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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Looking for a long-term camera shop relationship
Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 6:05 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> This is both a micro-rant and and a request for advice.
In my recent search for a used/refurbished Id Mark III, I have been underwhelmed by my dealings with the site sponsors. I won't name names, but the representative of one had no idea what the difference was between the condition ratings; another did not respond to an e-mail question and by the time I phoned a few hours later, the refurb was sold; and the third sent me a used unit without all the promised accessories but with a bad case of ERR 99.
I used to deal with Gary at Cord Camera in Columbus, Ohio but they appear to be about to go out of business and have little left on the shelf. I have not yet found a shop in the Carolinas that has the competence or inventory of Cord.
Is there any shop you would personally recommend that sells to out-of-town customers with a need for good used gear? |
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Jeff Snyder, Photographer
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Metro DC Region | MD | USA | Posted: 6:23 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff-
I do have three used Mark III bodies as of this moment. They do go quickly as you unfortunately found out. I am out of the office now, but if you email me I will respond to you from home. Please use my jeffreys@adorama.com email adddress.
Jeff Snyder
Adorama |
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Robert Seale, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 6:38 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff....I haven't dealt with Samy's much, except to rent things from them from time to time, but I can absolutely vouch for Jody (Robert's) and Jeff (Adorama). Both are absolutely solid guys who know their stuff.
Everyone has a bad day, or perhaps you caught somebody new when you called. Based on my experience with both guys, I think you should give them another try....I don't think you'll get better service anywhere else.
ERR 99 happens from time to time, and based on the volume of gear that moves in and out of these stores, it's probably not possible to grade each one of these cameras outside of cosmetics. I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to return it and swap it for another used body.
One of the pitfalls in buying used electronic gear, is that you don't know what that camera's been through. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 6:40 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> I second going with Jeff! My refurb D3 is awesome. Jeff took the order and I had the body the next day. I'm reasonably sure that he didn't clean, test, pack, or give the camera a hug good bye, but the one time I had an issue with an item he was right there to take care of it. Had a replacement out stat. |
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Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 6:45 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> LOL @ Eric. I think the one I got needed more than a hug. Or it got one from a UFC guy on its way out the door.
Jeff was quick to e-mail me. I'll see what he has. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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102 Yards From The Beach | CT | | Posted: 7:49 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Go look up Jeff Syder at Adorama and trust him. I followed him from Penn Camera to Adorama and have suggested him to damn near everyone who asks me for a recomndation.
All have been happy with him |
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Paul Alesse, Photographer
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Centereach | NY | USA | Posted: 8:01 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> Another thumbs up vote for jeff at adorama. |
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Brad Moore, Photographer, Assistant
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Weston | MA | USA | Posted: 8:02 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> I moved a couple years ago Jeff but Peace Camera in Raleigh was always great to work with. They also had a satellite store in Cary last time I was in town. Not sure what they're like now but if you want a store that's somewhat close (Not sure if you consider 2.5 hours close) then they may be worth a look. |
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Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 8:24 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> +1 for Jeff Snyder. Sigma "lost" my warranty info. Needed a receipt. Jeff got it to me ASAP and "saved" me a $500 repair. |
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Nick Wass, Photographer
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Wheaton | MD | USA | Posted: 8:39 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> jeff snyder at adorama. period. no reason to check or go anywhere else-
he is the man
if he doesn't have it or can't get it for you then you don't need it! |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 8:53 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> Well Jeff is a god guy buy Jody at Roberts is the man 800 726 5544 |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 9:30 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> Another Jeff Snyder fan. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Ogden | UT | USA | Posted: 10:17 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff is great to work with.
Another is Allen's Camera in Philadelphia. |
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Tim Vizer, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Belleville | IL | USA | Posted: 10:29 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> I have spent many tens of thousands of dollars (for my company and for me personally) with Jody at Roberts and I highly recommend him. Sharp, up on all technology and if he can do it he tells you so and if he can't he tells you that too. No nonsense, flawless efficiency.
Tim |
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John Harrington, Photographer
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:46 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff -
Here's the problem with camera stores and photographers. Photographers walk into brick-and-mortar stores, touch and feel the cameras, and then call around for the cheapest camera price, and buy from there.
I will applaud you for, in your subject line, referring to the need for a relationship. The first thing you will have to do is stop shopping around and nickle-and-diming people. This is a tool you are buying, and a tax deductible one. Find a person whom you trust, and when you need something, call, email, or text them, and they will get it shipped right out to you. Almost the only time I ask my contact what the price is on an item is so that I can budget appropriately, or I am not able to look at their website.
I have had a few intermittent dealings with Jody at Roberts (all good), but 95% of my dealings for over 20 years have been with Jeff Snyder, and I worked with him when he was at previous companies, and I certainly followed him to Adorama. The key thing is - I have a relationship with him. This relationship didn't come overnight, but I started it out right and it is a mutually beneficial relationship in many ways.
No doubt the stories about Jeff helping, saving the day, and so on, that you've read above are just a drop in the bucket of all the stories photographers can report about their experiences with him. I am sure that Jody, who's positive reputation preceded him with me, has similar stories and evangelists. I have also heard amazing stories about Allen Camera too. In each of these three, the amazing stories are a sign of a good business partner. |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 11:17 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> I have dealt with Robert's since 1989 and I have also dealt with Samy's and Jeff Snyder when he was at Penn Camera. I have also bought from Adorama and all I can say is I have had nothing but positive experiences from all three.
I really feel it makes a difference when our sponsors are aware that you are a ss.com member. They have a vested interest in the success here and I believe they have worked hard and continue to work hard to try and serve this community. |
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Mark Loundy, Photo Editor
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San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 12:06 AM on 09.03.09 |
->> At the risk of piling on: Jeff Snyder.
--Mark |
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Joshua Brown, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 12:28 AM on 09.03.09 |
| ->> I buy most of my stuff from pictureline. Great customer service. http://www.pictureline.com |
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Phil Hawkins, Photographer
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Fresno | ca | usa | Posted: 4:00 AM on 09.03.09 |
->> You mentioned a relationship with a company in the Carolinas, and I once rented some lighting gear from Southeastern Camera in Raleigh. They have everything, and although I'm not sure about refurbs, they certainly know their business. Southeastern has a store in Carrboro (Chapel Hill), that's closer to you in Charlotte, and it's a small place, but they bend over backwards to please and the guys there really know their stuff.
Question; why refurbs? With all due respect, your experience detailed in your post is all the reason one would need to bite the bullet and get new gear. It would seem to me that enough goes wrong with new gear not to increase the odds of problems by buying used stuff. |
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Wesley Hitt, Photographer
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Fayetteville | AR | USA | Posted: 7:38 AM on 09.03.09 |
->> Hey Jeff,
I can understand you wanting a local relationship. I have dealt with Robert's many times and have no complaints but I have a local store that I deal with all the time and buy as much as I can through them. Years ago another photographer and myself contacted the owner about locating a store in our town. They came and took us to dinner and we talked about the market. They have opened two stores since our dinner and they both are their highest grossing stores. The manager once said to me that if I am on a job and something breaks and I need a lens or a camera or whatever to finish the job, just come in, get it off the shelf, let someone know what I have and the serial number and we will figure out the details later. I have done this twice over the years. A Canon Mark II blew a shutter and my 70-200 came apart while on a job. I called them and they had someone bring me a replacement. I sent my gear off and when it came back I returned their gear. No questions asked. My relationship with my local camera store (Bedford Camera) is a partnership with my business. I support them and they support me. Mail order is great and needed at times but a good local store is hard to beat.
Wesley Hitt
http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/wesleyhitt |
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Mike Carlson, Photographer
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Bayonet Point | FL | USA | Posted: 9:16 AM on 09.03.09 |
| ->> While it may be a day or two extra in shipping from California, I have had nothing but spectacular personal service from Corie Clapp at Samy's. She's knowledgeable, can find what I need everytime, even if it's from one of their other locations, and has a definite personal touch in our dealings over the years. |
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Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 9:17 AM on 09.03.09 |
->> Phil:
Your question about why I'm not going for new gear is a good one. The answer is, I'm looking to go through one more fall-winter-spring sports cycle before buying new bodies (my lenses are all in great shape). By then I hope that either Canon will have the successor to the Mark III out and proven, or I'll have to bite the bullet and make the switch back over to Nikon.
I don't want to invest too much in a Mark III now because I'm afraid its reputation has been so sullied by the AF and CQ issues that the value will plummet when a replacement comes out. I held out until now to buy a used/refurb, even though I knew they get scarce this time of year, because it seems the issues finally have been resolved and I'm seeing consistant feedback that it works properly with the fixes |
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Ronnie Montgomery, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 5:28 PM on 09.03.09 |
| ->> I would steer clear of Adorama. When the refurbished Nikon digital body I bought from them arrived not working they refused to take it back or exchange it and made me ship it to Nikon at my own expense to get the warranty repair. |
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Jeff Snyder, Photographer
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Metro DC Region | MD | USA | Posted: 6:06 PM on 09.03.09 |
->> Ronnie-
A) I'm sorry that you had a poor experience.
B) We do have a 14 day return policy, so yes, you could have sent it back for a credit, or exchange.
C) We do not do any repairs in house. All "warranty" repairs are done by the manufacturers, and yes, it would be your responsibility to ship it off for a Warranty repair.
D) I've been selling quite a large amount of "Refurbished" gear from both Nikon & Canon, and yes, in the past two years, I now know of now 2 products that were DOA. Please keep in mind that these items come to us from the manufacturer, and we do not open & test them prior to selling what we believe comes to us in perfect working condition.
I am happy to personally assist you in the future, and if you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Jeff Snyder - Adorama
jeffreys@adorama.com |
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Ronnie Montgomery, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 7:18 PM on 09.03.09 |
->> Jeff,
I don't fault Adorama for Nikon shipping them a bad camera and I don't expect Adorama to have to inspect the refurbs before they leave the store. I do expect them to try and make the situation right once it is discovered.
I tried to return the item within the 14 days and they refused. I called them the day the camera arrived. They insisted that I send it to Nikon for repair. I felt that they should either take the item back, exchange it, or pay for the shipping to Nikon for the repair. They refused all of those options.
Based on all the praise folks have for you I'm sure you are a stand-up guy. Perhaps the situation would have gone differently if you had been involved.
Thanks for the offer of help in the future. |
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Gerry Maceda, Photographer
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La Quinta | CA | | Posted: 7:21 PM on 09.03.09 |
->> Hi Jeff,
Again, thank you for your assistance with my issues with your used department last spring.
Gerry Maceda
PS. The 300 2.8 is getting ready for Friday Night Lights. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:10 AM on 09.04.09 |
->> I've used both Jeff and Jody, both are class acts.
But I want to suggest you go back and re-read what John Harrington wrote. Could I buy from someone else for less?
Yes.
Will I? No. Those nickels and dimes are what keep Jody and Jeff employed. The last thing I've purchased was a used 14-24. Jeff looked and said he didn't have one, while I was saving up to go new a used one popped up so I went that direction. But Jeff was nothing but great. Once I get done paying property taxes this month I'll start to work on another D3. It will either be Jeff or Jody simply because I know them and want them to be successful - so that when I need them they will be there.
Those dimes and nickels get you a lot of bang for your buck :) :) :). |
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Patrick Murphy-Racey, Photographer
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Powell | TN | USA | Posted: 11:36 AM on 09.04.09 |
->> I've been buying my gear from Roberts (800-726-5544) since 1992. I was put on to them by my friend Peter Read Miller after meeting him at the sports photography workshop in LA in 1991.
Bruce Pallman, the owner is a stand up guy. He gives his people in mail order enormous amounts of freedom and they back what they sell. Jody Grober and Christy Pote are simply awesome. I will admit that you can't always get them on the phone on the first try, but each of them has made personal runs to Fed-X for me when I lost track of time and called too late, or had a true emergency when out of town. Calling there is like talking to an air traffic controller sometimes; it's busy and for good reason. Because they move a ton of high dollar gear every day, they also get it from the manufacturers first.
I can't speak enough good things about Roberts. They carry all the stuff we actually use every day and are often a source of credible information long before new equipments makes it across the pond. And maybe the most important thing about using them for getting your stuff is they are fun to talk to. I'm usually laughing when I hang up the phone, especially when I call and ask for "Jodywanbenkenobi..." Try it next time you need something. |
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Rich Pilling, Photographer
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New York | NY | U.S.A. | Posted: 11:50 AM on 09.04.09 |
->> Who is this Jeff Snyder guy and why is he always calling me?
Seriously, Jeff Snyder will always have my business no matter which company he works for. He is a stand up guy and has ALWAYS taken care of all my photographic needs, whether it is a purchase,a repair or any other problem. Ar Pee |
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Jeff Kowalsky, Photographer
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West Bloomfield | MI | United States | Posted: 12:33 PM on 09.04.09 |
->> I would suggest Roberts. Jody Grober has helped me out more then a few times.
I just don't understand how the shrimp cocktail from St. Elmo's can be back-ordered? |
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Jeff Snyder, Photographer
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Metro DC Region | MD | USA | Posted: 5:55 PM on 09.06.09 |
->> Thank you all for the kind words...Just to re-iterate, I'm here for you all...
Anytime you may have a question or are looking for that hard to find piece of gear, feel free to contact me--
Jeff Snyder
Adorama Camera
jeffreys@adorama.com |
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