New York NYC Classic Camera Stores

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RanceEric

The name is Rance
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NYC Area Members,

I will be visiting the city next Saturday and Sunday (the 11th and 12th) and was interested in finding camera stores with classic gear. I'm looking for another lens (probably another, hopefully faster, 5cm) for my Contax I or Nikon rangefinder accessories. I will be looking at B&H, and possibly Adorama, but was interested in finding others to increase my chances of finding what I'm looking for. If anyone in the city knows of any, the help would be greatly appreciated!
 
rbiemer said:
Check the hours before you go; B&H and Adorama are not open on Saturdays.
Have fun!
Rob
Click to expand...

They also close early on Fridays.

As for Lens and Repro, their used selection is pretty much the best I've seen in the last few years. Not many shops with a retail location have even half used gear as much as they do. I keep going back to look at a professionally repainted black IIIg which is in fantastic condition and relatively inexpensive.
I don't remember if they have any Nikon or Contax RF gear but then again, I wasn't looking last time I was there a few weeks ago.

Phil Forrest
 
Hey, I love poking around at Lens and Repro, but hasn't anyone noticed that very few things are actually for sale? Tons and tons of exquisite old cameras, but you can't buy any. Or is that what they just say to me when I walk in?
 
Photo Village on 1133 Broadway at 26th Street, 8th floor, has classic RF equipment. I purchased my 1946 Summaron there, as well as my Leicas and various CV lenses.
 
Thanks for all the help, guys! I'm excited to check them out! I was expecting people to respond saying they were all gone. Pleasant surprise.
 
Last edited:
Unfortunately they were both closed.. 🙁
but I ended up going to B&H for some darkroom stuff (new tank, d-76, fixer, binder, etc.) and, as has been the case every other time I have gone there, I was less than impressed with their "customer service".. Anyone else experience that when they have shopped there? Is everyone there rude? When checking out, my put all of my items in one of the green bins and the guy at the station picked up each item and then threw it back into the bin.. for some reason he had to scan everything twice.. thus picking everything up again and throwing it back into the bin.. I know none of my items are fragile, but I would prefer if you DIDN'T toss my things around.. Alright, I'm fine now lol
 
I think BH and Adorama are both quite rude which is why I try to go to smaller shops.
I found out that Adorama sold a 48mm IR cut filter for telescope eyepieces and when the salesman asked me what kind of telescope I was using it on heard that I was using it on my Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens on the M8, he wouldn't sell it to me. No joke. insisted it wouldn't work and in spite of the fact that I said I didn't care if it didn't work (the filter was about $30) he wouldn't sell it to me. He was happy to show me the BplusW 49mm UV/IR filter and that it would work with a step up ring. Anyways, I didn't buy either that day. It's that kind of treatment that keeps me from shopping there for anything other than film, if that even.

Phil Forrest
 
Phil_F_NM said:
I think BH and Adorama are both quite rude which is why I try to go to smaller shops.
I found out that Adorama sold a 48mm IR cut filter for telescope eyepieces and when the salesman asked me what kind of telescope I was using it on heard that I was using it on my Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens on the M8, he wouldn't sell it to me. No joke. insisted it wouldn't work and in spite of the fact that I said I didn't care if it didn't work (the filter was about $30) he wouldn't sell it to me. He was happy to show me the BplusW 49mm UV/IR filter and that it would work with a step up ring. Anyways, I didn't buy either that day. It's that kind of treatment that keeps me from shopping there for anything other than film, if that even.

Phil Forrest
Click to expand...

What?! That is crazy! I've never been to Adorama.. and I don't think I ever will.. Wow..
 
I was at B&H a couple of weeks ago, and they couldn't have been nicer. Probably the most efficient system in a store that I've ever seen.

As far as their used/classic stuff goes, there wasn't really much to speak of. A few vintage Leica things, but nothing (at least for me) of interest.

Years ago, there used to be a place called 29th St. Photo (think it was on the 5th Floor). Unbelievable selection -- a ROW of Leica 250's in a showcase, plus things that I couldn't even wrap my head around. Closest place I can think of now that compares is LeicaShop in Vienna.
 
Yea, I'm with Vince and others - usually nothing but a good experience at B&H. It's a few short blocks from Penn Station for those who plan on visiting.
 
I've always had good experiences at B&H, though when they're really busy it can be hard to get the attention of a knowledgeable salesperson.

At Adorama, I've had mostly good experiences, though a couple times I got some pressure sales attitude in the used department. But nothing I can't handle. That story about their refusing to sell you a telescope 48mm filter is crazy! You should call customer service and give them an earful -- the manager there will likely be sympathetic and help you out.

I used to love Wall Street Camera! FYI, the two guys who worked there at the end now work at Adorama, though. 🙂

Cheers,
Ari
 
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