Recommend an LA shop for Canon & Sigma lenses

[condyk]

Someone can bring me back a lens from LA in a few weeks, but I want them to shop in a decent place. I don't want them to shop somewhere that is dodgy/hard sell, or that has treated forum members badly, but just a very good value and easy to deal with establishment.

Any recommendations.

PS that's LA in the US ;-)

[CornMonkey]

LA as in los angeles or louisiana? if the former, there are really only two to consider. the first is in west los angeles...bel air camera (www.belaircamera.com) and the other is canoga camera (www.canogacamera.com). canoga camera is my favorite store but might be a bit far though, depending on how long you want your friend to spend on the freeways here.

[Vegas Poboy]

Samy's is pretty good also,

[condyk]

LA as in los angeles or louisiana?

Apologies ... I meant Los Angeles.

I found Samy's through a 'net search but not the other two. So, very useful :-)

[lime]

About Samy's, the way I've gotten good prices is first check what the B&H price is, then get a qoute over the phone from Samy's & get the name of the person, they might even have it set aside for you before you get there.
Last time I bought stuff from them, after CA taxes it was around $10 more than B&H (w/ B&H shipping charge) , so I figured it was close enough & got the stuff (Custom Bracket equip., camera bag, omnibounce).
Never been to Canoga Camera, too far, but have heard only great things about them.

Emil

[goldstrikn]

I vouch for Canoga Camera. I have bought stuff from them, they are up front with sales, never pressure you or upsell you. They even give advice if you ask, not like the upsell/advice type. I live about 10 minutes from them. http://www.canogacamera.com

[cargo123]

I just bought $4500 from Samy's over the phone. I completed an analysis for about 2 weeks documenting everything on a spreadsheet from the various advertisers in Shutterbug Magazine. Since I live in Colorado I saved about $500 in taxes alone. Samy's negotiated with me since I was spending more money on the Canon 20D camera kit, 70-200mm IS USM lens, filters, 580 EX Flash. I believe I saved $700-$900 than if I would have bought the product locally at Wolf Camera. They have had great customer service to this point.

[mbze430]

I usually don't shop locally for camera gear. But I must say Camulet and Samy's have a good selection of stuff to look at. Otherwise I usually buy online.

[Belmondo]

Just remember.....if your friend walks in and buys it over the counter, regardless of which store, he will have to pay California Sales Tax of approx. 7.75%. If possible, ask your friend buy it out-of-state and have it shipped to L.A.

[psk4363]

I'll second the choice for Canoga Cameras in LA - excellent prices and very friendly people to deal with.

Barry