Where in Manhattan?

[fran_mart]

I have always had a policy of (at least) seeing a camera in a "proper camera store" before buying it. Some of the messages under this topic have confirmed that view! However, I'm now living in Manhattan and am having trouble finding a "proper camera store": most places that advertise 'digital cameras' seem to get their main income from flogging tee-shirts, coffee mugs etc. Can people advise me of stores that are actually respectable, technically competent camera stores on Manhattan?

Best Regards

Martin

[Kenyada]

I have always had a policy of (at least) seeing a camera in a "proper camera store" before buying it. Some of the messages under this topic have confirmed that view! However, I'm now living in Manhattan and am having trouble finding a "proper camera store": most places that advertise 'digital cameras' seem to get their main income from flogging tee-shirts, coffee mugs etc. Can people advise me of stores that are actually respectable, technically competent camera stores on Manhattan?

Best Regards

Martin

You've probably been introduced to the Broadway "camera shops." Now take a ride to Ninth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets. You'll find a very competent camera Store - B&H Photo. Their competitor, Adorama Camera, can be found at 42 West 18th Street.

[fsphotography]

I highly recommend B&H, but don't be surprised when they are not open Friday afternoon through Saturday -- they close for Shabbas. They are also very crowded on Sundays, so I'd recommend stopping by during a weekday if you can. Have fun!

[henryp]

Now take a ride to Ninth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets. You'll find a very competent camera Store - B&H Photo.
Thanks. Much appreciated.

[fran_mart]

It sounds like a stroll in the direction of B&H is the answer to my needs.

[Kenyada]

It sounds like a stroll in the direction of B&H is the answer to my needs.

Yep, in fact, if they sold a good hot pastrami on rye w/mustard, they'd have ALL of my paycheck :D

[gskalt]

I'll second that! B&H is a very hectic place, but they are really good. i bought a camera there about a year ago and the staff was great. I also bought one over the phone two weeks ago. Again, very helpful. I highly recommend them.

If you want that pastrami and rye, head over to the 2nd Avenue deli at 10th street & second ave... their food is great.

[henryp]

It sounds like a stroll in the direction of B&H is the answer to my needs.

Just so it's no surprise, B&H closes at 2:00 on Fridays (at 1:00 after DST ends) and is closed all day Saturdays. The store is usually open Sundays, but this Sunday, Aug 14th, is the Jewish holy day of Tisha B'Av, and B&H will be closed.

[fran_mart]

Well the walk to B & H has happened, and my credit card was a tad lighter on the way back. I was going to say "substantially lighter" but in fact the deal was as good as I could find anywhere on the net or around the streets. Many thanks to those who recommended the store: the service I got was great, and from the conversations I kibitzed, others were getting similar treatment - it wasn't just my magnetic personality that made them nice guys.

I don't know if everyone else in the store was getting in early because of the closure on Sunday but the place was certainly a hive of activity. It should be a tourist attraction in its own right.

Unfortunately I'd taken lunch before I went so I will have to stroll back that way sometime to check out the sandwich recommendation. If it's as good as the one for the camera store I might have to take a cab back to the office!