I brought in my camera for service/cleaning because there was a weird spot in the lens. I purchased the lens from a camera store in Indiana (on eBay) and it was sold to me as blemish-free... but that spot was there in most of my images. Camera Wholesalers did extensive testing with my lens and two of their own lenses, including a brand-new one. They also did a super-detailed look at the sensor. It turns out the spot was internal to the used lens and couldn't be repaired in-house, but the owner of Camera Wholesalers talked me through the options and costs. I ended up returning the lens to Indiana for a full refund, which was accomplished based on CW's investigation. I feel badly that I couldn't afford a new lens from CW, but they have exactly what I need in stock and the service is exceptional. They've earned a customer for life for any camera issue, and when I finally start making some money in photography I will purchase my new stuff from them exclusively! In the mean time I figured an epic review couldn't hurt. Go there. Support them. They are great. read more

They seem to have "no" as their default response. Moreover, their website indicates that they have film developing services, but when I visited the store, they advised that turnaround time is up to 4-6 weeks since all services are performed offsite and that the vendor only performs developing services when they get enough orders to justify running the machine. Ridiculous. I brought in two Leica cameras for CLA service. They said they don't service these particular Leica cameras despite the fact that they hold themselves out as a Leica dealer and expert. Basically, they were useless. read more

Called to inquire about used camera equipment for sale and was immediately interrupted when trying to explain what I was seeking. I was then given a lecture and mansplained information about a medium format camera that I've had for years being discontinued (which I already knew, I traveled to Japan to get the body) and talked down to and patronized for even inquiring about buying a lens here to begin with. Was eager to come back here to purchase 120 mm film since I'm new to the area, but will happily be taking my business elsewhere. Gross, disrespectful and sexist behavior. Photo indicates sales associate responding to my review vs taking accountability and trying to remedy the situation. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs. CAMERA BAR in Hartford, CT and CLASSIC CONNECTION FINE CAMERA in Fairfield have phenomenal, respectful and knowledgeable staff that won't make you feel bad about asking ANY educated question. They were both able to help me purchase what I needed. Film is also better priced at these locations as well. It's the principle. No one ever wants to feel spoken down to when calling to ask a question about a hobby they love and are passionate about. It's not what you say, but how you say it and replying to a review to defend poor behavior from your establishment isn't a good look. It just enables the behavior to continue to other quality customers. Definitely glad to say I'm not allowed here anymore as the treatment I received is something I don't want to ever experience again and have found 2 new places in CT that I can regularly frequent for my film photography needs! read more

Camera Wholesalers - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

If it was possible to give zero stars, I would. This is one of the worst online shopping experiences ever. I placed an online order 6/28/24 after confirming with them that they had the camera I wanted in stock. I received an email confirmation, then nothing. I contacted their customer support multiple times to follow up about delivery, but received no response. I did receive a voicemail message from their "verification" department, asking me to confirm or cancel my order. I responded with a message (you can't actually get a human) to confirm my order and again asked for delivery information. No response. Then on 7/2/24, without explanation, I received an email cancelling my order. Thankfully, the charge on my credit card remained "pending" so I anticipate that it will just fall away. If not, you can bet I'll take it up with the CC company. I'm not sure how these guys manage to stay in business. My advice is to STAY AWAY! read more

Don't buy online!!! Camera Wholesalers sold me a Sony digital camera manufactured in 2009, without divulging on their website that this was old, discontinued merchandise. I bought the camera in early December for a Christmas gift. We didn't realize the camera was old until opening it on X-mas day. There's a CD included in the box to hook up to your computer ... THAT'S HOW OLD THIS IS!!! Took it to the camera store to buy a memory stick, only to find they are difficult to buy new. Contacted the store directly, they told me to email the warehouse. Warehouse said it was too late to return the camera due to their return policy. Looked on the website for the return policy, and found nothing but a blank white screen. They promised a supervisor would be in touch, and it's been crickets for a month! Emailed again yesterday, and nothing. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS STORE! read more

Camera Wholesalers - Not exactly state of the art equipment! - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

They sold me a defective camera, made me pay to ship it to get warranty repair which never happened for 3 months, always had excuses and never returned calls....avoid this store! read more

I wish I could give ZERO stars. I ordered a camera over a week ago, and was promised delivery within 48 hours. I emailed them to confirm delivery, with no response. Called the number, was confirmed and promised I'd have it in two days. My daughter is getting married, and my camera died and I needed this replacement. I ordered two weeks before it was time to head out for the wedding. I called two days later (it had not shipped yet) and was told that the contact phone number was not for internet sales. You had to communicate via email ONLY. The problem is--they would not answer my emails. Several days went by. No response. I saw that they offered a government and student discount, so emailed those people and got a response--and "sure, we can offer a discount." (Don't think this is a happy ending--it's not.) I finally got a response saying that they screwed up and they didn't actually have the camera. At this point, it'd been nearly a week. I asked them when they'd get more...no response. NO response to the discount, either. Time was counting down quickly until it was too late and I'd be stuck with my iPhone as a camera for the wedding. When I threatened to cancel my order, they responded in seconds. (so they do read their emails...but just choose not to answer..). They said they'd ship on Tuesday...but then wouldn't confirm via email, refused to answer my questions about the promised discounts, and wouldn't consider overnight shipping (even though I had paid for it). This was too much! Finally, I reached out to a different store (Milford Photo in CT) and they had the camera. They sent it OVERNIGHT to be sure I had it for my daughter's wedding. NO issues. They even gave me a discount (which I believe was because they felt badly about my experience here at Camera Wholesalers). This has been two weeks of never-ending stress, and I cannot recommend this seller. There is no way to talk to them if you order online. There is no way to ask questions, or try to straighten out logistics. This is no way to do business. I posted a negative review, but when you go look at reviews, they have it set up so that negative reviews do not show up. Now, THAT is a scam. Beware! read more

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS. This is my first Yelp review but I figured it was necessary to warn others about my experience. I went into the store to get my Sony A9 cleaned along with 4 lenses (over $10K worth of Equipment). They were nice enough when I was there and took my order and told me that they now send off everything for cleaning to a third party. They also said that it would take two weeks to get the camera back and made sure that I was okay with that. I was okay with that. It is now over a month after that transaction took place and after repeated phone calls, asking for the status of the service, they finally told me that not only has the equipment not been finished yet, that they doubt that it has even been looked at. I told them that I needed it back if it was going to take any longer and they told me that they had no way of contacting the 3rd party company other than via email because the company doesn't pick up phone calls. They said that at times it takes a week or so for them to even get a response to the emails. I finally asked for the email of the 3rd party company so that I could reach out myself and not only did the store manager Tim refuse to give me the email, he also admitted that he doesn't even know the name of the company that he sends stuff out to. He told me that the warehouse handles that. I told him that he could find out from the warehouse and get back to me. He refused to do so and said that he would send the an email requesting that they just send my equipment back to the store, but assured me that it wouldn't be back within a week and said that he isn't really sure if they will even respond to him by then. I have since contacted the authorities in hopes of getting my equipment returned to me. LONG STORY SHORT.....I HAVE NO CAMERA, NO LENSES, NO IDEA WHERE THEY ARE, NO IDEA WHEN OR IF I WILL GET THEM BACK. read more

Poor attitude of the owner on top of a 20% restocking fee. I try to support local businesses but I'll be buying my camera gear online from now on. read more

What a ripoff, but the only camera store around for miles. Needed an SD card, prefer to shop local retailers. Paid 59.95, assumed that would in the ballpark of most brick and mortar. Nope, 19.95 to 22.00 is the list price everywhere else. read more

I paid for a lens last Friday and I keep reaching out to see when it will ship and NO ONE ever answers. Complete radio silence. Crickets. I've called and they say I have to email. If you guys sold me a back ordered lens or if you've ripped me off entirely I'm pissed. I guess my next step is to call a lawyer and my credit card company and tell them this is fraud. read more

Overall the camera purchase advice was helpful. They matched the prices from B and H so that was helpful. But then they over charged me and I went back in once and had to call twice for them to reverse the charges. They told me I needed my camera sensor cleaned so I did it. It was close to $90 and I did not see any difference. Hard to know who to trust in the camera business. I tried to shop locally. read more

Save yourself the time, hassle and energy and take your business elsewhere. These guys are a complete Mickey Mouse outfit. How they're still in business is beyond me. Shop can't talk to the warehouse, online orders can only be dealt with via email and the support team at the warehouse can't even be bothered to read emails properly. Single handedly the worst online shopping experience I've had in years. Wish I'd read the other reviews beforehand. read more

I agree - DON'T GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR BUSINESS. If I could this review would be ZERO STARS!! I had the unfortunate responsibility to return to this place of "business" twice. Both times I had problems with the business and owner. I made the mistake of bringing a second picture to him before I received the first. The color of the first picture was completely off, for some reason it had a blue/purple tint to the entire photo. But I decided to give them a second chance ("decided" I had already given the second photo so there was no choice, I had to go back). I took a 4X6 in for enlargement to an 8x10. It should have been a simple process. Was told 10 days - 2 weeks, but it took a month. When I went to pick it up, it was blurry and there were spots all over my daughter's face. I said I didn't want it. The owner, Tim, said I couldn't reject it because he still had to pay the lab. Why wouldn't he tell the lab their work was terrible and reject it from them himself? He had the nerve to bring out a magnifying glass to show me that there were small spots in the original. He should have said the enlargement wouldn't come out well and to not even bother doing it. I paid him only because I didn't want him to have my daughter's picture. The worst customer service I have ever experienced and I will tell everyone I know not to go there. read more

Lee was interested in buying a Sony Alpha camera, but he was a little apprehensive at just purchasing a camera online, because one of the important factors in buying a camera is how it feels in your hands - if it's too heavy, it won't get used. Their website is kind of mediocre as to what they carry, but a quick phone call was able to confirm that the camera we were looking for was in stock. So, we went over there and the sales staff was really helpful, allowing us to handle the camera and make a decision about buying it (which we did.) They let us know to come in if we ever had any questions, and I've stopped in a couple of times to pick up various accessories. You won't get this kind of service at Amazon or Best Buy. read more

Horrible company, possible scammers. I ordered an instock item April 16th. It was supposed to arrive 2-5 days later. I have been charged 3700, i have no item, i am unable to get a response to an email, when i call website, I'm told it is a different company that has no phone but usually responds to emails promptly. They have been holding my money hostage and it looks like my card's fraud protection is my only option. From reading the other reviews it's clear they do not have the item they said they did and are trying to order it with my money. The 'temporary authorization' was for the full amount and i cannot even contact them to cancel. Since they used a temporary authorization you cannot dispute it with paypal but the money is absolutely gone from my account. This is a company that has a clear track record of shady if not illegal practices. Just don't do it. read more

I decided to look past the negative reviews and still give this place a chance and it was the worst mistake I've made. They sent out my camera for repair in early September and they gave me an estimate of 4 weeks. It is now 9 months and I have zero information about my camera or it's repair status. I call and call and they refuse to give me any information other than they'll check the status and call me back but never do. Feel like I've been scammed... please do not go here. read more

I preordered a new released camera on their online store. When I followed up the status they did not reply emails. After about a week my order was canceled for no reason. I asked and they told me it was not approved and that's it. I ended up have to ordered it from another store and was put to the end of a waitlist. 10 days were wasted and this led to a much longer delay of the ETA. read more

Love this place, knowledgeable people, used equipment, ample parking. Bought my Leica Q2 here and got it at a price that I couldn't find online. Delighted to find a small local business with Soch costumer service! read more

Don't expect to receive your order on time or even receive it. Also, don't even bother to send support an email, they will NOT respond. Conclusion, go elsewhere. read more

Daniel at Camera Wholesalers is so helpful when it comes to navigating the camera universe! His knowledge about camera equipment across brands makes it easy to find the right equipment for you. With his help we picked a camera I might not have looked at otherwise for my daughter who is spending. A year abroad. Additionally, he offered to give us pointers on how to use it. You can't get that from amazon! read more

I really wanted to like this store since I'm into photography and liked the convenience of having a local photo store. When I talk to the staff they they just don't seem interested in helping you that much. They don't seem that knowledgeable either. I bought a screen protector for one of my digital SLR's. They were sure it would fit and I bought it. (It was pricier than I thought it should be but hey I figured I was helping a good local store stay in business). I got home and of course it didn't fit. Unfortunately I couldn't return it since I had a flight out the next morning and I was returning after their 14 day return policy. I still went to the store and they refused to grant me a refund. That was the last strike for me. Prior to that there were two other occasions where they totally disappointed. I'll never go back again and if they go out of business, I really won't notice. read more

I am conflicted - I so want to love this place - and this area cant lose its last decent camera store - but they consistently bum me out. . I need these guys to be better price wise, i need them to keep a better stock of the good to better quality accessories i need. They sure do have the knowledge - but they have not been able to compete price wise on two occasions, and they've not had gear i've needed three times - so i wind up stopping there, getting frustrated and then heading down to the city. I am not going to give up though and will support them where i can, in the hopes they get clued in read more

I went to Camera Wholesalers to get some film developed directly to a CD which is listed as $8.99 on their website. They charged me $28.99 which I realized after leaving. The paper stated next day so I stopped by two days later and witnessed them trying to upsell a LEICA for a mom that was interested in getting into photography which raised some red flags and they said they sent it out to get developed. and it still wasn't ready and when I asked about being overcharged I was told that its because they don't do it in-house anymore so somehow they still charge their fee AND their third party fee. After two weeks of still not receiving my film I tried to call and they are closed for a week without any notice so not only day I just pay $28.99 for a single roll of film to get developed, I also now have to wait 3+ weeks to get it. read more

I purchased a Sony videocamera here last week to film sporting action for various club teams. Bob, the store manager was knowledgeable but short and lacked typical interpersonal skills. After back and forth with Bob, I purchased the camera knowing that I had a 7 day return option which is relatively standard. Sadly the camera didn't have the functionality so I returned the camera, as new, to the store. Bob then told me about the 20% "restocking fee" which was never mentioned during the process - nor was mentioned to two other customers purchasing items whilst I was waiting for the return. He would not budge on this and was as lacking in any type of empathy throughout the whole process. Why pay more in store when you get better service online? Will never go here again and would advice others not to. read more

DO NOT GO HERE !!!! The absolute worst experience I have ever had at this business. I was a loyal, loyal customer here. It was my go-to place to get my film developed since there really are no options near Greenwich, CT unless you want to travel into Manhattan. The owner sold me a camera lens that he had specifically told me would fit and work on my camera - we even tested it out on an identical camera like the one I was going to be using. I had purchased it for $180. As I got home and ran inside to test out the new lens with the camera, it did not fit properly and something didn't feel right. I immediately drove back to Stamford to tell the owner that there must have been a mistake. IT WAS LITERALLY AN HOUR LATER NOT EVEN. He has the nerve to tell me - oh I'm sorry we can't return anything and I won't be able to give you your money back but we can do a trade. I said.... "Okay... how much would you take in for the trade of the lens (MIND YOU THAT YOU MESSED UP WITH AND SOLD ME AN IMPROPER LENS AND I HAD BOUGHT IT 50 MINUTES EARLIER FOR $180) ... he goes "I can trade it in for you for $25" I was so speechless that I just walked out. I will be sure to talk around in Greenwich to NOT go to this location or EVER use their services. Absolutely disgusting. How pathetic and embarrassing. Worst service, worst owner and employees, just a bad place and truly not worth the money at all. read more

I purchased my camera here and the staff was absolutely kind and helpful! I'm an amateur just looking to take professional pictures for fun, not as a hobby, and they were super helpful in explaining everything to me. I purchased my camera a year ago and come in ever 3 months just to have them check it out and ask questions. They are awesome, I highly recommend these guys! I can't say enough good things about this store! I'm always so happy and have all my questions answered when I go visit! read more

These guys are great - always helpful and always have what I need in stock. I'm not sure about the two negative comments below - they've always matched the prices at B&H and elsewhere and they've always taken returns, not that I've returned all that much but when I have they were more than happy to make things right. read more

I was willing to give them a shot at my business. I went to order a new camera that is backorderd. Figuring I'd keep my business local. This place is a rip off. Buyer beware!!! They wouldn't take a deposit for the order only would take an order if paid in full. $3300 camera. I said no thank you. Went back a week later after receiving a promotional post card to trade in used gear. The sales person tried to sell me a used, gray market lens claiming it was new and a USA made product after claiming they only sell "USA" products. No gray market at all. We don't carry them he said. We are talking upper end professional equipment. They low balled me on the trade in and marked up the lens and additional 25% which easily negates the trade in offer. They wouldn't price match anything! Not B&H, not Best Buy... deceptive sales practices, poor pricing policies, Caveat Emptor! This place is a disgrace to Nikon and to all authorized Nikon dealers. Be prepared to go elsewhere for better prices and better service. These people cannot be trusted. They are the exact reason to go to B&H! read more

Camera Wholesalers is the BEST local camera store around! It's locally owned, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable. They all really know their stuff. They carry all types of cameras from film to digital to video, and they have lots of new and used cameras. They also do film processing here, so it's really a one-stop shop for all of your photography or videography needs! I've bought numerous things here over the years, such as cameras, photo developing equipment, film, camera cases, etc, and have had nothing but great service. I would recommend this place to any photographer, either a hobbyist or a pro. Their prices are great, but what is also great is that you know they are there to help you if you have any questions about anything you buy! read more

Just purchased a 60D at the same price as amazon, B&H Photo, etc.. glad to see their competitive. The service was great and very knowledgeable. I'll be coming back to watch a seminar on their store flat-screen. Their bag selection is also very large :) read more

Absolute worst experience with a camera store. I sent my camera in to be fixed and they said it would take no more than one month. When I had not heard one thing after a month, I left a message and never got a return call. I called several more times with no response over the course of four months. After finally retrieving my camera, the workers still did not give any apology or show any sign of sympathy and charged me in full. I highly recommend avoiding this store at all costs. read more

I had a terrific experience here today. The young guy who assisted me was helpful and gave me some great, practical insights on the Sigma line of camera bodies that they don't even stock. I appreciated his help and will definitely get my Sigma lenses from them. I have bought other cameras from them and like the knowledgeable people there. read more

Fastest service EVER! I ordered two radios late Friday and they were delivered the next day, Saturday, before I had a chance to buy the needed batteries. read more

I haven't been to Camera Wholesalers in years. Last time I went they deserved all those negative reviews. Now, they must be under new management because they were friendly, knowledgeable and price competitive. Not only that, but their solution to my dilemma saved me big $$. I was shocked, and pleased. It's nice to have a local camera store. read more

If I could give no stars I would. I never give reviews but felt it was necessary to warn others of this business. They sent my camera out for repair in February. Throughout the 5 months that they had my camera, I had to call for updates despite the fact that they said they would. When I did call they could never tell me what was happening with my camera. At one point Tim the manager suggested that the part my camera needed was on a container ship in the middle of the ocean, and that was why things were delayed. Come on! I had finally had enough and asked them to simply return my camera and refund my money.They said they would call when my camera came in. Two weeks later I called to find out the status. Tim the manager said " oh, I was supposed to call you. Yeah, it's in." That right there typified my entire experience with them. That call was on a Tuesday and I told Tim I would be in over the weekend to pick up my camera. Three days later I get an email from Tim (the first communication of any kind initiated from them). Tim asked me if I was going to pick up my camera or did I want them to discard it. Seriously?! They are closed on Saturdays, so I picked up my camera on Sunday FIVE months later and still broken. This place was the absolute worst from start to finish. Communication was none existent. When I picked up my camera I asked if they could give me a written record of what needed to be repaired, and they couldn't produce that. It was such a frustrating experience and here I am five months later and my camera is still broken. What is most galling, is at no time did anyone apologize for the delay or ever fully investigate why my camera was held up for so long. I trusted that this "family business" would repair my camera in a timely fashion. I guess all they care about is making sales. Don't waste your time with this place, you will be sorely disappointed. read more

Educated service and product you can't find elsewhere. I won't trust anyone else with my gear.

Taking the cliche of grumpy camera store employees to all new levels. The final straw- I wait all morning to call CW when they open at 10am to find out if they carry a specific tripod head and legs as there's no way to determine what they might have in stock from their website. The employee who answered informed me that they have a wide selection and to know if they carried that item and to tell me the price over the phone he's "have to look it up". Well, duh. The shocker is that he's unwilling to do so! I explain I live 50 minutes away and need to know that they have what I need and what the price is.. "Yeah, you're just gonna have to come in..." Actually, I don't. I can drive an extra 30 minutes, go to B+H in the city, pay tolls and gas going in and out and still spend less $$ and get great service.. Thanks for reminding me of that.. read more

After being on a waitlist for a preordered camera for 6 months, during which time we called the store many times and checked in on the status of the order, we were informed that the payment option originally given had miraculously "expired" when the camera had finally arrived in store. After less than a week, they gave the camera to someone else because we "didn't respond." An absolute joke of a store, perhaps different in person but utterly abysmal customer support and service online. We wait 6 months for a camera, trying to be supportive of a smaller business in these difficult times, only to have them completely disregard this and indifferently give it to another person. I hope others take note of this! Sometimes it's just not worth it to support local... a more reliable and larger brand will not only be faster and more efficient with orders, but will surprisingly be kinder and more understanding as well. You would think that this is an area where a smaller store would have the advantage over big retailers, but clearly Camera Wholesalers do not care about any of that. Definitely do NOT recommend this place! read more

I got what I needed - but I left feeling determined to post a review - which I rarely do. There's a balance between showing you're a knowledgeable vendor and making your customer feel stupid. She went straight for disdain. read more