Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

ck713 · **Shopping for new gear in H-town... -** 11-18-2005, 04:02 AM

I'm back in Houston for a week in December and need to pick up a few things for my safari for next year since I'll be in Africa all of next year. I'm thinking of picking up an Epson P2000 and Sigma 120-300 f2.8 w/ 1.4xTC ... I wanted to test them out first before buying so instead of buying online is HCE my best choice?

They aren't good with replying to my email inquiries on pricing ... Can someone find out how much the Sigam 120-300 f2.8 will set me back? I've seen it on BH for $2000.

Digital Prophet · 11-18-2005, 06:15 AM

Absoutely not. I go to HCE only as a last resort to my last resort. I do all of my shopping at Camera CoOp. Nice people who give great service. Check them out.

Prophet out.

Kathi · 11-18-2005, 08:02 AM

Sorry, but have to agree with the Prophet - purchasing equipment at HCE is VERY last resort. Prices are awful most the time and service has gotten sloppy over the years. What we typically do is to visit HCE to put it in our hands and test it out and then go online to actually purchase it. Most of our gear was purchased through www.cameta.com. The ONLY things I ever actually purchase from HCE are an occasional portfolio book or a roll of paper background for the seamless effect.

tjavery · 08:48 AM

This is a common question- we really need a FAQ ;-)

The HCE totally blows. The employees are typically rude and slow, and their inventory is way overpriced. *

The Camera Co-op is a pretty good place, as mentioned. They're friendly and helpful, and I'm sure they could order anything that you needed if they didn't have it in stock.

I've also heard people mention the Humble shop and that it's a small, but decent place. Again, they may have to order what you want.

If you want decent prices, the best thing to do is order online. B&H Photo Video, in particular, is a great place. My orders typically take about a week to arrive using the normal shipping. You can always get 2-day shipping, and they'll rush your order out the door in 24 hours, I believe.

* note- I don't want to critize without merit, but HCE is really bad. I've been in there a handful of times, and I alway leave pissed because of one, or more, of the following: 1) salesperson kept passing me over at the counter after I asked for help, 2) salesperson sighed deeply when I asked to have a hands-on look at something (seriously- about two years ago I asked to look at a DRebel. They guy says that they're in boxes and they don't want to get them out. Ever heard of a display model?), or 3) overpriced items and refusal to match prices or even come down a little.
Seriously, I don't see how they stay in business with consumers being more informed, in general, and having access to terrific online shops.

ck713 · 11-18-2005, 09:08 AM

I appreciate the honesty. :) I will check out Camera Co-op. B&H does have great pricing. I guess I could get 2nd day or overnight delivery. I'll have to consider that after I test out the lens.

Thanks again!

Digital Prophet · 11-18-2005, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjavery

Seriously, I don't see how they stay in business with consumers being more informed, in general, and having access to terrific online shops.

Mainly because they are on Richmond and they are the only shop in town that advertises on TV. So casual shooters think that they are the only gig in town besides WalMart and Best Buy and the likes. And compared to those stores HCE is a good option. But it doesn't take long after you start to buy more serious gear that you realize that HCE isn't the place to be.

Now I know that alot of people prefer to buy online and that is thier choice. But I wil say this, I buy ALL of my gear local from locally owned stores. Even when I was in need of a cable release I did (much to my shame) go to HCE. Because if though they are asses they are local asses. To me it's completely worth the small difference I pay (and with my tax number vs. shipping it's really not that big a difference) to help keep my favorite store open. Because if they close there won't be a place for me to get emergency items, regular items or (if I ever decide to) a place for me to go look at stuff and order online.

Just my two bits. I have more bits, but that's all you get for a quarter.

Prophet out.

Stephen · 11-18-2005, 09:32 AM

I have had good luck with Houston Camera Exchange. Last month I bought a mint used 70-200L 2.8 IS for only $1000. About $400 cheaper everywhere else sells it. I sold my NON IS 70-200L 2.8 for $950 so I upgraded to the better lens for only $50. Not bad if you ask me.

dminton · 11-18-2005, 10:31 AM

tjavery you're talkin about Humble Camera Center on Main Street in Downtown Humble. It is indeed a very small shop, but that's why it's so good. He doesn't carry a whole lot of stuff, mostly like 20D and Rebel level stuff and point and shoot digitals, but lots of well priced Canon and Nikon accesories. Competitive prices on film and prints. They are a small shop and so they can take time on your prints. If you ask, you can watch as they run your prints through the machine and do color adjustments and tone your prints in the machine. Brad is the repair guru there and is a top notch guy. If you're looking for older 35mm camera gear, their used equipment as of late gives HCE a run for their money. HCE has really fallen off the wagon on a count of eBay.

crazeazn · 11-18-2005, 01:19 PM

houston camera exchange is awful and utterly expensive.

bhphotovideo.com or adorama.com

Redmouse · 11-20-2005, 09:33 PM

I usually get approached a couple of times when I go to HCE. But that might be because I look like a thug and they want to make sure I'm not stealing anything