Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

Daniel Smith
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

Sounds fine. Now all I have to do is find the time to zip to the nearest actual Camera Store with a selection of the gear I am interested in.

A nice drive of a bit over 450 miles will get me there.

Many of us are in rural areas with no camera stores close enough to visit without a major investment in time and travel.

Then we come to film and chemistry. Even good stores are not stocking a full selection. Ilford B&W? 4x5 to 8x10 sheet film? And forget most of them having someone with actual experience who cna answer questions.

B&H gets a lot lf my business and has for a few decades now.

Jul 31, 2024 at 09:27 PM

Gregory Edge
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

I am old enough to have grown up without the internet. Sears and a few others were the only mail order option. I really like the simplicity of sitting in my office and ordering what I need. Better selection, price and I don't need to leave the house.

There are certain things where shopping in person is better. Clothes, and shoes. I have a very large foot so just about all stores don't carry my size. I shop with Amazon for shoes. It is a pain having to try them all on and send back what doesn't fit or feel right. I miss actual shoes stores.

With photography going to B&H or Adorama is great when you need a new bag or want to see what a camera feels like in your hand. Buying it online and then selling it seems silly. I get if you use it for a month or two.

Real stores, still have their place but online is certainly about 90% of my purchases.

Before my Mom passed we tried online grocery shopping. She had trouble getting around and after about 30 minutes of shopping online she said "take me to the store. I can shop faster".

Aug 18, 2024 at 10:23 AM

OregonSun
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

Online photography stores are a step "backwards" in terms of expertise, personal relationships with customers, and healthy local economies.

They are a step "forward" in terms of convenience, price, and selection.

Aug 18, 2024 at 10:50 AM

sjms
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

i will have to say that these are not hard and true statements. i deal with a few stores that serve both those categories. they have adapted to serve a local and extended community.

all dependent to your distance from stores.

Aug 18, 2024 at 12:03 PM

marbleyfun
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

The biggest benefit of B&M is getting hands on equipment. Where I'm at it was impossible to compare a zf with an xt5. The zf wasn't anywhere to be found, the xt5 was available in one best buy. It was of course locked with a heavy cable so I couldn't even get a feel for it and it didn't even have a lens on it to try the autofocus. The specs and all of that I can get myself, self-serving reviews from youtubers need to be taken with a grain of salt, and I don't trust any advice or information from a salesman. So for me, once I have narrowed down what I want, I just want to get an opportunity to try whatever I'm considering.

Aug 19, 2024 at 02:00 PM

sjms
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Are On-line Stores a Step Backwards?

rent from borrowlens/lensrental if you are too far.

Aug 19, 2024 at 02:19 PM

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