Thank you Hershel at B&H
Oct 9, 2014 09:46:42 #
I have just returned home following a trip with my wife Karen to the US. Just before I left I asked a question here on UHH regarding the merits of visiting the Empire State Building and/or the Rockefeller Center. The thread then developed into a broader discussion with a number of members recommending a visit to B&H. There were also an equal number here who advised (tongue in cheek) not to go to B&H or at the very least not to take the plastic!
I then received a private message from Hershel at B&H who as many of you know is a regular contributor on the forum. Hershel invited me to a tour of the inner sanctum at B&H as well as a tour of the store.
(The next bit is designed to make Hershel blush). What a charming man and a brilliant guide. Hershel took us into the headquarters which is impressively big and showed us various departments: the product reviewers, web-chat, lecture room and others. Then into the store and wow, it's impressive - the plastic in my wallet was quivering with anticipation!
Hershel left us to make various purchases and one of the assistants asked if there was anything else he could help with. I said, "how about letting me attach that Canon 200-400 f4 to my camera." $12,000 of lens on my camera so I had to take a picture of my favourite model (Karen). Then put my lens back on and there I am holding said lens, cradling it like a new baby and finally outside B&H with bags of purchases.
Thanks again Hershel, you guys are the tops!
I then received a private message from Hershel at B&H who as many of you know is a regular contributor on the forum. Hershel invited me to a tour of the inner sanctum at B&H as well as a tour of the store.
(The next bit is designed to make Hershel blush). What a charming man and a brilliant guide. Hershel took us into the headquarters which is impressively big and showed us various departments: the product reviewers, web-chat, lecture room and others. Then into the store and wow, it's impressive - the plastic in my wallet was quivering with anticipation!
Hershel left us to make various purchases and one of the assistants asked if there was anything else he could help with. I said, "how about letting me attach that Canon 200-400 f4 to my camera." $12,000 of lens on my camera so I had to take a picture of my favourite model (Karen). Then put my lens back on and there I am holding said lens, cradling it like a new baby and finally outside B&H with bags of purchases.
Thanks again Hershel, you guys are the tops!
Oct 9, 2014 09:48:56 #
Luggerbugs wrote:
I have just returned home following a trip with my... (show quote)
Great post
Willie
Oct 9, 2014 09:53:59 #
Oct 9, 2014 09:59:21 #
Swamp Gator wrote:
So did you buy the 200-400?
I wish! Pleased to have the opportunity to use it though.
Oct 9, 2014 10:03:33 #
Luggerbugs wrote:
I have just returned home following a trip with my... (show quote)
Nice one, UHH guys are the best
Oct 9, 2014 10:26:52 #
I bought my first SLR in 1967. At that time there were camera stores like the original Willoughbys and Haber and Fink (in NYC where I live) who gave you great service and advice and there were the discount stores like 47th Street Camera, Executive, and Wall Street Camera. They had better prices, but not good service and no advice worth taking. Willoughbys and Haber & Fink are long gone, and so are 47th Street, Executive, and Wall Street camera.
B&H and Adorama combine the best of both the good service stores and the discount stores. I started buying from B&H in the mid 1980's and Adorama in the late 1990's. They are both a pleasure to deal with.
B&H and Adorama combine the best of both the good service stores and the discount stores. I started buying from B&H in the mid 1980's and Adorama in the late 1990's. They are both a pleasure to deal with.
Oct 9, 2014 11:45:26 #
Oct 9, 2014 12:56:29 #
wisner wrote:
B&H is the Disneyworld for photographers.
And not just for photographers. The ground (first) floor is devoted to everything except still photography. My wife bought a new cell phone and (bless her) she bought me a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones, which I love.
Oct 9, 2014 13:07:07 #
Oct 9, 2014 13:30:47 #
Glad you enjoyed your visit to the U.S.A and B&H. They are a favorite of mine too. If you ever have a problem you will see their customer service is OUTSTANDING!
Oct 9, 2014 14:43:52 #
Great story. I envy you the opportunity to get your hands on such an optical treasure. Lord, that thing is big!
Oct 9, 2014 16:23:44 #
Oct 9, 2014 17:52:25 #
Bob Yankle wrote:
Great story. I envy you the opportunity to get your hands on such an optical treasure. Lord, that thing is big!
I couldn't believe the weight. One of the B&H guys held the lens whilst I twisted my camera onto it. I'm sure that with a bit of practice there's a better technique!
Oct 9, 2014 21:03:32 #
Luggerbugs wrote:
I couldn't believe the weight. One of the B&H guys held the lens whilst I twisted my camera onto it. I'm sure that with a bit of practice there's a better technique!
The first time I put my 400 2.8 on my F5, it think it took me about 15 minutes. You'd have thought the lens was worth a million bucks and one small movement and it would vaporize. I was actually sweating! Now, I put it on and take it off in a few seconds like we're familiar friends. Makes the 300 version actually seem light! Amazing that thing called experience. That lens you were checking out is surely a keeper. A bit pricey, but a great performer. I wouldn't mind having one, but I find the ones I already have work well. I'm actually planning to try out the new Sigma 150-600 Sport because it's only $ 2k (ONLY!), and I want to get into BIF with it! That might also find it's way to the field for sports work if it ends up being as good as advertised! Hope you had a great trip. I hope to visit the UK some day!
Oct 10, 2014 04:42:37 #
dsmeltz wrote:
By the look of the bags, you took your plastic!!!!
Congrats.
Congrats.
Yes, had to be done!
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