.

Ned's an experienced guy - follow his advice. On future trips, you may feel less concerned.