LA and Tucson camera shops?

[mortalenema]

Hi all-

I'm going to be in Los Angeles and Tucson soon and am looking for suggestions on good camera shops to check out. In LA I'll mostly be in Hollywood and Van Nuys. I'm mostly looking for used or vintage cameras and good deals on film.

Thanks.

 

[JayM]

Haven't seen anything to exciting at camera stores here.

Go to the U of A library and look at photo books instead! Then you can save money by seeing a lot of stuff that you'd normally have to buy to see (much of which is now high priced collectible status.)

 

[kokoshawnuff]

Samy's camera on Fairfax is the biggest store we have, with a decent used selection.

If you are a film shooter (as your avatar would suggest), then visiting Freestyle on sunset is well worth it.

Simon's camera on highland has a good used selection

But the best used camera selection in Los Angeles area would be at the Pasadena camera show:

http://www.bargaincamerashows.com/

 

[kxl]

If you shoot film or need darkroom supplies, be sure to stop by Freestyle on Sunset and Normandie in Hollywood

 

[hendriphile]

I second Samy's in LA. Also Bel Air.

And Mel Pierce for repairs.

 

[mortalenema]

Cool. Thanks, guys.


Anyone got a Tucson tip?

 

[Zonan]

IIRC, the "recent" Tucson show was cancelled, not a good sign.

 

[jbrianfoto]

While in Tucson, go visit the Center for Creative Photography, among others the house all of W Eugene Smiths and Ansel Adams archives. I also highly recommend visiting the Etherton Gallery!

 

[hendriphile]

As a Tucson resident I can say that your best bet for knowledgeable staff is Greg's on Oracle. For image processing, Jones and Photographic Works.

 

[mortalenema]

Thanks! That'll help me fill my extra free time.

 

[Mcary]

If you're driving from LA to Tucson Camera West in Rancho Mirage, CA is right on the way. Its also if you shoot landscapes and such its right on the way to Joshua Tree National Park,
They have whole room dedicated to Leica and vintage rangefinder cameras.
Film selection and price was OK I need some Delta 400 and 3200 and they had it in stock, price was slightly more then Adorama but not bad.
What really got me was their customer service. I came in looking for a cable release for my Crown Graphic. Now as far as I could see there wasn't any on the sales floor. Spoke to one of the sales reps who located a used (36-40inch) in great condition, price $5 🙂
http://www.camerawest.com/

 

[mortalenema]

Ugh. We were going to drive, but changed our plans to fly into Tucson. Maybe next time. Thanks.