Local camera shops
Mar 8, 2014 06:57:51 #
Moonsey
Loc: SW Michigan
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.
Mar 8, 2014 07:07:01 #
Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (show quote)
Another example of why it's nice to have a real camera store nearby.
Mar 8, 2014 07:13:37 #
Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 8, 2014 07:51:41 #
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:
Mar 8, 2014 08:08:08 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Another example of why it's nice to have a real camera store nearby.
Indeed. Sadly,nothing here worth visiting either. ;)
Mar 8, 2014 09:30:59 #
Most local camera shops have a number of used items for sale. Unlike purchasing used stuff off Ebay or from online retailers, you can inspect and test the cameras, tripods, lenses, etc. right there in the shop, and sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Mar 8, 2014 09:51:40 #
It's been many years since I lived in a place that had a"local camera shop",I didn't even know such things still existed.
I think 1998 may have been the last time I bought any camera gear from a shop rather then online.
Not saying that's necessarily a good thing, it's just been my experience.
I think 1998 may have been the last time I bought any camera gear from a shop rather then online.
Not saying that's necessarily a good thing, it's just been my experience.
Mar 8, 2014 10:47:57 #
I am very lucky living in Toronto Ontario, we have many great camera stores around here. Two of those great stores are Henry's Camera and Downtown Camera. Henry's has a huge outlet store in Mississauga with some decent deals. Got my D7000 (body only) open box for $529! Got my Nikor 18-300mm lens for $893 at Downtown Camera. Plus, Henry's Camera sponsors a very nice event called "Exposures" once a year for a weekend of photography seminars and information on the newest gadgets and gizmos related to the photography world! A photographer's dream indeed!
Mar 8, 2014 20:11:38 #
stephena
Loc: Carmel, Indiana
Moonsey, you are very fortunate to have Norman's close by. They are a top notch camera store and have been for many years. Fellow photo fans who are without really don't know what they are missing to be able to walk into a full service store. We in central Indiana have Roberts, another example of a full service store with a full line of products. Many years ago, I was interested in taking the plunge and purchasing my first "real" camera. Living in northern Indiana, we were an hour away from Normans, so I called and told the sales clerk what I wanted to do. An hour later, I had a whole array of bodies and lens in front of me to choose from. What a treat, and I did buy! It was a great day made so by an excellent local camera store by the name of Norman's in Kalamazoo, MI. Steve
Mar 9, 2014 03:41:31 #
If you are in the Sacramento area, I would highly recommend Action Camera, in Roseville. These folks are very knowledgeable in all aspects of photography, and also offer sensor cleaning at no charge. I support them with 90% of my purchases as they are very competitive with the internet options on cameras & lenses, as well as many accessories. Support your local camera store!!!!
Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (show quote)
Mar 9, 2014 05:53:06 #
In Raleigh, we have two good camera stores, Peace camera and Southeastern Camera. I purchased my D300 at Peace and they clean my sensor whenever I need it, for free. Southeastern updated my firmware at no charge.
Mar 9, 2014 06:07:43 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Another example of why it's nice to have a real camera store nearby.
We've got a "real" camera store in Fort Smith, AR. Of course, it's only "real" if you're interested in Nikon or Canon equipment. I had to explain to one of the sales people what micro-four-thirds format was, and his dismissive reply was "Oh, we don't handle that stuff!" I occasionally buy photo paper there ... not much else they've got that they could sell me.
Bill
Mar 9, 2014 06:35:28 #
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.
Mar 9, 2014 07:38:19 #
Moonsey wrote:
I visited my local camera shop (Norman's Camera in... (show quote)
Sounds like those shops still practice good customer relations. Kudos to both of them. :thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 9, 2014 09:14:21 #
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.
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