Any thoughts on where to purchase Nikon gear? Nikon vs. B&H vs. Adorama, etc.?
Thank you in advance!
Thank you in advance!
Where to purchase? [re Nikon gear]
- Thread starter bkashner
- Start date
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If you have a relatively local camera store that might be a good option. B&H has a credit card that has a feature where they cover the sales tax which could be a great advantage depending upon the sales tax rates where you live. Adorama may have a similar arrangement. If you are lucky (like me) and live close enough to B&H's store that would be the place to go. Great sales people, zero pressure they don't work on commission. They have pretty much all the cameras and lens in the store and you can play around. Bring memory cards with you and don't forget to take them out of the cameras when you leave.
And don’t forget to bring a camera to capture their museum, collections of old cameras, and old lenses
abc123brian
Well-known member
I have bought from all three of the sources you listed as well as my local camera store, Allen’s camera, and Amazon. The only real problem I’ve had was getting a used, returned lens from Amazon which was defective instead of the new one I ordered. Amazon of course took the lens back and refunded my money. The common issue with B&H is they get overwhelmed with orders for new, hot items and that can result in backlog wait times. This isn’t their fault and is because they are such a popular store. This happens at other places too, but usually to a slightly lesser extent.
I think the prices of new gear is set nationally as are any sales or discounts, at least for the non grey market stuff. Warranty repairs are centralized as well. So that just leaves intangibles like finding a dealer with a reputation for fairness and honesty and not high pressure tactics.
Allenscarera.com, like new is like new, been dealing with them for 2 years both in person and via the net.
allenscamera.com
Allen's Camera
Shop the latest in photography gear and accessories at our camera store. From top-of-the-line DSLRs to compact mirrorless cameras, we have everything you need to capture your moments in stunning detail. Browse our wide selection of lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment to take your photography...
allenscamera.com
As others have said dealing with a local store is ideal when possible. Nikon controls pricing so the big retailers don't have any better deals. You should be aware that the Nikon Store does not allow ANY changes to an existing order. Not even changing to a different credit card number. And they require signature upon delivery. So not a good idea to place any pre/back orders with them with uncertain delivery date.
While I like the idea of using my local camera shop, it’s hard for me to pass up the savings on New York State sales tax (8.75%) provided by the B&H Payboo card, especially for big ticket items like camera bodies and lenses. Consequently, I purchase almost all of my equipment from B&H, which also has stellar service. I’ve always had great experiences using this retailer.
I have found good service and reasonable wait times from my local shop. I waited about 4 weeks for my 100-400, 10 weeks for my Z9 and 10 months for my 800PF. Not short, but reasonable as compared to many people. Helping keep a local shop open and available is important to me.
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Darrellhar
Well-known member
I would always recommend a local camera store if you have one as lines would probably be shorter and service better. I have started buying my camera and lens direct from Nikon though. Part of that is because their deals on refurbs when they run 10% off has been great.
Warren D
Well-known member
I've bought from many in the past but years ago, settled on one B&M store. Once you have an established relationship with a dealer, it helps when you want those items that are in short supply. I have a good relationship with my dealer and usually am able to get high-demand items in a timely manner. Prices on Nikon goods are fairly consistent so it boils down to service.
If you can buy local, try going that route. I also buy a lot of stuff from Roberts Camera and highly recommend them. Call, ask for Nick, and tell him Steve sent ya. 
Also, you'd be surprised how often Best Buy has gear - I've purchased several lenses from them when I needed it in a pinch.
Also, you'd be surprised how often Best Buy has gear - I've purchased several lenses from them when I needed it in a pinch.
I live in Delaware, so I don’t have a sales tax. My “local” camera store is Service Photo in Baltimore. I order from them on-line and shipping takes only a day. Very good service and shorter lines for new gear than B&H.
My local Nikon (NID) camera shop ( is in Newark Delaware (just purchased a Promaster Carbonfiber Gimbal), "CAMERAS ETC" and for quality printing and processing in Wilmington Delaware "Colourworks Photographic Services". AllensCamera.com (NPD) (I've been to his shop several times) for Nikon Professional Services, for new and used equipment. B&H for items that no one else has or can carry. Just started using mpb.com for selling used equipment (see my post on this forum).
1. Cameras Etc .................................................................................................................... 1. Colourworks Photographic Services (printing and processing)
2. AllensCamera.com
3. B&H Photo
4. Roberts Camera once (used item, good service)
5. Best Buy (Sale items on memory cards, backups, etc.)
1. Cameras Etc .................................................................................................................... 1. Colourworks Photographic Services (printing and processing)
2. AllensCamera.com
3. B&H Photo
4. Roberts Camera once (used item, good service)
5. Best Buy (Sale items on memory cards, backups, etc.)
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Nikon Japan announces price revisions and "open pricing" for some products - Nikon Rumors
Today Nikon Japan introduced price revisions for some accessories (hot shoe covers) and “open pricing” for most Nikkor lenses. My understanding is that Nikon will no longer enforce suggested retail pricing and will let retailers determine the final selling price, which in most cases will mean a...
nikonrumors.com
Any experience with recently announced "open pricing" for Nikon lenses?
I have used a local camera store, Amazon, B&H, Adorama, and Best Buy, and have been satisfied with my purchases through all of them.
Here are a couple of things I learned.
Best Buy has a price match guarantee and that applies during a return or exchange period. I purchased a Lens from Best Buy and a few weeks later Nikon announced a $200 instant savings. Best Buy honored the savings and refunded $200. There are several Best Buy locations in my area and they vary a lot in what they have in stock.
Nikon USA does seem to have some credit card processing issues especially when there is a long wait on the product. I had one case where I received a new credit card number while I was waiting for the product and was told that they could not update the CC number on the order. It took me awhile but I finally got that resolved. I also had one order that I had to wait several months for and I received an email that the item was preparing to ship immediately followed by an email saying the order was canceled. I finally got that issue resolved as well but it took several hours on the phone. In discussions with my CC company they said that Nikon issues an authorization at the time of the order but then tries to charge to that authorization after it had expired, they should have reauthorized the transaction again. I don't know if that has been addressed at Nikon USA or not.
I did purchase a lens from Nikon USA and two days later they offered a $200 rebate. I contacted them and they refunded $200. I don't know what the practice is with other vendors in situations like this.
I am about a 2 hour drive from my local store and I have tried to give them my business when I can. I have noticed a few times that they don't always have on display what they actually have in stock. I have visited the store several times and not seeing what I wanted on display, asked and was told they had the items I was looking for in the back. I don't know the reason for this but I have made an effort to become a more regular customer and tried to get to know the staff.
Here are a couple of things I learned.
Best Buy has a price match guarantee and that applies during a return or exchange period. I purchased a Lens from Best Buy and a few weeks later Nikon announced a $200 instant savings. Best Buy honored the savings and refunded $200. There are several Best Buy locations in my area and they vary a lot in what they have in stock.
Nikon USA does seem to have some credit card processing issues especially when there is a long wait on the product. I had one case where I received a new credit card number while I was waiting for the product and was told that they could not update the CC number on the order. It took me awhile but I finally got that resolved. I also had one order that I had to wait several months for and I received an email that the item was preparing to ship immediately followed by an email saying the order was canceled. I finally got that issue resolved as well but it took several hours on the phone. In discussions with my CC company they said that Nikon issues an authorization at the time of the order but then tries to charge to that authorization after it had expired, they should have reauthorized the transaction again. I don't know if that has been addressed at Nikon USA or not.
I did purchase a lens from Nikon USA and two days later they offered a $200 rebate. I contacted them and they refunded $200. I don't know what the practice is with other vendors in situations like this.
I am about a 2 hour drive from my local store and I have tried to give them my business when I can. I have noticed a few times that they don't always have on display what they actually have in stock. I have visited the store several times and not seeing what I wanted on display, asked and was told they had the items I was looking for in the back. I don't know the reason for this but I have made an effort to become a more regular customer and tried to get to know the staff.
I have been dealing with Allen's Camera for 30 years. Allen, now passed away, was a great guy, and his son Brandon is likewise friendly and helpful.Allenscarera.com, like new is like new, been dealing with them for 2 years both in person and via the net.
Allen's Camera
Shop the latest in photography gear and accessories at our camera store. From top-of-the-line DSLRs to compact mirrorless cameras, we have everything you need to capture your moments in stunning detail. Browse our wide selection of lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment to take your photography...
If there is a local store in your area and you find the staff helpful, try them It helps to have do business with a story for a long time. They are more likely to out of their way to help you and in the long term, it is worth it. Years ago I realized that now matter how much $ I spent at B&H, I would never be an important customer. Important customers order 100's of thousand of equipment from B&H, not a $10,000 lens or body every year or two.
From your profile I see you are in Mass. Have your tried Hunts?
henryp
Member
If you are lucky (like me) and live close enough to B&H's store that would be the place to go. Great sales people, zero pressure they don't work on commission. They have pretty much all the cameras and lens in the store and you can play around. Bring memory cards with you and don't forget to take them out of the cameras when you leave.
I purchase almost all of my equipment from B&H, which also has stellar service. I’ve always had great experiences using this retailer.
Thank you. This is very gratifying.I purchase almost all of my equipment from B&H, which also has stellar service. I’ve always had great experiences using this retailer.
Years ago I realized that now matter how much $ I spent at B&H, I would never be an important customer.
Every customer is an important customer. I know that sounds glib but our success over 45+ years is built on treating every customer this way no matter how much or how frequently is spent here.
coachjohn57
Well-known member
I either buy locally (Schiller's, here in the St. Louis area - great locally owned store with courteous, professional and very competent staff) or from B&H. I'll always go local first when possible.
Rixpx
Well-known member
Roberts Camera in Indianapolis has been very good to deal with. It’s a 50 mile drive for me. They also mail order.
I’ve gotten excellent service from B&H, as well.
I’ve gotten excellent service from B&H, as well.
I'm with RichF been buying from Allens Camera in PA for over 20yrs! Always delt with to Allen until he passed, a great guy! Now Brandon is just like his dad! Oh and Jared Polin (Fro knows photo) worked at Allens for several years, don't hold that against Allens! LOL!
I tend to use B&H since I can save on the sales tax, although I also purchase from a local camera shop, YM Camera in Ohio, to give them business and get more of a personal touch. Sadly, there just aren't many camera shops around anymore.
We don't have a local camera store. We buy from Hunt's in Melrose, Mass. They provide great customer service and ship all over. Alan is our go-to guy. Huntsphotoandvideo.com
BrianMM
Active member
I live in South Texas and have purchased direct from Nikon (totally reliable), B&H (no problems) and from Service Photo in Baltimore (very responsive and really excellent to deal with). On several occasions I have found the sales staff at the local camera store to be rude and aloof to anyone who is not part of their little clique so I no longer do business with them.
Alex
Member
I agree about using a local dealer. For me, in Canada just outside of Toronto, my dealer has been very helpful and I trust his recommendations. He runs a one-man shop and is always willing to take time to discuss anything I bring to him. As to B&H, this is a holy temple of camera equipment and when I travel to NYC, I always make a point of going there: excellent support, competitive pricing, and a good selection of gear across a range of prices. They have always taken my questions seriously and have been very helpful. They appear to really know what they are talking about and they appear to be well trained in their particular areas.