Los Angeles Camera Stores
Calumet Photo
1135 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 466-1238
http://www.calumetphoto.com
One of the more well-known photography chain stores nationwide (as well as in Germany, the UK and the Netherlands) Calumet offers professional cameras as well as point-and-shoots, an efficient but sometimes snooty rental department. Salespeople tend to take their time and waits can be long. Calumet does have the benefit of offering in-store classes on topics ranging from lighting to camera operation and printing to photo marketing.
Samy's Camera
Culver City
4411 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 450-4551
Samy's Camera
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Los Angeles
431 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90036
(323) 938-2420
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Santa Ana
3309b S. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 557-9400
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The store has ample parking, a knowledgeable staff, a good selection of new products and three Los Angeles locations making it highly likely there's one close to you. It also has a wide variety of how-to training classes, including Photoshop tutorials, digital photography and lighting classes. If there's some equipment you'd like to try before purchasing, Samy's also has a rental department – a real bonus if you want to try before you buy.
Freestyle Photo
5124 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 660-3460
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Freestyle photo has by far the widest selection of darkroom supplies - including paper, developer, and yes film! – in the Los Angeles area. And the store doesn't just offer the garden variety types of films such as my plebian favorite Kodak Portra 160 VC,
there are some lesser-known varieties, such as Adox, Forte, Efke (the only true black-and-white infrared film left). The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the store offers students discounts. But don't worry, you can still go freestyle digital at Freestyle: The store offers a wide array of DSLRs for sale.
Simon's Camera
1213 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 463-8585
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Described as the "underdogs" of the L.A. photo store scene with an admittedly more-than-lacking online presence, Simon's has been a lesser-known staple of the photo community for years. Originally located at Beverly and Oxford, the store offers a wide selection of both analogue and digital photography gear, plus darkroom supplies for the film enthusiast. While it is sometimes described as a "grimier" version of Samy's, you'll save money at Simon's and get more service and attention to detail. And you can rent equipment.
Mel Pierce Photographic & Digital
5645 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, Calif. 90028
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 465-2191
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Mel Pierce offers all-things Canon, and prices are a bit lower than Samy's for things like camera bags and accessories. Employees, who are never younger than 50, will walk you through the specifics of Canon camera technology. The store also sells used gear, including lighting, with some good deals in this area.
