I´ve never been to NY, but my first visit will probably include a trip to B&H
- everyone talks about that store.

I understand your frustration, and you are right - its no small amount of
money and you´re going to be stuck with that camera for a bit of time.

But... if it makes you feel better (maybe it won´t) we have no similar or
even remotely close option to a store like B&H in my country (Portugal). And I´m
not sure theres anything like it in Europe, except maybe London. Also, I
understand the need for the store to keep expensive gear under control.

The rental ideas sound good, you can make a real live street test for a day.
Not many rental facilities here either ;)... but hey, we´ve got sun and good
food!

Miguel.


> I've been doing business with B & H for over 20 years. A lot of
> business. And all that time, I've been an ardent B & H booster.
>
> I called them today and explained that I'm considering buying a Sony HVR
> Z5 and wanted to know when it would be available as they are not in
> stock. I also explained that I live 2 hours away and would like to make
> an appointment to come down and look at one. The salesman told me that
> I did not have to make an appointment, I could always come and look at a
> demonstrator. It is on a tripod. I asked if I could hold it and see how
> it balances, etc., because all my shooting is hand-held. He said no, it
> would have to stay on the tripod. No appointment or other arrangement
> could be made. I asked what he thought I should do and he made the
> suggestion that I should go to a rental house and rent one for a
> weekend.
>
> Now this is a $5,000 plus purchase and I feel that I should have the
> opportunity to hold one in my hands and look through the finder before I
> buy it.
>
> Right now, this is a deal-breaker. I am not going to buy a camera that
> I am not allowed to even hold.
>
> My question to the group: Any suggestions for a reliable dealer in the
> New York area with prices in the same range as B & H? Or Boston? I've
> been dealing up until now exclusively with B & H so I have no experience
> with alternates.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Stan Hirson
> http://LifeWithHorses.com
> http://PinePlainsViews.com
> http://ThinkingGlobalActingLocal.com
>