10/29/09

Decent store, but do your homework on products.

by Emeza

I've been going to Camera Co Op since I first took a B&W photo class in high school and needed to purchase my first real camera. The employee who attended to me that time gave me a reasonable deal on a used camera and all the necessary equipment to get me started. I've been going back ever since even after the move and I've never really had a problem as far as the employees, they've always been pretty helpful for instance I once went in with an old polaroid pack camera and asked for help with film and an employee went through the trouble of cleaning the camera's battery contacts and loading the film and showing me how to use the camera outside as it wasn't as simple as just pressing a button. Recently I went in and asked another employee to recommend some rechargeable AA's and he handed me a charger and 4 battery combo and rang me up, I went home feeling I got a good product but the batteries were dead on arrival even though they were advertised as being ready to use out of the package, I've since charged them and used them in different flashes and cameras and I keep getting terrible results, these batteries were hardly worth the 40 dollars I paid for them and i've gone back to using my rechargeable energizers. I just wish they wouldn't recommend/sell such lousy products or at least refund my money on what I believe was a lemon.

• Pros: knowledgeable staff, wide selection
• Cons: faulty products, return policy needs improvement

01/03/09

Highly Recommended!

by Txana

My husband and I are completely new to digital SLR cameras. We went here looking for a lens, not really knowing what we needed. All the staff that helped us were extremely helpful, friendly, professional, and helped us without talking "down to us". The first lens we purchased was apparently not compatible with our camera, and we had to go back to the store two or three times within an hour, before it finally became apparent that it was not compatible. Each time they were unfailingly smiling, helpful, and as glad to see us as they were the first time we entered the store. We ended up purchasing another lens; after the trouble we'd had, the manager even gave us an exceptionally good deal. We also traded in some old 33mm equipment we no longer use, and found some small accessories I'd been unable to find elsewhere. Prices are very reasonable. We'll go here again and again!

• Pros: friendly, knowledgeable staff, good variety of used and new equipment
• Cons: parking a little hard to get in & out of, limited parking

07/21/08

Very Good Store & Staff

by MikeCen

A friend referred me to Camera Co/Op on Durham because he found the people there to be very friendly and helpful. My friend told me this over my cell phone as I was leaving a well known camera store on Richmond where I received almost no help at all. When I arrived at Camera Co/Op I met Erwin who led me through a very significant purchase (for me at least). He was patient and he carefully answered my questions. He even introduced me to their used lens inventory when I reacted to the price of a very nice new lens. I wound up with a new camera and lens, together with a very nice used lens, for what I was prepared to pay for just the camera and one lens. The internet stores do not do this. While I was there I found the atmosphere there was quiet in spite of what seemed to be steady foot traffic for the two or so hours I was there. No one rushed me or appeared frustrated with my questions. And, they had what I wanted in stock. Finally, Erwin was careful to explain the warranties and the store's return policy so there would be no misunderstanding later on. I really appreciated this. I hope this store remains in business in spite of the internet market.