Are you loyal to a camera store?

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I look at my local camera store first. If I can buy from there I do so. Last year I wanted the new z70-200 lens and had ordered direct from Nikon and also was on a list at the store and Stewart’s photo shop in Anchoage, Alaska came through with the lens before Nikon did. However, I wanted really good gloves after being out in really really cold temps and they didn’t have what I was looking for so ordered those online from Heat Company but I always check local first. I want this store sticking around ! They have been awesome on trade ins and so on. I’m presently #9 on the ore- order list for the Z9
 
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I guess I am the outlier here. I use Amazon for lenses because of the return policy. Cameras I am not so concerned about so I will shop around, buy used from KEH or from private party, but I am sufficiently concerned with getting a bad lens copy that I prefer Amazon's return policy. If the lens tests bad I do a return online, return it at a local store, and order another one.
-Tom
 
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Absolutely! I'm in Great Falls Montana and I have to drive 180 miles to visit the guys at Bozeman Camera in Bozeman Montana. I bought my D780 Nikon from them along with a couple of lenses and I couldn't be happier. I know I might have saved a couple of bucks by buying online but the valued advice and the ability to try before you buy is priceless. Plus I love my Harley and my Miata so the ride/drive is always a great adventure and I have taken some awesome shots on those trips. My wife on the other hand is not as pleased. Since they are on the way to Yellowstone and some great ghost towns in the area it can be detrimental to the bank account.
 
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The last camera store that was a Nikon dealer closed shop more than 10 years ago. BH Photo has been a key source for me for more than 30 years. With scarce items I do need to place the order by phone so the sales person can note my NPS pre-order. Not only does BH cover the sales tax but their expedited shipping is free.
 
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Steve said:
I'm not strictly loyal to any one shop, but I do order mostly from Roberts. I think there's value in building that relationship.
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I am similar, obtaining most of my Nikon gear from Bass & Bligh in Harrogate, UK.

They can usually get newly launched items quickly, can get small accessories with ease, and are run by a helpful friendly team of just 2.

Just 2 ? - well it is likely the smallest camera shop in the UK.
 
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I'm not loyal to any camera store. There are only 2 in my area and one isn't even a Nikon authorized reseller and the other has fallen on very hard times and very high markups. So I tend to buy from (in alphabetical order): Adorama, B&H, KEH, and Roberts/UsedPhotoPro.
 
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RichF said:
Are you loyal to a camera shop or do you shop around.

A few years ago I decided to stop looking for the best prices and stick with one camera shop, Allen's, who I had been business with for the past 20+ years. I still will occasionally to go few other sites such as B&H for more exotic items as such Prograde Cobalt CFExpress cards or RRS for plates. Otherwise equipment is from one camera store.
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I’ve used Grays of Westminster in London since I started my photography journey.
If you are a Nikon Owner magazine subscriber you get priority on all new launches which for me was very handy when I obtained the 600mm f/4 TC lens as had this only a couple of weeks after it was released.
It probably helps that they only sell Nikon equipment & correct me if I’m wrong are supposed to be the oldest Nikon only dealership out there.
There customer service is also second to none & I could never see me going anywhere else.

For any other photography equipment I use WEX in Norwich England who are also extremely good with a great customer service.
 
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As a farmer i am loyal to local stores. I want the profits to stay at home whenever I can. I do the same with my printing and cameras also. Armadillo Camera is a great camera store in Lubbock, Texas. However, I have made it a rule in my business and personal life. If I can buy something online for 15 to 20% less then I buy it online. I don't mind a local store charging more so for their service so that they can make a decent profit. I like that I can get my prints be it on paper or canvas including gallery wraps locally.

Armadillo Camera may be the only camera store between Fort Worth and Phoenix, Arizona. I always figured there was a camera store in Alboquerque but I guess not.
 
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Calson said:
The only stores selling cameras within 100 miles of my house are Best Buy stores. Most camera stores have closed and a lot depended on film processing revenue which disappeared with digital cameras.

B&H has good prices and a good selection and very helpful customer reviews and they provide cheap shipping and make it incredibly easy to process a return (even when the store is closed). B&H has also invested in their website making it by far the best in terms of providing search results and filters for drilling down and finding products. One good example is looking for a new camera bag where one can select the length and width and depth needed and get back results for only the bags with those inside dimensions. Huge time saver.
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B&H's website is one of the best I've ever used - very uncluttered yet SO much information. Their staff respond quickly to any queries via chat or email. Wonderful store!
 
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I always start with the local shops (for me Glazers in Seattle and Kenmore Camera in Kenmore) before heading online for most things. When it comes to camera bodies and lenses I start with Nikon directly tho.
 
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They is only one very small camera store in the Tampa Bay Area remaining and rumor has it that they will be closing this summer. I’ve dealt with two others in the Bay Area prior to them closing. Still remain close friends with one of the owners. I’ve also dealt with Colony Camera and Hobby In Orlando. I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay Area for 60 years so to me it’s home. Over the years we’ve spent a lot of time in the Yellowstone area. Not sure when we found Bozeman Camera and Repair, but we have probably made our second most purchases here. Their stock and selection is truly impressive. If I’m looking for something I can call and they will ship it to me. No tax in Montana. On occasion I will make purchases from RRS, Wimberley and B&H. My preference is to buy locally and support the local businesses. If you have a question or a problem you can get assistance from them. Since we’ve retired we’ll spend 5 months in the Tampa Area, and 5 months somewhere else, last 4 years and this coming year in Cody Wyoming and two months traveling. So that’s kinda the reason why we Visit Bozeman so much.
 
The remaining store in Sacramento is price-competetive with the big online stores and has great customer service. I only order from the big stores when the local store doesn't carry the product I'm looking for.
 
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The only dedicated shop that sells new gear in my city is Tucson Camera Repair and the only brand they sell is Nikon. Since I do shoot Nikon I am loyal to them since it is run by a husband and wife and I have known him for over two decades. He will bend over backwards to help me. If I can't get something from him, I go to B&H (or Nikon refurbished if the price is particularly good).
 
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fulltimewanderer said:
They is only one very small camera store in the Tampa Bay Area remaining and rumor has it that they will be closing this summer. I’ve dealt with two others in the Bay Area prior to them closing. Still remain close friends with one of the owners. I’ve also dealt with Colony Camera and Hobby In Orlando. I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay Area for 60 years so to me it’s home. Over the years we’ve spent a lot of time in the Yellowstone area. Not sure when we found Bozeman Camera and Repair, but we have probably made our second most purchases here. Their stock and selection is truly impressive. If I’m looking for something I can call and they will ship it to me. No tax in Montana. On occasion I will make purchases from RRS, Wimberley and B&H. My preference is to buy locally and support the local businesses. If you have a question or a problem you can get assistance from them. Since we’ve retired we’ll spend 5 months in the Tampa Area, and 5 months somewhere else, last 4 years and this coming year in Cody Wyoming and two months traveling. So that’s kinda the reason why we Visit Bozeman so much.
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Small world! I moved from Lakeland to Powell (not too far from Cody) a few years ago.
 
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I am loyal to my camera store. They are an official Nikon dealer, 3rd generation family run business (brother & sister) that are a true brick & mortar shop that also offer sales through their webshop. Till 5-6 years ago did they only sell Nikon & Fuji, then also Sony and since 2023 also Canon. The shop is small in size but the price is good, they know their clientele and have a good service. #ShopLocal (FotoCoudenys in Belgium)
 
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Len Shepherd said:
I am similar, obtaining most of my Nikon gear from Bass & Bligh in Harrogate, UK.

They can usually get newly launched items quickly, can get small accessories with ease, and are run by a helpful friendly team of just 2.

Just 2 ? - well it is likely the smallest camera shop in the UK.
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EDIT
Something I overlooked is delivery and travel time is much longer in USA.

I can reach Bass and Bligh in Harrogate in about one hour, my wife visits other shops and we end up in a upmarket coffee shop.

I can reach WEX in Leeds in about 2 hours for the occasional demo days when most manufactures are present and offer discounts.

As the UK is a small country overnight delivery is normally available at either no extra charge or at about $5 equivalent.
This makes buying online relatively straightforward.
 
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