Best camera source!

kjphilippona · 01-22-2015, 05:14 PM

i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again!

dcpropilot · 01-22-2015, 05:28 PM

Sorry you had a bad experience with B&H. From my experience, they rock.

**csa** · 01-22-2015, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Sorry you had a bad experience with B&H. From my experience, they rock.

Same here, I've received exceptional service, and especially from reps when I've called with questions.

peterjcb · 01-22-2015, 05:30 PM

What kind of issues?
Adorama is another source.
KEH is good for used stuff.

SpecialK · 01-22-2015, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by peterjcb

Adorama is another source.
KEH is good for used stuff.

And there is also the Pentax Forums marketplace. And Amazon - if you know what you are buying and know what it should cost.

I have bought a lot from B&H, including ordering last night and today - without issue.

kjphilippona · 01-22-2015, 05:45 PM

Thanks, i will give Adorama a try!

Adam · 01-22-2015, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by kjphilippona

i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again!

B&H and Adorama are the only two retailers in the US that stock the entire Pentax lineup. Smaller stores like Beach camera are also reputable, and of course Amazon (but be sure to buy from Amazon proper, or an authorized dealer via Amazon, rather than a grey market seller). Avoid places like Abe's of Maine or Ryther camera, as they love to upsell.

I would recommend giving B&H another shot, as their CS is unmatched. Mistakes happen everywhere and obviously they can't all be avoided.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

tvdtvdtvd · 01-22-2015, 06:16 PM

I have to say, I had a very surreal experience with my last purchase at B&H. They fumbled a request on my part,
I got a little snide, and they went on full bore attack. I was quite shocked. It really was a major customer service
meltdown and faux pax on their behalf and I was really surprised to see it happen. Nonetheless, my order was
processed promptly, product received without issue and no games. I even wondered whether someone might
'get even' and cancel my rewards card or somesuch, but there were no games. There was a meltdown, someone
had a bad day and couldn't admit wrong, but once I dropped the matter, (and it was a meltdown over a small matter),
all was normal. I admit I agonized over future business, but as I said above, nothing else was amiss with my
experience with B&H, prior or subsequent to that one surreal day. I still think B&H are the best option for new
camera equipment in the US and will continue to order. Next time, I'll just be prepared to document any grievance
before engaging customer support.

kjphilippona · 01-22-2015, 06:52 PM

Chuck from B&H forwarded my information to the CS manager and not a peep. This speaks volumes to me, i will take my business elsewhere!

DJDee · 01-22-2015, 06:55 PM

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are some options for us Canadians? (Especially with the dollar tanking)

**MJSfoto1956** · 01-22-2015, 07:20 PM

I've had nothing but excellent experiences with both B&H and Adorama. Of the two, I would give the nod (slightly) to B&H.

YMMV

Michael

derekkite · 01-22-2015, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by DJDee

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are some options for us Canadians? (Especially with the dollar tanking)

Henry's, The Camera Store, London Drugs, Lens and Shutter are all Canadian firms that I have dealt with. Prodigital2000 is a Canadian eBay store that gives the Canadian two year warranty.

DJDee · 01-22-2015, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

Henry's, The Camera Store, London Drugs, Lens and Shutter are all Canadian firms that I have dealt with. Prodigital2000 is a Canadian eBay store that gives the Canadian two year warranty.

Thanks. I will check those out. I am fortunate enough to live about 5 blocks away from the Camera Store - I just picked up my K3 and 50-135 from them. They have great service.

**csa** · 01-22-2015, 07:58 PM

Originally posted by kjphilippona

Chuck from B&H forwarded my information to the CS manager and not a peep. This speaks volumes to me, i will take my business elsewhere!

How long ago? I'd give it a day or two. Who knows, the CS manager may be out of the office, etc.

But, as others have mentioned; you have other choices such as Adorama. I recently got excellent service from them, as well as B&H.

**Nakedgun** · 01-22-2015, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by kjphilippona

i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again!

Last Summer I had an unhappy B&H experience with regard to their shipping warehouse's packaging, and was vocal about it on this forum. Previous to this my interaction with them was top-drawer.

I refrained from business with them for about three months, then decided to try again. I can now say that my concerns have been admirably addressed, and I will continue to transact with them.

01-22-2015, 05:14 PM	#1
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	Best camera source! i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best camera using AA	condor27596	Pentax DSLR Discussion	18	04-25-2014 10:45 AM
Camera Store TV team :Sony A7r is the best camera of the year 2013	jogiba	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	21	12-29-2013 06:30 AM
Best 2013 camera poll	Wingincamera	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	2	12-18-2013 09:05 PM
camera shutter life source	kavolis	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	01-20-2011 06:16 PM
open source camera	pkim87	General Talk	29	09-18-2009 10:20 PM

01-22-2015, 05:28 PM	#2
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	Sorry you had a bad experience with B&H. From my experience, they rock.

01-22-2015, 05:30 PM	#3
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by dcpropilot Sorry you had a bad experience with B&H. From my experience, they rock. Same here, I've received exceptional service, and especially from reps when I've called with questions.

01-22-2015, 05:30 PM	#4
peterjcb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Weddington, NC Posts: 468	What kind of issues? Adorama is another source. KEH is good for used stuff.

01-22-2015, 05:38 PM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by peterjcb Adorama is another source. KEH is good for used stuff. And there is also the Pentax Forums marketplace. And Amazon - if you know what you are buying and know what it should cost. I have bought a lot from B&H, including ordering last night and today - without issue.

01-22-2015, 05:45 PM	#6
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298 Original Poster	Thanks, i will give Adorama a try!

01-22-2015, 05:59 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by kjphilippona i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again! B&H and Adorama are the only two retailers in the US that stock the entire Pentax lineup. Smaller stores like Beach camera are also reputable, and of course Amazon (but be sure to buy from Amazon proper, or an authorized dealer via Amazon, rather than a grey market seller). Avoid places like Abe's of Maine or Ryther camera, as they love to upsell. I would recommend giving B&H another shot, as their CS is unmatched. Mistakes happen everywhere and obviously they can't all be avoided. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-22-2015, 06:16 PM	#8
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	I have to say, I had a very surreal experience with my last purchase at B&H. They fumbled a request on my part, I got a little snide, and they went on full bore attack. I was quite shocked. It really was a major customer service meltdown and faux pax on their behalf and I was really surprised to see it happen. Nonetheless, my order was processed promptly, product received without issue and no games. I even wondered whether someone might 'get even' and cancel my rewards card or somesuch, but there were no games. There was a meltdown, someone had a bad day and couldn't admit wrong, but once I dropped the matter, (and it was a meltdown over a small matter), all was normal. I admit I agonized over future business, but as I said above, nothing else was amiss with my experience with B&H, prior or subsequent to that one surreal day. I still think B&H are the best option for new camera equipment in the US and will continue to order. Next time, I'll just be prepared to document any grievance before engaging customer support.

01-22-2015, 06:52 PM	#9
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298 Original Poster	Chuck from B&H forwarded my information to the CS manager and not a peep. This speaks volumes to me, i will take my business elsewhere!

01-22-2015, 06:55 PM	#10
DJDee New Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 13	I don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are some options for us Canadians? (Especially with the dollar tanking)

01-22-2015, 07:20 PM	#11
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	I've had nothing but excellent experiences with both B&H and Adorama. Of the two, I would give the nod (slightly) to B&H. YMMV Michael

01-22-2015, 07:35 PM	#12
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Originally posted by DJDee I don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are some options for us Canadians? (Especially with the dollar tanking) Henry's, The Camera Store, London Drugs, Lens and Shutter are all Canadian firms that I have dealt with. Prodigital2000 is a Canadian eBay store that gives the Canadian two year warranty.

01-22-2015, 07:45 PM	#13
DJDee New Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 13	Originally posted by derekkite Henry's, The Camera Store, London Drugs, Lens and Shutter are all Canadian firms that I have dealt with. Prodigital2000 is a Canadian eBay store that gives the Canadian two year warranty. Thanks. I will check those out. I am fortunate enough to live about 5 blocks away from the Camera Store - I just picked up my K3 and 50-135 from them. They have great service.

01-22-2015, 07:58 PM	#14
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by kjphilippona Chuck from B&H forwarded my information to the CS manager and not a peep. This speaks volumes to me, i will take my business elsewhere! How long ago? I'd give it a day or two. Who knows, the CS manager may be out of the office, etc. But, as others have mentioned; you have other choices such as Adorama. I recently got excellent service from them, as well as B&H.

01-22-2015, 09:09 PM	#15
Nakedgun Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,365	Originally posted by kjphilippona i am in the market to purchase a Pentax 18-135 lens, i had a problem with B&H and will not purchase anything from them again! Last Summer I had an unhappy B&H experience with regard to their shipping warehouse's packaging, and was vocal about it on this forum. Previous to this my interaction with them was top-drawer. I refrained from business with them for about three months, then decided to try again. I can now say that my concerns have been admirably addressed, and I will continue to transact with them.