EX1 not in stock
 

Just curious if anyone knows the logic behind B&H not stocking the EX1.

Is that happening anywhere else? It actually says "Accepting orders"
Could be they can't take shipments because of the string of Jewish Holidays if the stock issue is specific to them.
Could be a revised model in the works otherwise but the speculation is pointless unless you see this throughout the supply chain.
AbelCine seems to have it in stock.

Last thoughts on this. If Sony had a revised model we would have heard reports from IBC and DV Expo at this point. It's probably B&H not taking shipments due to the Jewish holidays.

But interestingly, the EX3 is in stock.

Not at all odd since one camera sold out and the other hasn't. They probably sell more EX1s than EX3s at B&H and there are so many Jewish holidays back to back at this time of year. I live not too far from B&H and their warehouse is even closer. They will not move things from the warehouse to the store on the holidays. They will even list things as in stock because they are in the warehouse yet are not actually available in the store.

Since AbelCine and B&H are not too far apart and Abel has them in stock, the channel isn't "dry." B&H probably has them sitting on the loading dock, hence "accepting orders," otherwise it would be "out of stock."

Makes sense. The only reason I bring it up is because that 7-10 lead-time is very scary to me. In fact, 7-10 days is just like not having it in stock for me. If one of my cams ever goes down, chances are good I'll need a replacement in one day.

I had never even heard of that AbelCine until today. I feel dumb. Thanks Craig. Nice to know they are there if I'm in a jam, and it looks like similar pricing. You learn something every day I guess.

There's another Sony authorized dealer (also authorized Sony service center) in NYC that's not a DVInfo sponsor that will actually give you a loaner EX1 if your camera has to go in for repair. I can't mention the name here although they are a "mom & pop" business that I like to support. That kind of loaner promise (it costs NOTHING EXTRA) is something the big stores wouldn't even consider offering.

Hey Craig

I'm sorry to hear that you've never heard of us. AbelCineTech is a unique place in NYC that caters exclusively to the professional video / film crowd. I'd hope that you would come to us not only in a pinch, but also when you want to speak to a group of people that pride themselves at being experts in this field. Please check out our website and blog at Abel Cine Tech and note that we sell the EX for the same price as anyone. Sony has a program price, so no one can sell it for lower than the listed price.

Best,

Andy

+1 for Abel
 

I've dealt with Abel before, and Andy and the crew are top-notch. First rate service, competitive pricing and years of experience. No worries if you order from Abel.

--SM

They had 6 in stock last week...sold out in 4 days. I was going to buy one but didn't get the funds in time.

I too bought my EX from Abel Cine - great store and very helpful!

From the "other" Craig. While I didn't get my EX from Abel, I did buy a whole bunch of ancillary gear there. Great place, great service.

If you check B&H's website regularly you will see the EX1 drops in and out of stock regularly. There's another thread I started on this somewhere when I was shopping myself. It's one of B&H's top selling items and they sell out regularly.

The language about special order and 7-10 days wait is just boilerplate which seems to appear when any item is out of stock. I went up to to B&H in person, and before I left their site showed the EX-1 in stock. When I arrived a couple hours later, they were sold out. So I placed an order and it was shipped out within about a week.

Very positive feedback. I bookmarked your site.

At the risk of sounding negative, I still have to wonder why a photo/video Goliath fails to keep enough EX1s in stock. Number one rule of inventory management: The more of something you sell, the more of it you keep in stock.

I'm sure B&H will appreciate your input. Personally, I have nothing but praise for them and I've spent quite a bit there over the years. But it's nice to have another great sponsor in the New York area as well.

It's not that simple. The issues surrounding allocation are more complex than you know. I'm sure that the buyer for B&H is keenly aware of the situation, and it's a far more complicated matter than just "calling Sony and ordering more." It's not like there's a perpetual supply just rolling off the factory assembly line every day.

There are distribution/allocation priorities for example.

Let's say B&H wants 20 but because Sony has to deal with world wide distribution, USA gets X units of which B&H only gets 10 at the moment (because many large orders placed from other retailers/buyers) and since 10 people are on the "accepting orders" waiting list, those are gone immediately. Maybe "mega international cable news network" orders a gazillion and they get most of the models coming of the line for the next two weeks, lowering the amount available to retailers.

I think TV stations, commercials, features and large production companies favor the EX1 over the EX3 because of its size. So EX1s may be harder to keep in stock when a large order comes in.

Thank you. Very apt and much appreciated. We get and sell hundreds each month. Sony has been allocating this product for the last 4-5 months. If Sony would give us more (and they've been ordered), we'd have more. I appreciate Craig Terott's "rule of management," but it's really not as simple as picking up the phone and saying, "Hey, Sony. Send me another couple-a hundred willya?" We wish it was that simple.

I'm surprised to see my comment was deleted. My guess is because it wasn't favorable to B&H.

I didn't see whatever may have been deleted, but I'll go on record as saying I think B&H is great. I've been buying about 90% of my equipment through B&H for over 10 years, and probably average 2-3 orders per month. Never had a problem. It sounds too good to be true, but it is true. If all the businesses I have to deal with were as professional as B&H, my life would be a whole lot easier.

That's great Doug. Whenever I consider buying your Vortex products it's through B&H. I am also a member of the tens of thousands of dollars of purchases made through B&H club. They have been one of our major vendors since they were a 30'x30' little shop on the lower east side serving NY's still photographic community where their roots lie. I remember when the "new" video department consisted of a small counter in this shop highlighting the Panasonic MX20. This is before they were a website or a superstore, more than 20 years ago. I have been a customer longer than probably 95% of the staff itself. This said, there are more than a few areas where I have suggestions for B&H to become a better company. Many high end productions are still using more dedicated vendors like BandPro, Tamberelli and AbelCine. B&H is only now really trying to crack the high end broadcast market by putting forth a more visible broadcast division. Henry, you're welcome to correct me where you see fit.

I'm just glad to see the EX1 is so popular that large sellers like B&H have trouble keeping them in stock. It really is a fantastic camera.

Nothing has been deleted. You posted the comment to a completely different thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...ml#post1413862

Ah! My mistake, I apologize fellas. Either old age or I had too many browser tabs open and got confused. Tabs are evil... and maybe some ginko biloba will help.

EX3 features are neat... personally if I want something bigger than EX1 I'd go XDcam 700/800 or Varicam. I think Sony's next EX will probably be similar to EX3 form factor however, in which case I don't need or want one. If they keep it as small as EX1 that'll work for me.

We are renewing our efforts in this direction with "The Studio @ B&H" and other ventures. Thanks for your informative and supportive post.