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Let's endorse our Local Camera Store!
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Mar 12, 2018 09:22:23   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
My first stop for camera equipment is Tempe Camera. For prints I go to Tempe Imaging Center, a part of Tempe Camera. If on the rare occasion Tempe Camera doesn't have what I need, I'll go to B and H.
--Bob

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.com

I hope no one minds my beginning thread.
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera store... (show quote)

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Mar 12, 2018 09:34:57   #
RRS Loc: Not sure
 
02Nomad wrote:
I highly recommend Service Photo in Baltimore, MD. The knowledge and professionalism of all of their staff are beyond reproach.


I've been there, aren't they the last photography store in the Baltimore area and are they also armed as I recall?

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Mar 12, 2018 09:37:14   #
Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana
 
Roberts Camera in Indianapolis & Carmel is outstanding in every way.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:40:41   #
RRS Loc: Not sure
 
ltj123 wrote:
Agree, local is best for returns, advice, and comparing. For Canon buying locally and via internet such as Andorama are about same price due to Canon's pricing model. But that being said Ebay can offer excellent discounts, mostly this is gray market, meaning warranty can be an issue (buyer be aware!). Again though I saved BIG recently and also able to register the camera for warranty, getting coupon discounts offers, and able to download various Canon software, virtually same as say Andorama, plus seller 1 year warranty - which again can be dubious.
Often authorized Canon dealers dump equipment to non authorized to meet required sales quotas, BUT doubt buyer will be able to identify whether USA product unless stated by Ebay seller and then pricing will have smaller discount.
Agree, local is best for returns, advice, and com... (show quote)


Do you have proof of that statement, "Often authorized Canon dealers dump equipment to non authorized to meet required sales quotas"?

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Mar 12, 2018 09:45:27   #
barryg
 
Ai agree that supporting a local camera store is important. Without that support they will cease to exist. As a larger issue, small retailers are disappearing across America and with them the fabric of the communities that they were part of. The corner drug store is a thing of the past in most towns as is the hardware store,, the shoe maker and the book store. They have been subsumed by big box stores and mail order. The consumer has gained buying power but lost the essence of downtown USA. Having said that, I will put in a plug for Camera Land, serving the Plainview area of Long Island.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:51:44   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
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.com

I hope no one minds my beginning thread.
There are, without a doubt, excellent camera store... (show quote)


The Camera Bar in Hartford is the closest full service camera store in my area.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:52:04   #
clickety
 
Convenient with three locations, however staff, knowledge, helpfulness and overall experience varies greatly. Business model appears to push their favorite brands, heavily biased toward and virtually limited to Promaster accessories (Which I find to be lacking in quality). Standard practice is to demo items from behind counter and sell them first and it requires much effort to get unopened from factory. They will special order with delays. I too like the hands on and interaction with 'friends' and will gladly pay tax to experience it, but won't sacrifice quality for it and that's the challenge the Camera Company stores present for me.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:53:52   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
Here in Miami we have two excellent camera stores, Pitman is the oldest and Digital Goja the youngest and the largest.
Over the years I have seen Pitman shrink in size and volume, effect of more and more people buying from the Internet. Their prices are similar to those in NY except that with them we have to pay tax. Pitman and Digital Goja both have an excellent service and knowledgeable people who by the way are friendly and go a mile to serve the customer. Their warranties are exactly like those in NY.
I do not know if they sell used gear but if they do like the original post suggested that could be a bonus.
Both places are pretty far from where I live so I do not go there very often. Both stores offer to the public periodic educational workshops sponsored by camera and lens makers.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:56:07   #
clickety
 
jtwind wrote:
Camera Company in Madison WI is quite good, knowledgeable staff, competitive prices, many classes etc.


Re: Camera Company

Convenient with three locations, however staff, knowledge, helpfulness and overall experience varies greatly. Business model appears to push their favorite brands, heavily biased toward and virtually limited to Promaster accessories (Which I find to be lacking in quality). Standard practice is to demo items from behind counter and sell them first and it requires much effort to get unopened from factory. They will special order with delays. I too like the hands on and interaction with 'friends' and will gladly pay tax to experience it, but won't sacrifice quality for it and that's the challenge the Camera Company stores present for me.

Reply
Mar 12, 2018 09:56:08   #
Dim Flash Loc: Canton, Michigan
 
I shop at ProCam in Livonia, MI. They also have stores in the Chicago and Cincinnati areas. Authorized Canon and Nikon dealer. Fair prices and great selection of cameras, lenses and accessories. Friendly staff with good knowledge and great suggestions.

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Mar 12, 2018 09:58:41   #
jrcarpe Loc: Jacksonville,AR
 
I agree. Bedfords in Little Rock AR does an excellent job.

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Mar 12, 2018 10:00:33   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
Georges Camera - San Diego is my Camera store. They have a good selection of pro quality camera gear and I also have a rental account with them so if I need a lens for a day - no problem. Call, reserve and pickup and if you pickup on Friday you can return it on Monday for 1 day rental fee.

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Mar 12, 2018 10:09:03   #
Steamboat
 
Here's another shout out to the best camera shop in Baltimore Maryland SERVICE PHOTO. http://servicephoto.com/
In 40 years they have never let me down. Honest caring service. Talk to the owner he's right there on the floor.

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Mar 12, 2018 10:14:11   #
jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL
 
I agree. I have purchased items from Central Camera in Chicago, and support Peoria Camera in my hometown. The ability to walk into a camera store and actually hold the item in your hands before you buy it, receive advice from those who understand the equipment, and help you decide what will best suit your needs is essential to an expensive purchase like a new or used camera. Big box stores like Walmart, Best Buy, or Fry's cannot offer this.

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Mar 12, 2018 10:21:57   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
barryg wrote:
Ai agree that supporting a local camera store is important. Without that support they will cease to exist. As a larger issue, small retailers are disappearing across America and with them the fabric of the communities that they were part of. The corner drug store is a thing of the past in most towns as is the hardware store,, the shoe maker and the book store. They have been subsumed by big box stores and mail order. The consumer has gained buying power but lost the essence of downtown USA. Having said that, I will put in a plug for Camera Land, serving the Plainview area of Long Island.
Ai agree that supporting a local camera store is i... (show quote)


You also have Berger Brothers in Syosset. Used to be my local store. You also have Cameta 1/2 hour away on 110 at the Southern State. For that matter B&H is a 45 minute (with no traffic, maybe on a Sunday) drive. Now my nearest store is 1 1/2 hours away. BTW Connecticut now has a law where out of state stores must charge state taxes. I wish I had a store closer than 1 1/2 hours way as that makes it at least a 3-4 hour drive.

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