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02/22/2008 01:20:53 AM · #1 |
I am getting so frustrated at the lack of camera accessories available in my area. I would like to be able to, for once, go into a store that actually stocks something.
We have two wolfcamera stores in town but they do not stock any hardware of value. I stopped by one of their stores today to check out a lens and bag. You guessed it, not a stockable item.
The only thing they stock is Point & Shoot cameras and a few dSLR bodies. And the lenses they stock are less than stellar quality. No f/2.8 or larger lens, not 1.4 or 2x converters, not even the Canon 10-22.
Wish I had the capital to open a camera shop so customers could have the opportunity to have a hands on experience with lenses or camera bodies before purchasing. Maybe even offer rentals. Wish I knew how to go about getting the capital to start such a business. Grants, Loans, etc.
I know this town is not large but with a 200+ population with another 30,000 military personal and their family coming soon, I think there’s a need for a photo store that actually stocks, sells, and rents merchandise.
Ok off my soapbox
Message edited by author 2008-02-22 01:28:57. |
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02/22/2008 01:25:20 AM · #2 |
Me too, me too! We've got a ritz, but it's pretty much a 1 hr photo shop and we have a photography/hunting/camping/fishing store but the people that work there are kinda mean and rude and the store is dusty and gross.
I imagine it's really expensive for a mom&pop shop to stock photography stuff, but how fantastic would it be to actually see merchandise IN PERSON before purchasing!? |
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02/22/2008 01:32:24 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by EducatedSavage:
Me too, me too! We've got a ritz, but it's pretty much a 1 hr photo shop and we have a photography/hunting/camping/fishing store but the people that work there are kinda mean and rude and the store is dusty and gross.
I imagine it's really expensive for a mom&pop shop to stock photography stuff, but how fantastic would it be to actually see merchandise IN PERSON before purchasing!? |
You right. I purchase the majority of my merchandise from B&H and have no problem with that - they are reliable and the prices are good. But there are times (many times) I want to hold the lens or try it out on my camera before purchasing. With no stockable stores locally that not possible.
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02/22/2008 02:04:19 AM · #4 |
I hear ya Scott...
I had a fair chunk of money last year and was all prepared to go into the camera store near here and buy what I wanted. Thought it would be good to support a local business..till I asked for what I wanted.
Went something like this:
Me: Hi, do you have the canon 50mm 1.4
No sorry we would have to order that in
Me: Do you have the canon 70-200,
nope, need to order that too.
Me: Can I look at that tamron lens please?
What camera have you got.. they said.. I replied with a canon (der) and to my very big surprise he said.. Oh that tamron wont work on your camera you need to have a TAMRON camera... well I nearly fell over right there. How did this guy get a job there? Why do they not supply any of the pro canon gear??? I wasnt impressed, so now I buy online.. not only do I save tons of money but I can get what I want. |
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02/22/2008 02:18:19 AM · #5 |
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02/22/2008 02:29:18 AM · #6 |
Went through a similar problem a few months ago. Only one "sizable" camera shop intown (pop 500,000). Looked on the net - could get it cheaper (but couldn't hold it or try it). Tried to bargain with the shop (they did appear to know their stuff tho). Was a few issues with warrenty but in the end as the guy said "Mate - you can buy it off the internet cheaper but if everybody did that then the likes of us would be out of business and there wouldn't be anywhere you could even look at them".
Point taken. I ended up buying from them (as it was - not the cheapest price I could find but cheaper than a lot of sites, and any problems straight back to them - they were an authorised canon repairer and dealer).
Not easy to find a good camera shop but a lot harder now with Internet buying.
To get the balance of price, knowledge and after sales service is fairly difficult these days.
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02/22/2008 03:33:41 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by ShutterHack:
SDW- What area you from? |
I think he lives maybe a little north of Columbus, Georgia? Fortson, maybe? Am I close, Scott? ;-)
Message edited by author 2008-02-22 03:37:04.
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02/22/2008 03:51:18 AM · #8 |
| I'm pretty sure all cities need a real camera store other then New York :P |
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02/23/2008 01:18:11 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by ShutterHack:
SDW- What area you from? |
Columbus, GA - 100 miles south of Atlanta on the GA / AL line
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
Originally posted by ShutterHack:
SDW- What area you from? |
I think he lives maybe a little north of Columbus, Georgia? Fortson, maybe? Am I close, Scott? ;-) |
You are very close. I live in North Columbus, very near Fortson.
Message edited by author 2008-02-23 01:22:15. |
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02/23/2008 01:34:04 AM · #10 |
I was in a Fry's a few days ago and when the 20-ish salesgirl asked if she could help me, I asked her for a 58mm lens hood.
Her: You mean, like a shade?
Me: Yes.
Her: Shows me one of those flip up hoods for an LCD screen so you can view it in the sun
Me: No, this goes on the front of the lens
Her: Shows me a lens cap
Me: Thank you.
Don't know why she was working in the camera dept.
Makes the Wolf/Ritz crew seem very knowledgeable, and I've received some questionable advice from those guys.
Message edited by author 2008-02-23 01:35:11. |
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02/23/2008 02:17:20 AM · #11 |
| I am starting to think that people think I am a camera shop. I own a pharmaceutical business that has one of those instant print photo kiosks in one corner. People come in with a square photo (they or someone else cropped) and put it into the machine that prints at a 4x6 ratio (they dont reposition the photo) and then come to me to tell me that the machine is chopping everyones heads off. So then I try to explain to them about the ratio thing. Well most dont understand what I am talking about which must make them think I am an expert or something. But then they come back with all sorts of photo and camera related questions. They are bring me cameras and asking how does this work and why isn't this happening etc. etc. Kinda cool in a way. I have even fixed a couple of cameras (they were a really easy fix) and my customers thought I was great. |
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