Best Buy & Geek Squad Policies

[Scolton]

First let me start buy saying that I am a frequent shopper at Best Buy and, this is the first time I have felt that I needed to put this information out into the public forum so that hopefully I can get some assistance and also so that this does not happen to anyone else because, it is really frustrating and, I have no idea why this could not have been handled at the store level. I know that my future business is not going to matter to such a large corporation but, I will not be buying anything from them again. In my opinion I was treated with such disrespect and, malevolence. I was made to feel like I was an idiot who obviously should have known better. I am a beginner in the world of photography and, a family member gave me an entire bag of lenses that he does not use anymore so, I decided to do some research and, I was told that there are currently 3 cameras that I should look at. The Nikon D5100, The Nikon D7000, and, The Canon T3i.  As I said, I have basically zero knowledge of photography and, after consulting with the Camera salesmen at my local Best Buy  I purchased the Canon T3i Camera and Lens Kit because, I was assured that my Nikon lenses would universally fit the Canon T3i. I had no reason to doubt him until this morning. We arrived back from a ten day training exercise late last night and, I woke up this morning and, started reading the user manuals and getting acquainted with the camera. I then attempt to put my Nikon lens onto the Canon with no luck so, I call Best Buy and the salesmen on duty told me that Canon and, Nikon Lenses use proprietary lens locking systems so, I find out that not a single one of my dozen or so Nikon lenses fit on this new Canon camera. My question is why would the salesman sell me this Canon T3i Camera when I clearly explained my situation and the variety of Nikon lenses I was given that I wanted to be able to incorporate into my new camera. I pack all of the booklets and miscellaneous papers into their correct boxes and I head over to Best Buy where the customer service woman basically told me too bad you had 14 days and, you should have come than. I then explained how I am in the military and, we where in the field for ten days and, I could not just leave when I wanted to as a civilian would. She was not impressed to say the least and, asked me to step aside so she could help the next guest. I asked for a manager however, after more than five minutes with nobody showing up I decided to leave. At this point, I am so frustrated because the camera is totally worthless for my needs and, I feel that I was not treated with any respect. My hope is that I can exchange this Canon T3i for the Nikon D5100 or, D7000  that I should have originally been shown by the salesmen. In this case my lack of knowledge cost me a great deal of time and money. Please help me with this because it is really frustrating me.

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V/R,

{removed per forum guidelines}, Scott, B. USN  (MEDICAL CORPS)  LTJG

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[wrltheiv]

Although this was an unfortunate occurance that should be remedied by bestbuy, I thought you might be interested to know that it is actually very possible to use nikon lenses on a canon. if you plan on taking a lot of videos, it might be worth holding onto the canon since it does significantly better than the nikon conterparts. 

this site details the adaptor options. 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/nikcan.htm

[TheLexMachine]

You need to check your Nikon lenses to see what mount they use as there are a few Nikon mounts just as there are a few Canon mounts. Then you can buy the appropriate camera.

[Entropy]

I'd have to say that the salesman who told you that Nikon lenses would work on a Canon camera was clearly, um...  not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Always keep in mind when shopping at a retail store - this person IS working retail.  While there are occasional exceptions, in 90% of cases, there's a reason they're working such a low-paying job.

In general, camera lenses can't be used with cameras from other brands.  In some cases lenses from the same brand can't be used with cameras of the same brand because some manufacturers change the mount.  (For example, Canon changed mounts in the 1970s or 1980s, and old lenses can't be used on new cameras.)

As someone pointed out, some lenses can be adapted, but not without severe loss of functionality.  However if your lenses are old manual lenses, then you may not lose much by adapting them.

Can you give us an idea of what lenses you already have?

[AndyH]

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Entropy wrote:

Always keep in mind when shopping at a retail store - this person IS working retail.  While there are occasional exceptions, in 90% of cases, there's a reason they're working such a low-paying job.

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Because they're going to college?

[Dorothy-BBY Community Supervisor]

Good afternoon Scolton -

Allan, from our Social Media team, will be reaching out to you regarding your concern. Thank you for your continued patience!

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi Scolton,

As a photographer I can assure you that I would also be upset if on incorrect advice from a sales associate I made a purchase, and then was told I couldn’t exchange that purchase. DSLR photo equipment is expensive, and I can certainly understand you wanting to make sure you have the system that would best meet your expectations.

It is absolutely incorrect that any Nikon lenses are compatible with any Canon DSLRs, and this is true with almost any manufacturer. Canon has had two main lens mounts over the years, but Nikon has had one main mount since they launched their SLR line of cameras many decades ago. This does mean that almost any Nikon lens will physically mount on any Nikon SLR/DSLR made over the years. With that said it does not meant that any Nikon lens will be fully functional with any Nikon body.

The store was correct that all cameras have a fourteen day return or exchange period, and this is why they declined to exchange the camera for them. With that said I do understand that you being an active duty member of our military places limitations on your time, and I would like to see if there is anything we can do to resolve this for you. I am sending you a private message to discuss this. To check your messages you should log into the forum, and then click on the letter icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

Thanks for posting,