lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Interesting and yes! For the short time I sold cameras retail in a store I tended to softly push Minolta because at our store FEDCO (mebership department store, slong defunked) you got more camera for your money from Minolta. This was despite being a lifetime (even in the mid-eighties) Pentax user. If a customer asked for a band or model, that is what I would show them. But for the unsure or those that did not initially state, I'd briefly find out their intended use or need, and possibly toss in about Minolta.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

My experience exactly, Susan

Visiting B&H's store in Manhattan is a most wonderful experience.

And, the employees are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Ditch the wife

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Yes, Jerry, some people ought to have jobs where they work alone. And, it is not our job to support any retailer by paying excessive prices. I too, lament the passing of the good camera stores; however, they should have done what B&H, Adorama, and the others did: Get competitive - it's the American way. By the way, NYC is a very high rent town so if it can be done there why not in other cities?

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

[quote=SharpShooter]Jeez Pete, support your local schools??....., unheard of!
Pete, welcome to the Hog!
But feeding the big BOX stores is the new American way.
Prices on Cameras are fixed by the manufacturer. But you will pay taxes.
Not to mention, you'll have to push away from the computer and actually have to go face a live person, in person, what a novelty!
By all means, buy local!
SS[/quote
I think the answer depends on your money fluidity and your values. Some folks have a relationship with their local camera shop and don't mind spending a little more feeding their habit. Others factor in the bottom line and that is all that matters. I have done both. If tax is an issue to those bottom line people, please also consider eBay. Those offerings are tax free, can include free shipping, the "buy-it-now" option. If you can find a seller with a 97%+ approval rating and many reviews, it's probably a safe purchase. I saved about $800 on a practically new Nikon D610 which came with the 50mm 1.8 and lots of extras, US product, battery grip, 2 cards. Saved myself about $800. So happy.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I disagree - and many of the posts here suggest that there are, in fact a number of "Good" camera stores still in existence. They are few and far between, but they are around. There is one in Baltimore that I use, (Service Photo,) which caters to local pros and advanced amateurs, and I go through them for the vast majority of my purchases, even though it is not exactly right in my neighborhood. There are also cases where I use B&H or Adorama; but pricing is very, very similar with the local store, so convenience is more of the issue than anything else, when I make a purchase. Holding the proposed purchase, getting to use the product and talking to knowledgeable people on site is difficult to replicate with even the best of the online sellers. But it is always a case of individual taste and strategic purchasing philosophies.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I buy from my local shop, Service Photo of Baltimore, unless they don't have what I want. First, I like the hands on experience, second I like that I can go in to the store for advice and help, and last, when I want something but not sure what I should get they lead me to a good purchase. Yes, you can argue that I can most, if not all what I mentioned over the phone, but I don't get eye-to-eye with people I work with over time.

Novots Loc: Grand Forks, ND

Had an excellent experience with Dodd camera in Columbus, OH. Will use them again.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Well, there's two votes for Service Photo!

Goober Loc: Southeastern PA

I purchase most of my photo gear from a local shop, Cardinal Camera, in Lansdale, Pa. I have been buying from them for about 45 years. They sell most major brands and will match the big players prices and even forgo the 6% sales tax to be competitive. Actually, you do pay the tax but receive a 6% store card back. If they don't have the item in stock they usually get it in a couple days....no more than ship time from an on-line purchase. They also provide many services, basic photo classes, etc., and they don't sell gray market. It's nice to be able to see and handle the item you are buying. Their staff is knowledgeable, unlike the sales staff at Best Buy who think they know the equipment but don't. Support your local shop whenever you can.

Tony R Loc: Westport, CT

I would prefer to support the local dealer if there was one close at hand. However, there isn't, so I rely on B&H & Adorama. Never had an issue with customer service, deliveries are very timely and any problems (which there have been very, very few) are addressed quickly. Also, as an out of state buyer I don't pay tax. The web sites are extremely easy to use and shipping & tracking info is sent as soon as the order is process.

346pak Loc: Texas

Nature_Shooter Loc: Chesterfield Missouri

We are very fortunate in St. Louis to have two well established and excellent photography stores, Creve Coeur Camera and Schillers. Although I pay a little more short term when I purchase my equipment from them, long term I save. The service I receive is well beyond what I receive from mail order houses. Recently I had a lens/camera issue while on the road and I called CCC. Because I had a relationship with them, they troubleshot my problems over the phone and via e mails for me. They spent at least an hour helping me. Another example is when I bought my 5D mIII. My existing Sigma flash did not synchronize properly. I was ready to get a new flash. Before I did that, they called Sigma for me, determined it was a firmware upgrade issue, and found out I could send my flash in for a free firmware update. All I paid was postage to end it to Sigma. In addition, the help and advice they provide on other issues has proven invaluable. They also have classes, photo outings, rental equipment, and a used equipment section of the store. I say local.

cameralLady

Don't know about Nikon prices, I purchased a Canon recently. Canon price are all the same to the penny regardless where you buy it from. If u buy from local DEALER (not big blue box store) you may receive free how to classes, free prints, annual cleaning & more. Buy from local DEALER help support his business for when you might need his services.

If you buy mail order you may save 5-10% if you don't pay sales tax in your state on out of state purchases. Adorama gives away the best "free gifts" such as another tripod, tiny camera case, inexpensive filters. All had free shipping before holidays now don't know.

Nikon has a online store so you can purchase directly.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

My first stop for any equipment is my local photo store. If they have the item in stock, I'll purchase it there before I go on line. I like to keep them in business as best I can. If they don't have it, my next stop is B and H. I've been purchasing from them for over 15 years and they are a full service shop, sales, support, rentals, repair, and printing/framing.
--Bob