Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in Kalamazoo MI., also one in Grand Rapids, MI) yesterday, I needed to pick up a couple things. After talking about what filters to buy and a problem I was having with my camera strap, I mentioned I was trying to get up courage to clean my sensor myself. Instead of trying to sell me a kit, the offer was made to clean it for me. So, I was able to get the filters I needed, resolve my camera strap problem, and walk out with a clean (no charge) camera. My point is, there my be good deals on the web, but you can't beat going somewhere where you can have a conversation with someone who knows what they are doing.
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (
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You are fortunate. There are very few camera stores around any more. None anywhere near me in SC. All those in Greensboro, NC where we use to live closed up several years ago.
pecohen wrote:
There probably is one but I was thinking just the other day that I don't know of a single camera shop anywhere in Maine.
I believe there is one in Portland, but I don't recall the name right now.
Ditto! I shop the Dodd Camera stores in the Dayton & Cincinnati OH areas. Great service, great deals.
spdmn54 wrote:
Great that you have obviously a great local retailer. We have Dodd Camera here in Cleveland that does the same, twice a year they have a factory forum, all kinds of manufacturers come, show their wares and offer free services, from sensor cleaning to tune ups and check ups. Of course it is designed to sell product, I always walk out with something new. Wife had banned me from going back :oops:
We also have a great photo shop in South Bend Indiana, it is Genes Photo Shop .They have a full line of cameras and supplies , information and even a rental studio. Great people and helpful if you have a problem.
JC56
Loc: Lake St.Louis mo.
We have two in St.louis Creve Coure camera and Schillers. I have used Creve Coure since the onset of CAS Recently I have been stopping at Schillers.....Schillers employees are 10 times more knowledgeable that those at Creve Coure.
My local camera shop is National Camera in the Minneapolis area. They have helped me any number of times.
Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in Kalamazoo MI., also one in Grand Rapids, MI) yesterday, I needed to pick up a couple things. After talking about what filters to buy and a problem I was having with my camera strap, I mentioned I was trying to get up courage to clean my sensor myself. Instead of trying to sell me a kit, the offer was made to clean it for me. So, I was able to get the filters I needed, resolve my camera strap problem, and walk out with a clean (no charge) camera. My point is, there my be good deals on the web, but you can't beat going somewhere where you can have a conversation with someone who knows what they are doing.
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (
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Hey Moonsey, Norman in Grand Rapids is where I go. I know all of the guys and gal by name. They're Good people. It's nice to know there are a few Hoggs in West Michigan.
We have a camera store here in Morris County NW New Jersey, Unique Camera Store, that has classes, rentals, printing, printers, paper ink, all major car eras/lenses, etc, etc. Very good place my wife tries to keep me from. :D
planepics
Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs
My shop (
http://www.cccamera.com/store-locations-hours.html) would have charged to clean a sensor...and then it would have had to be sent out somewhere to do it. A lot of their prices are more expensive than the big superstores. Some of their prices are the same. Unfortunately, they pretty much have the corner on the market. I only buy smalls there and then only when I feel I need them now. Otherwise I save the sales tax and get my stuff from NY/NJ.
Kudos for Biggs Camera in Charlotte. Long-time staple in this area. Excellent service and very good selection - both new and used.
Stroudsburg Foto in Stroudsburg PA is an excellent local camera dealer!
Tim Stapp wrote:
I have purchased items from both Norman's and Robert's (I live in Michigan, my kids in Indy). Great shops and people, each. Norman's still carries MF and LF film and chemicals. Grand Rapids still has a lab that will process and scan both formats. Marks Camera and Video in Grand Rapids will have a class on sports photography and then a photoshoot with at a minor league hockey and baseball teams that evening. I get emails often from Robert's in Indy offering a walk about evening photoshoot with a local (sometimes not so local) pro, often with a model.
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When I was living in Indiana I had to travel 1 1/2 hours to Indy to go to Roberts, one of the best camera shops around. Now that I'm back in Missouri there is a great Camera shop Called Lawrence Camera in business over 100 years And I hate to say it but anything under $1000 I buy from them but above that amount not paying state sales tax starts adding up.
An important point here: If you don't support them, they'll go away. If my local camera store stocks it, I'll buy from them, even if it costs a little more. Bought my last two DSLRs, and three of the last four lenses from ProPhoto Supply in Portland Oregon. The exception was a lens they did not stock.
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