I use Pentax K-mount equipment, but I've been a secret admirer of Konica cameras and lenses. You guys have it lucky: World-class third-party lenses are readily found for the Konica mount, at half what I must pay in K mount.

Case in point: The legendary Vivitar Series 1 135/2.3 telephoto is being offered in Konica mount, LN with box, for $159 U.S. at Wall Street Photo (http://www.wallstreetcamera.com). Unlike the screwmount version that I ultimately settled for, the Konica version is multicoated. This lens uses 72mm filters but offers anything but lightweight performance. It uses floating elements and close-focuses to 3 feet!

Cambridge Photo in New York may also still have the Konica-mount Series 1 135/2.3 that they were advertising in January for $169 (LN) at http://www.cambridgeny.com/used_lens_i.html. Cambridge also listed a Soligor 135/2.0 for Konica, LN.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Answers

Cambridge Camera !!X&(#!!

To all,

Cambridge Camera is the most dishonest camera store in the world. They will do and say anything to get your credit card number. They will represent products they do not have to get you on the phone. They told me they had an electronic shutter release cable. I gave them my card number. When the transaction didn't go through I called them many times to try to cancel the order. Every time they made me call back on the non toll free number. They put me on hold for long times. They acted dumb. They denied I had made an order. Then they said they did have the part but it was in bad shape. They tried to sell me other stuff. Finally I sent them a certified letter cancelling my order, faxed them a letter cancelling my order, and phoned them doing the same. I must have wasted $15.00 in long distance calls and I got absolutely nothing from them.

They are liars and crooks. Caveat emptor with Cambridge Camera. If you have a choice between an abscessed molar or doing business with them, take the toothache. I assure you, the toothache is the better deal.

Check out their stellar ratings at Photo.net if you don't believe me. David S Smith

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

I'll second that!

I had a similar experience, David.

Based on items offered in their ads, plus emails and phone calls, I arranged to purchase 3 lenses from Cambridge. Sales person said he "had them right there" and described various aspects of the lenses. Basically I think he was just telling me what he thought I wanted to hear. Nothing ever materialised and, fortunately, nothing was ever charged to my credit card. Mostly just wasted time.

I am surprised they are still in business after pulling this crap for all these years. Their "10,000 Used Konica items" advertised must mostly include empty film cannisters and disassembled cameras and lenses! I have noticed their ads in major publications are getting smaller & smaller!

In a nutshell, I wouldn't bother calling them if they offered a mint Hexanon 15mm for $15!

On the other hand, I've had really good luck with: KEH, KOH's, Pacific Rim, Adorama, B&H and, of course, Mr. Konica (aka Greg Weber). There are many others I'm overlooking, I'm sure... basically EVERYONE... except Cambridge.

Alan Myers, San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Cambridge Camera

I looked them up.....here is a copy of the Better Business Bureau report on Cambridge....how do they stay in bussines?

Cambridge Camera Exchange 119 W. 17th Street New York, NY 10011 212-675-8600 212-463-0093

According to information in the Better Business Bureau's file: Mr. Lindenblatt is President. This firm sells photographic equipment and supplies.

This firm has an unsatisfactory rating , which is the Bureau's lowest rating .

Complaints to the Bureau have alleged bait & switch sales practices, and charging for items already included in the manufacturer's package.

This firm has received 147 complaint (s) in the last 36 months. 78 of those 147 complaint(s) were received in the last 12 months.

Complaints to the Bureau have alleged:

oral or written misrepresentation. unsatisfactory repair or workmanship. failure to provide service. Our records indicate that this firm has failed to eliminate the under-lying cause of complaints brought to its attention by the BBB. Better Business Bureau reports are based on our files over the past three years. The BBB does not endorse or recommend any product, service, or company.

Related Subject Literature: Delivery

formerly located at 45 Seventh Avenue, New York NY 10011-6601

The Better Business Bureau is pleased to offer you this Reliability Report for free. However, to enable the Bureau to continue to offer this service, we encourage individuals to make a tax-deductible donation to:

Better Business Bureau Education and Research Foundation 257 Park Avenue South New York NY 10010-7384

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Cambridge Camera; You gotta see it to believe it!

Dave, I can certainly second your poor experience with this outfit. Anything to make a sale! Anything! Lie, cheat, steal,- most of the guys in the New York area will only buy (Used) from them when they can see the actual item, judge its worth and asure yourself that it works for you....cause there ain't no getting your money back! Ever! I bought a new 6X7 from them a few years ago because of the price they quoted over the phone...it was the lowest of all the suppliers.......then I found out why.....they used a bait and switch. I ordered the camera new with a certain option package - of course when it came there were no options to be found. They then told me that I never ordered it, nor was I quoted any options. I was livid! I faxed them a copy of their quote to show I was right..they ignored it. Not to bore you, but I went over there twice, talked with them but to no avail. Finally, I went to the manufacturer of the camera, who made me whole on this just to keep a customer happy. Very few in the New York area go to these guy's. I don't know they stay in business or why. It's not New York, it's these guys. After my experience, I agree with you. Choose the root canal! Bill

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2001