Used Camera Store in MD?

April 4, 2008 12:26 PM

Does anyone know of a good shop in the Maryland/DC area that sells used/refurbished cameras?

I tried Googling for one. The one I did find that had nice things written about it is now closed (which I only found out about after driving all the way out to find it). I know I can buy a used camera on eBay, but I thought it might be nice to go to a store and talk to someone, and actually hold the camera in my hands. There are stores that sell brand new ones, but I'd kind of like to buy a cheaper old one that I can just play around with.

posted by bluefly to shopping (9 comments total)

Why not just test drive the camera in the store and buy a used one off Craigslist?
posted by junesix at 12:38 PM on April 4, 2008

There's a store on F St NW between 12th and 13th that seemed to have some used. I've never been in it though.
posted by meta_eli at 12:55 PM on April 4, 2008

I think Penn may sell used. If not, they'd likely have someone who could tell you where to go.
posted by zennie at 12:59 PM on April 4, 2008

Junesix, the problem with the stores that only sell the newest cameras is that if I want one that is recently out of date (just replaced by a newer model), then they won't have them. I'll call Penn and see if they sell used. Thanks.
posted by bluefly at 1:22 PM on April 4, 2008

If you're willing to drive up to Baltimore, Service Photo sells used equipment. I have never shopped there myself, but it's been recommended to me by several people.

Penn does rentals, so they may sell off older rental equipment as used.
posted by weebil at 2:25 PM on April 4, 2008

I haven't been into the Penn Camera at Federal Plaza in Rockville, MD in about a year, but they've always had a lot of used hardware in the display cases.

Their sales staff has always been far above average in knowledge of the products they sell. I don't know how they handle warranties on their second hand items, but I'd ask before buying (as I would anywhere).

I've dropped well into five figures with the parent company over the years and I've never had a problem.
posted by imjustsaying at 2:30 PM on April 4, 2008

I've never bought a camera from Penn but when I've bought anything there I've always had a great experience with helpful and friendly staff
posted by majikstreet at 5:13 PM on April 4, 2008

Service Camera in B-more is great, as is Penn in Rockville. Staff both places have always been friendly.
posted by zadiecharbon at 8:02 AM on April 5, 2008

Falls Camera in Arlington used to be the go-to place for years. I can't seem to find a current website for them, though; possibly they have moved or gone out of business. Anybody know?
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:21 PM on April 5, 2008