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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!mgnetp!ihnp4!zehntel!hplabs!hao!seismo!brl-tgr!wmartin
From: wmartin@brl-tgr.ARPA (Will Martin )
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Subject: Discount mail-order sources for accessories?
Message-ID: <3067@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Thu, 28-Jun-84 11:31:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.3067
Posted: Thu Jun 28 11:31:08 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 1-Jul-84 08:29:58 EDT
Organization: Ballistics Research Lab
Lines: 45

Hi!

I am soliciting information regarding the best (most reliable and lowest
priced) mail-order discount photo outlets for accessories, as opposed
to cameras and lenses. My experience with audio mail-order discount houses
is that they will offer well-advertised low prices on major items, such
as stereo components, but much less of a discount on accessories. 
(Traditionally, dealers have shaved prices on big-ticket items, but maintained
full markup on accessory items, and tried to make up on accessory sales
for the low profit margin on the major items.)

I notice that the 47th St. Photo catalog I have doesn't list much in the
way of the kinds of accesory items I am looking for. (Right now, I am
interested in a source for the foam-padded, nylon or similar fabric
protective carrying cases in various shapes and sizes, preferably with
belt loops or such attachment/carrying facilities.) This may be because
a) they don't carry this sort of thing; b) they don't want to expend
catalog space on them; or c) their prices are not competitive, so they
don't advertise them.

Can anyone recommend some mail-order photo houses whose catalogs show
a good selection of these kinds of accessories, and whose reliability
and prices make them worthy of consideration? If they have 800 numbers
which I could call to request a catalog, I would appreciate your including
them. Also, since it's been many years since I read the popular
photographic magazines, which one(s) are most likely to have a wide
range of advertisements from such mail-order houses, and do any still
have Business-Reply-Mail "bingo" cards to request literature and
catalogs? I'll pick up a recent issue & start getting inundated with
mail from such outfits if this service is still available.

(As an aside, does anyone have specific recommendations for brands
or styles of these padded carrying cases? I have heard of a brand
called "Lowe Pro Opti-Pouch" or something similar; I don't know if
this is the only one, or one of dozens of competitors.)

I'll accumulate any mail on the subject sent me, and post a summary
after a while, in addition to anything anyone wants to post to
the newsgroup. Mail can reach me at "seismo!brl-bmd!wmartin" via
uucp-mail, or at "wmartin@almsa-1" via ARPA/MILNET, if you can
use that facility.

Thanks and regards,

Will Martin