My experience in H*nry's

[oajlu]

I went to H*nry's today.
I was planning to get 70-200 F4 IS after all, even though it's more expensive than States.

Well, since it's still early when I get there, so I asked the salesman (he looks like a high school kid) that I want to check every telephoto zoom lens with IS, like 55-250, 70-300, and 70-200 F4 IS

After I tried them, I asked him that does 70-300 has IF? Appearently, he doesnt know what IF is. So I told him it's internal focus, but he still doesnt get it... maybe my english is too bad, so he couldnt understand what i am talking about, but even my prof from pakistan can understand my asian accent.

so I asked him what's different between these lens, and all he told me is that 70-200 is "clearer" than 70-300, and 70-300 is "clearer" than 55-250. nice answer

I was so mad, what kind of salesman he is. He doesnt know the items he is selling. 70-200 is better than the other 2, not just on the image quality, but on the build , lens constrcution and all other stuffs, like it's weather sealed, it has FTM, it doesnt extend, and its IS can reduce 4 steps shutter speed. 70-300 can only reduce 3 steps, I think.

according to his philosophy, 600mm F4 makes clearer image than 180mmL macro because it's more expensive.

His attitude is okay, but he really need to improve his knowledge on these photography equipments.


I was so p*ed there, I was going to spend a grand there, and that's the quality of service I get. He doesnt deserve my commission, so I left.

nice job H*nry's

[sfu_engineer]

That is a funny story but it happens much more often that you would think. The nicer Henry's and at B&H in New York have specialized people who work behind the counters of certian brands. This helps them have more knowledge on the items that they sell.

Me being a Nikon guy would not know EVERYTHING about Canon, or Pentax, or Sony. I would give the guy a break. ;)

[ryan_lau100]

hahaha i wouldnt put it past anyone in retail. dont get me wrong a lot of people in retail especially electronics are very knowledgeable but you will always get the one or two bad apples that know the consumer lingo and thats about it ie. 12mp is better than 5mp LOL.

ive lived by this quote i heard a while back and can somewhat be used in this context

"tech support is dumb people calling dumber people for help"

not everyone with a name tag saying they work at a place and therefore should be knowledgeable are always going to be knowledgeable.

[oajlu]

The problem is he's working behind the canon counter, he stands behind canon counter when i walked into the store. They have another salesman in Nikon sector. Anyway, they really shouldnt let a high school kid selling $1000+ lens

[hightech]

I think all stores have some people who need training. I would have taken his card and then contacted the store manager, and told him what happened and your concerns. Most reputable stores would take a genuine interest in your comments and take steps to address it. Sometimes, they may even give you a good deal on that lens for your time and concerns.

Places like Henry's generally have well skilled staff (but there are always a few bad apples).

[7jaii]

Sometimes, they may even give you a good deal on that lens for your time and concerns.

I understand you wanted to drop a grand and feel reassured but not everyone can learn all the products. Granted he should have demonstrated more knowledge to your questions but Henry's staff performance is light years ahead of Futureshop or Bestbuy. Always do your homework if you want a bargain. For expensive purchases do your research and compare the 3 shops I go to: Vistek Henry's Aden - talk talk talk and learn all you can.

Pro shops would rather have a happy regular customer than one that keeps returning cameras. Henry's offers price protection and a refund policy better than most shops. I don't get along with the staff at my neighbourhood location but the downtown shop is a lot of fun. Saturdays are packed and Brand reps are demo'ing new products - it's really is eye candy in every sense.

[gerbil]

maybe it's his first week @ henry's ... or worst .. it's his first day and he's in highschool :cheesygri

[CSAgent]

Heh, I shop at Henry's and never ever had a problem. They are far above Black's. Which Henrys did you go to? I know most of the Mississauga location staff by name.

[sfu_engineer]

Heh, I shop at Henry's and never ever had a problem. They are far above Black's. Which Henrys did you go to? I know most of the Mississauga location staff by name.

Oh man. Blacks is the worst at more "pro" gear. Even the giant one in downtown Toronto cannot compare to any of the Henry's.

[NiMSo]

I never rely on the info that a salesperson tells me. I go into a store with full knowledge about what I want to buy. It's your own responsibility to do your own research first. Don't rely on others to 'fill the gap'. That's the bottom line.

[Twitch1977]

I never rely on the info that a salesperson tells me. I go into a store with full knowledge about what I want to buy. It's your own responsibility to do your own research first. Don't rely on others to 'fill the gap'. That's the bottom line.

I agree with this completely, by the time I'm walking into a store to drop a grand on a lens I know everything I need to know and have the lens already picked out. And if you said to me a lens had IF, I'm not sure I would have connected that to internal focusing right away, it's not the most commonly used acronym.

T

[adblink182]

I can't believe people still go to stores for big expensive purchases like this and hope to get all the information they want from the sales guy. Do your own research online, you will get all the information you want and will make the best decision based on your needs.

I worked at Staples for 5 years, and did you know that for 95% of the stuff i sold, I received very little training on? Everything I knew about computers, laptops etc etc came from my own personal knowledge and understanding, not from the company. I was a good salesman and knew my **** because I took the extra time to figure it out on my own time, I didn't get paid for any of that stuff.

as the guys above me have already stated, for big purchases I know what I want long before I even get in the car to go to the store. You can't expect the salesguy to know every single possible detail about every product. No one is retail is paid THAT well.

For you sure you were only comparing 3 lenses, seems easy enough to know alot about 3 lenses, but when they sell HUNDREDS of lenses, its hard to know detailed stuff about each and every one

I always hated those customers that came in and asked those ridiculas techy questions that even they themselves had no idea wtf they were saying or what it meant. I had a guy come in once and wanted to know exactly what country the specific motherboard in this ONE laptop was made! Live give me a flippin break

[oajlu]

I went to the lakeshore one, I already check the price from photoprice.ca, all i know is that as a Canadian I have to pay 20% more than American does. Well, I am fine with it since I want this lens so badly.

But I dont think I deserve this kind of service when I have to pay premium price, and it's not the first time H*nry's messed up with me. Last summer, I went to H*nry's superstore, they served an old guy first who came there after me. Come on, because I looks younger, so I am not a serious customer?

omg do I have to put $ on the counter first in roder to get good qualty of service?

[eelfliw]

Guess what, that Henry's salesman will soon graduate from Henry's and go to Futureshop and become their star salesman.

[oajlu]

I can't believe people still go to stores for big expensive purchases like this and hope to get all the information they want from the sales guy. Do your own research online, you will get all the information you want and will make the best decision based on your needs.

I worked at Staples for 5 years, and did you know that for 95% of the stuff i sold, I received very little training on? Everything I knew about computers, laptops etc etc came from my own personal knowledge and understanding, not from the company. I was a good salesman and knew my **** because I took the extra time to figure it out on my own time, I didn't get paid for any of that stuff.

as the guys above me have already stated, for big purchases I know what I want long before I even get in the car to go to the store. You can't expect the salesguy to know every single possible detail about every product. No one is retail is paid THAT well.

For you sure you were only comparing 3 lenses, seems easy enough to know alot about 3 lenses, but when they sell HUNDREDS of lenses, its hard to know detailed stuff about each and every one

I always hated those customers that came in and asked those ridiculas techy questions that even they themselves had no idea wtf they were saying or what it meant. I had a guy come in once and wanted to know exactly what country the specific motherboard in this ONE laptop was made! Live give me a flippin break


I already check the info online, and I know what I want (70-200 F4L IS), I just want to ask him that does 70-300 IS come with IF? I know it does extend but I dont remember it has IF or not.

[AudiDude]

I really hate to have to point this out, but if you are going to spend $1000 on a lens you should know the specifications on that lens. I frequent Henry's and I never ask the salesman for help. Anybody that needs help usually can't push the limits of what they have, otherwise you would know why you want a new lens and what you want it to do before you leave the house. We know you have internet, so you have access to all the online comparisons that I have seen between the two lenses you are describing.Why did you not research them?

If you did, why did you bother trying to quiz the salesman with acronyms, instead of asking him to get you both the lenses so you could try them out on the spot and then ask what was the most popular lens between the two and why? I ask for a 24-70L and a 40D with a CF card in it, it gets handed to me, I purchase the lens. If I really don't like it when I get home, I have 15 days to return it.

The only discussion I had with the salesman was use of the product.Since I talked to him a bit, he gave me $75 off what they were selling it for. After chatting up another salesman, I got a 50 1.8II for $15 off. Two weeks ago I got a 24-105 on a price match for $1099. I just got 10% off a 77 B+W CPOL from chatting with the salesman. They know I know what I want, maybe add a few personal stories and are generally pretty knowledgeable. All the discounts except the 24-105, I never asked for either, they just gave it to me.

[KorruptioN]

They are far above Black's.

For the most part yes...

[oajlu]

I really hate to have to point this out, but if you are going to spend $1000 on a lens you should know the specifications on that lens. I frequent Henry's and I never ask the salesman for help. Anybody that needs help usually can't push the limits of what they have, otherwise you would know why you want a new lens and what you want it to do before you leave the house. We know you have internet, so you have access to all the online comparisons that I have seen between the two lenses you are describing.Why did you not research them?

If you did, why did you bother trying to quiz the salesman with acronyms, instead of asking him to get you both the lenses so you could try them out on the spot and then ask what was the most popular lens between the two and why? I ask for a 24-70L and a 40D with a CF card in it, it gets handed to me, I purchase the lens. If I really don't like it when I get home, I have 15 days to return it.

The only discussion I had with the salesman was use of the product.Since I talked to him a bit, he gave me $75 off what they were selling it for. After chatting up another salesman, I got a 50 1.8II for $15 off. Two weeks ago I got a 24-105 on a price match for $1099. I just got 10% off a 77 B+W CPOL from chatting with the salesman. They know I know what I want, maybe add a few personal stories and are generally pretty knowledgeable. All the discounts except the 24-105, I never asked for either, they just gave it to me.

I know every spec of the lens I want, the 70-200 F4L IS, but I asked him for 70-300 IS not because I want it, but I am curious about whether 70-300 IS comes with IF or not, and omg he didnt even know what IF (internal focus) is.

Well come on, I am their customer, if they want to get money from my pokcet, they should satisfy my need. When you purchase a product, you are not just paying $ for the product itself, but aslo the package, service, warranty, marketing, distribution channel (availability).

They dont even have 35L in stock, and you have to make a special order. lol what kind of professional photography store is it? does we canadian always have to suffer poor service quality and pay higher price?

[AudiDude]

They dont even have 35L in stock, and you have to make a special order. lol what kind of professional photography store is it? does we canadian always have to suffer poor service quality and pay higher price?

You will find as you ask for stuff that is out of the norm, you will have to wait, or go elsewhere. Henry's couldn't help me with an Arca Swiss ball head, Kirk L Plates, or my Gitzo tripod. I had to go online and to a smaller private store to get the products in a reasonable timeframe. Worked out in my favour pricewise, but if you want the toys, you have to put up with that kind of service. Black's cannot get some of the things I want (I have bought every camera body from them because they pricematched, or had the lowest price). Henry's doesn't stock it and has long waits for equipment. Vistek downright ignored me for 15 minutes and doesn't have what I want in stock anyway.

We have poor service, and higher prices in Canada because everybody lets product and services companies get away with it. I laugh at the people whining about car prices and the dollar, we've been getting gouged for years and it had nothing to do with the dollar.
BTW I have a 70-300, it doesn't have IF and no constant aperture. As far as compared to the 70-200 the IS gets you the same mount of stops reduction and the 70-300 at 200 mm is comparable to the 70-200 sharpness wise, not contrast wise. Also the 70-300 doesnt draw attention to itself because it is black, so it is better for candids.

[adblink182]

lol you sound exactly like the customers that drove me out of retail and am happy i'm never going back. Impossible to please.

I have been into photography for about year now, just as a side hobby. I've been reading canon forums every single day. I have purchased a few lenses and researched them before the sale. I don't think I have ever heard of someone mention "IF", so I don't know why you are so blown away that someone didn't know what it was.

Like i said, I don't think the kid is paid much above minimum wage, and you still expect him to memorize everything thing about every lens they have?

you already did the research and already decided on the 70-200mm, why pick his brain over irrelevant questions. If he had answered yes it differently does and gave you all the technical babble about it, would you of changed your mind and bought hte 70-300? I doubt it

[sfu_engineer]

Does't the lens have "IF" written on it if it is internal focusing? I know my Tamron lens has that written on it.

[KorruptioN]

Tamron puts IF into the model name because they like to be excessive with the acronyms... :D example: Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]

Having said that, I think Downtown Camera is the worst of all. I always get the runaround (bouncing from one guy to another, to another, to another) or I'll get the snobby sales guy who thinks I made a "poor" mistake by getting a Sony. :rolleyes: They'll always argue with one another, and they do not keep their conversations to themselves. I once overheard one conversation where one of the guys was bragging about ripping somebody off, basically getting the customer to buy way more than they need, thus producing more commission. Scum.

[masterballer]

lol you sound exactly like the customers that drove me out of retail and am happy i'm never going back. Impossible to please.

I have been into photography for about year now, just as a side hobby. I've been reading canon forums every single day. I have purchased a few lenses and researched them before the sale. I don't think I have ever heard of someone mention "IF", so I don't know why you are so blown away that someone didn't know what it was.

Like i said, I don't think the kid is paid much above minimum wage, and you still expect him to memorize everything thing about every lens they have?

you already did the research and already decided on the 70-200mm, why pick his brain over irrelevant questions. If he had answered yes it differently does and gave you all the technical babble about it, would you of changed your mind and bought hte 70-300? I doubt it


+1

[2000fordfocus]

Woo... Take it easy on the new fellow!

I work in BB before and I admit, didn't know every camera there are on display and I consider myself knowledgeable with camera stuff!

Dont expect too much from salesman, car dealers/camera shop/etc... Is best to do research yourself and if you a lucky, you will have a good chat with a knowledgeable salesman :)

[oajlu]

The reason I am angry about Henry's is that I expect their service is as good as foriegn stores I've been before.

I bought my camera in asia last summer, and their service is so great, you can take pics of their pretty salesman (well they only hire pretty girls, even though they still have good knowledge of these items they are selling, but they lacks of personal experience in photography). They also have a measurement device which helps you to make sure that your lens/camera focus very accurately. Trust me, a lot of canon lens cant focus accurately (like miss 1-10mm), and we dont check it in here when we purchase lens

Then I got my wide angle lens (sigma 10-20) in b&h last oct. Their salesman is the honestest salesman I've seen, he told me not to seek the best equipments (i want canon 10-22 because it's Canon) because it is not what photography is but collectiing toys. lol what kind of salesman he is, asking customers to buy a cheaper lens. He actually told me the difference between these two lens according not only to the lens spec, but aslo his experience as a user on these 2 lens (both are in stock, and i dont think he can get better commission on sigma lens). So after I listen to his analysis, I decide to get the sigma one. lol he said I wont use wide angle lens very often, and it's true. I think he was trying to convince me not to spend $ on wide angle lens since i am still new in photography and wide angle lens is not very easy to handle with (ex. distortion effect). That guy also taught me various night shot photography skills. He gained my trust, and next time when I go to NYC, if i want to purchase any photo equipments, i will choose b&h.

When I shop at Henry's, the salesman always push me to get the most expensive product in my budget, and they cant tell why the expensive one has advantage over the cheap one.

For example I bought my Canon 100mm macro lens last dec. I went to toronto superstore and the saleman keeps push me to get it, I want the tamron one at beginning. Well this guy does know what IF is, and he kept telling me that canon 100mm macro has IF, but he couldnt tell why IF is critical to marco lens... well IF is good because it reduce the chance of your lens get dust inside, and lens with IF has less chance to scare or annoy insect because it doesnt extend. (also good for flash) I didnt get Canon 100mm macro at Henry's superstore, I got it in other place (same price though).

K, so I expect Henry's, a Canadian professional photography store, to provide service and expertise as good as those foriegn shops that I've been before. What's wrong with it? Doesnt Canadian deserve same quality of service as other countries?

[KorruptioN]

When I shop at Henry's, the salesman always push me to get the most expensive product in my budget, and they cant tell why the expensive one has advantage over the cheap one.

Not true - you're generalizing again. If you don't know what you're talking about and let the sales guy walk all over you, then that's your own fault rather than them being a little pushy. This also doesn't have a lot to do with "Canadian" service... I've never had any real problems, ever (aside from the dinks at DC). Granted, prices are a little higher, but that means you need to shop around a little bit more.

[Crimson]

I went to H*nry's today.
I was planning to get 70-200 F4 IS after all, even though it's more expensive than States.

Well, since it's still early when I get there, so I asked the salesman (he looks like a high school kid) that I want to check every telephoto zoom lens with IS, like 55-250, 70-300, and 70-200 F4 IS

After I tried them, I asked him that does 70-300 has IF? Appearently, he doesnt know what IF is. So I told him it's internal focus, but he still doesnt get it... maybe my english is too bad, so he couldnt understand what i am talking about, but even my prof from pakistan can understand my asian accent.

so I asked him what's different between these lens, and all he told me is that 70-200 is "clearer" than 70-300, and 70-300 is "clearer" than 55-250. nice answer

I was so mad, what kind of salesman he is. He doesnt know the items he is selling. 70-200 is better than the other 2, not just on the image quality, but on the build , lens constrcution and all other stuffs, like it's weather sealed, it has FTM, it doesnt extend, and its IS can reduce 4 steps shutter speed. 70-300 can only reduce 3 steps, I think.

according to his philosophy, 600mm F4 makes clearer image than 180mmL macro because it's more expensive.

His attitude is okay, but he really need to improve his knowledge on these photography equipments.


I was so p*ed there, I was going to spend a grand there, and that's the quality of service I get. He doesnt deserve my commission, so I left.

nice job H*nry's

You said you tried the lens, it will be so obvious whether the lens is IF or not if the lens is on your hand even it is not written on the lens or anywhere. Based on your knowledge, maybe you should think about buying something cheaper than 70-200 F4 IS coz you cannot tell a lens is IF or not even the lens is on your hand.

[oajlu]

You said you tried the lens, it will be so obvious whether the lens is IF or not if the lens is on your hand even it is not written on the lens or anywhere. Based on your knowledge, maybe you should think about buying something cheaper than 70-200 F4 IS coz you cannot tell a lens is IF or not even the lens is on your hand.

Canon lens doesnt show up whether it's IF or not. Yes, if I check carefully, i might be able to tell whether its front elements rotates or not, or does it extend further when focusing, but I was trying to test its IS feature (try to listen to difference of noise sound between new gnerational of IS, 55-250, 70-200 and old one 70-300), so i didnt really pay attention on the lens. I didnt think about buying something other than 70-200 F4L IS (the F.28L IS is too heavy and over my budget), but Ii tried 55-250 because i want to know how plastic 55-250 is, and I tried 70-300 because I heard its first few batches has a fraud when people doing vertical shots with it.

I want 70-200 because it has FTM, ring USM (better than 70-300's macro USM), weather sealed, constand aperture, and it can deliver a good image at F4. I know what I want to get, as I said beginning I arrived at Henry's earlier than I expected, so I would like to try couple other lens.

[oajlu]

Not true - you're generalizing again. If you don't know what you're talking about and let the sales guy walk all over you, then that's your own fault rather than them being a little pushy. This also doesn't have a lot to do with "Canadian" service... I've never had any real problems, ever (aside from the dinks at DC). Granted, prices are a little higher, but that means you need to shop around a little bit more.

do you have experience of purchasing lens in a foriegn professional phorography store? I guess not. otherwise, you will feel shame of Canadian service. Due to my previous experience of buying equipments in Asia and America, I used to think ppl working at camera store knows what they are selling.

So I asked henry's saleman's opinion, well I guess it gave them an opportunity to push me. I am okay with their selling strategy (I am studying business at school), but they get to know about the item that they are selling. If you can convince me to purchase an expensive one with a good reason, then I am happy with it. But all they were trying to tell me is that this one is better because it's more expensive than the bad one. ha, their selling skills is so poor, and it definately has to do with Canadian service.

How come there are so many lens that has to be special order (which means it's not available) in herny's and vistek? check b&h or ritz camera in states. I dont even bother to mention camera stores in Asia. It shows availability of lens equipments in Canadian camera retail is very poor. If you want to charge a higher price than states, then you should give me a better service which includes, availability (poor), warranty (good, they are doing alrite with it), and expertise (poor). Dont we deserve a better service by paying premium price?

btw there are only couple camerea stores in Toronto.... and their price is pretty much the same. yeah their price does vary a little bit ($50 max on a $1200 item). American salesman is probably more arrogant than Canadian (i was lucky, i guess), but check their price. With the price they are selling at, service is not as important as Canada.

[bpopd]

I went to the lakeshore one, I already check the price from photoprice.ca, all i know is that as a Canadian I have to pay 20% more than American does. Well, I am fine with it since I want this lens so badly.

But I dont think I deserve this kind of service when I have to pay premium price, and it's not the first time H*nry's messed up with me. Last summer, I went to H*nry's superstore, they served an old guy first who came there after me. Come on, because I looks younger, so I am not a serious consumer?

omg do I have to put $ on the counter first in roder to get good qualty of service?

I share the same experience as you!!! they deliberately go after the older guys... yet i just wanna go in, purchase, get out..

[sfu_engineer]

I share the same experience as you!!! they deliberately go after the older guys... yet i just wanna go in, purchase, get out..

+1 !!!

Just cause I am young doesn't mean I don't know photography or don't have money. :mad:

[loraksus]

What can I say?
The retail sales profession is pretty much dead at this point. Training for most sales people consists of what a shrink thinks your average 18 year old pothead can retain from a 1 hour CBT and weekly lectures to push the highest priced / highest margin stuff.
Sales skills are some very basic / scummy selling strategies.
Product knowledge consists of the saleschild reading the box with you.

If I walk into any of the (indie) photo stores around here (I'll admit, I haven't hit them all, but most), I don't feel I get any better service and their prices are far worse. If I go to future shop, I have a selection of a whopping 5 EF/ef-s lenses.

What really pisses me off is that people find this this level of service and professionalism "ok" - despite the fact that they are paying a premium by buying it in a B+M store w/ a salesman (often a few hundred bucks on high value items).

[blackhawk]

lol you sound exactly like the customers that drove me out of retail and am happy i'm never going back. Impossible to please.

I have been into photography for about year now, just as a side hobby. I've been reading canon forums every single day. I have purchased a few lenses and researched them before the sale. I don't think I have ever heard of someone mention "IF", so I don't know why you are so blown away that someone didn't know what it was.

Like i said, I don't think the kid is paid much above minimum wage, and you still expect him to memorize everything thing about every lens they have?

you already did the research and already decided on the 70-200mm, why pick his brain over irrelevant questions. If he had answered yes it differently does and gave you all the technical babble about it, would you of changed your mind and bought hte 70-300? I doubt it

+1

sounds like you went in to give them a test, if u decided ahead what you wanted then went through all that till he 'failed' I doubt you would've put anything down for a lens no matter what

and the big price diffs from last fall between US and cdn prices have pretty much worked their way through the system as my next lens is the same south or north of the border now

[2000fordfocus]

I was in Don's photo this past weekend and I ask to try the Sigma 30mm f1.4.

The guy grab a Sigma with a Canon mount, see the cap saying Canon mount and say out loud "Hmm... The cap say canon, wondering if it will fit". And so he did, try jamming a canon mount sigma to a D200.... that was hilarious!

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

Most reputable stores would take a genuine interest in your comments and take steps to address it.

Are you kidding? Not when the idiot kid is the owner's son or nephew.

[Ojam]

Are you kidding? Not when the idiot kid is the owner's son or nephew.

I'm guessing you have experience... being that kid and all.

[d0fuz]

As alot of people have said already, know your **** before buying anything. Don't rely on any sales person. They are there to get you to buy, or they dont have enough knowledge on whatever you want to buy.

[rubberband]

I've bought pretty much everything (that wasn't used) from henry's. Either the downtown Ottawa (Bank St.) or Kanata stores. I've always had good service. The staff either a) know and have used the product I'm asking about or b) go and get someone who does.

I've never bought something that nobody in the store had experience with. I've even passed on products because the staff have recommended against them.

The only exception was an Epson p3000 photo bank viewer. And they let me open up a box, power on the unit and play with it for 30 minutes first.

[HeldDown]

I feel compelled to point out that "IF" is not common photography terminology. Just because you turn a phrase into an acronym, it does not mean a salesperson is supposed to understand you. If you asked if the lens had a "LFE" meaning "large front element," would you be ticked off he didn't know what you mean?

I've been in photography retail for a long time and unfortunately it seems sometimes there are customers like this. Most experienced salespeople are keen enough to avoid them and pass them on to the younger guys - after all, who wants to spend 90 minutes answering inane questions about imagined acronyms, threads on DPReview and a play-by-play of the spec sheet with a guy who's complaining about the price of a $1000 lens?

If you try a little more professionalism next time, I'm sure you will get a better result.

[CSAgent]

I feel compelled to point out that "IF" is not common photography terminology. Just because you turn a phrase into an acronym, it does not mean a salesperson is supposed to understand you. If you asked if the lens had a "LFE" meaning "large front element," would you be ticked off he didn't know what you mean?

I've been in photography retail for a long time and unfortunately it seems sometimes there are customers like this. Most experienced salespeople are keen enough to avoid them and pass them on to the younger guys - after all, who wants to spend 90 minutes answering inane questions about imagined acronyms, threads on DPReview and a play-by-play of the spec sheet with a guy who's complaining about the price of a $1000 lens?

If you try a little more professionalism next time, I'm sure you will get a better result.

+1.

Who honestly cares about acronyms, if the lense works great and the images come out looking great, then that's all that should matter. Will knowing acronyms make you a better photographer? Of course not.

[sfu_engineer]

+1.

Who honestly cares about acronyms, if the lense works great and the images come out looking great, then that's all that should matter. Will knowing acronyms make you a better photographer? Of course not.

+1

I honestly personally haven't been in a situation where "IF" is needed. Heck I am sure some of my lens have it but I am just not sure which one. Just go into the store and buy your lens and get out. However, I find I get priced gouged in Canada on photographic equipment and always buy used or online.

[adblink182]

my 2 main lenses I bought used and were perfectly fine. I'm about to buy another, ultawide angle used hopefully this weekend :)

its the only way to go

[looniepincher]

I share the same experience as you!!! they deliberately go after the older guys... yet i just wanna go in, purchase, get out..

Actually, if you worked on commission, you'd probably go after the older guy too....I'm generalizing here, but then again, so is the salesperson.

Reminds me of an older lady I know (not naming any names) who purchased her car in the last model year before redesign (read: should be getting a great deal). She ended up paying sticker price on the FLOOR model, bought the extended warranty, rust protection, and a few other accessories.

The younger buyers are sometimes also the more informed and price-conscious buyers so why would you go serve them when the old guy who just walked in is easy pickings?

BTW, when I was at Vistek last week, saw a very well dressed old man paying for a D300, filter, 3-4 lenses, a carrying case, flash, and the salesman was saying to him how he needs to consider this flash accessory next time he comes in. :)

[UrbanPoet]

what do you guys expect?
I dont imagine these guys getting paid that much....

[najibs]

I went to H*nry's today.
I was planning to get 70-200 F4 IS after all, even though it's more expensive than States.

Well, since it's still early when I get there, so I asked the salesman (he looks like a high school kid) that I want to check every telephoto zoom lens with IS, like 55-250, 70-300, and 70-200 F4 IS

After I tried them, I asked him that does 70-300 has IF? Appearently, he doesnt know what IF is. So I told him it's internal focus, but he still doesnt get it... maybe my english is too bad, so he couldnt understand what i am talking about, but even my prof from pakistan can understand my asian accent.

so I asked him what's different between these lens, and all he told me is that 70-200 is "clearer" than 70-300, and 70-300 is "clearer" than 55-250. nice answer

I was so mad, what kind of salesman he is. He doesnt know the items he is selling. 70-200 is better than the other 2, not just on the image quality, but on the build , lens constrcution and all other stuffs, like it's weather sealed, it has FTM, it doesnt extend, and its IS can reduce 4 steps shutter speed. 70-300 can only reduce 3 steps, I think.

according to his philosophy, 600mm F4 makes clearer image than 180mmL macro because it's more expensive.

His attitude is okay, but he really need to improve his knowledge on these photography equipments.


I was so p*ed there, I was going to spend a grand there, and that's the quality of service I get. He doesnt deserve my commission, so I left.

nice job H*nry's

You sound like a customer that might be a PITA. Get what I'm saying? :twisted:

what do you guys expect?
I dont imagine these guys getting paid that much....

They get paid a lot more than you might think ;)

Will knowing acronyms make you a better photographer? Of course not.

Some people apparently think so. They're called 'measurebators.' Those are the same people that go on DP Review and complain that their lens is backfocusing 0.05mm :lol:

[HeldDown]

Some people apparently think so. They're called 'measurebators.' Those are the same people that go on DP Review and complain that their lens is backfocusing 0.05mm

These also happen to the be the people that caused me to carefully redraft our entire return/refund/price match policy.

[najibs]

These also happen to the be the people that caused me to carefully redraft our entire return/refund/price match policy.

Frankly, I don't blame you for doing so. It's ridiculous when someone returns a lens, and on some occasions, exchanges it more than once, because of something they perceive as a mechanical error or defect, yet 9 out of 10 times it's the person behind the camera that's defective.

"oh no!!! it's soft in the corners...it's the end of the world, my lens is a POS!!!!!" :lol:

[ryan_lau100]

Frankly, I don't blame you for doing so. It's ridiculous when someone returns a lens, and on some occasions, exchanges it more than once, because of something they perceive as a mechanical error or defect, yet 9 out of 10 times it's the person behind the camera that's defective.

"oh no!!! it's soft in the corners...it's the end of the world, my lens is a POS!!!!!" :lol:

naw the best is "omg i see blurred edges at 500%!!! this thing is NOT sharp! i now totally reject this lense! no one buy it! it is not SHARP! i can count three whole pixels that dont look right!!! BAHHHH!!"

[cy]

I feel compelled to point out that "IF" is not common photography terminology. Just because you turn a phrase into an acronym, it does not mean a salesperson is supposed to understand you. If you asked if the lens had a "LFE" meaning "large front element," would you be ticked off he didn't know what you mean?

I've been in photography retail for a long time and unfortunately it seems sometimes there are customers like this. Most experienced salespeople are keen enough to avoid them and pass them on to the younger guys - after all, who wants to spend 90 minutes answering inane questions about imagined acronyms, threads on DPReview and a play-by-play of the spec sheet with a guy who's complaining about the price of a $1000 lens?

If you try a little more professionalism next time, I'm sure you will get a better result.

You have just took the words out of my mouth!


I was so p*ed there, I was going to spend a grand there, and that's the quality of service I get. He doesnt deserve my commission, so I left.

nice job H*nry's

A grand is nothing, it really isn't....not in photography, at the least. While I am not saying they are right to give you bad customer service (or not knowing what "IF" is), I think you are expecting too much from them.


I bought my camera in asia last summer, and their service is so great, you can take pics of their pretty salesman (well they only hire pretty girls, even though they still have good knowledge of these items they are selling, but they lacks of personal experience in photography).

Now it becomes the store's fault for not having a pretty girl for you kids to take pictures with?

Kid, my advice to you is to do your research before going to buy something. Even if you are going to be dealing with someone very knowledgeable, it'll be much better if you already know the in and outs of a product. I don't think I'll ever walk into a retail store (or any type of stores) to buy something solely base on the advices from a sales rep. Having that said, I personally would just do my own research, and order from B&H. Save myself a few brain cells and coins.

[NDman]

so I asked him what's different between these lens, and all he told me is that 70-200 is "clearer" than 70-300, and 70-300 is "clearer" than 55-250. nice answer

I was so mad, what kind of salesman he is. He doesnt know the items he is selling. 70-200 is better than the other 2, not just on the image quality, but on the build , lens constrcution and all other stuffs, like it's weather sealed, it has FTM, it doesnt extend, and its IS can reduce 4 steps shutter speed. 70-300 can only reduce 3 steps, I think.

What I don't understand is you knew exactly what the differences are between the 3 lenses, yet you decided to ask? Were you trying to test the guy and then get upset that he didn't rise to your challenge? Or were you trying to show him you do know more than he does? Something doesn't seem right with what you described. The fact that you were mad about his explanation suggests you already had knew the answer

[HeldDown]

The fact that you were mad about his explanation suggests you already had knew the answer

The fact is, many "photographers" will come in and try and show off their (usually meager) knowledge by "testing" the sales people with questions. All this does to real salespeople is tick them off. A good salesperson isn't going to put up with crap from a knowitall armchair photographer, because they don't need the paltry commission from a price-matched $700 sale when they could be dealing with real photographers and pro guys who actually know their stuff.

[sfu_engineer]

Frankly, I don't blame you for doing so. It's ridiculous when someone returns a lens, and on some occasions, exchanges it more than once, because of something they perceive as a mechanical error or defect, yet 9 out of 10 times it's the person behind the camera that's defective.

"oh no!!! it's soft in the corners...it's the end of the world, my lens is a POS!!!!!" :lol:

You would be surprised at the quality control of some lens. That being said I buy most my lens from the internet and have zero control over what I get. :(

[najibs]

What I don't understand is you knew exactly what the differences are between the 3 lenses, yet you decided to ask? Were you trying to test the guy and then get upset that he didn't rise to your challenge? Or were you trying to show him you do know more than he does? Something doesn't seem right with what you described. The fact that you were mad about his explanation suggests you already had knew the answer

SOunds like he had DpReviewItis, which is when someone goes on DPreview and because they've spent a whole hour on their doing research, they feel like they know absolutely everything, so with that cockyness, he decided to go try it out on a salesman.

Lets get one thing straight, I'm in sales, and I do not know everything there is to know about everything I sell, especially acronyms. If I don't know the answer to the question I'll simply say 'I'm not sure' or 'I don't know.' I won't beat around the bush. I expect the same thing from other salesmen when I ask them a question. If they don't know it, no big deal, but the fact that they were honest enough to not BS about the answer has earned my respect.

The only issue here is with the OP. First, freaking out about the salesman not knowing what 'IF' is, and then complaining that the shops here in Canada suck because they don't have pretty women behind the counter to sell you a lens, yet he admits that they're bimbos anyways, but it's ok because they compensate for it by being eye candy. Maybe he's just one of those people that need to buy a huge lens to compensate for his lack of confidence and personality, but also something else... :twisted:

[CSAgent]

For those whom are lazy to read the whole thread, I think this sentence sums it up nicely.

In conclusion, oajlu is an idiot when it comes to photography. :cheesygri

[cy]

For those whom are lazy to read the whole thread, I think this sentence sums it up nicely.

In conclusion, oajlu is an idiot when it comes to photography. :cheesygri

You are mean - but I agree.

[najibs]

You are mean - but I agree.

:lol:

[3weddings]

SOunds like he had DpReviewItis, which is when someone goes on DPreview and because they've spent a whole hour on their doing research, they feel like they know absolutely everything, so with that cockyness, he decided to go try it out on a salesman.

Nooooooooooooooo you have to spend at least an afternoon at DPreview in order to be THIS cocky!!!

[goofball]

You are mean - but I agree.

:D

FWIW, I have had nothing but great experiences with Henry's. Of course, I do go in with some knowledge about what I'm buying and I do listen to what they have to say as well. Whether it is right or wrong, I still listen. I don't usually make judgments based on what they have to say unless they are basically justifying my purchase (which I have already done anyways).

I have returned a lens because it was way too soft. I mean, an f/2.8 lens was still horribly soft at f/5.6 in the middle (let's not speak of how it was in the corners!). They took it back, no problem, and I got a different copy which is much much better. I don't consider this a bad return but I do understand how some people are way too quick to return things.

[sfu_engineer]

After following this thread I wanted to share MY experience with Henrys. So I was looking to purchase an old Nikon D1x camera from Henry's used department. On their online website it says that that they have more equipment in store and to call or email them for more info.

I email them and they respond saying: "We don't keep track of retail stock. Please call in". Once I call in I have to wait before a rude receptionist asks if I want Used Film or Used Digital. I told her I wanted to buy a used Digital Nikon DSLR and she gives me another phone number to call and hangs up.

After this I just gave up and ordered online from the US www.keh.com.

It may not seem like a big deal but how can a company as large as Henry's not have a better online used camera tracking system? Or at least ONE phone number to call for camera sales. Henry's prices are already so not competitive yet they still want to make you jump through hoops to get our business.

[mebiuspower]

Henrys is great if you have no clue about photography and want to buy a camera to take pictures of your grandchildren.

For anyone who's serious about photography, I suggest you stay away.

They make you buy their extended warranty along with your camera purchase, and won't price match Aden because "their prices are way below our cost".

They say "you can always return it within 30 days", but when you actually return something that's absolutely fine cosmetically, they just look at you like you have 2 heads.

What can you say form a company that sells purely 2nd and 3rd tier photography accessories.

[cy]

All in all, there isn't anything wrong for buying from retail if the price is right. However if you are depending on their advice, good luck!

[legendofxix]

Henrys is great if you have no clue about photography and want to buy a camera to take pictures of your grandchildren.

For anyone who's serious about photography, I suggest you stay away.

They make you buy their extended warranty along with your camera purchase, and won't price match Aden because "their prices are way below our cost".

They say "you can always return it within 30 days", but when you actually return something that's absolutely fine cosmetically, they just look at you like you have 2 heads.

What can you say form a company that sells purely 2nd and 3rd tier photography accessories.
Couple of your points are the stupidest things I have ever seen.
1) If its below their cost they have every right to not take a loss on it.
2) Aden camera has a piss poor return policy compared to Henrys, which I believe is 14 days.
3) I don't recall them pointing a gun to your head or not selling you the camera because you said no to their extended warranty.
4) Obviously no retailer likes taking stuff back. Theres always the problem of "renters" where people buy an item, use it then return it.

The service at Henry's is really hit and miss. If your looking for something REALLY specific, for instance the IF question on Nikon lenses, you'd ask for their Nikon expert, not some dumbass that looks like hes in highschool.

To the OP, you went in to Henrys knowing exactly what you wanted, then when you got there you asked to see 4 different lenses with no intention of buying them? You sir, sound like a giant time burglar.

[najibs]

To the OP, you went in to Henrys knowing exactly what you wanted, then when you got there you asked to see 4 different lenses with no intention of buying them? You sir, sound like a giant time burglar.

He's the customer that any sales person would hate. More money than brains. Not only that, he deliberately goes in there with the intention of pretending to be a know-it-all, and quizzing the sales person. I wouldn't exactly say 'burglar.' He's probably extremely insecure, and therefore needed to give his little self esteem a little bit of a boost by feeling as though he's won 'camera jeopardy' versus a sales person who sells the product.

As if that wasn't enough, he comes to RFD to write a thread about it, and about how much the store sucks because it wasn't up to his standards due to the salesperson not being aware of an acronym which he thinks is so important to taking better photographs and being a better photographer.

OP, let me tell you something...the best photographers I've met hardly know didly squat about IF, and all these technical terms, but they have an amazing eye to turn what they see into a fantastic image, with whatever camera or lens goes into their hands. You're just a gear head, not a photographer.

[loraksus]

Couple of your points are the stupidest things I have ever seen.
1) If its below their cost they have every right to not take a loss on it.

You're so right! Why should a company follow a policy it prints on the back of it's receipts, has its salesmen pitch and publishes on its website?
After all, contracts and agreements really don't mean anything, and I can get out of any contracts (heck, even my mortgage) I want to by bringing up some random excuses I pull out of my rear!


To the OP, you went in to Henrys knowing exactly what you wanted, then when you got there you asked to see 4 different lenses with no intention of buying them? You sir, sound like a giant time burglar.

I don't care your pissing match with the other guy, but people like you are why companies can get away with shady, unethical and illegal practices and why customers are being treated worse and worse every day.
God forbid that salespeople be forced to spend a whopping 10 minutes to show someone 4 other lenses (each of which is an opportunity to upsell)

An opportunity to upsell isn't "burglary"
The excuse "it's below our cost" isn't a valid one to escape a pricematch - especially if 14 days has lapsed and the customer can no longer return the item. And as a side note here, employees at Henry's use that phrase ... a bit more than other stores. If their cost is higher than someone else's shelf price, Henry's needs to fire their entire purchasing department and / or look for new suppliers.
A 14 day return policy isn't spectacular. It's average (and honestly, not much better than a 10 day policy - sort of comparing a '88 civic to a k car)
And a company isn't entitled to making money. You win some, you lose some.

[HeldDown]

loraksus, I highly doubt you've ever been a purchaser of photographic equipment. There have been many times a retailer like Futureshop has used Rebel XTs and the like as "loss leader" items. As well, remember the economy of scale - Futureshop will get a better price per unit on 5000 units moved in 3 months, whereas Henrys with its 1/10th the stores (or even Vistek, with only 6 stores) simply cannot move stock in the same amount.

You know what? If someone is selling a product below my cost, good for them. I am not going to match it. Like I've told many people, they should buy it where they have that price and I won't hold a grudge. However, I'm not going to lose $20 because you want me to pricematch a mega-retailer clearing out overbought stock or a Yonge Street rip-off with zero return policy or customer service.

[looniepincher]

Some people are saying that Henry's return policy is a good thing, but it also worries me that they take back stuff so readily. Do you really think they sell every single return as "open box" or do they pack it back up and sell as new?

[KorruptioN]

Henrys is great if you have no clue about photography and want to buy a camera to take pictures of your grandchildren.

For anyone who's serious about photography, I suggest you stay away.

They make you buy their extended warranty along with your camera purchase, and won't price match Aden because "their prices are way below our cost".

They say "you can always return it within 30 days", but when you actually return something that's absolutely fine cosmetically, they just look at you like you have 2 heads.

What can you say form a company that sells purely 2nd and 3rd tier photography accessories.

Like the other shops are better? I've always been given major attitude at Aden because they seemed to automatically assume that I wasn't actually going to purchase anything. They didn't outright say it, but their indirectness suggested it to me. They also didn't seem too impressed with the fact that I was interested in the then-new Sony A700.

Henry's doesn't force anybody to get the extended warranty... but they do reserve the right not to price match certain shops. Lots of retailers have this stipulation in their price-matching policy. Aden doesn't carry any more "serious" items that Henrys does, so what gives with the blanket statements? There are a lot of "serious" users here in this subforum who give Henrys a lot of business, and for good reason.

[mebiuspower]

1) If its below their cost they have every right to not take a loss on it.

It's my right not to buy anything from them, and telling everyone I know not to buy from them too. So what are you going to do?

2) Aden camera has a piss poor return policy compared to Henrys, which I believe is 14 days.

So? Sell me a camera without warranty but match Aden's pricing.

3) I don't recall them pointing a gun to your head or not selling you the camera because you said no to their extended warranty.


Typical salesman tactics, they always like to say "You can return it if you don't like it."

So which Henrys do you work at? You wouldn't happen to be the one "helping" me before didn't you?

[mebiuspower]

Like the other shops are better? I've always been given major attitude at Aden because they seemed to automatically assume that I wasn't actually going to purchase anything. They didn't outright say it, but their indirectness suggested it to me. They also didn't seem too impressed with the fact that I was interested in the then-new Sony A700.

Henry's doesn't force anybody to get the extended warranty... but they do reserve the right not to price match certain shops. Lots of retailers have this stipulation in their price-matching policy. Aden doesn't carry any more "serious" items that Henrys does, so what gives with the blanket statements? There are a lot of "serious" users here in this subforum who give Henrys a lot of business, and for good reason.

Maybe it's because you look too young to them?

I honestly don't care about Aden's customer service because I treat them like a wholesaler due to their low pricing. Henrys is right in between, they don't offer great customer service, nor great prices.

I only buy from the best photography store in town now, they always have stuff in stock and get great customer service too.

[akbar_k]

The OP is right, most salespeople in retail in Canada have no real knowledge of the products they sell.

It's a product of the economic rules that govern their pay scale, corporate returns and profit margins.

[edgedamage]

Maybe it's because you look too young to them?

I honestly don't care about Aden's customer service because I treat them like a wholesaler due to their low pricing. Henrys is right in between, they don't offer great customer service, nor great prices.

I only buy from the best photography store in town now, they always have stuff in stock and get great customer service too.

First off I am nowhere near a great photographer. With that said where is your work?? I did a search on the photography forum here, and the only thing I find with your name is smart ass remarks and no pictures. Show us your work, shut us up, knock our socks off.

[legendofxix]

It's my right not to buy anything from them, and telling everyone I know not to buy from them too. So what are you going to do?

I don't care if you tell your friends.
In fact, I'm going to do nothing, just liek how you probably won't do anything either.

So? Sell me a camera without warranty but match Aden's pricing.

Why don't you tell them that?


Typical salesman tactics, they always like to say "You can return it if you don't like it."
Your point? Are you saying that you'd rather have them say "your ****ing stuck with it if you buy it now"


So which Henrys do you work at? You wouldn't happen to be the one "helping" me before didn't you?
I don't work retail so frankly, I can't say I was the one that was "helping" you.
As the above people have said, your the worst kind of customer to deal with. The Know-it-all who researches all these technical terms on the internet without knowing exactly what they are. They just use it to sound like a "pro"

[legendofxix]

You're so right! Why should a company follow a policy it prints on the back of it's receipts, has its salesmen pitch and publishes on its website?
After all, contracts and agreements really don't mean anything, and I can get out of any contracts (heck, even my mortgage) I want to by bringing up some random excuses I pull out of my rear!



I don't care your pissing match with the other guy, but people like you are why companies can get away with shady, unethical and illegal practices and why customers are being treated worse and worse every day.
God forbid that salespeople be forced to spend a whopping 10 minutes to show someone 4 other lenses (each of which is an opportunity to upsell)

An opportunity to upsell isn't "burglary"
The excuse "it's below our cost" isn't a valid one to escape a pricematch - especially if 14 days has lapsed and the customer can no longer return the item. And as a side note here, employees at Henry's use that phrase ... a bit more than other stores. If their cost is higher than someone else's shelf price, Henry's needs to fire their entire purchasing department and / or look for new suppliers.
A 14 day return policy isn't spectacular. It's average (and honestly, not much better than a 10 day policy - sort of comparing a '88 civic to a k car)
And a company isn't entitled to making money. You win some, you lose some.
I don't see how people like me let companies get away with shady activities.
Please clarifiy? I don't see any pricematching policy on the Henrys website, which I guess is the example that is going to be used since this is a Henrys related topic. I see a price protection policy, but thats not really the same.
I mean I would understand people getting all bitchy because Henrys wouldn't honour a 110% pricematch like FS or BB. I can see and take advantage of that policy all the time when possible. But the fact that your just getting a pricematch and then flipping out when they deny it. If its such a great f-ing deal, go to the other store and buy it?

[SaraLee]

My experience at Henry's has been nothing but positive! I walked in yesterday to purchase the Canon 24-70 and asked the sales rep to look up the lowest price in Canada via photoprice.ca. He smiled and looked anyway and offered two prices for me to match, Aden and Camera Canada. Of course, Henry's matches return policy as well so I chose Camera Canada instead of Aden.

[SnakeEater]

what do you guys expect?
I dont imagine these guys getting paid that much....

Umm.. still overpaid maybe? Still wondering why there are so many positions in N.A. get outsourced to other countries with much lower pay?

We all share the same principal here at RFD, why pay more? There are still many people in different fields who are not qualified at what they are doing. If you complain about the tech support guys in India... how much more better here in Canada?

I have had too much bad experience with the tech support people here.

[Blackmajik]

Yesterday when I was at Henry's buying a Rocket Blower, I asked the sales person if they had a service to clean out DSLR sensors. He said no but told me of a product he recommended but didn't have the fluid for. I asked him if it would void the warranty if I use such product but mentioned that as long as you don't say anything, how would they know. Also I asked about how to clean the mirror and he said to use the same product. I was skeptical because 99% of the people online when I did my research has said never ever use anything to clean the mirror. As an amateur photography, I couldn't say anything if he was right or wrong. But the general rule of thumb I always do now when purchasing any products from a store, I always ask people who have the product, do extensive research online and then walk into a store to buy it. I never ask the sales person anything. If they try to push me to a higher product, I would decline and basically in and out type of deal.

[rubberband]

Yesterday when I was at Henry's buying a Rocket Blower, I asked the sales person if they had a service to clean out DSLR sensors. He said no but told me of a product he recommended but didn't have the fluid for. I asked him if it would void the warranty if I use such product but mentioned that as long as you don't say anything, how would they know. Also I asked about how to clean the mirror and he said to use the same product. I was skeptical because 99% of the people online when I did my research has said never ever use anything to clean the mirror. As an amateur photography, I couldn't say anything if he was right or wrong. But the general rule of thumb I always do now when purchasing any products from a store, I always ask people who have the product, do extensive research online and then walk into a store to buy it. I never ask the sales person anything. If they try to push me to a higher product, I would decline and basically in and out type of deal.

You might have the mirror and sensor mixed up? There's a few different liquid cleaner systems for sensor cleaning out there that work well. I was under the impression that you never, EVER touch the mirror though.. I could be wrong?

[CameraBill]

This is the new era of selling. It is your responsibility to be a savvy consumer. When else in the history of the world has there been the buyer seller unwritten pact, that I can return the item for a full refund in 14 days.
This is expected in all retail industries and applies to crazy things like underwear and produce.

Frankly I avoid salesman, because as their title depicts, they are trying to sell me something. A good salesmen will get you to spend more than you want or make a decision when you're not quite decided. To expect them to behave any other way is foolish and with respect to whom is paying their paycheck, it is their responsibility to behave this way.

In the age of google how hard is it to find out this info? Certainly if you ask questions here or any of the thousands of message boards you can get many 3rd party, relatively unbiased opinions for free.

Additionally these companies are competing with no faced internet retailers. We expect their prices to be competative yet expect the same level of service from yesteryear? Come-on that's not fair. If their prices were jacked up 30% above the internet sellers we'ld all be crying and moanin'

My expectation of any brick and mortar retailer is that when I'm ready to put my money down, they have stock. I can bring it back in 14 days in as new condition and get all of my money back. I don't want to be sold into anything. I want their support of their products and if it fails in 3 months they'll swap it out for me.


BTW, just because a product is more expensive doesn't mean the markup value is higher. I'll bet the commission on a Sigma was more than a Canon.

[Dr_luv]

I was in Don's photo this past weekend and I ask to try the Sigma 30mm f1.4.

The guy grab a Sigma with a Canon mount, see the cap saying Canon mount and say out loud "Hmm... The cap say canon, wondering if it will fit". And so he did, try jamming a canon mount sigma to a D200.... that was hilarious!

This made me laugh! :lol:

[Blackmajik]

You might have the mirror and sensor mixed up? There's a few different liquid cleaner systems for sensor cleaning out there that work well. I was under the impression that you never, EVER touch the mirror though.. I could be wrong?

I asked about cleaning the sensor and he recommended me some wipe and said he didn't have the fluid that goes with it. It was behind the counter so it must be some expensive stuff since browsing through the store, I did find some products for $29.99 that dealt with sensor cleaning and was hanging off some display case that you could just grab yourself. And when I asked how to clean the mirror - he said to use the same product. I raised one eyebrow and said OK, paid for my rocket blower and left. Like I posted, it makes me wonder if he is an expert or at least knowledgeable in that area. From my finding on the internet, I was lead to believe not to touch the mirror from 99% of the forums/sites I've read. Maybe that product is safe to use on mirrors... who wants to be the first to try?

[legendofxix]

He probably didn't know anything about those cleaning products.
You can use the same liquid on both the mirror and the sensor though because its the same type of optics.
Your not actually cleaning the sensor but the plate of glass infront of the sensor.
Generally, don't clean the insides unless you absolutely have to.
A rocket blower is more than sufficient for the dust, if you have waterspots or smudges on these components you have to think how the f- they got there in the first place.

[rubberband]

Please leave the mirror alone.

It won't have an effect on your images (unless it's seriously, badly, awfully dirty enough to screw up your metering) and it's much more delicate than the sensor. The mirror surface is coated, and easy to scratch. Spend the $50 or whatever to have it done professionally if you really need it.

[uber_uter]

Yesterday when I was at Henry's buying a Rocket Blower, I asked the sales person if they had a service to clean out DSLR sensors. He said no but told me of a product he recommended but didn't have the fluid for. I asked him if it would void the warranty if I use such product but mentioned that as long as you don't say anything, how would they know. Also I asked about how to clean the mirror and he said to use the same product. I was skeptical because 99% of the people online when I did my research has said never ever use anything to clean the mirror. As an amateur photography, I couldn't say anything if he was right or wrong. But the general rule of thumb I always do now when purchasing any products from a store, I always ask people who have the product, do extensive research online and then walk into a store to buy it. I never ask the sales person anything. If they try to push me to a higher product, I would decline and basically in and out type of deal.

Like some other people have already mentioned, you do not need to clean the mirror. As for the sensor, if you damage it in any way, the manufacturer will likely be able to figure it out since nothing inside the camera comes in direct contact with it.

I'm not saying you shouldn't try cleaning it yourself. Just be aware that if you scratch it or leave a residue from the clean solution on the sensor, the manufacturer will not honour repairs to it. I personally use the large rocket blower and, if needed, I use an overpriced sensor brush. I would suggest googling sensor cleaning to find the best methods and products before you start. You'll find a lot of good information from people who know what they're talking about as opposed to some salespeople.

[Blackmajik]

Thanks for all the replies. I am very skeptical about the fluids/wipes and will send it off and pay for professional cleaning if needed. The last thing I want to do is void my warranty and waste more money in the long run. Anyhow, does anyone have or heard stories about the Arctic Butterfly? A little over priced at $70 or so but if it works as it advertised then it should be worth it. But I heard it causes smudging?

[eelfliw]

I asked about cleaning the sensor and he recommended me some wipe and said he didn't have the fluid that goes with it.

If you live close to your camera manufacturer's service ctr, take it there. For example, Canon & Nikon both have service ctr in Mississauga. They will clean it free of charge. Don't bother with your own cleaning except an occasional blast of air from a blower or if there are no service ctrs close to you.

Manufacturer's service techs will clean more cameras in day than you do in a year. Using methods approved by the manufacturer. And if they screw up, the onus is on them to fix their mistake. Why spend $30 for a cleaning kit so you can risk scratching the mirror/sensor glass? Let the pros clean it for you for free.

[Blackmajik]

If you live close to your camera manufacturer's service ctr, take it there. For example, Canon & Nikon both have service ctr in Mississauga. They will clean it free of charge. Don't bother with your own cleaning except an occasional blast of air from a blower or if there are no service ctrs close to you.

Manufacturer's service techs will clean more cameras in day than you do in a year. Using methods approved by the manufacturer. And if they screw up, the onus is on them to fix their mistake. Why spend $30 for a cleaning kit so you can risk scratching the mirror/sensor glass? Let the pros clean it for you for free.

How about Sony? Where are they located and is it free?

[selpats]

If you live close to your camera manufacturer's service ctr, take it there. For example, Canon & Nikon both have service ctr in Mississauga. They will clean it free of charge. Don't bother with your own cleaning except an occasional blast of air from a blower or if there are no service ctrs close to you.

Manufacturer's service techs will clean more cameras in day than you do in a year. Using methods approved by the manufacturer. And if they screw up, the onus is on them to fix their mistake. Why spend $30 for a cleaning kit so you can risk scratching the mirror/sensor glass? Let the pros clean it for you for free.

I have cleaned the sensors in all of my cameras since 2003. I have done this easily over 100 times in total over the years and have never had an issue. It isn't rocket science...

[arnab]

u gotta give this guy a break. most of the salespeople in retail gets around 10 bucks /hour on average and you don't expect help from highly specialized photographers. If he were then he wouldn't have worked there.

It could be that he might have been filling in for someone else....as some one else said, it mite be his first day....i do agree that the salespeople never get enough training about the technical stuff from the employers. When i worked in bestbuy i had to do research constantly to figure out stuff

i got annoying customers like you that used to get pissed because I didn't know a very technical problem. but i went ahead and did research in the computer rite away to figure out the problem.

since i worked in retail i got much respect for these people. a lot of these guys are students and probably working hard to pay for university tuitions and all. Customers like you, who think they know a lot and loves to show off in front of people, who don't know much do not make the life easier for these students.

Remember, you cannot know about everything. there are things you are not that knowledgeable on...

anyways, sorry for going on for so long but i really get frustrated when i come across posts like this one.

[import_nation]

there is nothign wrong with cleaning the mirror btw. many people are just paranoid about their gear.

btw you can't expect the guy to know what he is talking about. he probably works there part time and doesn't give a **** about the stuff he sells. at least he was right about the 70-200 being "clearer" then the others. even though thats not the correct term, you knew what he was trying to say. plus internal focusing is not something most employees know about. i don't even know which lenses have IF and which don't. i assume most higher end lenses have IF and the cheapo lenses do not. there is nowhere that states whether the lens has IF or not. maybe in the manual, but you cant expect him to read the manual for every lens of every make. i know a few associates from camera stores and most of them aren't geniuses or aspiring hobbyists.. they are just there to make money, they try their best to help customers , and if they are not sure they will just simply say "im not sure" or they can ask someone else for you.

btw get the 70-200L. you won't regret it.

don't expect so much from these stores. if you want real help go to a CANON STORE. and pay big bucks. if not don't expect to be treated like a king.

[coolspot]

The problem is he's working behind the canon counter, he stands behind canon counter when i walked into the store. They have another salesman in Nikon sector. Anyway, they really shouldnt let a high school kid selling $1000+ lens

Most people know what they want before going into the store.

And a smart person won't rely on a sales guy to buy 1000+ lens...