Where's your nearest Pentax Store and how good is it?

enoxatnep · 11-03-2013, 03:45 PM

I'm another western Canadian, an Albertan, who's blessed by several retailers who are more than cool with Pentax users. Most of them have only a modest amount of Pentax stock on hand but they can order pretty much anything you want. The one with the best stock and service is in Calgary, and they are any Pentax user's dream! Here's a quick story to illustrate this.

I was in there a few weeks ago looking to buy the DA* 16-50 when I asked the salesman for fun how that lens' size and weight compared with that of the Nikon 24-70 mm. I'll admit that sometimes I'm tempted by Nikon if I was to ever go full-frame, and so I admitted to the guy that if I "switched", it would be to Nikon, to which he replied something like, "Why would you want to switch? Pentax makes excellent cameras." Then after seeing how much larger and heavier (and pricier) the full-frame alternative was, and being re-assured in sticking with APS-C yet again, I left the store with the DA* - complete with instant rebate - and no Canikon snobiness whatsoever on the part of the salesman the entire time, and being asked by at least three different salespeople if I had been helped.

So when I read about other Pentax users and where they live, namely how hard it is to find Pentax equipment, period, or putting up with jack*ss retailers who have some Pentax stock but treat you like Canikon somehow is the end-all be-all, I again feel really blessed to be in the situation I'm in.

And a final note to camera retailers or salesmen reading this: lead your customers to what is best for THEM, not what's the most popular or what you shoot with, and business will take care of itself. It's little wonder this particular retailer has my loyalty and is far and away the most popular camera retailer in western Canada.

kshapero · 11-03-2013, 04:40 PM

What? There are stores with Pentax cameras?

**c.a.m** · 11-03-2013, 05:13 PM

I am visiting relatives in Winnipeg this weekend. Photo Central is an independent dealer in town. I popped in to check out several pieces of used gear. I was surprised to see that they have re-introduced Pentax - the manager mentioned that Ricoh is offering better terms. Last year they would not touch anything Pentax.

Without asking, the sales person handed a K-3 to me to try, saying they have had a very strong interest from buyers and potential customers. They have a small Pentax display, but include the K-50, K-500, K-5 II and K-3 and a decent mix of lenses.

So, there's another Pentax dealer in this city of 750,000.

- Craig

**Miguel** · 11-03-2013, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by kivis

What? There are stores with Pentax cameras?

This has been an educational thread. It's apparent that you have to live outside the US to enjoy more of a retail Pentax presence and product inventory. I'm still awaiting word of my K-3 order to be processed.

Must be another sign of the ongoing decline of the US.

M

**jatrax** · 11-03-2013, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by Miguel

I'm still awaiting word of my K-3 order to be processed.

My tracking says delivery tomorrow!!

(Sorry)

But yes, it is obvious from this thread that Canada at least has a much better Pentax presence at retail. Who is in charge @ Pentax Canada? Maybe we can borrow him/her?

**Miguel** · 11-03-2013, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

My tracking says delivery tomorrow!!

(Sorry)

But yes, it is obvious from this thread that Canada at least has a much better Pentax presence at retail. Who is in charge @ Pentax Canada? Maybe we can borrow him/her?

Maybe because I ordered the grip the camera body is kept in the "pending" transit station, much like Neo in the third Matrix movie?

M

**Jacquot** · 11-03-2013, 06:41 PM

Work in NYC, so Adorama, B&H, and Cameraland, likely others, but those are my go to shops. Adorama does great seminars and is easy to get to, but that is so relative given other situations. All are an easy walk, bus or subway ride away. Lucky to have these resources.
David

**jatrax** · 11-03-2013, 06:43 PM

Originally posted by Miguel

Maybe because I ordered the grip the camera body is kept in the "pending" transit station, much like Neo in the third Matrix movie?

LOL, I hope not...

I'm heading to Idaho next week so will be taking the k-3 for a spin.

zantaphia · 11-04-2013, 06:40 AM

Pentax at WuKeSong Camera Market:
About a 45 minutes drive from my home, just next to Ring road 4 West, is my Pentax dealer at WuKeSong Camera Market.
They have everything from Q via K to 645D. Cameras, lenses and genuine accessories, including Ricoh and some Zeiss and Tamron lenses.
I was there last Saturday looking if my K-3 Silver Limited had arrived, but no, it will come in the middle of November.
I spoke to 2 Chinese gentlemen sitting in the shop, they were also waiting for their K-3s. They go to the shop everyday looking for their new cameras and some chitchat!

At WuKeSong there are also some very good stores for used cameras and lenses, at competitive prices (I tried a FA300/2.8 there, (out of budget) .... drools)

Pentax at E-World (Ring road 4 North) is also a shop for Pentaxians in Beijing.

At ManLinDao (Tea street) Camera Market you can find some used Pentax gear.

MRRiley · 11-05-2013, 05:28 AM

Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA... Less than 5 miles from my house.

They even have the 645D

DennisH · 11-05-2013, 10:05 AM

I'm lucky enough to have access to the NYC stores (B&H is incredible), as I work in Manhattan; also, there's a Hunt's an hour and a half away in Northampton, MA.

kshapero · 11-05-2013, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by MRRiley

Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA... Less than 5 miles from my house.

They even have the 645D

Just went on their site. No Pentax's listed. Bummer, I was going to near there in a week.

jake14mw · 11-05-2013, 10:43 AM

No Pentax retailers in my state. I have to go to NY City. "Theoretically", that's about a 2 hour drive for me, but you don't just hop in the car and drive to NYC.

DennisH, I notice you mentioned a Hunt's in Northampton, MA. I'm guessing that would be closer for me. How much Pentax stuff do they stock there?

Anyone know why Pentax seems to have such a larger share in Canada than the U.S.?

DennisH · 11-05-2013, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by jake14mw

DennisH, I notice you mentioned a Hunt's in Northampton, MA. I'm guessing that would be closer for me. How much Pentax stuff do they stock there?

Anyone know why Pentax seems to have such a larger share in Canada than the U.S.?

I don't know, actually. I just assumed since I bought from them online that they have stock in-store. The only time I was in the store I was looking at accessories for Nikon.

Blue · 11-05-2013, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

My nearest Pentax store?

My mailbox.

Pentax is nowhere to be found in or near Florida.

+1

11-04-2013, 06:40 AM	#69
zantaphia Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Klippan, Scania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 509	Pentax in China, Beijing Pentax at WuKeSong Camera Market: About a 45 minutes drive from my home, just next to Ring road 4 West, is my Pentax dealer at WuKeSong Camera Market. They have everything from Q via K to 645D. Cameras, lenses and genuine accessories, including Ricoh and some Zeiss and Tamron lenses. I was there last Saturday looking if my K-3 Silver Limited had arrived, but no, it will come in the middle of November. I spoke to 2 Chinese gentlemen sitting in the shop, they were also waiting for their K-3s. They go to the shop everyday looking for their new cameras and some chitchat! At WuKeSong there are also some very good stores for used cameras and lenses, at competitive prices (I tried a FA300/2.8 there, (out of budget) .... drools) Pentax at E-World (Ring road 4 North) is also a shop for Pentaxians in Beijing. At ManLinDao (Tea street) Camera Market you can find some used Pentax gear.

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11-03-2013, 03:45 PM	#61
enoxatnep Closed Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The edge of nowhere, Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 467	I'm another western Canadian, an Albertan, who's blessed by several retailers who are more than cool with Pentax users. Most of them have only a modest amount of Pentax stock on hand but they can order pretty much anything you want. The one with the best stock and service is in Calgary, and they are any Pentax user's dream! Here's a quick story to illustrate this. I was in there a few weeks ago looking to buy the DA* 16-50 when I asked the salesman for fun how that lens' size and weight compared with that of the Nikon 24-70 mm. I'll admit that sometimes I'm tempted by Nikon if I was to ever go full-frame, and so I admitted to the guy that if I "switched", it would be to Nikon, to which he replied something like, "Why would you want to switch? Pentax makes excellent cameras." Then after seeing how much larger and heavier (and pricier) the full-frame alternative was, and being re-assured in sticking with APS-C yet again, I left the store with the DA* - complete with instant rebate - and no Canikon snobiness whatsoever on the part of the salesman the entire time, and being asked by at least three different salespeople if I had been helped. So when I read about other Pentax users and where they live, namely how hard it is to find Pentax equipment, period, or putting up with jack*ss retailers who have some Pentax stock but treat you like Canikon somehow is the end-all be-all, I again feel really blessed to be in the situation I'm in. And a final note to camera retailers or salesmen reading this: lead your customers to what is best for THEM, not what's the most popular or what you shoot with, and business will take care of itself. It's little wonder this particular retailer has my loyalty and is far and away the most popular camera retailer in western Canada.

11-03-2013, 04:40 PM	#62
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	What? There are stores with Pentax cameras?

11-03-2013, 05:13 PM	#63
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,188	I am visiting relatives in Winnipeg this weekend. Photo Central is an independent dealer in town. I popped in to check out several pieces of used gear. I was surprised to see that they have re-introduced Pentax - the manager mentioned that Ricoh is offering better terms. Last year they would not touch anything Pentax. Without asking, the sales person handed a K-3 to me to try, saying they have had a very strong interest from buyers and potential customers. They have a small Pentax display, but include the K-50, K-500, K-5 II and K-3 and a decent mix of lenses. So, there's another Pentax dealer in this city of 750,000. - Craig

11-03-2013, 05:33 PM	#64
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Originally posted by kivis What? There are stores with Pentax cameras? This has been an educational thread. It's apparent that you have to live outside the US to enjoy more of a retail Pentax presence and product inventory. I'm still awaiting word of my K-3 order to be processed. Must be another sign of the ongoing decline of the US. M

11-03-2013, 05:52 PM	#65
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Miguel I'm still awaiting word of my K-3 order to be processed. My tracking says delivery tomorrow!! (Sorry) But yes, it is obvious from this thread that Canada at least has a much better Pentax presence at retail. Who is in charge @ Pentax Canada? Maybe we can borrow him/her?

11-03-2013, 06:34 PM	#66
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Originally posted by jatrax My tracking says delivery tomorrow!! (Sorry) But yes, it is obvious from this thread that Canada at least has a much better Pentax presence at retail. Who is in charge @ Pentax Canada? Maybe we can borrow him/her? Maybe because I ordered the grip the camera body is kept in the "pending" transit station, much like Neo in the third Matrix movie? M

11-03-2013, 06:41 PM	#67
Jacquot Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sun City Center, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,544	Work in NYC, so Adorama, B&H, and Cameraland, likely others, but those are my go to shops. Adorama does great seminars and is easy to get to, but that is so relative given other situations. All are an easy walk, bus or subway ride away. Lucky to have these resources. David

11-03-2013, 06:43 PM	#68
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Miguel Maybe because I ordered the grip the camera body is kept in the "pending" transit station, much like Neo in the third Matrix movie? LOL, I hope not... I'm heading to Idaho next week so will be taking the k-3 for a spin.

11-05-2013, 05:28 AM	#70
MRRiley Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sterling, VA, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,275	Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA... Less than 5 miles from my house. They even have the 645D

11-05-2013, 10:05 AM	#71
DennisH Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stratford, CT Photos: Gallery Posts: 730	I'm lucky enough to have access to the NYC stores (B&H is incredible), as I work in Manhattan; also, there's a Hunt's an hour and a half away in Northampton, MA.

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11-05-2013, 10:10 AM	#72
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	Originally posted by MRRiley Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA... Less than 5 miles from my house. They even have the 645D Just went on their site. No Pentax's listed. Bummer, I was going to near there in a week.

11-05-2013, 10:43 AM	#73
jake14mw Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 977	No Pentax retailers in my state. I have to go to NY City. "Theoretically", that's about a 2 hour drive for me, but you don't just hop in the car and drive to NYC. DennisH, I notice you mentioned a Hunt's in Northampton, MA. I'm guessing that would be closer for me. How much Pentax stuff do they stock there? Anyone know why Pentax seems to have such a larger share in Canada than the U.S.?

11-05-2013, 10:50 AM	#74
DennisH Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stratford, CT Photos: Gallery Posts: 730	Originally posted by jake14mw DennisH, I notice you mentioned a Hunt's in Northampton, MA. I'm guessing that would be closer for me. How much Pentax stuff do they stock there? Anyone know why Pentax seems to have such a larger share in Canada than the U.S.? I don't know, actually. I just assumed since I bought from them online that they have stock in-store. The only time I was in the store I was looking at accessories for Nikon.

11-05-2013, 02:10 PM	#75
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by LaurenOE My nearest Pentax store? My mailbox. Pentax is nowhere to be found in or near Florida. +1