Other than paying a little more for postage, I would be happy to buy via the States on eBay. I have bought may items from the US with no problem at all. In may cases the good exchange rate with the $ makes purchase cheaper than buying here, even with the extra postage and small items such as the cable release will not attract any duty either. So my advice would be if you see it in the US and can't get it here, buy from America.

Thanks for that. I did also try Asahi Photo as Robin is away, they unfortunately seem unable to attend to a shutter/mirror related problem on a Non Mirror-Up model, so hope Robin may be able to help when he returns on Tuesday. I can't believe that this problem can't be fixed by someone well versed in dealing with 6x7's

Bought a second hand 6x7 unseen off eBay, beautiful condition BUT it seems to have a couple of problems. First the shutter fires, but the mirror does not return, keeping the shutter open, it only opens and shuts when on B. Any thoughts anyone?
Secondly, the meter head seems to be asleep, and I can't really see how it should couple to the aperture (no instructions, hence suck it and see). Does it have a seperate battery or get its power from the camera's battery
Assuming both are reparable faults and not DIY fixes, has anyone any suggestions as to who can do this work in the UK at a reasonable rate?