Where do you guys shop

[Rancor]

Other than a few scattered Google searches and trying to search the forums (FAIL) I was wondering where you guys shop for gear. Online, camera shop, ebay, craigslist, big box stores.

 

[analog.universe]

There is not much available local where I live.. so I've done most of my shopping from Adorama, B&H Photo and Video, and Midwest Photo Exchange. Occasionally will venture to Amazon or eBay if I'm not concerned with customer service on the item, and am just looking for a price point.

 

[tirediron]

Yes.

 

[PrimeDesignsHD]

You could try Online Camera Retailers with Stores in London and Chelmsford - CameraWorld.co.uk, some decent stuff on there

 

[thebutler4]

For lighting, Stands and backdrop stands I use Linco Studio Lighting For lenses, camera gear I will first (and again it will depend on what I am looking for) check B&H Photo Best Buy than goto Ritz Camera.

 

[mikehaugen]

Most stuff I will buy used from craigslist or ebay, except lenses. Their resale is too high to justify buying used usually. For an actual brick and mortar store I go to Calumet in Chicago, though it's a drive for me. I also browse and occasionally buy from the online places- B&H, Adorama, Amazon.

 

[KmH]

Where do you guys shop

Online, camera shop, ebay, craigslist, big box stores.

All of the above.

 

[ghache]

I first check on kijiji. Its amazing what you can find used.
BH online and vistek local and i always check ebay.

 

[480sparky67 66]

If I'm going to drop some serious scratch, I will only consider local brick & mortar stores. Bodies & lenses I never buy online, even when new. ALthough I have yet to need to do so, I'm told when I make a substantial purchase to NOT register the body/lens. If I have a problem, bring it back to the store and they'll do the dealing for me. If my D7000 dies today, I'll have a replacement tomorrow. Try that with the big-box stores.

Accessories, however, I'll get wherever I can. Filters, proprietary batteries, etc.....I've bought from Fleabay, craigslist, kijiji (now ebay classifieds), even a couple of purchases from fellow TPF members.

 

[Josh66]

Almost everything I buy comes from B&H, KEH, or Freestyle. Batteries are about the only camera thing I don't buy online (and that's just because I use AA's or other readily available batteries).

The closest camera store (Wolf Camera - which I don't like much anyway) is about 30 miles away. The closest 'good' camera shop is about 100 miles away.

In town, Wal-mart is pretty much it. ...I think Big Lots sells cameras too though. I can't remember - haven't been in there in a while. If I feel like driving 30 miles, there's Wolf Camera, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc... (And I don't really consider Best Buy & Circuit City 'camera stores' just because they happen to sell cameras...)

...So - online it is. Even with the shipping, buying online is much cheaper for me when you factor in gas to drive 60 miles and sales tax (which is pretty high here - 8.25%), not to mention that those stores are way over-priced anyway.

 

[Ryan L]

I do a lot of Craigslist for deals, ebay for books, B&H or Tristate camera for online stores, and locally Norman Camera since they will price match online prices!

 

[Ryan L]

If I feel like driving 30 miles, there's Wolf Camera, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc...

I don't think you have been 30 miles out in a long time since Circuit City went belly up a while ago!

 

[j28]

I try to shop local whenever possible. We have a fantastic camera shop with employees that are more than happy to spend an hour talking to you about things even if you aren't buying right then. I did buy my body at Best Buy, because the local store didn't have one and didn't know when they could get one so they sent me there. I would have purchased from Adorama or B&H but needed the replacement that day (my primary body finally croaked and the idea of going into a client session without a back up terrifies me). Amazon is okay, they sometimes have a great promotion or lower price than I expected. I have used Ebay with success, but that is very hit or miss.

 

[Josh66]

If I feel like driving 30 miles, there's Wolf Camera, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc...

I don't think you have been 30 miles out in a long time since Circuit City went belly up a while ago!

LOL.

I remember seeing the store not long ago - maybe they just haven't found a new lessee yet and haven't taken down the storefront sign... They tend to do that a lot around here - leave the signs up long after the store has closed.