alexisp@ihuxk.UUCP (07/13/83)
(first of all, I am not a regular reader of this newsgroup, so this entire discussion may be a repeat of an old, well-worn, topic) Pardon my naivete, but recently I decided to buy my first SLR (I have used several different ones, and even helped others to buy them, but now it was my turn), and picked the Pentax Super Program. The main new feature of the super program is that it canmake fully automatic exposures, but only when used with the new series A lenses from Pentax. the camera will take any of the existing K mount lenses, but then only aperture priority auto exposure is available. (so much for the intro). I bought "modern photography", and started checking out the prices of the mail order houses. now, i realize that these companies are not out to become my friends, but i 3was amazed to find that fully HALF of all the ads were DELIBERATELY MISLEADING. in particular, the camera was advertised as: NEW!!Pentax Super Pro. wF1.7 ....229.95 but when you call, you find out that this is for the standard 1.7 lens, and that "the series A-lens? that's 20 dollars more....". Notice that NO-ONE would buy this camera without the series A lens. I also ran across very rude salesmen, who want to know only one thing "are you going to order now?". Finally, places will advertise a camera they do not have in stock. I ended up buying from "prestige cameras", mostly cuz the guy took the time to talk to me. Anyone out there had good/bad experiences in the mail order business? (if prestige is the worst of the rip-off places, don't tell me!! i haven't got delivery yet....) Alexis Porras ihuxk!alexisp (i'll post a review of the camera if anyone is interested. Modern Photo.'s july issue reviewed the camera)
lsk@otuxa.UUCP (07/14/83)
A while back I had an horrendous battle with Cambridge Camera in NYC. Without boring you with the details, let me just say I would highly suggest you avoid this place like the plague, ESPECIALLY mail orders. -larry
jrf@hp-pcd.UUCP (James Fontenot) (07/16/83)
#R:ihuxk:-38600:hp-pcd:7800020:000:264 hp-pcd!jrf Jul 15 14:59:00 1983 I have had good luck with Camera World of Portland, OR. (Bought serveral items at different times). But I live in Oregon and chose them only because there arerelatively close, and I can quickly and easily go pound on their head if they give me any crap. jrf
jeff@tesla.UUCP (Jeff Frey) (07/16/83)
I HAVE had good experience with Bi-Rite in NYC, who`ve shipped a couple of things at the price advertised (plus reasonable shipping cost) and in a short time. More personal experiences (+ or -) with mail-order ripoffers would be a useful addition to this net. JF
CSvax:Pucc-H:Physics:rb@pur-ee.UUCP (07/20/83)
#R:ihuxk:-38600:pur-phy:10500001:000:474 pur-phy!rb Jul 14 09:15:00 1983 Some time ago, I decided to buy a zoom lens using mail-order. Several places advertised the lens I wanted (a Vivitar Series I 70-210) for around $135. B&H was asking $150, and a few (i.e., Cambridge) were asking even more. After calling around a bit, I discovered that all the cheap prices advertised did not include the camera mount (as though anybody would buy a lens without the mount). The mount cost $25-$30. I finally bought from B&H. Ross Bogue pur-ee!pur-phy!rb
jjm@hou5e.UUCP (07/20/83)
When I bought some movie equipment several years ago, I checked out all the mail order ads in the back of the photo magazines. I then called the places (many have an 800 number) and verified the prices on the equipment I wanted. Then I selected a place in NYC that did both mail-order and walk-in sales. I called them, mentioned the ad, and double-checked their prices against the rest of the mail-order places. I wrote down the prices, and the name of the guy I talked to. Then I trekked into the city and bought it over the counter at their mail order prices. At first they were reluctant, since their store prices were higher, but I gave them a choice of taking my money or saying goodbye forever. They took my money. MORAL OF THE STORY: mail order is good, but nothing beats hands-on examination in a store before you buy. And if you're lucky, you CAN get mail-order prices in stores. Good luck! Jim McParland ABI - HO hou5e!jjm