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Hey guys,

Any recommendations for finding quality new/used Pentax gear in NM?

In Albuquerque, both "Kurt's Camera Corral" and "Camera & Darkroom" have a small selection of used glass and none-to-little new gear. Sadly the customer service at both stores is lacking (especially Kurt's).

So how about Santa Fe? Las Cruces? etc.?

The only LCS I use is Camera & Darkroom. (Abq and SF) The selection is decent for NM, but not for Pentax. (Try finding some medical specialties, here). I have only purchased one used camera, and some used darkroom equip, but all of it has worked out, fine.

I bought my K10d from Kurt's, but I won't go there again even though they are the only Pentax dealer that stocks new. I posted on another thread a few years ago about my last experience there.

There used to be a used camera store over on Central Ave called Photo-Graphic Systems. Mostly larger format, but some other gear.

Quite frankly, I'm one of those people who don't mind paying a little more to support a local camera store. The last new item I bought from C&D was about 10% more than Adorama, but it is worth it to me for some service and local presence.

That's good that Camera & Darkroom has worked out for you. I did notice that they were friendlier there than at Kurt's, but I still felt a "what are you doing here looking around at old lenses" vibe from them as well.

I'll be sure to give them another shot next time I need an accessory of some kind, as I agree supporting local camera stores is in good practice, as it won't be long before they're all a thing of the past.

I bought a 1947 Graflex Speedgraphic from C&D in nice shape. From one salesman, I got a little bit of that vibe about whether I really knew what I was getting into with something this old. The owner was another story. He was thrilled that I wanted to take photos with it and use it as a starter field camera, rather than put it in a display case, and he spent a good deal of time hunting down film backs and other accessories for me and piecing together an adapter to build a cable to use modern flash--more time than I would have expected for a consignment sale. I wonder if most of their used items aren't consignments.

I've had a blast with the Graflex, and price was very reasonable. I first used it as a prop to a vintage costume party for my first outing with it (came as Jimmy Olsen), and it was a huge hit. People liked the vintage "press" photos as well.

Wow, thanks for sharing the positive experience and nice find with the Graflex! Sounds like C&D has some hope. I did notice that they had a nice vintage collection, and quite a few M42 lens choices.

I've got to get a tripod head here soon, I'll give them a buzz to see how much they can get it for.

A tripod was my last purchase there. I've been very happy with the Giottos I picked up. Price was about $325 after discount compared to $305 at the big NY houses. The time spent with me was worth the $20.

I would absolutely discourage anyone from going to Kurt's Camera Corral, they are very very rude and spiteful..Camera and Darkroom on the other hand is not bad, although they could do a better job of making customers feel welcome in the store. I purchased a tripod there after a salesman went through all the models, advantages, disadvantages, etc, etc.. Bottom line they were very helpful and knowledgeable and I was happy to spend my hard earned duckards there.

By the way Giottos VGR 9264-MC is an excellent tripod and a bargain to boot. The build quality is top notch. It's the only camera reated product I own that I can confidently see myself using twenty years from now.

That's the tripod I bought, as well. None of the camera stores fall all over you, but your description of Kurt's is spot on. I don't know how you can be that condescending with your customers and expect them to come back.

Just dropped off my Tokina 90/2.5 with AP-T camera repair in ABQ, I had never heard of them, but they have about 30-40 K mount and M42 mount gear...nothing newer than FA. Hopefully they'll fix my lens!

Jeff, where are they located?

North side of Menaul, a couple side streets east of Washington.

Thanks. I just figured out which one that was.