[micromacro]

Next month I will be very close to the BH store, and I can find time to shop there. I wonder how many Pentax stuff they have in actual store compare to online? I mean cameras and accessories as well. Also, do they have used department stock there?
I've never been in big photo store before, and really want to see it!

[Adam]

Next month I will be very close to the BH store, and I can find time to shop there. I wonder how many Pentax stuff they have in actual store compare to online? I mean cameras and accessories as well. Also, do they have used department stock there?
I've never been in big photo store before, and really want to see it!

It's certainly an interesting experience, as the store feels more like a showroom/playground than a retailer. All the camera stuff is upstairs, so you'll want to head there first. The used department has its own entrance right next to the main store. As for what's stocked where, the website should be able to tell you.

They have all current Pentax cameras and lenses on display in the store, but since they group everything by brand, Pentax probably doesn't get the exposure it should if things were grouped by category (i.e. beginner DSLRs, enthusiast DSLRs). That's just my opinion though. So someone who walks in wanting an entry-level DSLR probably goes to the Canon stand, then the Nikon stand, then chooses their preferred body and leaves.

[DennisH]

Remember they are closed Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Awesome store.

[6BQ5]

I visited B&H one time in New York. The place is surprisingly huge with lots and lots of stuff for sale. You'll find more than just photographic equipment. I remember seeing a small 3D printer for the home, computers, and TVs. You should definitely wander around. Being in New York, their security is pretty tight. You'll be surprised that a lot of things, like film, can't simply be pulled off the rack and taken to the cash register for checkout. The goods will be transported to the front to wait for you. Upon leaving the store, a security guard will stop you and check your sale before letting you out of the store. It's definitely a unique experience.

The Pentax presence was relatively small compared to the Nikon, Canon, Sony, u4/3, etc gear. There wasn't any Pentax gear sitting front and center when I visited last year. It was behind the counters on a wall. Hopefully this has changed and there is something for people to handle without asking for permission or help. The staff was very friendly and accommodating when I was there and I'm sure they'll be eager to assist you.

There is literally at least one of everything in that store. I agree with Adam that the place is more like a showroom playground. If you ever wanted to see what A, B, or C was like then this will be your chance. Try everything you can! Heck, take a SD card with you and start moving it from one camera to another if you can. You can create your own image samples for every major camera available in the market in one visit.

[joebarfly]

I live just up the coast in CT and plan on visiting soon. My mail order experience with them was excellent. Definitely check their hours and especially their holiday schedule as they follow a jewish calendar so might be closed when you wouldn't expect it.

Have fun and we'll expect a full report when you get back.

[jddwoods]

I went there a lot when I lived in New York. It is quite an experience. You can spend hours there looking at not only cameras and lenses but every imaginable accessory such as cases, backpacks and straps. You can look at your leisure with no sales pressure. You can look at and handle Pentax/Ricoh cameras at your leisure, but you need a salesperson to have any hands on with lenses. One big drawback from buying there, you will have to pay NYC sales tax which is 8.75%. If I buy online and have it shipped to my home in Delaware I pay Delaware's 0% sales tax. By the way, if you are energetic and want to explore NYC, Adorama is within walking distance at 18th Street and 6th avenue. I make sure I visit both.

[micromacro]

I lost my post here.
It seems if I pick up early morning flight on Friday, I can catch at least two hours there at the store. Seeing Pentax-s, lots of Pentax-ssss in person worth waking up at 4am. Adorama has the same store hours as BH, so probably I will get lost in BH. Yes, I want to go there mainly because of Pentax selection I've never seen anywhere else before.
Your replies make me even more excited!

[DeadJohn]

Yes, B&H has Pentax cameras available for display. I was there around a month ago for a travel tripod so didn't take a close look at cameras, but I think K-3, 645D, GR, and K-50 or K-S2 were available for handling.

The beauty of B&H is that all the tripods, cases, and bags are on display. You can thoroughly compare different products side by side. If you need a bag, bring the gear you plan to store in it to test the size.

As mentioned above, you have to interact with at least 3 employees: floor staff, cashier, item pickup. They are fast and efficient but it's still slower than a typical electronics store where you find a product and take it to the cashier.

[micromacro]

As mentioned above, you have to interact with at least 3 employees: floor staff, cashier, item pickup. They are fast and efficient but it's still slower than a typical electronics store where you find a product and take it to the cashier.

Similar system as at BrandSmart USA electronic store including security check out. I hope 2 hours will be enough to check everything. I'm also interested to check flashes and tripods for travel. Well, and anything else

[henryp]

Take a Virtual Stroll Inside B&H Using Google Street View

[wullemaha]

I went to BH last Sunday to buy a smartphone with my girlfriend. Super friendly staff, nice shop. I did not checkout the camera section though, since they have the X100T at 200$ more than what I found in another shop in NYC ;-)