Let's endorse our Local Camera Store!
RobertW
Loc: Breezy Point, New York
While I live i New York, I would like to endorse "SOUTHERN CAMERA" in
Carrboro, North Carolina, (right next to Chapel Hill) as being helpful , fair dealing
and prompt to respond over quite a number of years (Frequently in Chapel Hill a/c
Daughter, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren all reside Chapel Hill, Raleigh.
Same time----endorsing highly McIntyre's Bookstore in Fearrington nearby
Both examples of Private Entrepreneurship that should be supported vs Walmart etc.
I use Photo Connection in Colchester CT. Although it is a 45 minute ride I always get the help I want with competitive prices. Nice knowledgeable people willing to take the time and help. I am tired of looking at boarded up storefronts as I travel the country so I do my best to buy local.
Hello Carolina Liz and Everyone. Yes it is a shame. Tony is the owner of Southeastern Camera, and he and his people are the most professional group of their type I know. His store in Raleigh is open, but the closing of the Wilmington one is a shame. I encourage all to shop at their local camera store, not just look there. I find that Tony and his people can generally match internet pricing, and on used items, often beat that pricing by a bit. JimR
I second that. Have bought from them both new and used for well over 20 years and they are top notch. I am refering to Service Photo.
elliott937 wrote:
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera stores who have featured mail order services.
But it occurred to me that we still need to endorse our -local- camera stores, especially if they have an excellent reputation.
To begin, I'd like to endorse Schiller's Camera store here in St. Louis, here for more than 100 years, and outstanding staff. I've purchased my Canon 5DII from them, and along with that 3 L series lenses. They are always my "go to" store, not only for the equipment, but also for opinions and advice. I know all of you would agree with me in saying that we NEED to support our local camera stores. So I'm beginning that here with:
www.schillers.comI hope no one minds my beginning thread.
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera store... (
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Tucson Camera Repair, exceptional staff and services
Rick
I've had good experiences with Focus camera in Brooklyn NY - bought much gear there - fair prices and no grey market switch unless you want it. In fact for my next purchase I might look to them instead of the usual B&H.
Roberts - Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana - the only place I shop. Great people, very knowledgeable, helpful, and excellent used equipment. I use them (each store less than 30 minutes away) exclusively - I hope they never go away. They also have a very good rental program so you can try something before you buy - can't beat that.
Focal Point in Dallas Oregon matches B&H prices. They spent over an hour with me (a newbie). They matched my goals with a less expensive option than I thought I needed.
I strongly agree. If you do most of your business online, your local photo store won't be there for long. I buy my developing supplies and used equipment from him.
I can't buy my new cameras from him because I just can't afford it. B&H and KEH are just too good to pass up. I'm sure he doesn't make much on new equipment anyway. I don't think it hurts him because I may buy a new camera every 3 to 5 years anyway.
Service Photo in Baltimore is one of the best camera stores in the nation. The owner still works the sales counter along with a very professional and friendly staff. When I wanted to switch from my Nikon system to Fuji, he inspected every piece carefully and offered me a very fair trade in. He made everything effortless by not having to ship things and the final cost was comparable to KEH and B&H. The store also runs lots of clinics with manufacturer’s reps and even runs charter buses to Photo Expo in New York. I ‘m very lucky that it’s only an hour drive from home.
Ace Photo in Ashburn VA, close to Washington DC and the source for my D500 and D750. Great staff.
Mikes Camera moved into Sacramento a few years ago. I was hesitant because I thought it was local only but was pleasantly surprised recently. They got my attention because they host manufacture and private consulting training and field trips - some free but others have low fees.
This may be a dupe.
Murphy's - Winchester Rd, Lexington KY
I've been doing business with them, and their previous store, The Photo Center, since 1971
elliott937 wrote:
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera stores who have featured mail order services.
But it occurred to me that we still need to endorse our -local- camera stores, especially if they have an excellent reputation.
To begin, I'd like to endorse Schiller's Camera store here in St. Louis, here for more than 100 years, and outstanding staff. I've purchased my Canon 5DII from them, and along with that 3 L series lenses. They are always my "go to" store, not only for the equipment, but also for opinions and advice. I know all of you would agree with me in saying that we NEED to support our local camera stores. So I'm beginning that here with:
www.schillers.comI hope no one minds my beginning thread.
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera store... (
show quote)
Sorry no local camera stores here (at least not within a 100 mile+ radius)!
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
Local stores are nice but have limited inventory and brands. I support them when I can but most things I want they don't carry or won't be able to get. I cannot fix that for them. It is a new world today for better or worse. I was in a woodworking store in Florida last week. I asked about something that I would have purchased on the spot from a line that they carried. They didn't stock it. They said they ordered from that company once or twice a month. I was traveling so had no interest in placing an order with them. But the real truth was that I could order the item on the internet and have it in 2 days...waiting for me when I returned home. That is the reality... be it cameras or most other goods.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Local stores are nice but have limited inventory a... (
show quote)
Todd, I'm guessing you have tried Bigg's Camera in Charlotte. If not you should. I still look for used film gear and usually find what I want there. Didn't even know I wanted a Tamrom 150 -600 zoom until I stopped by when the Tamron rep was there. So glad I did. I have worked in three different camera stores in my life when I needed a steady paycheck for a while and I still love them. I highly recommend Bigg's in Charlotte. And in Atlanta, Wing's Camera, over 100 years old where I used to work, is still in business. They specialize in used gear and great prices. It was sad to see Showcase close. Not sure what happened there. I know Bigg's is always busy and hope they stay in Charlotte for a long time to come.
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