What's a good camera store in Toronto?

July 10, 2005 2:58 PM

What's a good camera store in Toronto?

I'm looking to buy a Nikon D70s and a lens or two. I've taken pictures for years (yeah, who hasn't), know an f-stop from a focal length and, thanks to my previous job, hung around with a number of top-notch photogs. In other words, I'm not a newbie nor a professional. Price is not my preeminent concern -- if it was, I'd go to one of those electronics joints on Yonge; I am looking for a store with decent prices but, more importantly, a knowledgeable staff who won't treat me like a rube or an open wallet. Any ideas? Any favourites?

posted by docgonzo to shopping (11 comments total)

Thanks for any/all responses...!
posted by docgonzo at 3:01 PM on July 10, 2005

My roommate and one of my best friends are photographers, and one of my other friends is a photographer and works at Black's. I'll ask around.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 3:29 PM on July 10, 2005

I recommend the store that's just a door or two north of Sunrise records at Yonge and Dundas. I always forget what it's called. The man you want in there is Carlos though I haven't been in in over a year and he may be gone. He was always super helpful and honest with me.
posted by dobbs at 4:01 PM on July 10, 2005

My friend shall be emailing you, if he hasn't already.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 4:54 PM on July 10, 2005

I'm sure I won't be the only one to suggest Henry's, at Church and Queen. Although I've found the staff to be a bit hit or miss there. They don't go in for a hard sell, but they are certainly trying to sell. Also, some staff members aren't as knowledgeable (I've had to point out important camera features that they didn't know existed). Don't be afraid to ask for a second staff member's opinion (or come in a second time), since you'll be spending quite a bit of coin.
posted by nprigoda at 6:44 PM on July 10, 2005

I second Henry's.
I brought a bunch of old super8's in there to try and revive, and I was able to get a small bit transferred to tape.
posted by Radio7 at 10:19 PM on July 10, 2005

Vistek is another.
posted by squeak at 11:22 PM on July 10, 2005

My thoughts:

It has been a long time since I went to a store expecting the salesperson to know more than I do about my purchase. The internet has enabled me to do all the research I can handle (i.e., get the opinion of dozens/hundreds of people instead of one salesperson) before I make my purchase. So when I buy now, it is mostly about price, but taking into account repair and warranty as well.

Consider researching your needs online, and then buying based on price. You will learn more AND save money.

If it is a sense of community you are craving you might be better off joing a photo club.
posted by SNACKeR at 4:56 AM on July 11, 2005

The place north of Sunrise is probably Aden Camera. Why they have two locations so close to each other, I don't know.
posted by chrominance at 10:05 AM on July 11, 2005

I would urge you against Henry's, actually. I find the staff to be rude and misinformed and their prices higher than other large stores. They are often out of stock as well. I don't think they have any compelling reason to shop there.

chrominance, no, I'm not referring to Aden Camera. I believe Aden is on the corner of Yonge and whatever that little street is. I don't like that place--the staff are snooty and don't like to spend time answering questions.

The place I'm talking about is between Aden and Sunrise, on the same side of the street. It's a huge shop. It may be Japan Camera or something like that. Again, ask for Carlos. If you talk to him and decide you want to buy, you can literally say, "What's the best price you can give me on this? I want to buy today and am paying cash." (assuming you are) And he will knock some off the sticker price.
posted by dobbs at 10:25 AM on July 11, 2005

SNACKeR, photo clubs -- and especially ones in a big city like Toronto -- I've always found to be snooty and cliquey.

As for a store, I like Aden, but some people have had bad experiences. Downtown Camera at Queen and Church are also good and helpful.
posted by scruss at 7:12 AM on July 19, 2005 [1 favorite]