Support your local camera store
Aug 1, 2018 16:19:36 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
I recently did research on a good travel backpack for an upcoming trip. Looking for smaller than my normal packs. Lots of options and lots of vendors. I do purchase on line with B&H, Adorama, etc. and the reviews help guide me.
However, with something as hands on as a pack, feeling the weight, working the zippers and compartments, putting your gear in... nothing beats your local store. Went to our San Jose Camera store and although the pack is less at B&H or even Amazon, I bought from San Jose Camera because I like going in and talking shop, asking questions and working the equipment. I also want to be able to do this in the future, so support your local business. Anyone who has lost that local store run by photographers knows what I mean.
However, with something as hands on as a pack, feeling the weight, working the zippers and compartments, putting your gear in... nothing beats your local store. Went to our San Jose Camera store and although the pack is less at B&H or even Amazon, I bought from San Jose Camera because I like going in and talking shop, asking questions and working the equipment. I also want to be able to do this in the future, so support your local business. Anyone who has lost that local store run by photographers knows what I mean.
Aug 1, 2018 16:25:04 #
Aug 1, 2018 16:27:14 #
Could not agree with you more. Camera's and lenses are one thing. The big guys do a wonderful job. Whenever I am in NY or LA or any other big city I find myself going to the "brick and mortar" stores to see and feel. I have more "camera packs" than I know what to do with but it gives me the flexibility to pick the perfect one for each trip or local excursion. Support the home town people.
Aug 1, 2018 16:37:32 #
tiphareth51
Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska
There was a time when I would agree that purchasing from your small, locally owned business would be beneficial. Unfortunately they usually cannot compete with the add-ins and other benefits offered by the large box stores and online sales. The return policy is key. Sometimes, once you walk out of the store, your purchase is yours regardless of whether or not you like it or it performs as stated. For me, purchasing from a trusted source and having my order shipped is my preference.
Aug 1, 2018 16:46:23 #
Aug 1, 2018 16:52:15 #
My local camera store is over 50 miles away in another state, but I still consider them my local camera store.
No way you can get the kind of service from a mail order place that you can get from your local store. I retired from my own small business and I for one think you should support your local store.
My local store is Central Photo and Video in Paducah Kentucky. Been there for well over 50 years. Please support whatever local store you can.
No way you can get the kind of service from a mail order place that you can get from your local store. I retired from my own small business and I for one think you should support your local store.
My local store is Central Photo and Video in Paducah Kentucky. Been there for well over 50 years. Please support whatever local store you can.
Aug 1, 2018 17:23:56 #
I agree, but sometimes the sales people at my local store are good, sometimes totally ignorant and condescending. I purchased my Nikon camera kit there and was happy until I discovered how they didn't help me out in a major way with a lens. They do tend to be a little more expensive, and once refused to match the price on Amazon and BH so I left. I felt that they were very foolish, because the could have looked me up and seen that I purchased a bunch of stuff from them. Perhaps they decided that they couldn't hurt a relationship that I had with them.
Aug 1, 2018 18:04:48 #
My store was the same price as the big guys mail order when I bought a new canon camera. Did have to pay tax but it was worth it to me
Aug 1, 2018 18:46:16 #
Bill_de wrote:
Give me a good local camera store and I'll do the same.
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Sadly, the nearest camera store to me (and, it's a a good one - Tempe Camera) is 41 miles away.
Aug 1, 2018 19:28:49 #
Steve DeMott
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)
Vlemasters wrote:
My local camera store is over 50 miles away in another state, but I still consider them my local camera store.
No way you can get the kind of service from a mail order place that you can get from your local store. I retired from my own small business and I for one think you should support your local store.
My local store is Central Photo and Video in Paducah Kentucky. Been there for well over 50 years. Please support whatever local store you can.
No way you can get the kind of service from a mail order place that you can get from your local store. I retired from my own small business and I for one think you should support your local store.
My local store is Central Photo and Video in Paducah Kentucky. Been there for well over 50 years. Please support whatever local store you can.
Couldn't agree more. My store is Creve Coeur Camera in St. Louis MO. Bought a used 170-500mm sigma lens. Man at the counter told me to take it for a test drive and come back tomorrow. Paid about $75.00 more + tax for this lens ($350.00) then from an on-line used camera/lens e-store. In my opinion it was worth the extra cost just to have someone ask "How can I help you".
Aug 1, 2018 20:14:41 #
I love my local store "Dury's" here in Nashville (been around for a long time) I know one of the photographer salesmen personally so I feel comfortable and they have always matched the online prices from B&H and the others. Sure I have bought accessories and such from Amazon etc.. but I buy my cameras and lens' from them - it just feels right. They also have a good selection of used lens and they are very picky when they take them in (and some at much better prices than the other places!) Just ordered my Fuji xt2 at the same sale price as the others and they let me know that this last weekend was "free sales tax" day in TN so they adjusted my order price so I saved almost $700 on my kit!!! Can't beat personal service :D
Aug 1, 2018 20:35:48 #
alby
Loc: very eastern pa.
Dan's Camera City in Pa. is a great operation. 2 stores. started me back in the '60s. always seem to have time for the little guy. bought almost every camera from them. one i got when a wrong price was quoted me at another chain store. i snapped that up before they changed their mind.
Aug 1, 2018 20:47:49 #
Aug 1, 2018 20:51:28 #
Ours is Monadnock Imaging, in Keene, NH. It’s photographer owned, and they will match any prices they are able to. On some things they can’t come close, but if they’re close, I’ll buy there.
And our town is only about 25,000 people. Glad they s em to be doing well.
FWIW, there’s another great shop in Worcester, about a mile from my office. Lucky!
Andy
And our town is only about 25,000 people. Glad they s em to be doing well.
FWIW, there’s another great shop in Worcester, about a mile from my office. Lucky!
Andy
Aug 1, 2018 23:02:10 #
jdubu wrote:
My local RITZ camera closed their doors. My nearest is a 1 hour train ride.I recently did research on a good travel backpack ... (show quote)
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