Independent Camera Stores - Use them

[dgc]

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Yesterday, I bought two lenses from Cambrian Cameras in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. It has completely changed my mind about buying locally than from the large on-line retailers.

 

The knowledge and experience of the manager and staff was excellent and refreshing given that staff in most large retailers know very little about cameras. The level of the stock and ability to get hold of items within a day or 2 was also very good. However, their ability to be competitive with some of the on-line sellers was one of the main factors in my purchase.

 

The practise of testing a camera or lens at a local store and then go home and buy it on-line, is killing independent retailers; and these stores are where we go to when the on-line retailers fail us or if we need a last minute battery, filter or memory card. If we continue to shop for the lowest price these stores will disappear and we will never be able to hold any equipment in our hands without waiting for the postman to arrive and when send it back because we do not like the feel of it, the on-line retailers will increase their prices.

 

I ask that you consider local suppliers and before you go home to order on-line ask if they can do a deal. Most will. From what I understand there is very little mark-up on camera equipment for independents. I think an extra 10-15% on camera equipment is a small price to pay when buying from an independent. Especially, if you still want them to be there for when you want something immediately.

 

David

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[CalArts 99]

My local shop will match B+H and the other internet vendor's prices. The people who are employed by the local shop are also part of my community. There are in effect, my neighbors. They spend their own money at other shops and restaurants in the community. And the taxes and fees from the shop also goes back into my community.

 

A healthy local economy is a healthy community. It's a "think globally, act locally" sort of thing, imho.

[pgk]

..... from Cambrian Cameras in Colwyn Bay, North Wales.....

Cambrian have been my local dealers for the past 30 years and I can absolutely recommend them for all the reasons given by the OP. It might also be of interest to know that they offer excellent printing services too if anyone needs to find a good lab, and I think that they still offer film processing (probably B&W if asked) and will, I think, do so mail order. They have extensive stocks of both new and used gear. I have spent many thousands of £s with them over the years on Nikon, Canon and Leica cameras and lenses. As stated, the internet has impacted on smaller photographic dealers and there are far fewer around today, so I too will try to support mine as much as I can (Cambrian have a fair stock of used Leica in but I don't think that they list it all on the web, so its worth calling if anyone is looking for something.

[honcho]

I have always sought independent retailers unless dealing direct with manufacturers. There's nothing wrong with (most) large online retailers but an independent personal service is becoming a rare thing. I'll make a point of contacting Cambrian Cameras next time I'm buying.

[andybarton]

Are they still an Authorised Leica Dealer?

[earleygallery]

Not just camera stores. I'll try to buy from local independents if I can. I'm happy to pay a little more - I have a small DIY store near me. Their range is limited of course but it's rare that they can't offer me something for any given problem, and the advice I get is often worth much more than any savings I'd make elsewhere!

[dgc]

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Camarthen Cameras are not an authorised Leica dealer, I am basing this purely on the lack of Leica equipment in store, and they only had a few 2nd hand Leica's, which I understand are listed on their ebay/ Facebook page. They are an authorised Zeiss dealer and if they do not have a lens in stock they can get hold of one by the next day.

They do have a Leica day, when Stephens of Manchester visit the store - I think this is in May.

 

David

[andybarton]

Thanks. I knew that Cambrian used to be Authorised, but understood that they lost that accreditation a few years ago. I knew that they had some loose tie-up with Stephens.

 

I once went in there for a filter and came out with a 50 Summicron...

[dgc]

I went in there to see what they had to offer and came out having bought a Zeiss 21mm and a 35mm ...

[pgk]

..... I have a small DIY store near me. Their range is limited of course but it's rare that they can't offer me something for any given problem, and the advice I get is often worth much more than any savings I'd make elsewhere!

Actually, in Colwyn Bay, where Cambrian Photography are, there is also a small DIY/Ironmongers called Matthews. Small, extensive stock and advice - AND often cheaper than much bigger warehouse stores - AND they will sell you one or a dozen screws, nuts whatever (often adding the odd 'spare'). Again I use them in preference whenever I can.

[NJH]

Its for the same reasons I have bought and sold a fair bit of through Mifsuds and Robert Whites, never mail order, its a nice little trip out to visit either. I am 40 this year and if anything the kid in a sweet shop feeling is no less than it was 20 years ago. Can't get that looking at a website.

[andybarton]

My family used to own an ironmongers exactly like that.

 

It was a real "four candles" shop when I was a lad and in the family from the end of the war until my Dad retired about 4 years ago. It was a great shop and a pleasure to work there.

 

I miss it, even though it's 35 years since I worked there personally.

[tobey bilek]

I buy 99% locally. If we do not support them, they go away.

[Leonil]

I bought my 7D, 15-85mm and 70-200mm f/4 IS from "Georges Camera" In Sydney and got some Elinchrom lights from there for my small studio. After 2 years of hard work, they are still chugging along.

[masjah]

We've got a small independent dealer in Hull (Hilton's, if I may presume to name drop). I can't buy any Leica gear from them because they are not a dealer, but when I buy accessories (for example a travel tripod, or a right angle plate, or filters, and so on) or by personal recommendation to friends, I always try to put what bit of business I can their way. Jacobs and Jessops have gone, but, whoopee, the local guys are still there.

[earleygallery]

Jacobs and Jessops have gone, but, whoopee, the local guys are still there.

 

I was in my teens when Jessops started their massive expansion from the one store in Leicester. I remember when the first one opened near me.

 

Gradually most of the smaller camera shops closed down as they couldn't compete with Jessops and the other chains.

 

I'd like to think that now that there are hardly any 'high street' camera shops any more, that there is an opportunity for smaller individual shops to spring up again. I've got a great idea (I think so anyway!) for one myself if only I had the capital to do it.

[dgc]

James, I think you are right, history is cyclic so it may only be a matter of time until people return to the high street.

 

My wife opened a shop some 4 years ago and it is a constant slog with very little return, especially when the VAT man comes along - one of the reasons why I still have to spend extended periods working overseas !!

 

Good luck !

[andybarton]

I have just taken a box of sundry lenses and a camera body (all quality stuff Leica and Hasselblad) to a local specialist second hand dealer for sale. They don't do commission sales, so it would have been a "cash offer".

 

I was shocked at how little they offered to me, so walked away. He looked insulted that I wouldn't take what I thought was a derisory offer. In effect he offered me an average of £100 per item, regardless of the specification/item.

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[sc_rufctr]

I do use the local retailers for most of my purchases. eBay is only for new stuff not available locally or some rare Leica accessory.

 

But I expect service and if I feel that I'm not getting it I tell them.

 

Recently I was looking for a new screen for my daughters iPhone 5. I knew a local store had them because they did repairs. So I thought I would give them the opportunity to sell me one. I asked how much and they quoted me $120. Even though I can get one cheaper off eBay I thought for the extra $10 bucks it's worth getting it now rather than have to wait 5 or 6 days.

When I said OK he said can I see the phone? I said no I just want to buy the screen and then he simply refused to sell me one. I've installed and repaired many smashed screens and I tried to explain that to him but he said he couldn't offer a warranty unless he installed it.

I said I'm not worried about that I just want the screen. He said sorry but no.

 

That just floored me. There I am trying to spend money in his store and he just flat out refuses to sell me one. Cheekily I said OK no worries I'll just buy one of eBay. He didn't like that but I just walked out.

[dgc]

Andy, clearly not a specialist dealer in Leica ... I feel that ebay does provide the market price, but it is a faff !

 

I was thinking of buying a second hand Hasselblad once, a 500 cm, but thought I better get to grips with 35mm first. According to google maps your location puts you somewhere in the middle of the Dee estuary (!!), not far from my office in Chester. I would be interested to hear what you have on offer so please PM me if you still intend to sell any items, but I am off to Venezuela for 6 weeks from tomorrow.

 

Peter, I find it hard to understand the logic of some people; you would like to think he must have had a good reason. But then again mobile phones seem to be the one industry immune from the current economic downturn.

 

I agree though, the independents must provide a service to warrant the higher costs as well as a thorough understanding of the equipment they sell. I am too British to tell them of my displeasure, I just smile politely, leave and vow never too return ! I think this is where I should leave a smiley ...

 

David