A rolleiflex transborder issues..

Hello,
I wonder whether any of you ever find yourself in a situation when your precious TLR is treated as an "national heritage" or "historical technology artifact" by the law.

That's what I have recently found in Poland. According to a specific Bill, all cameras that were made no later than 25 years ago may be treated as "historical technology artifacts" or even "national heritage" (as falling into some categories listed in the Bill). Then as such bear further scrutiny of the Custom & Border law enforcement agencies at the time of leaving the country! Failure of showing appropriate certificate issued by the local authorities may even lead to seizure of the given object and the courtcase!

I have been informed that I need to pay a fee and apply for a certificate that will let me & my Rollei go safely (in this respect) to Italy for vacation. Otherwise there's a risk of getting "caught" and charged! They also told me that's very likely that other EU countries may have similar lawcode and I may need formal translation of my certificate for an event where I'm asked for instance by the Carabinieri??!!

thanks
Dominik

Wow Dominik
That's a new one on me. I'm sure that the UK has no such law, seems impossible to enforce across borders I mean how old is my camera? I think a new Rollei looks like it may have been made in the 1950's certainly to the police any film camera is 'old stuff'.
Normally I'd advise to to 'play ball' with authorities get the certificate, but it sounds like someone wants to make sure you 'up-grade' every few years- do you get a tax cut for using historical national heritage artifacts? Surely if they're part of our heritage there has to be some break- possibly you could get a grant for a CLA?
Mark

Hi, I recently spoke with a lady from one of the National Heritage agencies..(on the "taxpayers payroll") that in order to get a certificate (it's actually an authorization to let my Rollei go out from Poland) I need to pay some 15 EU fee bring two photographs and get my Rollei registered. Sounds like deep socialism to me... :] It's good to hear that UK is free from such nonsense..

Sounds like a two pronged make work strategy for bureaucrats and to make some money for the Government. I am glad I don't have to deal with that in Canada.

I've never heard of such a thing in the USA. It seems that 25 years is awfully new to be considered either "historical" or a "national heritage artifact" based on age alone. Sounds like an excuse for a new tax to me! I'm not sure I own a camera newer than 25 years old. My Minolta 800si, perhaps. My Rollei was made in March, 1939, according to the serial number.

15 EU to take your own camera out of the country sounds more like capitalism to me, and since all my cameras would fall in this category, thanks, I know now not to go there.

Capitalism, is where free enterprise(individuals)are free to come and go, and figure innovative ways to earn money. Socialism, is where the government imposes fees(taxes) and gives it a label it to make it appear noble, to make money for itself, and you are not free to choose otherwise. God Bless the U.S.A.

15 Euros to take a German made camera out of Poland that's more like corruption.

Capitalism (US style) is legalised theft by the rich from the masses and brainless middle classes.

Ian

Could capitalism be defined as free enterprise? Just asking. And could socialism be defined as controlled enterprise? Again just asking, I am not political. There is the conflict of freedom to grab as much of the pie as you can and may the best and quickest get the most vs the restriction of the advantaged in order to insure equality or equal enjoyment of life for the greatest number. The ones with financial power tend to favor freedom while those less fortunate tend to favor equality. I would be of the latter group and spread the wealth if I could, but it isn't my money so it is easier for me to say.
Dennis

Ian makes a good point about the camera being German NOT Polish. Should make a good argument for not having to pay the fee, and being able to cross borders with it.

Rick