B&H Photo

["allan carrano" <allan.carrano@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

     I just looked through digest 1070 and saw Mike K., John B. and LDA 
     give kudos to B&H Photo for their good prices and polite customer 
     service.  Of all the discount dealers I've dealt with, B&H is my 
     favorite too.  However, some neophytes out there might interpret this 
     praise for B&H as a quasi endorsement, unless someone (me) points out 
     the "Dark Side of the Force."
     
     I do not recommend any of the "Noo Yawk" discount dealers to anyone.  
     All you have to do is look at the code of ethics listed in Pop Photo 
     and other mags to realize you are being warned about letter-of-the-law 
     tactics you are recommended to use in dealing with these businesses.  
     Over the past twenty-five years I have moved allegiances from one 
     dealer to another as I have had problems with them. 
     
     Back to B&H.  I am more comfortable dealing with them than with their 
     alternative counterparts.  Yes, I believe they are the best of the 
     lot, but they are not perfect (who is?).  My specific "problems" with 
     B&H have been minor and have involved film orders.  On two separate 
     occasions I've received my order ("fresh, dated, in original sealed 
     manufacturer's packaging") for film in plastic baggies with cartridges 
     in plastic containers, no way to determine dating.  This was after the 
     salesman kept interrupting my description of the order with 
     his..."Yes, yes B&H is very reputable.  We only send out film in 
     sealed manufacturer's packaging."
     
           


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