Western New York Camera Store Closing

[Shadowman]

If you are in the area...

http://www.continentalcamera.com/

Don't know when they announced the closing, it looks like it was announced this summer.

[ccphoto]

Hate to see camera stores go out of business..it's like something is torn from the fabric of the universe.

[zen]

I shopped at Conti Cam for more than 12 years, and one salesman, Keith, saw me thru AEs and AE1s, F1s several xxDs, up to 2 5D3s, lots of lenses, lights, etc. Although their prices were, in some instances, a bit higher than B&H and Adorama, I wanted to support local businesses. More than that, when buying something new, you have the opportunity to actually handle it and test its fit and feel in your hand, let alone its functionality. Although small, CC had most of the items I wanted in stock, and if not, they were quite happy to order them in.

They announced the closing on their website around the beginning of September. They may still be having what they call their "rummage sale," but little is left.

Too bad they had to close. There's only one other camera store in town, and that's not much of one - so serious 'togs must now rely on B&H. It's another example of how the "big box" stores end up closing the smalls down. Sorry to see them go.

Zen

[Shadowman]

I shopped at Conti Cam for more than 12 years, and one salesman, Keith, saw me thru AEs and AE1s, F1s several xxDs, up to 2 5D3s, lots of lenses, lights, etc. Although their prices were, in some instances, a bit higher than B&H and Adorama, I wanted to support local businesses. More than that, when buying something new, you have the opportunity to actually handle it and test its fit and feel in your hand, let alone its functionality. Although small, CC had most of the items I wanted in stock, and if not, they were quite happy to order them in.

They announced the closing on their website around the beginning of September. They may still be having what they call their "rummage sale," but little is left.

Too bad they had to close. There's only one other camera store in town, and that's not much of one - so serious 'togs must now rely on B&H. It's another example of how the "big box" stores end up closing the smalls down. Sorry to see them go.

Zen

Another benefit of the local camera store are the classes/walkabouts/and the ability to try out the gear prior to purchasing. I cringe when I do a local search for a camera store and BestBuy pops up as choice three or four.

[LePetomane]

In the Twin Cities we are fortunate to have a very good store with four locations and another one with one location. However in Sheridan there are none. The closest well stocked one is in Bozeman, Montana where my daughter lives. I usually stop by when I am there but I am pretty well stocked with gear. I don't know if there are any in Billings, Montana.

So when I move to Sheridan full time I have the feeling that I will be buying more gear online. One of the drawbacks of living in a rural area but well worth it.

[Tringa]

It is always sad to see what appears to be (or have been) a reputable and knowledgeable store go out of business. Unfortunately this is, I suspect, a worldwide phenomenon and I have to put my hand up to helping the demise of local shops.

I do almost all of my shopping online and I don't even have the excuse that I live in an isolated place and therefore online is my only option.

If I know exactly what I want (which is often the position as I tend to do a lot of research, usually online too) then online shopping is much easier, but it certainly does not help the neighbourhood shop.

Dave

[Shadowman]

It is always sad to see what appears to be (or have been) a reputable and knowledgeable store go out of business. Unfortunately this is, I suspect, a worldwide phenomenon and I have to put my hand up to helping the demise of local shops.

I do almost all of my shopping online and I don't even have the excuse that I live in an isolated place and therefore online is my only option.

If I know exactly what I want (which is often the position as I tend to do a lot of research, usually online too) then online shopping is much easier, but it certainly does not help the neighbourhood shop.

Dave

Sometimes it does come down to availability, if I have to wait 7-10 days and pay more by shopping at the local store or get it quicker online at a lower price then I'm going online. However, sometimes the local store has deals that aren't always found online, when I purchased my Olympus micro 4/3rds years ago the store had the two kit lens deal where online only offered one kit lens; so for that purchase the brick and mortar won. I've also attended a few photowalks sponsored by my local camera store and one of the brand name retailers and they do allow you to use gear for a small cost; usually have access to the gear for four hours at less than $20 and they usually offer discounts if purchased.