Where to buy fs700 and why

K

kevin gallagher

Active member
So, I'm looking to pull the trigger on a FS700 in a month or so and am seeking advise on the best place to make this purchase. Able Cine, B&H, ...etc. Great customer service is really my priority as it seems everyone has the same price. No grey market stuff. FWIW I am going to get the kit lens as well as a OCT19 - sony Emount adapter for my set of russian primes.
I already have the rails, mattebox, FF, etc. from my old 35mm adapter and then my dslr kit.

Thanks
Kevin
 
Hey Kevin,

I got my fs700 from Omega Broadcast Group out of Austin. I originally had a preorder with Abel (who I love) but i was not getting the feedback on my order that I was wanting and kind of felt left in the dark. I saw a tweet about Omega having one in stock and the next day I made a phone call and it was in the mail. I worked with Bart and he was great and very helpful.

That being said I bet any company you go with (maybe not a Bestbuy like company) will be great. But I really liked Omega and will probably go back for my next camera.

Kyle
 
Personally, I would buy from a dealer close to your house if possible. I live in LA and I bought one from Samy's which was local. Usually, I buy out of state to avoid the Sales tax, but since I work in production, I got the CA. Usage deal which dropped the Tax down to 3% which was a huge savings.

For an $8K camera, if something goes wrong I can just bring it in quickly as opposed to mailing back to say.... B&H in New York which would take weeks to process and the shipping would be expensive.

For less expensive and less critical stuff, I try and save a few bucks, but for large camera purchases, it's nice to have the shop close to home.

But not sure if you have that option.

BTW, Samy's was great. They're small, so they answered my questions quick. I originally pre-ordered from B&H but they never had any idea when the camera was going to be in or not, but they're good for most stuff.
 
gene_can_sing said:
Personally, I would buy from a dealer close to your house if possible. I live in LA and I bought one from Samy's which was local. Usually, I buy out of state to avoid the Sales tax, but since I work in production, I got the CA. Usage deal which dropped the Tax down to 3% which was a huge savings.
Click to expand...

+1 for buying from a dealer close by.

I've dealt with the same Sony broadcast dealer for 23 years. (Matrix in Calgary, Alberta) Their prices are fair and often close to or less (depending on exchange rates and shipping) than some web resellers. It's the service that counts. They have saved my backside several times. Including staying open late on a weekend night to service a camera that had died on a shoot so I could finish the job that night with out having to go back the next week which was a 600km trip.
If you use your camera to earn your living it's not always about buying it for the cheapest price. Good local service is worth much more when it counts.
cheers

Morton
 
+1 for local dealers who respond quickly. In the NYC area I've also purchased fm Zgc inc and band pro. Chris and John are both very responsive.
 
Done my fair share of purchasing with the large retailers in NYC. Got tired with the empty promises on stock and delivery. Even though I'm based in DC, I went through BandPro LA for my FS700 and Birns and Sawyer for accessories.They both delivered as promised and made it happen!
Couldnt be happier...
 
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John Foundas said:
Done my fair share of purchasing with the large retailers in NYC. Got tired with the empty promises on stock and delivery. Even though I'm based in DC, I went through BandPro LA for my FS700 and Birns and Sawyer for accessories.They both delivered as promised and made it happen!
Couldnt be happier...
Click to expand...
Exact same circumstances for me based in Oregon: BandPro and Birns&Sawyer +1
 
What kind of payment plan are you looking for? We can work with you on financing or payment plans. Drop me a line, I'd love to serve you in any way possible.
 
I went with Band Pro New York. Hello John. My camera is in transit now. John at Band Pro is a nice guy, very knowledgeable, helpful and I feel that if there were a problem with my camera they would be attentive. That's about all I need from a camera retailer.
Kevin
 
hogan.kyle said:
Hey Kevin,

I got my fs700 from Omega Broadcast Group out of Austin. I originally had a preorder with Abel (who I love) but i was not getting the feedback on my order that I was wanting and kind of felt left in the dark. I saw a tweet about Omega having one in stock and the next day I made a phone call and it was in the mail. I worked with Bart and he was great and very helpful.

That being said I bet any company you go with (maybe not a Bestbuy like company) will be great. But I really liked Omega and will probably go back for my next camera.

Kyle
Click to expand...

I read this and gave OMEGA BROADCAST GROUP a call as I eagerly wanted to get 2 FS700's shipped this week. I talked with DAVID RICKS and he was nothing but helpful, gave me some options I hadn't even considered, and they shipped them out today. Should arrive early next week. It was great being able to really work with someone one on one as we had to communicate back and forth a few times via phone, as I had to check with my partner about what options he wanted before officially placing the order. David was always available every time I called back. I will be using them next time I need another camera for sure.
 
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