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.

04/16/08

Cold Shoulder

by ScottEvans

Some back story. I have been going to Camera Co-Op for about 7 years and have had most good experiences. I have spent THOUSANDS,,,,not hundreds,,,THOUSANDS of dollars in this store, $5,000.00 in the last 2 years. Having said that I thought I had a good relationship with the store and they gave me deals and in turn I did not buy on-line to save money, instead I paid more at their store out of loyalty,,,well NO MORE!

The last 3 times I have been in the store I have had sales people RUN from me when I came in and I finally found out why. I was told by a photographer friend that uses the store that I was being made fun of and laughed at because I "talk too much" while there. And that they did not like talking to me. I say OK, fair enough. I will buy my Canon 1D Mark III and ALL other items form on-line retailers. I will NEVER use this store EVER again. The store is full of itself and becoming arrogant with the collapse of other camera stores in the area. The know they are the only game in town and it is starting to show it's ugly side.

Take care Camera Co-Op..,.........Scott Evans has left the building!

• Pros: None really
• Cons: Apathetic staff, arrogant and condesending, terrible parking

08/18/07

Fine camera store, somewhat snarky, semi-unprofessional staff

by plone

I bought some film and a filter accessory from this establishment on 8/18/2007.

The bearded gentleman who helped me was thoroughly knowledgeable and helpful in

helping me make my purchases. After completing my sale, I heard him and another

gentleman (the younger bearded gentleman) make some uncharitable remarks about me

under their breath, while I was about 6 feet away from them. This was thoroughly

unprofessional behavior, the kind that sours one from patronizing an otherwise

outstanding camera store in the future. While Houston Camera Exchange are rude

to your face, a few of the clerk at Camera Co-op I presume save their snide remarks

after you've completed the sale. Lame.

• Pros: relatively competitive pricing on used gear
• Cons: somewhat snide, unprofessional staff

06/02/07

Best Camera Shop That I've Found In Houston

by johnnyg77083

Camera Co-Op is definitely the best camera shop that I've visited in Houston.

I visited there today and I felt immediately welcomed. I asked a clerk a question and got a very friendly answer. I asked him if a case would fit a particular lens and he immediately went and opened a box with a new lens in it and fit it into the case. He never removed the plastic bag around the lens which I liked. The case fit and I bought it.

I had the opportunity later to speak to 2 more employees about different items and they were extremely friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable.

I was used to going to another camera shop on Richmond where the employees were very unhelpful and not friendly. They struck me as wanting the sale only and not caring whether I got the right information. They always wanted to up-sell me to a more expensive product and even insulted me saying I should switch brands of camera to the one they liked. I just can't stand that store!

In closing I have to say that the Camera Co-Op is a breath of fresh air when shopping for camera equipment and the BEST CAMERA SHOP IN HOUSTON!

• Pros: Sales staff friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful.
• Cons: Might need a little more stock.

06/09/06

Mixed Bag - customer service needs improvement

by semipro001

I'm a semi-pro wedding shooter, and I've had mixed experiences with Camera Co Op. About half the time, the staff is helpful and knowledgable. But there is one salesman who seems to be indifferent, unwilling to talk about the equipment, and seems generally unhappy to be there.

They usually have the film I need, but in this age of dwindling film choices, they have consistently given me poor information about stock. I asked recently if Kodak HIE infrared would still be around and the salesman said that Kodak has discontinued it. I drove down to Houston Camera Exchange and lo and behold, not only do they have it in stock, but they tell me Kodak is still making it. I check online, and it's true, as of June 2006, Kodak is still making and selling infrared film in 35mm. This kind of sloppy service (couldn't someone just look it up or even...>ahem< call Kodak while I'm there???) is something that I have come to expect from

Camera Co Op and they only reason I go there is because I live near it.

I think they rely on their continued relationship to older and long-standing customers. I have seen salesmen there act a bit rude with "newbies" and I think it's a shame. It seems to me that it's their job not only to sell to pros, but to encourage new photographers and beginners on their journey -- even if they come in saying that the item is cheaper online.

On the other side of the coin, I've noticed that their prices for camera gear (lenses and bodies) are more competitive than Houston Camera Exchange. Despite my seeming list of criticisms, I believe it is important to keep smaller stores in business.

10/22/05

Great staff and customer service

by emotivephoto

I use Camera Co-Op exclusively. The staff is professional without being stuffy. Unlike the rude and condescending staff at Houston Camera Exchange I find the Camera Co-Op staff friendly and more than helpful.

I always receive fantastic customer service. As a professional photographer I need a store that has fresh film and paper and they always do. Their prices are as cheap as on-line ordering. I highly recommend.

• Pros: Staff, products, service
• Cons: parking is bad

09/02/05

As a Professional Photographer

by everpark

As a professional photographer I rely on my sources for film, paper and chemistry to be absolutely fresh and uncompromised. The fact that those items are non-returnable is extremely important so I don't end up with film/paper that's been fogged because someone left it in their car in 100+ degrees Houston heat after realizing they bought the wrong film. The integrity of this store is absolute and they deserve every accolade for providing their customers with the best and freshest supplies available. This store is full of helpful and talented employees who know their stuff.

• Pros: Experienced Staff, Friendly Staff, Plenty of Gear

05/31/05

I love Camera Co-op, I just realized they moved

by mediuma

I have not been to Camera Co-op in a year or so, maybe a bit longer. I went to visit and realized they moved! I have been buying photography supplies at this store since 94 or so. The staff is totally willing to help and have wonderful suggestions and their prices are pretty great, I have gotten some wonderful deals. I highly recommend this store!!

• Pros: helpful staff, large selection, great prices
• Cons: n/a, n/a, n/a