Originally posted by doeknoe1
I just bought a K-x.. and am now faced with a problem, although Dallas/Fort Worth is a HUGE Metropolitan area...it seems Canon and Nikon have monopolized the market. I cant find anywhere that sells Pentax lenses/accessories. I've been to all the stores the internet SAYS carry Pentax, even the retailers listed on Pentax's site; but, none of them actually carry anything. A couple said they could special order items, but heck I can do that.... being a total newbie with dSLR's and photography in general, I need some "hands on" shopping...
Anyone in the area that could lend some help would be greatly appreciated.
I live on the east side of Dallas, very close to the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake.
Basic answer: What you have found to be the case, is in fact the case. Sad but true.
That said,
Arlington Camera is the closest thing we have in D/FW to B&H or Adorama, and they do have some Pentax stuff in stock, sometimes. That is your best bet.
Don's Photo Equipment (used camera) shop in Dallas also has a bit of Pentax stuff available, whenever he can get it. He is hungry for it actually but apparently the Pentax users just don't sell their gear as often as the Nikon and Canon users do. Don't know why that could be. ;-)
The Wolf Camera in Old Town Village in Dallas (Greenville, just north of Lovers) used to have some Pentax stuff in stock. One of the sales reps was a Pentax fan. But I haven't seen any Pentax bodies in there recently.
The Fry's Electronics store on east Northwest Highway had a K-x on display last time I was there, and K-7, too, I think. First time I'd ever been able to handle one.
Note that it is only partly true that Nikon and Canon are better represented. If you are simply counting brands, yes, Nikon and Canon have things sewn up. But what you'll find in stores are mostly the low-end Nikon and Canon bodies and the most popular (and least expensive) lenses.
Bottom line: I do nearly all of my buying online. If you have a question, feel free to send me an email or a private message or give me a ring.
Will
p.s. Sorry I don't know the situation in Cow Town better. We come over there regularly to go to the museums or horsey events at Will Rogers but I've never looked for a camera store.