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Local Camera Stores in the Age of Big Boxes
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Jun 9, 2017 08:44:58   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Tommy II wrote:
I love the comment by Machinedoc about trying out a lens, and getting help from a lady, even after telling her he wasn't going to buythe lens there. Then he goes home and buys it on line. And people are surprised when these shops can't afford to stay open?


That is sooooooooooooooooo true. What I love about my store is that they match price with the big guys and I can actually feel the product and try it out before I buy. That is the best thing about the small camera store.

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Jun 9, 2017 08:46:59   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
truckster wrote:
Problem is, that is exactly what happens almost daily. Then they are the ones who complain the loudest when the mom & pop shop closes down (or they relish the thought of buying items at highly discounted prices) Idiots, that place no value on reason, intelligence or loyalty. Hence the rise of WallyWord and the election of what is now sitting in the White House.


I am a pro Broadcast dealer. Pretty much lost wedging video camera purchases. Mainly due to using DSLR for video. But also online. On the other hand I sell Sony Camcorders for example for less than BH does unles it's a fixed price like FS5/7.

But we are integration company design build. Here is a church control room we did last year.



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Jun 9, 2017 08:47:43   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
Connecticut is a relatively small state and we have two stores that are locally owned. Camera Bar in Hartford has been there over 45 years and Milford Photo in Milford. I have dealt with Camera Bar and they are fair and knowledgeable. I have not dealt with Milford Photo as of yet.

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Jun 9, 2017 08:49:49   #
Pat Jr. Loc: Mississippi
 
In Mississippi, go to Deville Camera in Jackson. Owned and operated by Randy Noone since about 1969 or '70, you can get whatever you need here. We are very lucky to have them.

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Jun 9, 2017 08:53:39   #
JimG1 Loc: Waxahachie, TX
 
Fort Worth Camera appears to be a local store that is bucking the trend of Camera stores closing. They've just opened a new and bigger store. The help and advice I've received has been absolutely wonderful. Their annual Fotofest provides interesting photography and learning opportunities.

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Jun 9, 2017 08:57:33   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
Yes, I agree, but Creve Coeur has advantages too. Many more store locations for one thing, so they are handy. One store is only half an hour from me but I drove to the "mother" store in St. Louis to make more comparisons. I ended up buying my backpack at Schillers since CC didn't have the model I wanted. I felt bad when I left CC because you know they wonder if you are just going home to order it online.

Speaking of online sales, I've found that on the major items such as cameras, more expensive bacpacks, lenses, etc. The local stores all sell at the same manufactures list price as do the online sources and B &H.

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Jun 9, 2017 08:58:40   #
Djedi
 
Morning Star wrote:
Congratulations with your purchase. However, it is exactly this kind of behaviour that causes local camera shops to close their doors.
You took up the time of the store staff, you didn't buy a thing there, but you got some good advice for free. At no cost to you. How much time of the staff did you take up? How much did that cost the store?
How long do you think a store can exist if all they do is give free advice and don't sell anything?
Be a good citizen too, and pay your sales taxes when they are due!
If I sound harsh, I mean to!
Congratulations with your purchase. However, it is... (show quote)


Apparently machinedoc went to Unique photo's store to look at the lens and then ordered it when he got home to save sales tax.
So, as I understand it, he went to the store he actually ordered it from. The sales tax issue is a different story, but when you see all the money irresponsibly spent by government, be it local or federal, I can't say I blame him.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:00:38   #
BigMo
 
I live in northern Penna. and all of our stores have dried up I now go to Allens they are very helpful,was just there a few weeks ago, they spent a long time helping me choose a new lens. It says something when you can try lenses on your camera and have knowledgeable people helping you.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:05:11   #
BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA
 
dsmeltz wrote:
A few recent posts have made me think about the quality of help available to photography novices. In one post, staff at what is said to be a "local camera store" told someone that their SD card may have been damaged magnetically.

Obviously not true.

I would expect this from a clerk at WM or even BB, but not at a dedicated camera store.

Are the Big Boxes making it more difficult for local camera stores to find/afford quality staff?

I am in Philadelphia and (since the closing of Calumet) have to go outside the city to get to a good reliable store with knowledgeable staff.

How are local stores in your area?
A few recent posts have made me think about the qu... (show quote)


With Calumet closing there is only one 'old fashioned camera store' in Chicago - Central Camera. Eastern Iowa no longer has any full service camera stores that I am aware of.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:11:54   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
BobHartung wrote:
With Calumet closing there is only one 'old fashioned camera store' in Chicago - Central Camera. Eastern Iowa no longer has any full service camera stores that I am aware of.


I have been there when going to the marathon. In a very small space they seem to have everything. And I mean EVERYTHING! It is almost a museum. The staff seem really knowledgeable!

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Jun 9, 2017 09:14:15   #
dreamon
 
My favorites that sell new cameras, so far, are Roberts (when I lived in Indianapolis), Tempe Camera Repair (when I lived in North Phoenix), and for used gear, The Camera Connection in Redford Township, MI north of Detroit.

There's also a new shop--opened just a couple of months ago--Camera Exchange in Waterford, MI about 5 blocks from my place of work. I haven't been there yet, but plan to do so this week.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:15:51   #
Pat Jr. Loc: Mississippi
 
In Colorado Springs, Cameraworks is great. Ross Waldo is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and patient.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:29:07   #
kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.
 
I have a camera shop about 10 miles away just outside Mechanicsburg, Pa.. It is a small store called Carlisle Camera. Don't use them often but they are there when needed and seem knowledgeble.

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Jun 9, 2017 09:35:53   #
dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho
 
dsmeltz wrote:
A few recent posts have made me think about the quality of help available to photography novices. In one post, staff at what is said to be a "local camera store" told someone that their SD card may have been damaged magnetically.

Obviously not true.

I would expect this from a clerk at WM or even BB, but not at a dedicated camera store.

Are the Big Boxes making it more difficult for local camera stores to find/afford quality staff?

I am in Philadelphia and (since the closing of Calumet) have to go outside the city to get to a good reliable store with knowledgeable staff.

How are local stores in your area?
A few recent posts have made me think about the qu... (show quote)


In my area, Santa Barbara, CA, Samy's Camera is the best. Every employee is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Dennis

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Jun 9, 2017 09:37:52   #
dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho
 
Pat Jr. wrote:
In Colorado Springs, Cameraworks is great. Ross Waldo is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and patient.


I agree, having shopped there numerous times. I have been very happy with every employee as well as Alan, the owner.

Dennis

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