Recommend stores in Ft. Worth/Arlington?

[Mike]

Can anyone recommend any good (non-chain) camera stores/suppliers in the Ft. Worth/Arlington area? I'll be visiting family there next weekend (Oct. 7-8) and would like to do some shopping.
Thanks......Mike

[Joe_Lorenzini]

www.fortworthcamera.com

New store is located at 3326 W. 7th Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

Never been so I have no idea on how good the place is.

[Panther]

Howdy Mike,

There's 2 stores in the area, one is Fort Worth Camera Supply that Joe mentioned. It's owned by a really nice and knowledgeable young man, Jeff has been doing a lot for the local photography clubs in the area, and is really building up a great store with every feature that you can think of.

The other store is Arlington Camera,it has been in Business for a long time, but I haven't done much business with them in a while, nothing bad, I just don't live that close to them anymore

If you need more info please don't hesitate to ask!!

[CaptainTom]

I frequent Ft. Worth Camera and can vouch for them wholeheartedly. Most of their prices are as near to the internet stores as a retailer can get. They have a moderate inventory of accessories, and a lot of cameras/lenses. They are knowledgable, and don't mind spending time conversing with the customers. There is also a great coffee shop in the same building.

Arlington Camera has a lot of High end lighting that Ft. Worth Camera doesn't keep on the floor ( I don't know if they have it in stock). Darkroom equipment? Arlington Camera.

Neither store is particularly hard to find, but for a visitor it would be best to call them when you get in the area and get specific directions.

[Roy]

Been to both of the ones everyone mentioned. No complaints on either one. You pay a little more but you get service and instant gratification. Some knowledgable people at both locations. Everytime I've been to Arlington Camera they are very busy. I've only been to Fort Worth Camera once and it was early afternoon on a week day. I think they both close on Sunday.

[ShutteredEye]

Vote here for Arlington Camera.

Vote against Wolf Camera in S. Arlington. I've NEVER been happy with the service there.

[KeithnFW]

Just wanted to chime in and say that Fort Worth Camera on 7th Street is the best. . . When I bought my Canon 300D last year the lady went over everything with me about it. . .really took the time and I was impressed. It's the only local camera retailer I visit.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by Joe_Lorenzini

www.fortworthcamera.com

New store is located at 3326 W. 7th Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

Seemed like a pretty good store. I have only been once since I don't live in the area. I was "helped" by a NOT very knowledgeable girl who gave me the non-IS version of the IS lens that I reserved, and I forgot to check that feature. It was my first tiger shoot so I spent some money and time even to get there. The other people behind the counbter seemed great. I was hoping one of them would help me instead, but oh well.

[byarger]

I have shopped at Arlington Camera for twenty plus years. They are always friendly and knowledgeable, but always very busy. Sometimes the number of people becomes an accelerating factor for me when I'm there. I tend to rush in, get what I need and get out. Their prices are competitive, but not always as good as on-line. Their service is good. And getting your hands on a product and checking it out in person is worth the cost differential (any price and tax).

[PeteQ]

Between FW and Arlington, I vote for Arlington Camera. I bounce between stores in FW and Dallas and I have had good luck everywhere but FW Camera. I have not had good service there, whether it was buying $10 worth of goodies to getting a price on $7K+ of equipment. Perhaps they thought I was only "kicking the tires" but I was treated like I was wasting their time. Maybe I was just unlucky... I drove the thity minutes to Competitive in Dallas (AC didn't stock what I needed) and spent my money there. I have read a lot of gripes on different forums about CC but I have had great luck with all my purchases and they have backed the product when it had a problem and provided me with a replacement, no hassles. I like that.

Likewise I have always had good luck with Arlington Camera and their staff. They are my first stop always. My only complaint about AC is that I wish they had a larger Nikon rental department.

Pete

[cmalana]

If you don't mind the drive to Dallas - which may not be more than 30 minutes depending on where you are (probably less if you're in Arlington), I'd check out Competitive Cameras in Dallas. I have had great transactions with them and have done any new major purchases there.

They stock pretty much everything (including the newer stuff like the Canon 5D and the 24-105/f4L lens) and are very knowledgeable. Look for Eugene (he's one of the owners).

BTW, after evaluating my options, I just purchased a Canon 5D from them.

[Jake]

I've had good luck with Fort Worth Camera and Arlington Camera, but Arlington is always so busy.

Originally Posted by cmalana

BTW, after evaluating my options, I just purchased a Canon 5D from them.

Carlos, what are you going to do with your old camera? It a 20D Right?

[cmalana]

Keeping it

5D is a completely different camera. I expect to be using the 20D for sports or when I need reach. 5D will see most other use.

Also, my fiance regularly shoots events now including sports so the 300D is going to be on the market this week.

[Mike]

Thanks very much for the responses from all of you. It's good that they seem to reinforce each other, and that's reassuring for someone coming in from "the sticks" of South Texas. I'll start with Arlington Camera, and perhaps make my way to Fort Worth Camera, too, while I drive by my old haunts at TCU.
--- Mike

[ShutteredEye]

Originally Posted by cmalana

Keeping it

5D is a completely different camera. I expect to be using the 20D for sports or when I need reach. 5D will see most other use.

Also, my fiance regularly shoots events now including sports so the 300D is going to be on the market this week.

I'll start the bidding at $5.