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10-30-2013, 02:24 PM   #1
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Where's your nearest Pentax Store and how good is it?

My nearest is 110 kms away and I can order anything Pentax there, a Pentax rep drops in regularly and delivers camera gear personally sometimes if it' been ordered, but where I go when I want something above consumer grade is Henry's in Toronto.

The last time was in the Pentax section was pretty small compared to Canikon displays, but they did have a section with all current bodies and point and shoots, with at least 12 lens, open on the shelf (already out of the boxes) that you could put on your camera and try out. They didn't have the FA 31 ltd. I wanted to see, but they had all the lower end lenses and a smattering of high end lenses.

I'm wondering, who has a better place to shop Pentax? ANd what's the best you've got if you want to look at the camera in the flesh?


Last edited by normhead; 10-31-2013 at 12:18 PM.
10-30-2013, 02:34 PM   #2
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It's 250 miles to the nearest Pentax store in NY.

I was told by the head salesman at a local camera store that he had tried to stock Pentax but wasn't able to sell them. This guy is supposed to be the go to guy for Canon around here but he didn't know the difference between a parfocal and varifocal lens...
10-30-2013, 02:35 PM   #3
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4 hour drive for me One way.
10-30-2013, 02:39 PM   #4
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5 hours to NY for me.

10-30-2013, 02:51 PM   #5
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In theory, B&H Photo in NYC is about 50 miles from my little rural town in New Jersey, but as everyone knows, it can take a couple hours to actually get there, depending on traffic. I haven't been to NYC in a few years since starting a family, since the only thing worse than sitting in traffic, is sitting in traffic with screaming toddlers.

Anyhow I just checked the toll rates -- did you know it costs $13 for any of the major New Jersey to New York City crossings? (Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, or GW bridge.) And if you drive a dual-rear-wheel pickup truck, it costs $30! And what's the point of going to B&H if you are not going to buy a truckload of gear?
10-30-2013, 02:57 PM   #6
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I have two stores nearby. One is about 1km away, the other 3km (Frederick's Photo Source and Henry's). A limited selection of Pentax in stock and on display in both but I can pretty much order anything that is available at Pentax Canada through them.

Regards
10-30-2013, 03:01 PM   #7
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My nearest Pentax store?

My mailbox.

Pentax is nowhere to be found in or near Florida.

10-30-2013, 03:14 PM   #8
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My nearest Pentax store is about three miles away. They've got all the latest models, such as the *ist DS.

Pentax Digital Photography - CIT Camilleri Information Technology MALTA
10-30-2013, 03:28 PM - 1 Like   #9
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There is no local Pentax store. The only real camera store near me is Service Photo and they are primarily Nikon and Canon. But, if I need something that is not specific to Pentax I go there. I like to buy local when ever it is possible.

If I want something specific to Pentax, I have to order online. Mostly from B&H

Jay
10-30-2013, 03:56 PM - 1 Like   #10
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There are Pentaxes in stores?
10-30-2013, 04:03 PM   #11
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Henry's is 8 km from my house. They have a couple of Pentax shelves, with current bodies (no 645D), and a decent selection of Q and DSLR lenses.
10-30-2013, 04:42 PM   #12
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The best selection of lenses is at the Downtown Toronto Henry's store which is about 90km away. The local Henry's in Cambridge will always bring in most lenses as long as they are stocked, unfortunately the FA31 is a special order.

Normhead, if you want to try my FA31, just invite me up to Algonquin Park sometime if you dare. The FA 31 is worthy of your interest, I was lucky enough to find a used one at the Henry's Digital Imaging show.

For other Ontario people, check out Burlington Camera. They are a great independent store that gives great trades and I just picked up my K3 this afternoon. They regularly get in good lenses. Ask for Joan and she will tell you what they have currently. They have a basic website.
10-30-2013, 04:46 PM   #13
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There are four stores of a local chain that stock most of the Pentax bodies and lenses within 15 miles of my house, ranging from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, plus another 4 of the same chain in a 120-mile radius. That doesn't count the odd one-man store here and there that has a lens or two.

The main store has all the current bodes, kits and at least one of every DA and DFA lens plus some old stock like the FA20~35 and the DA16~45. The store has a very nice behind-the-counter display of Pentax next to Canon and Nikon, and the Sony Nex stuff, plus whatever else is hot.

The only bad thing is their policy - no touchy-feely-or-even-looky unless you are talking to a salesman - everything is behind the counter. You can't stand near the counter without speaking. To a salesman. It's just not possible.

Floor space is for high-margin bags and accessories.

The used department at "my store" is friendly and packed with good stuff - like the KEH webpage in real life.
10-30-2013, 04:48 PM   #14
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10-30-2013, 05:00 PM   #15
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Mine would be Denver Pro Photo, about 4 miles away, a handful of lenses, a couple of bodies and most of the P+S's. But they also stock all available film in 35mm and MF, darkroom supplies, studio lighting of all types, film developing, scanning and bags, tripods, even a camera/lens repair shop. Well worth a visit!
Unfortunately, the biggest and most well-known camera store, with several outlets around Denver, is Mike's Camera and they don't carry any Pentax. Every other brand, with Canon or Nikon reps visiting regularly for in-store demos. The rumour I heard is the Hoya management ruined the relationship by demanding such large inventories and up-front money, the brand was dropped.
Lots of fences for Ricoh to mend!
Ron
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