Recommend me a North East Camera Shop

[Tony8]

I'm looking for a well stocked camera shop in the North East, ideally as close to Darlington/Middlesbrough as possible. I am specifically looking for somewhere that stocks a decent range of tripods, as that is what I am currently looking to add to my kit.

Despite watching loads of YouTube reviews etc... I am loathe to order online without at least trying to get my hands on some of the models I am considering and have a play about to see what I prefer.

I have been to the local Currys, but all they stock are 3 Manfrottos and a few low-end £20-£50 models, so if you know of anywhere in the North East that has a more plentiful stock, I would love to know about it

Many thanks!

 

[Carter64]

I can't say what stock they have, but Chas Eagles in Sunderland are one of the few remaining independent retailers. Anywhere. They'd rather sell you a cheaper bit of kit than one you don't need.

 

[Dem55]

Probably a bit too far from you, but DP photographic in Gosforth is a good independent. I haven't been in for a while, but I seem to remember they stocked quite a few tripods - you could always give them a call before deciding whether it's worth the trip

 

[winky]

Hi Tony, I have been into both Chas Eagles shops in Durham & Sunderland and the two independent ones on Gosforth High Street. Not a great deal of choice I'm afraid. Certainly nothing like what you can get on line. I'm like you, want to get a hands on before buying. I just read reviews on line and go with that.

 

[Tony101]

I'll be monitoring this thread as I've given up trying to buy locally.

If I feel the need to touch, twiddle and test I'll stop off at The Flash Centre in Leeds (free coffee & chat!) when I'm travelling south; or pop into Wex when I'm visiting family in Norfolk.

I'm planning a trip up to Calumet in Edinburgh soon, so maybe I can add them to my list under the pretext of having a look around the city (I'm embarrassed that I've been oop north for 19 years and have never visited Edinburgh despite everyone telling me it's a 'must'.

Anyway, hopefully I'll learn about a local hidden gem of a shop in this thread.

Cheers,
Tony

 

[Tony8]

I can't say what stock they have, but Chas Eagles in Sunderland are one of the few remaining independent retailers. Anywhere. They'd rather sell you a cheaper bit of kit than one you don't need.

Probably a bit too far from you, but DP photographic in Gosforth is a good independent. I haven't been in for a while, but I seem to remember they stocked quite a few tripods - you could always give them a call before deciding whether it's worth the trip

Hi Tony, I have been into both Chas Eagles shops in Durham & Sunderland and the two independent ones on Gosforth High Street. Not a great deal of choice I'm afraid. Certainly nothing like what you can get on line. I'm like you, want to get a hands on before buying. I just read reviews on line and go with that.

Thanks all for the replies. I am often up Newcastle way and can go via Sunderland quite easily, so will give these guys a look in. I hear what you are saying though, winky, in terms of nowhere really being all that well stocked anymore - a sad byproduct of the internet age

 

[Tony8]

I'll be monitoring this thread as I've given up trying to buy locally.

If I feel the need to touch, twiddle and test I'll stop off at The Flash Centre in Leeds (free coffee & chat!) when I'm travelling south; or pop into Wex when I'm visiting family in Norfolk.

I'm planning a trip up to Calumet in Edinburgh soon, so maybe I can add them to my list under the pretext of having a look around the city (I'm embarrassed that I've been oop north for 19 years and have never visited Edinburgh despite everyone telling me it's a 'must'.

Anyway, hopefully I'll learn about a local hidden gem of a shop in this thread.

Cheers,
Tony

Hi Tony,

Flash Centre Leeds seems to only stock Manfrotto tripods, which is a shame as I would have ventured down there if they had a decent selection, including 3 Legged Things. WEX looks great, but far to far away for me and I am never down that way unfortunately.

Calumet looks like a good option and like you say, a great excuse for a trip to Edinburgh (my hometown). I shall add my voice to the many who have already told you that it is a "must" - 19 years and you haven't ventured over Hadrian's Wall!

Cheers,

Tony

 

[markmullen]

Off the top of my head:

The Flash Centre in Leeds, already mentioned
Dale Photographic in Leeds
York Camera Mart
I've dealt with all three of these options on multiple occasions, tripods from York Camera Mart (it is 100 yards from my house), lenses and studio flash from The Flash Centre and Lee filters from Dale.

None too close but may be worth a drive.

Also it is worth supporting these local suppliers, your quote:

I am loathe to order online without at least trying to get my hands on some of the models I am considering and have a play about to see what I prefer.

suggests you might try them in a shop and then buy online? Please don't, you might save a few quid but you will reduce further the chance of having useful helpful local places like this to turn to when you want to try gear, or need it in a hurry, or want some advice.

 

[Tony8]

I hear what you are saying about supporting local independents, Mark. Perhaps if more had there would still be a decent local photography shop near me that I could visit in instances such as this. However, in a largely price-sensitive market and with such competition from online dealers, the days are already numbered for such outlets.

I liken it to something my Mum said to me the other day - she needed her car tax renewed and I told her to do it online, but she was adamant that she would use the local Post Office instead, telling me that if people like her don't continue to use their services, then they are likely to be closed and disappear completely. Nice sentiment, but ultimately I believe her and her mindset are in the minority nowadays - sad as that may be.

Anyway, thanks for the additional shop suggestions, I will take a look at them tonight