Let's endorse our Local Camera Store!
Mar 12, 2018 16:58:40 #
d2b2 wrote:
Then please, stay home!
No offense, but I conducted a lot of business in Baltimore, and like many cities it has it's fair share of crime and murder. Rather than cry and hide waiting for the police to arrive (which is always after the fact) I thank God I am more than qualified to defend myself and even you if I had too. Hopefully you never have to deal with any violent encounter.
Mar 12, 2018 17:00:08 #
I have had a pretty good experience with both Schillers (www.schillers.com) and Creve Coeur Camera (www.cccamera.com). I guess it's also the sales person who you talk to in the place. I do recommend them both and have also attended events at both stores.
Mar 12, 2018 17:01:07 #
Cookie223 wrote:
If I lived and worked in Baltimore I too would be carrying! Owning a business in the majority of many cities is a challenge.
Baltimore is getting a bad rap in the media because of one or two lousy neighborhoods and the a-holes who live there. For the most part, it is an attractive, interesting and safe place to visit and work. Service Photo is located outside the city limits, and I've never noticed any of their staff "carrying." I shop there on a regular basis and never feel I'm in any danger. I grew up in New York City, so maybe I'm just more comfortable being in diverse surroundings. I just wonder, have you ever been to Baltimore? Or to a big city?
Mar 12, 2018 17:16:45 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
Bill_de wrote:
When I lived in NY I supported my local camera sto... (show quote)
I like that one can hold the camera, lens, etc. in local store. I like the fact that I can go back with a problem and they will help me resolve it. We have Wolfe's Camera in Topeka, Kansas, which is where I live. Wolfe's is the largest camera store within at least 180 miles of Topeka. They are an asset and I also get to support them so that they remain in business.
For beginners and novices I have witnessed them giving great advice. I know numbers of people who bought at Best Buy and had no advice.If they would have bought at a camera store they could have learned how to handle their camera etc.
I have bought at B&H when a particular item was not in stock or carried by Wolfe's. BTW I once put myself on the "when available" list for the new at that time "Sigma 150 - 600." It arrived at Wolfe's weeks before it became available at B&H.
Mar 12, 2018 17:24:59 #
Mar 12, 2018 17:25:09 #
Cookie223 wrote:
No offense, but I conducted a lot of business in Baltimore, and like many cities it has it's fair share of crime and murder. Rather than cry and hide waiting for the police to arrive (which is always after the fact) I thank God I am more than qualified to defend myself and even you if I had too. Hopefully you never have to deal with any violent encounter.
I have lived in Baltimore for most of my life. I agree that it is a minor number of locations where you frankly do not go! Even the police do not go there alone, preferring to have two-person cars when they patrol or answer calls in those areas. My experience in doing photography in Baltimore spans back for more than 45 years, and more than that without a camera. I emphasize with and without cameras because I have frequented the downtown area with a great deal of somewhat expensive equipment with me that one would think to be a magnet for crime. In all of that time - knock wood - I have never faced anything that even hinted of a threat, regardless of the time of day. Maybe I just look menacing! No...that can't be it. Especially now, at my age. (At one time, in my role as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, I did some consulting in one of those sketchy neighborhoods, and ended up in the epicenter of a massive drug bust; so I am not blind to the dangers in those particular streets!)
You are welcome at any time. I will be happy to show you around.
Mar 12, 2018 18:36:28 #
I'm with jacklewis014, regretting the loss of Showcase Camera in Atlanta. Aside from cameras and accessories, they were a reliable source of photo paper, ink, and advice. When I'm in Los Angeles, I drop by Samy's Camera even if I don't buy anything, just for the atmosphere!
Mar 12, 2018 19:13:01 #
I buy all my gear at Cameragraphics in Auburn, AL. Have no reason to go anywhere else, they are friendly, professional and honest. They also have a studio, do minor repairs, do really good printing and have a framing shop as well. It's well worth the 40 mile drive for all the services they offer and they offer mail order also.
Mar 12, 2018 19:30:31 #
My local camera store is 295 miles away but 'Let's hear it for Bozeman Camera, Bozemna, MT."
Mar 12, 2018 19:30:38 #
Mar 12, 2018 20:24:07 #
Diamond41
Loc: St. Louis, MO
lwhitehall wrote:
I have had a pretty good experience with both Schillers (www.schillers.com) and Creve Coeur Camera (www.cccamera.com). I guess it's also the sales person who you talk to in the place. I do recommend them both and have also attended events at both stores.
I also have had good experiences with Schillers and CCC but am careful how I approach the sales people. Both stores tend to cater to professionals. Schillers is probably the better of the two with the most knowledgeable staff. Both have a great deal to offer.
I wish St. Louis Photo was still around. They were the best.
Mar 12, 2018 20:37:39 #
Mar 12, 2018 20:44:56 #
Mar 12, 2018 20:52:42 #
Closest store is 185 miles. Am surprised that Hot Springs, being vacation destination, and having a race track doesn't have one.
Mar 12, 2018 21:44:42 #
In Colorado check out Cameraworks. Located on Colorado Springs they are the absolute best camera shop.
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