DC Area Camera Store

[panthersdan]

I'm wondering if any good brick and mortar camero stores remain in the Washington DC area (and please don't tell me Ritz Camera). Is Photo Pro in Kensington still around? Has anyone heard good/bad things about Penn Camera, Photo Craft or Embassy Camera? I am looking for a place I can go and look at bodies and lenses, yet not get a hard sell/push to purchase.

On a related subject - can any of these places compete with the online sellers on price? I feel bad, and all, about going and taking their time to try things out just to leave and order online because it's that much cheaper. Is that wrong of me? Thanks.

[AngryCorgi]

Penn Camera is the only one I ever used because they never made me want to use anyone else. They have a 2 week (or did a year ago when I lived there) no-questions-asked full-money-back return policy and they usually have a good stock of equipment. They also have some very good prices for a brick and mortar.

I used the one in Springfield and occasionally Tyson's Corner. Both are good, but the Tyson's Corner location usually has a larger used selection and is a larger store altogether. They have maybe a 50% larger selection (secondary gear) on display, but generally have the same new lens and camera body stock as the Springfield location.

[-MasterChief-]

if youre in the Rockville Area, there is a Penn Camera there by Rockville Pike (where the CompUSA used to be -- i think its a Best Buy now). ask for Joe, he's a good guy and very knowledgeable.

[AngryCorgi]

Penn Camera Policy:

"We strive to insure that your receive quality service and merchandise. However we realize that you may need to return an item to us. To assure full credit for your returns, please do the following:

Please inspect your order immediately upon receipt. We will accept return of any item(s) within 14 days from date of receipt. We cannot accept returns after this authorized return period.

To assure full credit is issued, all items must be returned in original condition. All warranty cards (must be blank), product manuals, etc must be in original, unaltered condition. Do not tape or deface the manufacturer's original product cartons. Returns that are received in other than original condition will be subject to a 15% restock fee. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable."

And that's why I love them. I actually bought a 100-400L and took it to Brazil for a week to test, found it to be insanely soft and returned it on the 9th day. As long as it looks like its never been touched, you can return it rather than hassle with sending it into Canon. How can you beat that?

[panthersdan]

Sounds like they'd be the place to visit to try out some of the bodies and lenses I am considering. Too bad they don't have a price matching policy. Or do they?

[Jon]

Penn Camera's your best bet. Photo Pro's not really there any more. There's something there but I wouldn't expect much. They were selling everything off a couple of years ago and really pulled in. They'd gotten up to occupying the whole building but now it's a passport photo, quick developing and copy machine place in about 1/3 of the place (pretty much the part that used to be a pet store).

[Mark1]

I have been on and off with Penn Camera for almost 20 years. They are great and knowledgable, but prices are a bit highe than online. But I still get some stuff from them.

The CompUSA is now a Micro Center not BB. Well worht the time to go throught it if you go to the Rockville Penn.

[panthersdan]

I have been on and off with Penn Camera for almost 20 years. They are great and knowledgable, but prices are a bit highe than online. But I still get some stuff from them.

The CompUSA is now a Micro Center not BB. Well worht the time to go throught it if you go to the Rockville Penn.

Do you find that you get the smaller, less expensive items from them and order the larger price differential items from an online vendor? I can appreciate the value of a good brick and mortar store, but not to the tune of hundreds of dollars.

[Jon]

Don't forget about their Used stuff; I've gotten several big items there for good prices. And I do use 'em for small stuff if I'm not about to do a large order.

[Mark1]

Do you find that you get the smaller, less expensive items from them and order the larger price differential items from an online vendor? I can appreciate the value of a good brick and mortar store, but not to the tune of hundreds of dollars.

For the most part yes. I love to support local. But not to the point where I lose out on the deal. I have bought a lens, a bag, and several accessories there in the recent past. But If the savings is significant I go online. Adorama is overnight to me because I am kinda close to thier distribution center. Even though I specify the cheap shipping, it gets here next day. B&H is 2 day, but mainly because they are slower to get stuff out to the shipper. I dont mind paying a few dollars more. But when I can buy another accessory when buying else ware for the same money, I will.

[DaCubanSkillz]

Ever since I got into photography, I've been using Penn Camera. I go to the Tyson's location. If you go there, ask for Dante. He just doesn't work Friday-Sunday. He's helped me with alot of things and never once pushed anything on me that i didn't want. He also helped me get the best price on a lens. And if they don't have it, then they will in a few days of ordering it.

Penn Camera will price match the competitors. My friend went looking for a battery grip and B&H had it for $40.00 less and they matched the price. Also, the Tyson's location has rentals there.

[panthersdan]

They'll price match!!! That's sweet. I didn't see that on their website (maybe they don't advertise the fact). But that's good to know. Thanks for the info!!!

[DaCubanSkillz]

This was the wording that was in an email I got back in December.

"We match all local retailers' advertised prices Guaranteed!

Price Guarantee good for up to 14 days after purchase, does not include clearance, liquidation, demos, or open box items, ads must be print ads."

But like I mentioned before, my friend went in there saying B&H had it cheaper and they went on the site to see and they accepted that and offered him the grip for the same price. I guess it depends on the salesman if they'll get strict with it or not.