MLee

Would anyone have a/several reliable on-line sources for purchasing camera equipment? I look at 'bundles' and read reviews about purchases, and would like to know of reliable sources from which to purchase new equipment. I am looking to go from my old canon film equipment to something digital. I request only that a source with name is recommended. Please.
MLee

df61743 Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

B&H Photo is my "go to" choice. Adorama is OK too.

linsee69

Adorama as well as keh both are good guys never bought from b&h

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

ABC - Adorama, B&H Photo, Cameta and Hunts Photo & Video. Amazon is fine and I’ve bought accessories (My wife & I buy all kinds of stuff from Amazon and never had a problem). Major purchased I go with Adorama or B&H. Oh yea - Canon or Nikon on line. My 1st body was a refurbish from Canon USA. My second body was from Adorama. Hunt’s is a eastern New England chain and very good.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I purchase 98+% of my items from B&H.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I couldn't be further away, but B&H is where I spend my photography money. Competitive prices, (usually) free shipping, no sales tax in my state and 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

Once I had a camera that seemed it might have a mysterious phantom battery drain. One of the B&H reps insisted that I allow him to exchange it for me. It was very slow. I wanted to keep it a week or two to be sure it was not in my imagination. The B&H would have none of that!

I've also had them issue me a credit after buying a gift camera when the price dropped. In the holiday gift season they extend the 30 day satisfaction policy to about Feb 1. They want the person getting the gift to have 30 days.

MLee

Wow ! Thank you all for the replies. Now I need to see what all I can purchase with my limited $$$$.
I have done lots of reading and looking, now I think I can make some concrete moves.
MLee

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

B&H, Adorama, Hunt's Photo and Video. My purchases are primarily B&H and Hunt's.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Roberts camera is the best IMO. I've received customer returns that were sold as new from both B&H and Amazon. Never happens with Roberts. Best Buy is actually another really good source.

Before you ask... How did I know they were customer returns?

B&H - The box appeared to have been opened before, it was very loose when opening the top flap. When I pulled out the lens, the wrapper really looked quite used. The lens itself was not pristine either - it didn't look dirty or anything, but didn't look like a lens that had never been unboxed before either. However, the clincher was that although the product box was fine on the outside, the inside cardboard where the lens sits was crushed - like someone had tried to jam it in incorrectly. Oh, and this is not the first time with B&H either, I've had similar instances in the past. It seems like a crap shoot if when you order a new lens if you're actually going to get a new lens or someone's reject. BTW - every time I have suspected a used lens, I've still tested the lens to see if it was fine - it never has been. Every suspect customer return I've tested has not performed to my expectations.

Amazon - this was recently and with a "new" SB 5000 flash. This was from Amazon and not a third party seller. Once again, the box flaps seemed well worn, like it had been opened a few times. Upon opening the box, it didn't appear packaged correctly. I dug down to the flash which was in its case, but the case was not in a bag - although the flash was (I have several SB 5000s so I know how they are packaged). When I pullout out the case, the bag for the case was laying under it. When I removed the flash, not only did it look used, there were scratches on the red plastic front area!

So, no more B&H or Amazon for me unless I just can't get it anywhere else. Roberts has always delivered brand new items to me.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Steve,

Are you suggesting that it is actual "corporate policy" for B&H and Amazon to hoodwink their customers into getting used, rejected gear?

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I only know what I received. It was used, no question. I don't have additional info for amazon, but for B&H, a google search of "Does B&H sell customer returns as new" will give you a lot of hits.

Here's a place to start:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/587262/0&year=2007#5145694

In that post, HenryP from B&H basically tells you that they DO indeed sell customer returns after they evaluate them. Yes, that's an older thread, but here's a more recent one:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3374391

And another
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3374163

And another
https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/did-b-h-send-me-a-lens-that-was-returned.505440/

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Oh, here's a couple from Amazon. These are basically manufacturers who do NOT want Amazon to sell their returns as new and are trying to find a way to stop them:

https://sellercentral.amazon.com/forums/t/amazon-taking-used-returned-items-and-selling-a-new-aargh/333971

https://sellercentral.amazon.com/forums/t/amazon-taking-used-returned-items-and-selling-a-new-aargh/333971

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I looked at your links and did your suggested google search.

HelenOster Loc: New York

Thank you so much for all the positive Adorama feedback, which is very much appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to email me directly at any time if you ever have questions or concerns. I'm here to help and to make sure that all your experiences with Adorama Camera are fantastic!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Consider Amazon. I have a prime subscription which provides free shipping, Fire stick video and YouTube streaming, competitive prices, and free one or two day delivery. They deliver Saturday and Sunday and that's important since I have the patience of a 4 year old at Xmas. If unhappy with the purchase it can be returned... take it to Kohls...they will box it and return it free and give you a 25% discount coupon for store purchases. Also if the item is international they tell you up front.

As an aside, I recently bought an international version lens at a 31% discount, and it is indistinguishable from the US version, sans warranty. I could have purchased a 2 year warranty for $25, but declined. In well over 50 years I have never used a warranty on photo gear.

Edit: And forgot to say refunds are quick not having to wait for travel time.

I'm not advising anyone to do the same, just putting it out there as an option.