Austin camera stores

[LDB]

I'll be in Austin for graduations and would like to find a good camera shop to visit somewhere between campus and Cedar Park preferably. Any suggestions?

[billbunton]

There's really only one in Austin, Precision at the corner of 38th and Lamar.

[LDB]

Thanks for the lead. Is there parking nearby?

[billbunton]

Yeah, it's in a strip mall with some parking. There's also some on-street parking nearby.

[merock]

Just don't expect any great customer service.

[rick325]

Originally Posted by merock

Just don't expect any great customer service.

I totally agree. I have most recently found that the most helpful/knowledgeable people at Precision are the folks at the service/rental counter.

What is it that you are looking for specifically (buy, sell, trade, processing, etc.?) as there may be other better places...

[ddaquaria]

Originally Posted by merock

Just don't expect any great customer service.

I don't agree entirely. There are a few folks there that have helped me whenever I ask for the smallest thing (without rolling their eyes) and folks that you can tell don't want to help - but that is how commissioned sells works sometimes.

I could even provide a short story from 2 weeks ago...

[PIC]

Originally Posted by merock

Just don't expect any great customer service.

You have to be in the "Click" to even get waited on.
They know me as a BH shopper.
I wonder who told them ....

EL

[rick325]

Originally Posted by PIC

You have to be in the "Click" to even get waited on.
They know me as a BH shopper.
I wonder who told them ....

EL

Shhh... don't tell them about me. I can't even afford B&H so try and buy from other people as much as I can.

My issue is generally not about the service I receive (when I do get it), but the blantant B.S. that I hear the sales folks (especially on the right side of the store) telling customers that aren't well educated on photography.

I've seen them sell a woman a 50/1.4 (she was looking to do some shooting of indoor volleyball). When asked what the 1.4 stood for, the sales person decided to tell her "the smaller the number the sharper the pictures". Firstly, 50mm seems a little short for her use. And secondly, why sell someone a 1.4 when they don't know what aperture is (save the customer some money, have them use the 1.8 and learn about primes and fast shutters).

But I digress... It is still the store with the mostest in Austin. Out of curiosity, is there something good in San An (wouldn't be too far).

[darktiger]

Originally Posted by merock

Just don't expect any great customer service.

I have to disagree. They are pretty helpful, I never had bad service there. A lot of times the even try to get close to B&H prices, if you know who to talk to....

[rick325]

Originally Posted by darktiger

I have to disagree. They are pretty helpful, I never had bad service there. A lot of times the even try to get close to B&H prices, if you know who to talk to....

Do you have a recommendation on who to talk to?

[darock]

I had some good luck talking to Chris. He seems to be one of the managers. He gave me a cut in price on my Tamron 17-50 2.8. Otherwise, I've just done my research on the net before going in. That way I pretty well know what these guys are pushing. It has been a little cold on some days. I guess that can tell when you really want to spend and really don't. I know I would get tired of trying to see all day to people who just wanted to window shop. And anyway, I've gotten better deals from B&H. And remember one thing, if you really want something they sell, don't be afraid to ask for a cheaper price. If they say no, then you can still shop on line. Do your homework and you won't feel bad about the service.

[LDB]

I'd like to have something like the Sigma 18-200 OS or Tamron 28-300 VS or whatever their code letters are. I called this afternoon and they have the Sigma in stock but for the princely sum of $599.95 while Houston Camera Exchange has it for $509 and Adorama is $449. Tax would put Precision around $650 and HCE around $550. The problem with Adorama et al is not having it for Friday for graduation shots. I'll probably go to HCE tomorrow and try to get them to knock a little off.

[park]

Talk to Chris but most of the sales people are quite knowledgeable.

I changed systems last year and ended up buying 90% of the equipment from Precision. They actually beat B&H on several of the items. They have helped me numerous times in a variety of ways. They also have a great variety of product and carry equipment I would have never thought they would be carrying such as Profoto.

Park Street - It Really Is My Name!!!
Park Street Photography - http://www.parkstreets.com

[rfortson]

I've driven over from Houston to Precision to take a couple of the Tamron classes (took the one last weekend). They always put on a good event, and seem very helpful/knowledgeable. I'm sure they're not much different from other brick and mortars. I generally avoid all of them and buy online if I know what I want. If I use their expertise or service, then I'll generally buy from them as well.