bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

after 73 yrs. it's goodbye to the camera mart. in Pontiac mi. when called you get a message that says goodbye.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

Bull.... most stores are going the way of the dinosaur....its all gonna be on line now...pretty soon, one won't ever have to leave the house to shop...everything will come to you... what a bummer!!!!!
Rich...

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

Online shopping is fine if you know what you want, but lousy for trying out various cameras and lenses. And big box stores generally won't have as wide a range of equipment that you can hands-on test, and might make it difficult to try multiple lens combinations on them.

I bought my T6i at the local camera store, after spending more than an hour looking at several cameras, over at least three different trips.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I'm with you Mike, that would be the optimal way to select a camera. Just reading reviews (tho they have their place) and watching YouTube videos is not that satisfying.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I live in St. Louis where we have an outstanding camera store. Established long ago, and they keep up with the latest in camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. Every time I go into the store there are always three or more other customers there. And of all ages too. I've becomes friends with the owner who shared the obvious facts with me. So long as they can still sell products, they will be in business. Simple formula. So, whatever city you reside in, consider buying your cameras, lenses, and accessories in your local store.

Oh, I should add. A good friend of mine hinted to her husband that she would like a particular L series lens for her birthday. She pointed him to one of my favorite stores, Amazon. I looked at it too. BUT, I encouraged him to print out the ad, and then take it to the store to see if they could match it. They did. I don't think you can beat that deal in any way.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There are more stories on this forum regarding closures of camera stores. Many that have been open for decades. The online ordering of cameras and gear have affected these stores, plus large stores like Best Buy. I have bought two cameras at Best Buy and two at B&H in past years. One being a gift. I suppose I could have gone to a local camera store. I did not.

kodiac1062 Loc: Sarasota, Fl

The ones who are making out the best are companies like UPS, Fedex, etc. You buy online and it has to be shipped to you. You find out it wasn't really what you were expecting and you ship it back. Don't be fooled by "free shipping". You pay one way or the other. I like going to the store and examining the product. When it comes to photography stores it is extremely unfortunate they are becoming extinct.

rdemarco52 Loc: Wantagh, NY

I agree that it is good to be able to shop by holding and testing the camera. Feel is very important. However, price is very important, too. I feel bad for the local shops, but some of them cannot match Amazon prices. I am fortunate to live on Long Island, which gives me access to B&H and Cameta's retail store in Amityville. Cameta's staff is very helpful and friendly, as well as knowledgeable.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Many bicycle stores closed down because of Walmart. You could go to the stores or order a bicycle online and sometimes pick it up at a Walmart store. The most expensive bicycles are generally sold in bicycle stores today. Walmart caters to the budget minded.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

And to the fashion challenged

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

I used to live on Long Island and shopped at Cameta Camera; I now live in Florida and still shop at Cameta Camera.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

So Elliott, what is the name of the store? Creve Coeur, Shiller's...??

magpix Loc: St. Michaels, MD

After shopping online for years (BH, Adorama, etc) I discovered one of the last real camera stores in the Maryland-PA-Virginia area, Service Photo in Baltimore. Now I give them the majority of my business. To begin with, the prices on my favorite brands - Nikon and Fuji - are all pretty much controlled by the manufacturers, so the only "premium" I pay is state sales tax. But I've decided it's worth it for all the personal service I get. I can touch and feel everything before I buy it, and the sales staff are all photographers who actually use the gear that they sell. The owner is often seen on the sales floor, especially during special events, and he keeps in touch with his customer base with timely e-mails. For example, right after the Fuji XT-2 was announced, I got an e-mail asking if I wanted to be on the pre-order list. When the first shipment arrived I was away. But when I returned the next month I sent him and e-mail, and he set aside a unit until I got there in a couple of days. One of his salesman is a real Fuji nut, so I enjoy talking with him and getting advice. I'm also a Nikon shooter, and the store often has Nikon reps available for tech help and sensor cleaning. Take a look at the attached Sales Flyer for this weekend. Reps from Nikon, Canon, Sony and Fuji will be there along with special offers. I'll be there to pick up a new Fuji lens and to have my D750's sensor cleaned. And I'll be in the company of fellow photographers, all enjoying the excitement of a great sale and lots of great tech talk. You can't get that online.

Attached file:

Attached file:
(Download)

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Sad, Sad Day! I bought my Canon AE-1 at that store. Also a couple of video cameras, back in the video tape days.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

if you are referring to Schillers, they are great guys and know how to service the professionals. have shopped there many times over the years.