Nick De Marco Posted March 31, 2008 Share #1 Posted March 31, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Has anyone had any experience with this shop? It's local to me but I have been put off after hearing stories from two close people about how the owner is so rude and arrogant he has driven them out of his shop when they went in with the intention of buying stuff. Seems bizarre to me. I did once phone up to hear about a used Leica lens and I was told "never mind about the one advertised in the magazine if you want a good one come in the shop and see another one" which was nearly twice the price as the advertised one. Have my firiends been unlucky? Has anyone had a good experience of doing business with this place? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 31, 2008 Posted March 31, 2008 Hi Nick De Marco, Take a look here Nicolas Cameras in Camden. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bill Posted March 31, 2008 Share #2 Posted March 31, 2008 This has been discussed before, as I recall. Use the search function and you should find the thread. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted March 31, 2008 Ah yes Bill, I just found it. Many of the descriptions rang true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted March 31, 2008 Share #4 Posted March 31, 2008 I went there in search of an advertised APO 90 Summicron ASPH but never went inside. The place is a tip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 31, 2008 Share #5 Posted March 31, 2008 I'm sure I commented in a previous thread. Bizarre shop - I went prepared to buy a 35mm lens for my M2 and despite their adverts boasting of many many lenses, Leica M, LTM and VC, I left empty handed, not even having seen a lens! The shopkeeper sat behind the counter the whole time, he wasn't rude but certainly wasn't helpful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyedeebee Posted March 31, 2008 Share #6 Posted March 31, 2008 I tried telephoning on quite a few occassions a few weeks back (looking for some Nikon bits and bobs), but failed to even manage to get an answer or an option to leave a message. This spoke volumes to me, and I decided to leave well alone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted April 1, 2008 Share #7 Posted April 1, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yep, the Arthur Daley of the camera world. Except with fewer principles I suspect. I had a similar experience a while back with a Canon 50/1.2 RF lens that was advertised on his website as mint. He had one in the shop that was the most scratched and abused lens I've ever seen and he told me that he wouldn't sell it because of its condition. But if I came back the next morning he'd bring one in (from his warehouse?) that was in mint condition and I "could have it" for only £650. Needless to say I didn't bother going back and a short time later found an excellent copy through a well-known auction site for £250, which was the going price at the time. With Nicholas the term "caveat emptor" should be repeated to yourself over and over if you choose to cross the threshhold. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biglouis Posted April 1, 2008 Share #8 Posted April 1, 2008 The shop is legendary amongst camera buyers in Camden. I've been in twice to buy equipment and both times left empty handed because the owner doesn't want to get off his ass and serve you. The second time, he asked me to come back on Saturday and then warned me that he might be closed for a stock take. So I told him in that case it was probably better if I avoided upsetting his plans and did not come back at all. I suspect he did not get the irony. He's a very knoweldgeable guy and can be quite engaging to talk to but if you are interested in s/h Leica, Nikon or Canon gear go check out Aperture in Museum Street (which is still just inside the Borough of Camden). Much better service and support, imho. LouisB Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted April 1, 2008 Share #9 Posted April 1, 2008 I've been in twice to buy equipment and both times left empty handed because the owner doesn't want to get off his ass and serve you. I'm sure the health and safety people would be happier if he didn't keep a donkey in the shop. Perhaps you ought to report him? Sorry, but we don't have 'asses' here, we have 'arses' - and lots of them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPerson Posted April 1, 2008 Share #10 Posted April 1, 2008 When I was looking for a second D2 I rang him to ask about the two he had in stock and arranged to go there the following day. When I arrived he said he didn't have the cameras there but if I wanted to arrange to pop back sometime.... He remembered our conversation on the phone the day previously! Like others Aperture get my custom now. I left with the impression that Basil Fawlty had sold the hotel and bought a camera shop..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted April 1, 2008 Share #11 Posted April 1, 2008 Acutally, CC aren't ALL that bad It does amaze me, after all these people are presumably in business trying to earn a living aren't they? Or are they just eccentric millionaires trying to fritter their money away on something less obvious than fast cars, yachts and divorce settlements? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
monst67 Posted April 1, 2008 Share #12 Posted April 1, 2008 a proper nightmare this shop. phoned up, ask if he has a lens in , he says he does, you go there and no lens just a tatty shop full of rubbish and the place stinks! sorry but thats the way it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTD Posted April 1, 2008 Share #13 Posted April 1, 2008 Never been – his prices for other stuff in his advert in AP are just silly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicamr Posted April 2, 2008 Share #14 Posted April 2, 2008 I have been in once. I phoned in advance to enquire about a Leica lens. He assured me that it was in mint condition. I took an extended lunch break to travel across town. A brief look in the shop window was enough to let me know what I was in for! The place is a dump, the lens had three major scratches on it. When I showed my disgust he offered to reduce the price. I walked out empty handed. He has advertised in the AP for many years. How he makes money beats me! Just shows to go! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndjambrose Posted April 7, 2008 Share #15 Posted April 7, 2008 Agree with the general consensus. The store has long been famous (infamous?) for its poor service and unprofessional approach. I went there once a few years ago to talk about a Hasselblad that I'd seen advertised. Turned out to be a total disaster - the camera was blatantly mis-described and the shop keeper's approach was flippant. I couldn't leave quick enough. Buyer beware. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael-IIIf Posted April 7, 2008 Share #16 Posted April 7, 2008 I don't take AP so I've never seen the inflated claims referred to above, but I do live around the corner from this shop and always cast a glance in the window when I pop out to Sainsburys for a pint of milk. I don't consider it to be a "camera shop" I think of it as an amusing bric a brac place and derive some amusement from it. I have bought a Weston Master V from him and found him to be reasonable to deal with. It's a question of expectations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted April 7, 2008 Share #17 Posted April 7, 2008 Michael, You should browse a copy of AP and check the ad out. They usually have a two page spread - bearing in mind how much they must be spending on advertising you would think that they might actually have the stuff they advertise for sale. Reading the ad can make one drool. A boxed/as new lllG? or boxed as new LTM Summicron? Digilux 1's and 2's - yes boxed/new. A new Rolleiflex? But when you go into the shop, where is all this stuff? I went along in response to 'Voigtlander lenses 12-90mm all £low' - only when I asked about a 35mm lens I was told I could have a 'new' 2.5 at a price which was £10 more than Classic Camera. When I asked to see it (I hadn't actually seen one before and wanted to see the size/construction) I was told that I could look at it after I bought it!! Its a question of setting expectations and failing to meet them! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjr Posted April 7, 2008 Share #18 Posted April 7, 2008 Has anybody anything nice to say about this place ?! its almost....hilarious and worth a visit just to see ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zipper Posted April 7, 2008 Share #19 Posted April 7, 2008 I went once, never again. I wouldn't recommend a visit, unless you have a thick skin AND too much time on your hands. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted April 8, 2008 Share #20 Posted April 8, 2008 When I asked to see it (I hadn't actually seen one before and wanted to see the size/construction) I was told that I could look at it after I bought it!! What a prat - that's him not you. I'm almost tempted to go along just to see if it's as bad as everyone is saying <grin>. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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