I´ve never been to NY, but my first visit will probably include a trip to B&H - everyone talks about that store.
I understand your frustration, and you are right - its no small amount of money and you´re going to be stuck with that camera for a bit of time. But... if it makes you feel better (maybe it won´t) we have no similar or even remotely close option to a store like B&H in my country (Portugal). And I´m not sure theres anything like it in Europe, except maybe London. Also, I understand the need for the store to keep expensive gear under control. The rental ideas sound good, you can make a real live street test for a day. Not many rental facilities here either ;)... but hey, we´ve got sun and good food! Miguel. > I've been doing business with B & H for over 20 years. A lot of > business. And all that time, I've been an ardent B & H booster. > > I called them today and explained that I'm considering buying a Sony HVR > Z5 and wanted to know when it would be available as they are not in > stock. I also explained that I live 2 hours away and would like to make > an appointment to come down and look at one. The salesman told me that > I did not have to make an appointment, I could always come and look at a > demonstrator. It is on a tripod. I asked if I could hold it and see how > it balances, etc., because all my shooting is hand-held. He said no, it > would have to stay on the tripod. No appointment or other arrangement > could be made. I asked what he thought I should do and he made the > suggestion that I should go to a rental house and rent one for a > weekend. > > Now this is a $5,000 plus purchase and I feel that I should have the > opportunity to hold one in my hands and look through the finder before I > buy it. > > Right now, this is a deal-breaker. I am not going to buy a camera that > I am not allowed to even hold. > > My question to the group: Any suggestions for a reliable dealer in the > New York area with prices in the same range as B & H? Or Boston? I've > been dealing up until now exclusively with B & H so I have no experience > with alternates. > > Thanks, > > Stan Hirson > http://LifeWithHorses.com > http://PinePlainsViews.com > http://ThinkingGlobalActingLocal.com >
