junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Thanks

Bill_de Loc: US

And how would you know the same isn't true buying from the manufacturers retail sales department?

aellman Loc: Boston MA

B&H. Period.

duckfan48

Personally if I still lived in CA, I would be supporting a quality brick n mortar camera shop. For me the only advantage to online was the omission of sales tax. However, that is no longer an issue. I now live in Southern Oregon where all stores have closed, and I really miss dropping into an actual store to browse and ask questions, and sometimes they would price match or get close to just by asking. And for you my friend there is Mikes Cameras in downtown Sac, an extension to the Mill Valley store I frequented years back.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

An exception to perceived disadvantages of online purchasing is B&H. Before you buy you can call them and talk to an expert who will provide more information than you need to know about individual products and comparisons of similar competing products. There may be other online sellers who do the same, but I trust B&H based on my experiences. >Alan

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Thanks Alan,
I appreciate your advice

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

I am a Nikon shooter that has purchased 2 items on Amazon (Flash and Lens). Both were returned as "misrepresented" and getting refunds was a challenge. I have purchased 2 lenses about three years ago (+/-) from B&H. Service, timeliness, price and accuracy of the items condition was a 10 out of 10. As far as online retailers for photo equipment and supplies go, B&H has earned a customer for life. Good luck.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I like B&H a lot - and their support and educational programs are truly exceptional. Check out their extensive library of videos on YouTube.

But I have to say that there are a LOT of other choices among traditional dealers who maintain both an online and physical retail presence. I have had superb experience with Hunt's for more than four decades, and gotten great deals and service from Mike's Camera and Adorama as well. I'm sure there are other equally fine retailers that I haven't done business with yet. If you're buying new, there is no price difference to speak of, and service and return privileges become the most important. When you begin looking for refurbs or used equipment, you may well need a wider choice of sellers, and that's when you may want to look for some of these other vendors. KEH, Roberts, and Cameta are three that come to mind as highly recommended, although I've never done business with them. Most UHH members would say to avoid Abe's of Maine and 42nd Street Camera.

Buying equipment online is not nearly as scary as some people think, as long as you're careful whom you do business with.

Andy

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

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