Originally posted by mee I'd like to know how it feels to walk into a camera store.. I've never seen one. They don't exist in my neck of the US.
Since most chains have closed (like Calumet), I think of camera stores in two general categories:
a) The long room: Typical family-run business Iʻve seen in Asia, Europe, and North America. Way too much stuff crammed on glass shelves. The owner, his sister, or one their kids (jk) will be behind the counter. Once they get to know you, you can never admit you bought any camera gear at a big box store or online. Until they know you, you are a fly in the room, especially if a regular is in the store.
b) 900 square feet: Larger with a manager, assistant manager, and usually a student working part time. Most major cities seem to have at one to three of these. Almost always found downtown or a suburban mall. The bigger versions will have specialists.
Superstores, like B&H, are rare exceptions: Hereʻs a video if you want to imagine what it might feel like to walk into their 70,000 square feet: