sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

It was wonderful to have a real honest-to-God "brick-and-mortar" camera store here in Melbourne, Florida. Southern Photo Supply had been in business since 1983. It was a full-service store, with classes, printing, scanning, service, and sales. I guess the internet and cell phone cameras finally caught up with their traditional business model. and they closed their doors for good two weeks ago.

While I love Amazon, I would urge everyone to go out of your way to order cameras and equipment from real camera stores instead of online-only retailers that have never offered the real service that camera stores offer. And if you do not have a good local store to support, then support KEH, B&H, Adorama, Cameta, and other well-regarded stores.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

An interesting thought, and it is sad to see established stores close the shutters for the last time. Does that mean the local services have gone away, or have they just switched to other channels? KEH, B&H, Adorama, Cameta, but for most people they aren't local either, so perhaps all the local value is switching to other mechanisms. Perhaps you should follow the instructors for the classes and so on. The human beings are probably still doing something somewhere...

BebuLamar

I don't think I would be buying photographic equipment so often but I really hate to buy something without seeing/handling it in the store. And when I did that and decided to buy I would buy at the store any way.
When I bought my Nikon Df in 2013 I bought it at a local store and it was $7 less than B&H but of course I had to pay tax. Buying from B&H although I might avoid to pay tax but by law I think I am supposed to any way.
I hate to see local photo stores going away. I wouldn't buy a camera or a lens without seeing it.

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

very tough environment for all local retailers. the deck is stacked against them these days.

remember that their employees earn paychecks and pay local taxes, they are a part of all of our communities
and they often contribute to our communities in many ways including those listed above. they rent ( or own ) local property
and create a positive vibe especially for an enthusiastic audience such as this one.

i have always worked with local retailers ( different industry ).
very difficult to compete with online retail.
hopefully the employees can find a way to continue in a business that I am sure that they are passionate about.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

True - we do have an active camera club in the area. Perhaps it will become a focal point for classes now.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Living in the suburbs of Baltimore, there are only two retail camera stores in the entire area; one is a Ritz that caters to basic amateurs, for the most part; the other is Service Photo, which does a fair trade with professionals and more advanced amateurs (like myself), as well as the "starter" people. I have done business with Service Photo for years, and even regularly pay more to keep them in business - even if it sometimes hurts. Their knowledge, service and patience is something that cannot be replicated online. I deal with Amazon and the online stores when I need smaller items, because driving into Baltimore, between the time, the distance, the traffic and the parking, is a royal pain. But for larger purchases, Service Photo is my go-to destination.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I use Hunt's Photo even though they have local stores I can call them to order what I need and get it the next day with free shipping. They offer free shipping in the US and No sales Tax except MA, ME and RI where they have a physical presence

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

We have a very reliable camera store in Miami and it is called Pitman Photo. It has been in business for longer than I can remember. The personnel is very knowledgeable and professional and prices are competitive.
I seldom buy new and most of what I own has come from the second hand market. I do recommend Pitman to those that buy brand new gear.
When I have bought refurb I have gone to Cameta. Adorama and B&H are well known reputable dealers.
I have no experience with Amazon.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Thanks for the info about Service Photo. I live in North Beach. I have used a camera store
In Burke, VA, but that's too far. I will certainly try that out.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Here in the Twin Cities we are blessed with two: West Photo in Minneapolis and National Camera Exchange in multiple locations. The latter does annual Tent Sales where there are great deals to be had. I always go to them and only do the New York big shots for stuff local does not have, which is not much.

May I suggest a project for the Hog. Create a camera/photo store directory.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

More often than not I buy from Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, CA. I have shopped there for about 9 years now and have developed a good customer-clerk relationship with a couple of the staff members. When buying new Nikon cameras or lenses I get about the same price as Adorama, KEH or B&H. On occasion I have gone in to buy a filter or camera bag. I have been given used, like new, filters when I asked if there was one that fit a lens I owned. On one occasion I asked what might be a good carrying case for my D800 and one lens. The clerk went into his back room and brought out basically a new case. He asked if it would work for me and I said it should work fine. I asked how much it was while handing over my credit card. He said, nothing. When I got home I looked it over more closely and it looked brand new. The brick and mortar stores are valuable assets to towns near us. I try to support mine when I can. Brown trucks are great and occasionally I buy used lenses or other gear that the local store doesn't carry but normal items are bought in town.

Dennis