Calling all Hogs: what is your best/ favorite LOCAL camera store?
Mar 26, 2014 09:10:50 #
I can't speak to Chicago camera stores, but in Maine I have been trying to purchase from Photo Market and/or Hunts when I can. I agree that if we don't support our local stores, they will be gone along with valuable expertise.
Mar 26, 2014 09:14:01 #
No "local" camera store of any consequence, but, I'm an hour away from B&H and Adorama.
Mar 26, 2014 09:16:22 #
chrisewers
Loc: born UK. live in USA.
lukan wrote:
I have two decent camera stores in Chicago (a metr... (show quote)
Nothing locally in Connecticut that I could find (live near Danbury). So I bought camera on line and lenses from Best buy. The store has quite a lot of stock so you can look at stuff. But their staff dont know much, so its up to you to do research first. Prices really good and they will honor anyones on line price if you print proof.
Mar 26, 2014 09:16:44 #
MarkfromMaine wrote:
I can't speak to Chicago camera stores, but in Maine I have been trying to purchase from Photo Market and/or Hunts when I can. I agree that if we don't support our local stores, they will be gone along with valuable expertise.
Absolutely.
At least some consumers got into the habit of visiting the local brick and mortar for their "hands on" and then went online to buy. It's really the same thing as those that decry the demise of the "Mom n' Pop" while shopping at Walmart to save a few bucks.... Now there's no longer an option. Go figure.
Mar 26, 2014 09:19:18 #
Mar 26, 2014 09:22:17 #
Garden540
Loc: Central Connecticut
... meant this for chrisewers ... You might look back at a post here about Camera Bar in Hartford ... definitely Danbury-convenient.
Mar 26, 2014 09:24:31 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Absolutely.
At least some consumers got into the habit of visiting the local brick and mortar for their "hands on" and then went online to buy. It's really the same thing as those that decry the demise of the "Mom n' Pop" while shopping at Walmart to save a few bucks.... Now there's no longer an option. Go figure.
At least some consumers got into the habit of visiting the local brick and mortar for their "hands on" and then went online to buy. It's really the same thing as those that decry the demise of the "Mom n' Pop" while shopping at Walmart to save a few bucks.... Now there's no longer an option. Go figure.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 26, 2014 09:24:53 #
When I lived in the Nashville, TN area my favorite was Durys in downtown Nashville. The closest to me now is Thompson Photo in Knoxville but I find that their offering is limited and the prices cannot compete with B&H. When I lived in Charlotte, NC I loved Camera World and Charlotte Camera. I don't think either of them are still in business.
Mar 26, 2014 09:26:49 #
chrisewers
Loc: born UK. live in USA.
Garden540 wrote:
... meant this for chrisewers ... You might look back at a post here about Camera Bar in Hartford ... definitely Danbury-convenient.
Its a bit of a ride but if its worth it - what can you tell me about them, I'm looking for canon EF maybe 10-22 and a zoom possibly 70-200. What do they stock? Can you try the lenses on your camera?
Mar 26, 2014 09:27:35 #
In Topeka,Ks we have Wolfes Camera, a locally owned camera store. They've been in business for 89 years. They carry a full line of cameras, accessories, have printing services and have classes for every level. They also have knowledgable staff.
Mar 26, 2014 09:28:30 #
Bear2
Loc: Southeast,, MI
We have Camera Mart in Pontiac MI. Great store, long time knowledgeable staff. I have bought four Nikons there over the years, plus lenses, strobes etc. My rating is SIX stars.
Mar 26, 2014 09:30:57 #
I reside in Brooklyn, New York City.... You name them we have them. But I still purchase on line, don't like the masses crowding over the counters.....
Mar 26, 2014 09:33:05 #
I find this subject quite interesting, but also sad.
My observation after reading all posts is that the small town, locally owned camera shop is a dinosaur. Only large metro areas can still support full service/selections. Of course, there are exceptions, but few.
This is similar to other specialty retail categories, such as gun shops & model train stores. They are disappearing on a daily basis.
Ritz Camera was the last to leave my home town; and while it was here it was a shadow of Ritz stores in the big cities. All we have is Best Buy, Staples, Sear's, Walmart. I doubt I would see in these stores (only speaking in my town) quality tripods, heads, lenses, camera bodies. I was in Staples yesterday and for kicks, I strolled over to look at their camera offerings: one dslr, a Canon Rebel with low end kit lens. No optional lenses available. Rest of camera selections were intro point & shoot.
So, in my case, no local camera store. I have to use the internet. Maybe that's good, because if I lived close to a B&H or Adorama I would have a serious case of GAS :)
My observation after reading all posts is that the small town, locally owned camera shop is a dinosaur. Only large metro areas can still support full service/selections. Of course, there are exceptions, but few.
This is similar to other specialty retail categories, such as gun shops & model train stores. They are disappearing on a daily basis.
Ritz Camera was the last to leave my home town; and while it was here it was a shadow of Ritz stores in the big cities. All we have is Best Buy, Staples, Sear's, Walmart. I doubt I would see in these stores (only speaking in my town) quality tripods, heads, lenses, camera bodies. I was in Staples yesterday and for kicks, I strolled over to look at their camera offerings: one dslr, a Canon Rebel with low end kit lens. No optional lenses available. Rest of camera selections were intro point & shoot.
So, in my case, no local camera store. I have to use the internet. Maybe that's good, because if I lived close to a B&H or Adorama I would have a serious case of GAS :)
Mar 26, 2014 09:33:31 #
Brooklyn-Camera wrote:
I reside in Brooklyn, New York City.... You name them we have them. But I still purchase on line, don't like the masses crowding over the counters.....
I love that! Like talking to people, interacting. Ya never know who you might meet. I've met several "well-known" pros that way.
Mar 26, 2014 09:33:44 #
Tempe Camera in the metro Phoenix area. Most of the staff have been there for 20+ years and some teach or have taught photography at ASU. Always helpful and knowledgeable. I started doing local business with them in 1973.
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