Kentee Loc: Southern California

These photo's were taken during a 2009 visit to NYC. Before someone objects, I should state that B&H may or may not be the "best" photgraphy store in the US, maybe in the world, but, it must surely be the largest.

Located at the corner of 9th Avenue and 34th Street, it occupies the basement and several floor of a building they probably own. It is solid photo and audio stuff everywhere.

A logical question is how do they maintain security and prevent the usual pilferage of all these small, valuable items? There are two answers. Plenty of capable, vigilant employees is one. The second is that when you buy something, anything, it goes in a basket behind the counter and makes its way to the checkout cashiers which are the last stop on the way out. Everything arrives and everything is checked out. Thus, anyone caught in the store with stuff in their pockets, didn't buy and pay for it.

It is an amazing place. If you haven't seen it, be certain to include it in your itinerary for your next NYC trip. There is a rule - no photos inside the store! I grabbed this one before I was told about the rule.

They have a humongous online presence and that part of the business is also impressive. Their catalog is over 450 pages.

For better photos (one interactive) visit their website:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

pigpen

I love B&H. Rarely out of stock. The best prices. Knowledgable people. 15 day return policy if you don't like something. Price match. I don't mean they'll match someone else's price (although they probably would), I mean their own price. At least twice now, I have bought something form them, and a month or so later, it went down in price. I called, and both times they gave me the sales price and refunded my $$$. They told me the only time they won't do this is "black friday".

Malcolm B Loc: Leicester (UK)

I wish I had known about B&H last year when I was in NYC. Maybe it was better that I didn't, probably would have spent far too much money.

There is always next time though!

steve03 Loc: long Lsland

Not to mention the B&H event room where they hold class and talk by top professional photographers that are taped and can be seen on u-tube.They also sponsor model shoots at times. Last year they had one in central park, with top photographers showing off their sponsors equipment that you get to use.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

With all the talk about them here, I'm glad someone posted a picture. Now we need a similar picture of Adorama.

What is that red truck opposite the store? Competition? :D

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

I usually take the free shuttle bus to B&H from PhotoExpo. I like lunch away from the Javits. But, I don't often buy when I'm in B&H--just kick the tires and check the used department. With NY sales taxes what they are, and shipping deals available, it is preferable to me to find what I want and order it online when I return home to Pennsylvania. Plus, I don't have to lug more stuff around the Expo hall when I return, and schlep it home on the bus. If I see something I want to buy at PhotoExpo, I haven't blown my budget at B&H! (Get that: IF I see something I want...haha.)
If you've "always wanted" to visit B&H, consider attending PhotoExpo this year and combine the two trips.

wolfman

I found a filter once at Adorama $20 cheaper and they matched the price.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I was a kid, we lived on Long Island and would often shop in Macy's in NYC. It always puzzled me why my mother had her purchases mailed to the house - no sales tax.

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

Jerry,
I believe the red truck is a Sandisk promo vehicle--note the name on the door. A "Mobile Memory Unit" if you will...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I don't remember seeing that.

jcrabs Loc: Key West

And they have free parking at a lot across the street.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a plus in NYC. It must cost them a fortune.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I would love to visit B&H. Too bad they don't have one on the west coast.

I have purchased camera equipment from Sammy's Camera which has a chain of stores around here, but I'm disappointed that they won't match their own internet prices in the store. I try to buy from them as much as possible to support brick and mortar in my community, but their in-store selection isn't that great. So if I'm going to order from the net without seeing it in person then why not buy from B&H and get free shipping, no tax and in most cases a better price than anywhere (plus good customer service).

Hershel Loc: New York City

Jerry,

The video at the link below will give you a better picture of scope and breadth of B&H Photo. Enjoy!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/NYSuperStore08.jsp

All the best.

Hershel K. Waldner
B&H Photo, Video, Pro Audio

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks