Problem with B&H photo

[Uncle Bill]

I never had a bad experience in dealing with B&H, they are top notch in my books.

 

[Out to Lunch]

In my experience B&H is a very reliable business. My only beef: they offer free shipping within the USA and charge high rates for international shipping.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I'll join the chorus: B&H is great. So are Adorama and Amazon.

To the OP: You may well hear directly from an B&H executive. They (and Adorama) monitor the photography groups on the web watching for this sort of thing.

 

[HelenOster]

The sky is not falling. You should have waited for the package to make sure. If you have a real (not imagined) issue you can contact Henry Posner at B&H, who can act as your advocate. I also trust Adorama--their online customer advocate is Helen Oster. Both Henry and Helen are very responsive via email.

Thank you! 🙂

 

[ray*j*gun]

Too many years of perfect experience with B&H to get concerned. S***t happens....

 

[Mackinaw]

For me, impeccable service. My go-to place for photo stuff.

Jim B.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I'll join the chorus: B&H is great. So are Adorama and Amazon.

To the OP: You may well hear directly from an B&H executive. They (and Adorama) monitor the photography groups on the web watching for this sort of thing.

Well, there is a difference between B&H and Adorama, at least as far as Used Goods are concerned.

I lived on 34th Street in Manhattan for 20 years, and B&H was a quick walk away. Adorama was a cab ride. B&H personnel handle used equipment in a very respectful manner. Adorama, not so much. I can recall a few specific instances where i visited Adorama for a used piece, but only after checking with B&H and KEH first. The display cases at Adorama are/were dirty, and cameras and lenses were just piled into them. Haphazardly. Uncleaned. Unprotected. That was just the way it was. I moved away three years ago, so maybe someone could chime in with info if they've changed their ways, but it was like that for the 20 years i lived in NYC, in the 'old store' and in the more recent renovation.

I also don't trust Adorama's descriptions and classifications. Something said to be in Excellent+ condition there would be Ugly or Bargain elsewhere. And, specifically, when i went there to buy a Leica-R 'current' elmarit lens, as it was specifically listed online, i found that it was a much older version. If i had ordered it online, i'd have been a bit upset. That's just one instance, and i'm only one person, but it, along with the general condition and handling issues have soured me on adorama for used stuff. I'd still not hesitate to buy new items from them, and i have. Often. Still, though, only after checking with B&H first.

Any way you cut it, if you're participating in this forum, you're a gear freak, and have probably made a LOT of gear deals. One bad experience (which wasn't really even that bad, per the OP's recounting) shouldn't necessitate a warning rant about the company. I've had a 'bad experience' with KEH, B&H, Adorama, Ebay, Amazon.... But, one out of many is an outlier, and i'd continue to do business with all of the above. Trends, however, are another matter. I don't see one here, though.

 

[Thud]

I believe you can give some people a gold brick, and they will complain it's to heavy.
Too many special snowflakes around in today's world. :bang:

 

[Mudman]

Well, there is a difference between B&H and Adorama, at least as far as Used Goods are concerned.

I lived on 34th Street in Manhattan for 20 years, and B&H was a quick walk away. Adorama was a cab ride. B&H personnel handle used equipment in a very respectful manner. Adorama, not so much. I can recall a few specific instances where i visited Adorama for a used piece, but only after checking with B&H and KEH first. The display cases at Adorama are/were dirty, and cameras and lenses were just piled into them. Haphazardly. Uncleaned. Unprotected. That was just the way it was. I moved away three years ago, so maybe someone could chime in with info if they've changed their ways, but it was like that for the 20 years i lived in NYC, in the 'old store' and in the more recent renovation.

I also don't trust Adorama's descriptions and classifications. Something said to be in Excellent+ condition there would be Ugly or Bargain elsewhere. And, specifically, when i went there to buy a Leica-R 'current' elmarit lens, as it was specifically listed online, i found that it was a much older version. If i had ordered it online, i'd have been a bit upset. That's just one instance, and i'm only one person, but it, along with the general condition and handling issues have soured me on adorama for used stuff. I'd still not hesitate to buy new items from them, and i have. Often. Still, though, only after checking with B&H first.

Any way you cut it, if you're participating in this forum, you're a gear freak, and have probably made a LOT of gear deals. One bad experience (which wasn't really even that bad, per the OP's recounting) shouldn't necessitate a warning rant about the company. I've had a 'bad experience' with KEH, B&H, Adorama, Ebay, Amazon.... But, one out of many is an outlier, and i'd continue to do business with all of the above. Trends, however, are another matter. I don't see one here, though.

I've had the exact opposite experience with Adorama. Always been very fair in their ratings on used equipment, good prices and fast shipping. I've stopped by the shop and the used area was clean and organized. They were able to grab the item I had found on the web and hand it right to me for inspection. Nothing piled on top of anything else like you describe. And Helen has always been awesome to deal with.

 

[Beemermark]

You should only buy from your local camera store.

 

[richard_l]

In almost 20 years of dealing with B&H, I have never had a problem.

 

[kermaier]

My wife ordered me a Billingham Hadley Pro from B&H for my birthday. Their online ad mentioned an included shoulder pad, but it turned out that was a mistake, and the shoulder pad is an extra accessory. B&H sent us a free shoulder pad, and corrected the ad. They're the best, and never intentionally dishonest.
::Ari

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

You should only buy from your local camera store.

That's impractical and often impossible.

How often do they have what you need? I recently discovered a few shops locally, and gave each a 'chance' for some business. None had what I was looking for. On another occasion, one shop did have what I wanted, but when I asked the price, there was none marked, so the salesman walked to the back office, where he and an associate looked it up online - searching eBay and some other competitor. Then the guy returned and gave me a price far above actual market value. Maybe he thought I wouldn't know better. Then, I bought some propacks of film, and was shocked that the prices were so much higher than freestyle (also local to me) and Amazon.

I was super fortunate, when I lived in NYC, that b&h WAS my local shop. I also had Adorama and PhotoVillage as walking distance options. Now, I'm in LA, and samy's and freestyle are local. And, still I have to source things from other vendors, just for the sake of availability. Imagine if I lived in a small market? Or, even in a large market like Rio — large population, but without great resources.
It's unfortunate that small shops can't compete at every level. But it's also difficult for a consumer to support a business that isn't able to respond to his needs. Should we, really? Reminds me of the arguments people were making about the U.S. auto industry a while back.

 

[markwatts]

Living in ROK and PRC for the last years they have been invaluable to me. As many have stated the service is accurate and excellent. I can say same for Adorama and KEH.
I visited the store in 2010. Along with Grand Central and the Chrysler it was on my list of things to see!!

 

[Rayt]

I have been buying from B&H for 30 years. It's all good.

I buy locally when I need something in a hurry. Traditional neighbourhood shops can't compete with mail order houses when you also factor in no sales tax and free shipping. Why would I pay 7+ bucks for a roll of film unless I need it immediately? The last time I shopped for a CD at a neighbourhood store they were quoting $16.98 list price. Amazon had it for 5 bucks.

 

[tennjed]

I had an instance where B&H advertised a Pentax 50 1.2 A (Automatic Aperture) model lens. When I received the lens it was not the "A" lens, but rather the lens model allowing only manual control of aperture. When I brought the matter to their attention, along with my proposal that I retain the lens if they refund a sum of money, they researched the matter and then agreed to my proposal. I was all very cordial. I've had no trouble since.

 

[HelenOster]

I can recall a few specific instances where i visited Adorama for a used piece, but only after checking with B&H and KEH first. The display cases at Adorama are/were dirty, and cameras and lenses were just piled into them. Haphazardly. Uncleaned. Unprotected.

I also don't trust Adorama's descriptions and classifications. Something said to be in Excellent+ condition there would be Ugly or Bargain elsewhere.

Sorry to hear this.....the used department houses something like 26-28,000 used pieces at any given time; comparatively few are on display in the store. I've just asked our store manager if he can take a couple of pictures of the current set-up that I'll be delighted to send to you, if I can get your email > helen@adorama.com

re: rating issues - my understanding is that these have been improving steadilly over the years. Yes, there are always going to be subjective points of view when it comes to cosmetic condition, but as I understand it the used department runs every piece by at least two technicians / valuers, before they agree on the grade, and that they are more than happy to discuss customer concerns (and will listen sympathetically to a request for a discount if an error has been made).

BTW, you can always email me directly: Helen@adorama.com to request a set of actual pics of an item before you make a commitment to purchase!

 

[HelenOster]

I've had the exact opposite experience with Adorama. Always been very fair in their ratings on used equipment, good prices and fast shipping. I've stopped by the shop and the used area was clean and organized. They were able to grab the item I had found on the web and hand it right to me for inspection. Nothing piled on top of anything else like you describe.


And Helen has always been awesome to deal with.

Thanks so much for taking the time to feed back about your own experiences! 🙂

 

[henryp]

Problem: responded to an ad for lens and finder; placed order, when checked order in email order was without finder. Called B & H, explained the problem, and the only option they gave me was to cancel the order--which I did.

I'm very sorry for your dissatisfaction. If you can email details to me I can look into this. Right now I cannot ID you or the transaction or the product.

To everyone else here kind enough to speak kindly about B&H -- THANK YOU. It's very gratifying and very much appreciated.

 

[raid]

I just placed an order for film with B&H 🙂