In the Seattle area, Kenmore Camera. They offer the old-fashioned personal touch, great if there is something you want to touch and try before you buy.
I used to deal with The Camera Store in Calgary, but their service slowly got worse and worse to the point where I was waiting weeks for them to get items in stock (which may not have been their fault). The last straw for me was when they changed from their simple easy to use website to a new clunky and overly complicated web design for their site.
I switched over to Henry's in the Toronto area, not the lowest prices but great service and with multiple brick and mortar stores they always have an item in stock and get it shipped out right away, often the next day and with free shipping on orders over $250, which as we all know is all too easy to exceed when buying camera gear
For me its a tie between the FM B&S Forum, and Roberts Imaging in Indianapolis. Beyond the two of them, I occasionally make a purchase from B&H or Adorama, but more times that not, Roberts will match or better B&H/ Adorama pricing.
J&R has taken over for B&H in my book they are awesome to deal with and they have a 30 day return.
I might as well list a few others you can't go wrong with
Adorama but as of late I have gotten a little ticked at them but not enough to stop using
Canoga
Allens camera is also one of my favs and Allen is a greta guy to deal with
I haven't bought much stuff yet, so I've used 3 different stores. 2/3 were great.
Canoga Camera: I got my 400L f/5.6 from them and it got here fast and well packed, all while having the best price around. They called to confirm my order about 20 minutes after I clicked BUY, and were very pleasant. Shipped it right after the call.
B&H: I just ordered a new Crumpler camera strap, and a rocket blower for my Christmas. got here in 2 days.
The only less than great experience was when I first ordered my camera. I dealt with one of the NY/NJ stores that have a different name every time you look. They called wanting to sell me overpriced UV filters and CF cards, but weren't pushy about it. The main problem was that they waited about a week to ship my 2nd-day air package that I spent 25 bucks on.
To me at the moment, it's whoever saves me the most money. I"m loyal to my pocketbook and my wife along with the family I want to make with her some day.
While 10-100 bucks here or there doesn't break me, it may add up to a new water heater or roof on a home that we may buy.
I used BH, and I generally like them. However they wouldn't price match me on a few thousand dollar order. The difference was like 160 bucks. To them, probably a drop in the bucket. The guy was a jerk, so I went to Canoga Camera.
I've bought some other things from BH, and the shipping was messed up, damaged boxes. BH took great care of me. Henry here even forwarded the pictures and information to his people.
Since I started the business, if I order online and it's not in PA, I have to pay sale's tax unless it's a product that has an end user who will be charged, so buying from PA is usually better for me.
So I call Allen's Camera. Their camera bodies and lenses are usually cheaper than anywhere else, and when I factor in the tax, it makes it even better to deal with them. (When I buy online, I've got to fill out a form when I file my quarterlies...when I deal with Allen's, there's nothing extra to worry about).
Some stuff at Allen's isn't cheaper, or they don't carry it so I look elsewhere.
I have bought from BH, Allens, Canoga, OC Camera, Ritz, eBay, York Camera and a few others that I'm forgetting.
The bottom line, price/convenience sometimes trump service for me. Since you're ordering online or on the phone, most of the people really don't give a crap how you feel. Most of them want you to order and to never call back with a problem.
The advantage of Adorama and B&H recently is that they (like Amazon) offer free shipping on a lot of stuff, which really helps save money on small items.
I tried going local again last week, buying a bag from my local Calumet, and that went horribly wrong when it turned out I got the wrong strap and the correct strap had gone missing in the store so they had to order it from another store yada yada yada. Anyway, the upshot is that I'm gonna have to wait an additional week to get the complete bag, having driven across town three times in the process, when I could have ordered it tax free with free shipping online. Makes me remember why I like shopping online
I like B&H's selection, and customer service is great, however the shipping charges to Canada are of the orifice-violating variety unless buying a big-ticket item.
In Vancouver, Canada I'd go to Leo's Camera Supply. Their staff is amazing and can get all the lenses in that others can't. An excellent specialty camera shop that will get my business once I can afford a semi-pro body and a Zeiss or 2.
