I used to frequent Freestyle Photo in Los Angeles. They were a tinkerer's paradise way back when. They have changed but I still like them!
jradose wrote:
Has anyone had any dealings with Big Time Camera, in Tampa Florida? How could I find out any info as to reliability concerning them?
If anyone lives in Maryland, Service Photo on Falls Rd. in Baltimore is excellent. The prices are competitive, they have a great selection of gear and assessories, and a courteous, professional, and knowledgeable staff. I believe Service Photo is only full service photography shop left in Maryland.
National Camera Exchange in Golden valley, MN - family owned.
West Photo in Minneapolis. Don't have a use record with them.
DeanS wrote:
The ones most favored by Hoggers are:
Adorama
B&H
Cameta
KEH
Roberts
Stick with thses and you will likely reduce the chance of an unpleasant experience. There are others, but these predominate.
You ask a good question. Remember like book stores there are definitely local quality merchants. The big ones are good, but not necessarily a resource if you shop online. If you have a local, give them a chance. Many local shops can be honest, reliable and a valuable resource. Use your judgement. Even do a test. Go in looking for something small, start a conversation and engage. If they make you comfortable you may have an ace. If not, evaluate, are they just real busy or is it attitude. It may turn out to be a fine experience. My example is a small corner family store on long island called L&L Camera. Always ready to give time and info. Make the shopping fun. If you get to NYC go to B&H, it is like going to a museum!! So much interesting stuff!
jimstevralia wrote:
You ask a good question. Remember like book stores there are definitely local quality merchants. The big ones are good, but not necessarily a resource if you shop online. If you have a local, give them a chance. Many local shops can be honest, reliable and a valuable resource. Use your judgement. Even do a test. Go in looking for something small, start a conversation and engage. If they make you comfortable you may have an ace. If not, evaluate, are they just real busy or is it attitude. It may turn out to be a fine experience. My example is a small corner family store on long island called L&L Camera. Always ready to give time and info. Make the shopping fun. If you get to NYC go to B&H, it is like going to a museum!! So much interesting stuff!
You ask a good question. Remember like book stores... (
show quote)
However, in this case, the OP was asking about a specific Tampa camera store. That store is NOT an Authorized Nikon dealer, so any camera or lens that they sell (including point and shoot) will NOT be covered by Nikon's warranty. They also seem to have a sketchy history.
bellgamin wrote:
I have bought from 3 of these -- excellent! Uhh... will I become persona non grata if I confess that I have enjoyed great results buying photography items from Amazon & Ebay, also? 😮
Amazon and eBay are ok but you have to be very careful.
The D5300 is $110.00 cheaper at B&H(with the 18-55mm lens)
terry44
Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii
jradose wrote:
Has anyone had any dealings with Big Time Camera, in Tampa Florida? How could I find out any info as to reliability concerning them?
Google Big Time Camera (BTC).... I just did. Second item on the page is the West Florida BBB. They contacted BTC in 2016 regarding complaints they received from consumers and BTC did not respond to them. Their are also 10 reviews on the BBB page and 9 of the 10 reviews were negative.
That should tell you all you need to know about BTC.
Stay away from them... use the recommended retailers other Hogs told you to use.
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