Bristol Cameras- recomendations

[Luna Unicorn]

Has anyone purchased fonline fom Bristol Camers? ive found it to have the cheapest Explorer 150PL with the mount. Someone recomended First Light to me too they are slightly more expensive but i can pay on Paypal with them.

Joanne

[Odd Thomas]

I haven't used Bristol cameras but have used First Light Optics many times and their back up and after sales service is second to none.....as many folk her will tell you.

Tom

[Ajohn]

I used them to buy some dovetails. They notified me when they had located them and when they shipped them. Seemed pretty good to me. I suspect that the dovetails may not actually have been in stock but they got them and shipped them very quickly. I think I used them some years ago on other bits and pieces as well without any problems.

You can of course use paypal on ebay too.

John

[Luna Unicorn]

I was just concerned becasue I couldnt see any security payment credentials on Bristol Cameras. But I always like to purchase from an independent seller.

[JamesF]

I've bought a few bits and pieces from them -- step-down rings for camera lenses and suchlike, nothing particularly expensive. They seemed to be fine to me and managed to do things right when I phoned to add something to the order after I'd placed it online.

James

[jabberwocky]

FLO are usually the cheapest out there but even when they aren't their customer service is worth paying a few extra pennies for, I wish they would stock TV eyepieces and apply their pricing strategy to them.

they do make other sites seem very overpriced.

[wurzelmike]

I've used Bristol Cameras a few times for photography, being a local lad, it's a great place to pop into and ask about stuff. The staff are great, it's a really old fashioned type of place, but their main focus is on photographic stuff. The premises they run from is relatively small, so I suspect that if you order from them they'll get it from the supplier for you. Shouldn't be a problem, photo stuff normally takes a couple of days to arrive in the shop.

So all I can say, is that if you were local, go for it! But you might want to google them first as their online service might not be as good. Sorry but I can't seem to be able to post a link here, but there's a thread on 'flisk.co.uk' on why you might want to avoid them.... http://www.flish.co.uk/2001/08/avoid-bristol-cameras hope this helps

[wurzelmike]

Sorry the link doesn't work, I tried typing the address in by hand

[journeyguy]

Bought my telescope from them a week or so ago. I went in to collect because it was convenient so not sure on their delivery but they had the cheapest price on a 200p Skyliner I could find.

[Luna Unicorn]

Thanks. I spoke to Martin at FO and he was amazing and that was worth the extra pennies.

Like I said the payment security wasnt so clear on other sites but if i was local I would have just gone in

Thanks Everyone fo your help!

[Ajohn]

I think the main thing about them is that they have been around for a long time. They sell a lot and from time to time there will be odd problems with companies that do who ever they are.

John

[kaybee]

I've used them a few times now for buying camera equipment online, always been a good experience, staff have been helpful when I've phoned.

[wurzelmike]

tbh, they're the first shop I head for when I'm looking at photo stuff, but was a little concerned about what I read about on line sales, once i'd googled them. So thought I'd better mention that

[brantuk]

I've used Ace Cameras in Bristol (if that's the same outfit) and always had great service - they're just a tad dear on p&p - their main astro chap is John who is very helpful and informative. I usually pay by card over the phone though - I don't use the website except for window shopping.

FLO I also have no hesitation recommending - their prices usually include p&p unless stated otherwise - so do factor that in when comparing prices

[Herbig]

I can also recomend FLO, they will go out of their way to help and ensure customers are happy.