My first trip to B & H in NYC! Holy Cow!!!!

I needed to get a new camera bag. ; I recently bought a Nikon 55-300mm lens and my smallerish bag was not going to cut it. ; After looking online, I decided it might be better to check them out in person. ; I figured a trip to NYC with the family was in order so off we went on Sunday. ; We arrived at 9:50 am, 10 minutes before opening, only to find a line t get into the store. ; Was there some kind of give away today that I was not aware of? ; No, just the typical opening for the store. ; To say I was a little overwhelmed would be a severe understatement. ; I spent about 45 minutes looking at different bags until I decided on one. ; Then it was time to get in line. The 42 inch flat panel told me got go to counter 34 (out of about 60). ; I gave the man my print out and told him the 3 minor other items I wanted. ; Next thing I know, my stuf (minus the bag, it was too big) showed up in a bin under the counter. ; I was told to bring my receipt to checkout downstairs and then to merch. pickup. ; I was blown away by the system. ; I loved the overhead "tracks" that carried customers items to pick-up. ; I got I Lowepro Flipside 400 backpack. ; I have more room now than I know what to do with. ; My wife is worried because I told her I needed to get a few more lenses to fill it. ; But for now it will be fine. ; Next time I will be a little prepared for the experience!

 

After my experience yesterday, I am sure I will be more prepared the next time I head in!

 

Heck, the local camera store is dangerous enough. If I ever went there I'd have to make sure to leave all my credit cards at home. Let us know how you like the Flipside 400. I have the 300, but am considering getting the 400, since the 300 is a bit small if I want to take anything in addition to my 300/2.8 lens.

Erich

 

I will let you know how I like it. ; At first when I got home I thought it was way too big, but then I put my stuff in it and I felt much better! ; First chance to use it will be in WDW in Dec.

 

The only time I've ever been to B&H was in 2001, two weeks before 9/11. I went with a couple of friends, and we spent about 3 hours wandering the isles, looking at stuff, and talking to a couple of the employees about various photo gear. It was a fun morning.

In those days, I don't think they had the complete system they have now. The overhead tracks were there, but they appeared to only carry film up from the basement storage area and not much else (I might not be remembering it correctly - ironically, none of us had cameras with us on that trip!)

It was a mighty impressive store, by any stretch of the imagination. I'd like to go back again, just to browse for a while.

 

Sounds like a fun place. ; Maybe I'll go one of these days.

 

Re: My first trip to B&H in NYC! Holy Cow!!!!

Thank you. This is very gratifying. We appreciate your taking the time to post this and we're very gad you enjoyed your visit.

 

Thanks for droppping in, Henry. I think everybody on this site has bought lots of gear from B&H over the years (I know I certainly have), and we appreciate the attention.