Bogen Imaging - Ramsey, NJ headquarters

I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this inquiry - but has anyone actually in person visited Bogen's headquarters in Ramsey, NJ - is it staffed?

The reason I am asking, is that 2 e-mails and 1 phone call has not been answered, and I need a little help understanding how to use my new gitzo legs. I was hoping that a live person there could help me, as I am a short 40 min. ride away from there, but I won't invest the time going there if no one at headquarters will assist me.

Thanks.

Pat

pigtailpat wrote in post #8958705
I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this inquiry - but has anyone actually in person visited Bogen's headquarters in Ramsey, NJ - is it staffed?

The reason I am asking, is that 2 e-mails and 1 phone call has not been answered, and I need a little help understanding how to use my new gitzo legs. I was hoping that a live person there could help me, as I am a short 40 min. ride away from there, but I won't invest the time going there if no one at headquarters will assist me.

Thanks.

Pat

If they're not answering emails and phones, they probably don't want to see you either!!

I agree. This makes me just a little concerned, as I bought Gitzo for the famous lifetime warranty, and Bogen is the authorized US distributor for Gitzo and all warranty claims would be handled by Bogen. I just emailed the parent organization - Vitec - in London, and I'll see what happens.

If they had posted some sort of video demonstration, I wouldn't need a live person, but all their videos are only about Gitzo as a company as a whole, nothing specific about the handling and operation of the tripods. The diagrams that come with the product are disappointing. I'm the sort of person who needs more specific instructions.

What number are you dialing?

I called this number: (201) 818-9500 and they picked up the phone. I was ordering parts.

Why not go to your local camera shop for info on how to use the tripod? Or call B&H and have one of the salespeople explain it to you on the phone. BTW, I've called them and left a number and they got back to me. I've also called and was able to speak to tech support without a problem.

I'd suggest asking your questions here (well, maybe not right here, but in the Accessories subforum)
I'm sure many others have those legs and may be able to answer some questions or point you somewhere that can help...

Ok if other people have called tech support there and have gotten called back, I guess either they have a backlog or something else is going on.

If I can't get a personal demo from Bogen, I will attempt getting info from the forum, but for the money invested, I wanted to see if I could get information straight from Bogen first -

Thanks.

Pat

When I emailed them with warranty questions for my Kata bag they were pretty responsive and they also offered me to come by their office. Do not remember the hours.

I had the same issue. Don't use the contact email form on bogen's website. They didn't respond so I emailed them using info@bogenimaging.com. I got a responses within a day + got what I needed.

pigtailpat wrote in post #8958705
I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this inquiry - but has anyone actually in person visited Bogen's headquarters in Ramsey, NJ - is it staffed?

The reason I am asking, is that 2 e-mails and 1 phone call has not been answered, and I need a little help understanding how to use my new gitzo legs. I was hoping that a live person there could help me, as I am a short 40 min. ride away from there, but I won't invest the time going there if no one at headquarters will assist me.

Thanks.

Pat

been there on two occasions. it is staffed but its obviously not set up for on site customer service. still, if you go there they will have somone come out in the lobby area and help you with whatever your issue is.

The one time I used them they seemed fine. Answered emails promptly and was able to reach them on the phone.

What model Gitzo do you have? They don't all have lifetime warranties.

I called the parts dept two weeks ago, spoke to a helpful person, placed an order for $5 parts of screw, spring and knob, and received them within a few days.

Wanted to post that Bogen Imaging will respond. I finally was put in touch with David Fisher at Bogen, made an appt., and he was generous with his time showing me how to use the legs and lateral arm. I didn't want to simply show up and expect to be helped, making an advanced appt. was easier for both myself and the staff there. Having a live person show me the ropes was incredibly helpful to a newbie like myself. It was worth the drive to me.

My earlier attempts to contact bogen were indeed through the website email form - which sort of failed.

I suggested to Bogen that they really put up some helpful demonstrative videos on tripod use, care and maintenance. Right now all they have are marketing things that helps no one. Perhaps something will be done eventually.

I hope this helps someone.

pigtailpat wrote in post #9001249
I suggested to Bogen that they really put up some helpful demonstrative videos on tripod use, care and maintenance. Right now all they have are marketing things that helps no one. Perhaps something will be done eventually.

I hope this helps someone.

You could do such a video and put it up on youtube

pigtailpat wrote in post #8958705
I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this inquiry - but has anyone actually in person visited Bogen's headquarters in Ramsey, NJ - is it staffed?

I've been there several times. They're nice folks. I've some both with and w/out prior apts and they've always been accommodating. They're really not set up for customer visits, although I've never seen or heard of someone being turned away.