Let's endorse our Local Camera Store!
Mar 12, 2018 12:31:26 #
(Honest question) Does anyone count COSTCO as a local camera store? They have a great lab, and a pretty good selection of cameras out for display. The cameras are tethered down, but anyone can pick one up and examine it all they may wish.
Mar 12, 2018 12:40:36 #
RRS wrote:
I've been there, aren't they the last photography store in the Baltimore area and are they also armed as I recall?
There is still a Ritz Camera in the northern suburbs of Baltimore, which is the only one other than Service Photo, to my knowledge. But it does not hold a candle to Service Photo. I don't know whether your "armed" statement is sarcasm or not, and I do not know about the experience of others, but I have seen absolutely no indication that anyone at Service Photo is armed. It is in a safe and very laid back area.
Mar 12, 2018 12:41:21 #
Sure do go to Bigg's. But other than perhaps a couple Canon lenses and some smaller things they don't have a lot that I am interested in. That is not a knock against Bigg's as they are friendly and helpful. I think most smaller stores would leave me wanting for better or worse. Several I have visited in other places have too largely. That's just me and where my interests lie. I do visit Bigg's every few weeks but I don't purchase a lot there. Bigg's seems to do a good business in rental equipment and printing. I don't print much at all, but I may rent a lens or three to try out...
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Best,
Todd Ferguson
AlfredU wrote:
Todd, I'm guessing you have tried Bigg's Camera in... (show quote)
Mar 12, 2018 12:49:41 #
I would endorse Corpus Christi Camera in South Texas. It's relatively new and owned by a couple of friends. One was a photojournalist the other a television reporter and they know their stuff.
We travel to Corpus Christi for other reasons, including seeing physicians, so in some respects it really isn't out of our way; but, it is about 90 minutes from our home.
That said, I have been and will continue to be a loyal B&H customer as well because B&H has product that our friends don't have. I think that sometimes it's a question of values and priorities. I know when I ran my own small business I appreciated local support.
We travel to Corpus Christi for other reasons, including seeing physicians, so in some respects it really isn't out of our way; but, it is about 90 minutes from our home.
That said, I have been and will continue to be a loyal B&H customer as well because B&H has product that our friends don't have. I think that sometimes it's a question of values and priorities. I know when I ran my own small business I appreciated local support.
Mar 12, 2018 12:49:48 #
Houston Camera Exchange has been in business for many years and is an authorized dealer for all popular camera brands. Therefore, their cameras and lenses are the same price as B & H, Adorama and Cameta. As mentioned, these independent dealers will charge you tax. Also, camera equipment such as tripods, filters and camera bags are usually more expensive than online dealers.
Mar 12, 2018 12:50:19 #
I would endorse Corpus Christi Camera in South Texas. It's relatively new and owned by a couple of friends. One was a photojournalist the other a television reporter and they know their stuff.
We travel to Corpus Christi for other reasons, including seeing physicians, so in some respects it really isn't out of our way; but, it is about 90 minutes from our home.
That said, I have been and will continue to be a loyal B&H customer as well because B&H has product that our friends don't have. I think that sometimes it's a question of values and priorities. I know when I ran my own small business I appreciated local support.
We travel to Corpus Christi for other reasons, including seeing physicians, so in some respects it really isn't out of our way; but, it is about 90 minutes from our home.
That said, I have been and will continue to be a loyal B&H customer as well because B&H has product that our friends don't have. I think that sometimes it's a question of values and priorities. I know when I ran my own small business I appreciated local support.
Mar 12, 2018 12:54:04 #
Stewarts Camera in Anchorage gets my business . . . They are great . . . If they don't have what I'm looking for, then B&H . . .
Mar 12, 2018 12:58:22 #
Arlington Camera in Arlington, TX. It may, in fact, weather the storm, being half way between Dallas and Fort Worth and in a fairly decent sized city itself. Gil is the guy to talk to about Nikon equipment. He knows it back and forth and has been very helpful. Not only can you check out cameras, but lenses as well. They're happy to open up a new lens so a customer can take photos in the store or just outside. A real advantage over comparing lab reports.
Mar 12, 2018 13:10:55 #
DJ Mills wrote:
(Honest question) Does anyone count COSTCO as a local camera store? They have a great lab, and a pretty good selection of cameras out for display. The cameras are tethered down, but anyone can pick one up and examine it all they may wish.
No. A local camera store is about knowledgeable staff, not equipment.
Mar 12, 2018 13:15:53 #
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all the post since I began this tread, to encourage us all to support our local camera store.
Since my camera needs are met 100% from my local camera store, Schillers, I wonder this question. We all know that the 'big boys' all advertise like crazy. But I'm wondering if you have tried to order your camera needs, by mail, from a perhaps not-so-close camera store?
Just wondering.
Since my camera needs are met 100% from my local camera store, Schillers, I wonder this question. We all know that the 'big boys' all advertise like crazy. But I'm wondering if you have tried to order your camera needs, by mail, from a perhaps not-so-close camera store?
Just wondering.
Mar 12, 2018 13:32:47 #
dsmeltz wrote:
No. A local camera store is about knowledgeable staff, not equipment.
Good point.
Mar 12, 2018 13:41:04 #
Mac wrote:
My "local" camera store, the Pasco Camera Exchange in New Port Richey, Fl. http://pascocamera.com It is about a 45 minute drive each way for me on US-19. I try to give it business as much as I can, but the bulk of my purchases are from B&H.
Unfortunately, therein lies the problem. It is a drive into the city from out here (actually Goodlettsville just outside Nashville) and the awfull traffic there that keeps me away.
Mar 12, 2018 13:42:41 #
Jack’s Camera in Muncie, In is great to deal with . Always good stock and knowledgeable people
Mar 12, 2018 14:01:31 #
I have purchased computer and camera equipment from B&H and Adorama. Usually I deal with B&H and it is here in Harrisburg, NC in 2-3 days. Smaller items I will buy at Bigg's in Charlotte if they have what I am looking for in stock.
elliott937 wrote:
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all the post since I began this tread, to encourage us all to support our local camera store.
Since my camera needs are met 100% from my local camera store, Schillers, I wonder this question. We all know that the 'big boys' all advertise like crazy. But I'm wondering if you have tried to order your camera needs, by mail, from a perhaps not-so-close camera store?
Just wondering.
Since my camera needs are met 100% from my local camera store, Schillers, I wonder this question. We all know that the 'big boys' all advertise like crazy. But I'm wondering if you have tried to order your camera needs, by mail, from a perhaps not-so-close camera store?
Just wondering.
Mar 12, 2018 14:22:58 #
Sorry, I don't have a photo shop within 300 miles from me, and I wouldn't trust them either. The manager tried to get me "thrown out" while I was purchasing equipment from them many years ago.
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