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Touring the Candy Stores - Adorama and B&H
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Oct 13, 2016 07:24:27   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
jdm wrote:
I'm heading to Manhattan next week for a few days and am considering touring Adorama and/or B&H. I'm hoping that you awesome Hogs that have done so can weigh in on which one or both. I shoot still images ... no video at this time. I'm also interested in learning about studio lighting. Also, back in the day, Chelsea was the photographer's neighborhood. Is that still the case? Are there other places I should consider to hit the photography enclaves? Thanks so much for your advice! JDM


Call B&H ahead, they offer free parking about a block away. Like I said, call ahead, their may be restrictions.

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Oct 13, 2016 07:33:50   #
Impressionist
 
Think of the images you like to make and how or what might help make them better or easier. Do some homework on questions in the way of equipment and what you think is a fair price to pay. Get the price difference of getting an item you see there or ordering it on line and having it sent to your home. Could be bigger difference then you think. Central Park is going to have spectacular natural colors. The opportunities boundless for awesome street photography. Beautiful time of year and perfect area to try before you buy. Couple of layers of clothing. Can get chiller and warmer then you think in a matter of hours or even block you are on. Snack food in big pockets. You might need to take out a second mortgage just to go to McDonalds. Admission to get into the city but free to drive out. Have a great time.

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Oct 13, 2016 07:49:20   #
Fotomacher Loc: Toronto
 
I dropped in to B&H while on a business trip to NYC. Blew me away! Yom Kippur was yesterday (October 12), and Sukkot is coming up from Sunday night October 16 to Monday night October 24, followed by Simchat Torah which ends Tuesday October 25 at sundown. GAS will be on hold for a few days! A good month for holy days but a bad month for working!

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Oct 13, 2016 07:58:20   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
PM Hershel here on the Hog. He gave a guided tour to a friend and I earlier this year and he may be able to do so for you. Great guy! Great tour!

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Oct 13, 2016 08:18:43   #
gotr
 
Wasn't there a good 42ND St camera back in the early 1980s

I bought my Pentax K1000 metal 35 my with 50 my lens. Lots of fun and good pictures

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Oct 13, 2016 08:46:35   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
gotr wrote:
Wasn't there a good 42ND St camera back in the early 1980s

I bought my Pentax K1000 metal 35 my with 50 my lens. Lots of fun and good pictures


There was, but not any more from all reports.

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Oct 13, 2016 09:13:53   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
jdm wrote:
I'm heading to Manhattan next week for a few days and am considering touring Adorama and/or B&H. I'm hoping that you awesome Hogs that have done so can weigh in on which one or both. I shoot still images ... no video at this time. I'm also interested in learning about studio lighting. Also, back in the day, Chelsea was the photographer's neighborhood. Is that still the case? Are there other places I should consider to hit the photography enclaves? Thanks so much for your advice! JDM

Haven't been to Adorama so I can't comment on it. But B&H is a must see.

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Oct 13, 2016 09:15:16   #
Hershel Loc: New York City
 
jdm wrote:
I'm heading to Manhattan next week for a few days and am considering touring Adorama and/or B&H. I'm hoping that you awesome Hogs that have done so can weigh in on which one or both. I shoot still images ... no video at this time. I'm also interested in learning about studio lighting. Also, back in the day, Chelsea was the photographer's neighborhood. Is that still the case? Are there other places I should consider to hit the photography enclaves? Thanks so much for your advice! JDM


jdm,

Sadly, we are destined to miss you this visit as B&H will be closed starting at 1pm ET Sunday, October 16 through Wednesday, Oct 26.
We will reopen at 9am Wednesday, October 26.

Looking forward to meeting you upon your next visit.

HERSHEL
B&H Photo, Video, Pro Audio

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Oct 13, 2016 09:16:49   #
Hershel Loc: New York City
 
LFingar wrote:
PM Hershel here on the Hog. He gave a guided tour to a friend and I earlier this year and he may be able to do so for you. Great guy! Great tour!


I am moved to say that I enjoyed meeting you and had a great time as well!

HERSHEL

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Oct 13, 2016 09:18:41   #
mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey
 
gotr wrote:
Wasn't there a good 42ND St camera back in the early 1980s

I bought my Pentax K1000 metal 35 my with 50 my lens. Lots of fun and good pictures


Nope You are thinking of 47th Street Photo. 42nd Street Photo is a bait and switch grey market camera store playing on the reputation of that venerable older store with a similar name.

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Oct 13, 2016 10:35:48   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
You might see what you want then call them on your cell and order it. That way they can ship it to you (not take it home yourself) Just thought of it too--- You may not have to pay tax.

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Oct 13, 2016 10:53:25   #
Siena Loc: Rocky Hill, CT
 
Hi JDM - May I suggest Union Square (14th & Broadway). If you're in town on a Saturday, they have an awesome Farmer's Market - makes for colorful subjects and great people shooting. Two blocks up (at 12th) and at the edge of Union Square is the renowned Strand Book Store with thousands of used books. That would make for interesting indoor photos if they permit. Then step below ground to the Union Square subway station (at 14th) and look at the beautiful tile work - truly art from the days when art was part of construction. If you're not too pooped, go up to 20th St and East, past Park Ave to the lovely, exclusive Gramercy Park. This beautiful, gated park is surrounded by equally beautiful and exclusive residences.
There are so many photo ops in NY - Enjoy your visit!

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Oct 13, 2016 10:55:07   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
jdm wrote:
Thanks so much! Turns out the stores are closed for Jewish Holidays, so I'll definitely hit the High Line instead!


Too bad you won't be able to go to B&H! I went there when in NYC with a friend, and it was definitely a sensory experience! The ground floor has a large section for video, and the checkout windows. Upstairs is photography. They have shelf displays for a lot of items, some are in glass cases. But the cameras and lenses are along the wall, behind a counter, with multiple "stations" where there is someone to help you. And they are VERY helpful! And patient... I did not have to wait long for my turn, because of the number of stations.

They can show you anything they have in stock! If it isn't on the wall behind them, they can have it sent up from down below fairly quickly. During my visit, it was even suggested to me that since I live in another state, I might prefer to order online and save on the NY 8% sales tax (Vermont is 6%)! Some of the things I wanted to take with me so I would not have to wait for delivery, so I bought them anyway.

Anything you are purchasing is sent downstairs, and once you have paid for it you pick it up at another counter. Very efficient system!

Never been to Adorama, but have dealt with them over the phone. Perhaps I will go there another time when in NYC...

Have a great trip, sounds like you have some excellent suggestions for photographic opportunities!

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Oct 13, 2016 11:16:33   #
Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona
 
I would love to go with you, but it's a long way from Arizona

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Oct 13, 2016 11:37:28   #
Edia Loc: Central New Jersey
 
elee950021 wrote:
Your best bet is B&H Photo at 34th Street and Ninth Avenue, a "ToysRUs" store for photographers. You can peruse and handle the equipment and accessories in their many displays in the various departments. Yes, the store will be closed for their Yom Kippur holiday, October 17-25. Their "Event Space": https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/EventSpace.jsp is holding a free portrait lighting workshop on October 31st. Check out their site for ongoing classes and events. After playing at B&H, you'll be several blocks away from the Javits Convention Center and
the entrance to the northern end of the Highline. You can walk down to the West Village or exit at any of the major cross streets, 23rd, 14th or the beginning at 12th Street in the "Meat Market."

The "Photo District" was along 5th Avenue between 23rd Street where the Flatiron building sits down to 14th Street in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. Along this avenue, over 200 photo related businesses thrived: photolabs (over 100 Ektachrome processing labs alone!); many photo stores (B&H used to be on 17th Street and 6th Avenue, Adorama is still on 18th St.); equipment and lighting rentals; studio rentals; art, portfolio and studio suppliers; retouchers and other support companies. My custom photolab and darkroom rental business was on 17th Street and Fifth Avenue for over 25 years until we sold the 5000 square feet space in 2008 to residential buyers. The area is now mixed business, residential and shopping with many restaurants, etc and photographers have been priced out of the area.

PDN Magazine is one of the few legacies to this era. Its name is the first initial of Photo District News and began it publication on 20th Street!
Your best bet is B&H Photo at 34th Street and ... (show quote)
Yom Kippur was October 12th. B&H will also be closed for the first two days of Sukkot (Feast of the Tabernacles) starting on October17th and maybe for the whole holiday ending on October 25th. I would check their Web site before visiting them.

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