manrique_molina1

<p>Loaded in about 5 seconds the first time here in San Jose, Costa Rica, noon EST. But of course I am on a T3 at work. I will try on my home computer tonight using 1 mbps.</p>

<p>My billing address is not in the US and I have not had problems with Amazon. You might want to try it by buying something cheap (for instance a $1 item). You will know if the order goes through probably the same day.. If the credit card does not go through you will get an email. Once I had to call 17th street photo, seems some NY stores are picky about international buyers. No problem with Amazon, Adorama. Haven't tried B&H online.<br>

For stores that require a US billing address I use my other card. I just called my credit card company and made them change my billing address to a friends who lives in Miami. It was done very easily, just with a phone call. You might want to ask your credit card company if they can do that. In my country it is actually advertised by them so they can generate revenue from internet buyers.<br>

Regarding sales tax refunds no luck with NY. I know they do that in Louisiana. I've also heard that taxes are lower in New Jersey but I don't know of a good camera store there.</p>

<p>Hi dugave. I do not live in the US but I constantly am shopping online an in person when I am on business trips. I can tell you that after trying a lot services and shops I tend to stick with the most reliable ones even if the price is not the best (although usually they are not that bad). So in NY they would be B&H, Adorama, 47th st photo, 17th street photo and J&R. A visit to B&H in person is also an experience in itself! Its an amazing place and the salespeople are corteous and knowledgeable.<br>

Your friend will also see A LOT of stores with electronics at AMAZING PRICES. Please tell him to AVOID THEM LIKE A PLAGUE. They are mostly scam and bait & switch outfits. Stick with the ones above and he won't regret it.<br>

Regarding online purchases make sure to time them. For instance if he is close to the departure date tell him to avoid any USPS regular shipping. It could not make it on time, specially if its coming from thee west coast. I've found that 2nd day shipping in amazon is VERY reliable, haven't missed a package yet. Items that say "sold and shipped by Amazon.com" ship faster than those from 3rd parties that sell through amazon because they need to process them first. Usually they will leave them with the doormen, front desk if there is one. If its a house they may leave them at the porch or entrance if theres no one. If its an apartment complex with no front desk or doorman and they can't get to the apartments door they may take the package back and try again a few times. Not sure what they do if they try several times and can't make it though.</p>

 

<p>I like this picture. Maybe you can do a center crop so that heads are not chopped off or popping in. I would blur the background and desaturate it a little to emphisize the main subject.</p>

<p>Thanks for your responses. Actually I don't want to sell it. In my country it is virtually impossible to sell bodies or lenses by themselves so I want to hold on to it for when I am ready to switch bodies (complete kits do sell very well). <br>

In the meantime I was wondering if I could do something with it so it doesn't sit in my closet collecting dust. I think I am going to buy a reversing mount to experiment a little with a cheap macro setup...</p>

 

<p>Hi. I have a Canon 40D and since buying it I have upgraded my kit lens and now have a handful of them. I kept my kit lens (18-55) just in case I sell my body down the road; however I don't see this happening in the next year. So I am wondering what creative uses I can give this spare lens. Someone mentioned to me buying a reverse mount and using it as a cheap macro.<br>

I want to know what other things I can do with it. I am interested in all kinds of photography as I am still learning. I could spend up to $50-$100 in attachments or stuff for it. I also have a spare tripod and flash (Vivitar 285) just in case they could also be useful.</p>