Stores

[Bill Pierce]

How do you buy a camera? In the “old days” you walked in to a camera store, they showed you a camera, you handled it as they answered your questions and told you the experiences of customers who were already using the camera and you decided whether or not to buy the camera. You can still do that today - if you’re lucky. But a lot or retail stores are having a tough time these days with the pandemic being just the last tough hurdle to cause a few more to disappear. If you can buy from a store with a knowledgable staff that actually puts that camera or lens in your hand, share that store’s name and location so others in your neighborhood, or at least relatively close to your neighborhood, can benefit also. In my case, I shop at Fotocare in the West 20’s in New York City. It’s a small store with an impressive customer list, a gallery exhibiting the work of some of those on that list, a lecture hall and a staff that will occasionally tell you not to buy a given piece of gear from them.

What store can you recommend? And - are there distant stores or online sites that provide information that make shopping there somewhat akin to shopping in a local store? I’m a long time Voigtlander lens fan for both Leica and Sony cameras. When I asked the folks at Fotocare about buying Voigtlander, they said they could get them for me, but I should really buy them from Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest; he was the best and most knowledgable. That was a long, long time ago. Between his website and an occasional email, the information I need to make an intelligent purchase is there. I just don’t get to play with my new toy before I buy it.

So, how are you buying gear these days? Is there a store in your neighborhood that you can recommend? Are there distant stores and sites that have given you good results in this internet age? And, sadly, have you had experiences that have made you avoid certain long distance providers?

 

[charjohncarter]

It has been a while since I bought any camera new or used. The last new was a Pentax K1. I just ordered it off online. I felt that DSLRs and Mirrorless are all pretty much the same just basically logo difference; so not risk.

I did buy my Bessa R from Mr. Gandy maybe 15 years ago. He had a very extensive write up on the camera which included how my lenses would work and work well. So, he was the closest to going to a store for me with the hands on experience.

 

[Pál_K]

These days I still buy film cameras at actual photo stores (several in Washington state and in Portland, Oregon). I also buy them at annual or bi-annual “swap meets”, also in Washington and in Oregon. The last one I went to was this April in Seattle.

That accounts for 95% of all my cameras. Sure, that was common before the digital era, but I’d say that from 2005 to today I’ve bought over 70 cameras in person this way.

In Portland, I’d buy mostly from Camera World (now gone), Citizens Photo, Pro Photo Supply, and Blue Moon. I practically had a frequent-flyer card at Pro Photo back when they carried lots of film cameras.

I’ve bought only a couple from KEH and B&H. I’ve had to return one camera to KEH because it was dead-on-arrival. Mint condition, beautiful, seductive, but very dead.

I’ve bought just one camera from someone on an online forum. That transaction turned out well.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Timely question, Bill. I just purchased a used camera from the Goodwill auction site. That purchase is turning out better than anticipated so far. I also recently bought a used Sony A9 from B&H. That purchase is going extremely well as that camera is all it is cracked up to be. Prior to that I had bought a new A7iii from them as a birthday gift to myself. That camera will be with me for a long, long time.
I've bought lenses, used from GW too, and those have worked out well.

I try to educate myself about the lenses/cameras as much as possible before purchasing. I do go to the local Best Buy, or used to before Covid, to handle them first.
The local camera shop, Bill's Camera in Huntington Beach CA, has been a good source of info and a lens or two as well. They're good guys and have helped me a lot over the years.
Before the Sony purchases I bought my Nikon D7000 on line and my D80 before that, but I can't remember where I got them (old age sucks in that regard).

 

[Darthfeeble]

Something weird is happening, my "local" store which is some 35 miles away is selling at the same prices that the big online stores. I did buy the last camera online but it was a refurb that only the online store had. My local guy said he didn't want to sell those and blessed my purchase. I'm willing to pay a few dollars more but when the difference is significant I will go with online. One other thing that enters into that equation is if the local has the stuff.

 

[farlymac]

The nearest store here other than the big box places is just a department of an electronics dealer, but they do have a lot of accessories. Not much in the way of camera stock though because it's a one-store operation, so kinda low on the totem pole of priorities as far as the manufacturers are concerned. Plus they can't compete with anyone on prices, and have no service after the sale.

After that I have to travel 45 miles to the closest used camera shop. Anything else is 100 miles away.

There is a local lab where I used to get all my developing done and purchased most of my film, but they were wrecking my negatives so I quit doing business with them.

I do most of my buying online now. Mostly B&H, KEH, Robert's, eBay, but always keep my eye out for places others have used like Igor in Chicago, Allen's Camera in Philadelphia, and Paul's Photo in Torrence, CA (nice selection of Nikon lenses). There are a few others I check out from time to time. Wish I had the budget to shop at the heavy hitters like Tamarkin.

PF

 

[Archiver]

These days, I buy from local dealers and a bit online. I get all my secondhand gear from Camera Lane and Camera Exchange, both who have been in the business for many years and are very knowledgeable. Quite often, I buy things new from them, too, and I prefer to support the smaller local businesses who have looked after me for a long time. Back when Steve Mills was at Teds, I bought gear from him for years, but he has retired, and I have since left Teds.

I have to admit that I go to the bigger stores to handle cameras and see if they work for me haptically. Sometimes I buy new online if the price is right, and all the stores like Digidirect, Digital Camera Warehouse, Camera Pro and Georges in Sydney have fast delivery and good customer service. But generally, I go with Camera Exchange and Camera Lane. Since learning how good it can be to trade in gear and buy secondhand, it has saved me thousands, and they are good people.

 

[raydm6]

In Massachusetts & New England:

Hunt's Photo & Video - https://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com

The Hunt's Shopping Experience [FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica](About Us)[/FONT]

[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica] Unlike "big box" stores or online sellers, Hunt's makes personal service part of every purchase. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting the perfect gear for your individual lifestyle and interests. As a major supplier to the consumer, professional, educational, law enforcement and government markets, Hunt's maintains a well-stocked inventory of photo, video and digital imaging equipment from every major manufacturer so you'll have plenty of options from which to choose. With eight retail locations in four New England states, Hunt's offers an unbeatable combination of competitive pricing, sales know-how, and unparalleled customer service. [/FONT]

[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica]

[/FONT][FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica] Hunt's Photo & Video Flagship Store - 100 Main Street -- Melrose, Massachusetts
[/FONT]
[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica]

[/FONT][FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica] Hunt's Photo & Video Flagship Store - 100 Main Street -- Melrose, Massachusetts
[/FONT]
History

[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica] Three generations of Farber family ownership have established Hunt's as a trendsetter in the imaging equipment industry. Begun as a pharmacy in 1889 and acquired by pharmacist Solomon Farber in 1952, Hunt's began building its camera business during the 1950s under the visionary leadership of Solomon's son, Jack. As interest in photography grew, Hunt's began shifting its emphasis from the pharmacy business to the business of cameras and accessories. By 1993, imaging equipment became Hunt's primary focus.

[/FONT][FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica] Led today by Jack's sons, Scott and Gary, Hunt's proudly serves a diverse audience of individual, corporate, educational, law enforcement and government clients as one of the country's largest retailers of photo, video and digital imaging products. Visit Hunt's 30,000 square foot flagship store at 100 Main Street, Melrose, or one of its satellite locations in Boston, MA - Cambridge, MA - Hanover, MA - Holyoke, MA - Providence, RI - So. Portland, ME - or Manchester, NH to discover how Hunt's Photo and Video can help you create your own picture-perfect experience. Click here for directions, store locations and hours of operation.
[/FONT]

[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica]

[/FONT]​

[FONT=tahoma, sans-serif, arial, helvetica]

Hunt & Co.,Boston, MA Circa 1904 Hunt Drug Co., Malden, Mass, Circa 1970​

[/FONT]

 

[lynnb]

In Massachusetts & New England:
Hunt's Photo & Video

Hi Raydm6, I guess Bill is asking if you can personally recommend Hunt's? It's good to see a bricks and mortar camera store apparently still thriving. It would be helpful if you can share your experience with them.

Cheers,

 

[raydm6]

Hi Raydm6, I guess Bill is asking if you can personally recommend Hunt's? It's good to see a bricks and mortar camera store apparently still thriving. It would be helpful if you can share your experience with them.

Cheers,

Sorry Lynn/Bill, yes I have done business with them although not recently. Mostly at their former Malden location before they expanded. I have purchased supplies in-store at their older Providence, RI location also. Nothing but positive experiences for me. I purchased my Hasselblad System from them in the 80's and Nikon FM2 System among other miscellaneous items. Totally hands-on if you want to try/look-at equipment. All knowledgeable/experienced staff when I was there and not high-pressure sales clerks if that helps.

 

[lynnb]

I haven't bought a new camera in a long time, but I have bought a Voigtlander lens from Scott at Mainline, the Australian Voigtlander distributor, and can give a firm recommendation. I've used DigiDirect, also in Sydney, and was happy with them.

I've bought some used/vintage cameras from the Sydney Camera Market, with mostly positive experiences; and from op shops around here in Sydney, which has been a bit of a mixed bag but since I've rarely paid more than $10-$20 I can't complain. Years ago I bought from eBay a couple of times with one good and one disappointing experience. The good experience was a CLA'd IIIf from a well regarded seller with 100% positive feedback. I sent the bad (broken) camera back to a UK seller and was promptly refunded in full.

 

[dexdog]

I have purchased one camera and two lenses in the past 3 years from a store called District Camera, in Burke Centre, VA. Prices are usually competitive on most items, but my most recent big ticket item,a Sony A7iii, was purchased online from B&H for $400 less than local place. The folks working in District Camera are knowledgeable and helpful, and if they don't have an item in stock are happy to order it. I bought a Sigma 14-24 lens in E-mount from them a couple of weeks ago, about $50 more than Amazon. They also carry a surprising amount of film, however their processing is way expensive, so I send exposed film to Dwayne's Photo.

 

[neal3k]

Sometimes, it is nice just to find a seller on the same wavelength as you.

I stumbled onto a unique seller on eBay and have developed a relationship. He seems to specialize in Barnacks; Leica and Canon. I first bought two Canons, a IV and an IVS. He does a CLA before he sells them (but sends lenses to Youxin Ye.) The Canons were much less than I would have expected. Then I bought a Leica IIIf. Next he found me a Leica 1 (1930) that works like new and was $500 less than most on eBay without CLA. And it has his and Youxin's CLAs. Now he and Youxin are working on a Leica II with Elmar for me. Wonderful work and great prices are hard to beat along with a nice guy. All this in 2021. He doesn't list many at a time but it worked for me.

He doesn't do Russian cameras so I got my Zorki1 from Oleg.

And it helps to be a Barnack nut. What else could I possibly want?

 

[View Range]

I buy everything at my local (and only remaining) camera store - Schillers, in the St Louis, MO, area. They have been in business since about 1890, starting with the manufacture of dry plates. I have already alerted Schillers that I want to order a Nikon Z9 as soon as they can place orders.

 

[Dogman]

There are no photo stores in my area. None. The last one closed down several years ago. Everything I own was bought new from B&H or Amazon or used from B&H, Amazon, KEH or MPB.

I remember camera stores. But they are only a memory for me.

 

[Rob-F]

I buy everything at my local (and only remaining) camera store - Schillers, in the St Louis, MO, area. They have been in business since about 1890, starting with the manufacture of dry plates. I have already alerted Schillers that I want to order a Nikon Z9 as soon as they can place orders.

Schiller's is a good store! I buy locally from Schiller's when they have what I want. I have also bought from eBay; Central Camera in Chicago; KEH; and the RFF classifieds.

I still miss St. Louis photo! It's been years, now.

 

[jsrockit]

Honestly, I do not need a salesperson’s advice, since I’m well aware of the functions of these cameras. That said, I am a big fan of holding a camera in your hands to see if it gels. In nyc, I did this at all of the big name stores, though b&h made it the easiest. In Chile, it’s harder. However, I have no problem buying online. I don’t stress changes in how I buy things. The most important thing is that I get the camera to use. In Chile, https://www.horizontalfoto.cl/ seems to be my favorite.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Sometimes, it is nice just to find a seller on the same wavelength as you.

I stumbled onto a unique seller on eBay and have developed a relationship. He seems to specialize in Barnacks; Leica and Canon. I first bought two Canons, a IV and an IVS. He does a CLA before he sells them (but sends lenses to Youxin Ye.) The Canons were much less than I would have expected. Then I bought a Leica IIIf. Next he found me a Leica 1 (1930) that works like new and was $500 less than most on eBay without CLA. And it has his and Youxin's CLAs. Now he and Youxin are working on a Leica II with Elmar for me. Wonderful work and great prices are hard to beat along with a nice guy. All this in 2021. He doesn't list many at a time but it worked for me.

He doesn't do Russian cameras so I got my Zorki1 from Oleg.

And it helps to be a Barnack nut. What else could I possibly want?

This seems the most positive recommendation in the thread so far, and sounds great. But, who is it?
I haven’t had any real local (meaning within 400 miles) option in decades.

 

[das]

The number of internet sites these days to find used cameras is somewhat overwhelming -- between the numerous social media outlets, auction sites, camera stores, estate sales, etc. A good company to start would be clearing house that would automatically search all places at once. Someone in the UK has done that for certain shops/sites https://usedlens.co.uk.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Especially after the last year of not travelling at all, i'm not buying photo equipment. I really do have more than all the gear i need in 35mm, med format and LF. I'm thankful for B&H free shipping to Canada and continue to buy paper & chemicals from them. In person I do visit the Camera Store in Calgary, operated by my long time friends Peter & Julian. They continue to stock modest amounts of paper and film. When I've been in Seattle or Austin, I've always dropped into Glazers and Precision Camera. I'm looking forward to a time when the border opens & I can do a spin to Montana and pass by the Photo Formulary.