We use state-of-the-art SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect your personal information. Some things to look for to know a site is secure:

If you use the address bar in your browser, you will note that the page where you entered your credit card information was https://(etc). Https means this is a secure page, vs. http standard pages. In Internet Explorer, there is a small "Lock" icon (resembles a padlock) on the bottom bar. This also indicates a secure connection. Also, on each catalog page you will see the GeoTrust Secure Site Seal, which you can click to verify the validity of our site's Security Certificate. You can also verify this information here.

What is your privacy policy?

Protecting your privacy is important to us. We hope the following statement will help you understand how we collect, use and safeguard the personal information you provide to us on our site:

We keep logs of which pages are visited, and how often, so we can improve our site. We do not keep track of who visits the pages.

When orders are placed, we log your IP address for security purposes. Your payment information is only on our secure server for a short time. Payment information is not stored long-term in any electronic form on our servers or computers.

Your personal information (name, address, telephone number, email address) is only on our secure server for a short time. This information is not stored long-term in any electronic form on our servers, and is stored in an encrypted form behind a firewall on our computers.

We only collect this information to complete your order.

We never sell, trade, or release your personal information, except those specific items needed by our merchant bank to process your credit card, or FedEx to ship your order. The companies we use for these transactions do not release your information for any marketing purposes.

If you register for Collector's Preference email notification, your email address is stored on our secure servers behind a firewall.

We only use your email address to market our products if you opt-in to our Collector's Preference list. You can opt-out at any time.

Do you accept checks or money orders?

Not at this time. Electronic payment by credit card works best with our business. Our stock generally sells too quickly to accomodate mail delivery of payment. We expect we will accept electronic checks in the future.

Do you accept PayPal?

No. We looked at this in depth when PayPal first started, and decided against it for two reasons. First, when you purchase through the Internet using a credit card, you are protected against fraud. When you use an intermediary like PayPal, that protection may no longer exist (http://www.msnbc.com/news/858786.asp?cp1=1). Even when PayPal refunds your money through their "insurance", they charge you a $25 processing fee. Second, PayPal adds unnecessary costs and unnecessary delays in our receiving your payment. For an individual who will not otherwise qualify for a merchant account, or a business with a poor credit rating who cannot otherwise qualify to process charges, that may be fine. For an established business with an excellent reputation and sterling credit, it is not necessary.

Why do you use only Federal Express for shipping?

We use FedEx for shipping for several reasons. Our customers want quick, reliable delivery, and the ability to track their shipments. Credit card transactions require that all packages be tracked, and a signature on delivery. FedEx has met all these requirements. FedEx also discounts their rates, making them less expensive than a comparable service through the Post Office. We do ship via the United States Postal Service if the delivery address is outside normal FedEx delivery areas, or if shipping to an APO address.

Can you just put in an envelope and mail it?

No. You have no guarantee of delivery, and we have no proof of delivery.

Why do you have a miimum purchase requirement?

We have a minimum order requirement because of the time involved in processing, packing, and shipping a sale.

Will you let me know when you have a particular camera or lens in stock?

We have an email notification service that will notify you of new additions to our site: Collector's Preference. Unfortunately, we cannot keep lists of individual requests.

How should I pack my equipment to send to you?

As long as the individual pieces are wrapped in bubble wrap (5/16" is best for cameras and lenses), and you have 1/2" minimum of packing peanuts between the wrapped items and the outside of the box, you should be OK. Of course, accessories and film holders do not need to be wrapped individually. I have been shipping this way for seven years and have yet to lose a piece to damage. One customer who used my recommendations did have an item damaged when shipping to me, but the piece had been hit by, then run over by a forklift - hard to plan for that eventuality!

What is your shipping address?

Please email for our shipping address and a shipping authorization.

Please do not send equipment without contacting us for a quote first. Unsolicited packages will be refused.

Do you have a physical store?

Our entire store is on the Internet. We can set appointments for equipment inspection, whether buying or selling.

Will you please declare my international shipment as a gift, or at a lowered value?

All orders are declared at and insured for full value.