Cameras

Are photo stores interesting in New York?

• New York is undoubtedly the city of photographers… and photo stores! New York is indeed home to the world’s most important photo stores, attracting a large clientele of professional photographers. New York’s photo stores are first and foremost renowned for their exhaustive selection! You will find absolutely everything, from camera bodies to lenses, tripods, memory cards, flashes, or the necessary equipment for film development.
• The salespeople in New York’s photo stores are always highly competent and you will benefit from expert advice. The salespeople are indeed accustomed to meeting the demands of professional photographers!
• Another advantage of photo stores in New York: the prices! You will quickly notice that photographic equipment sold in New York is significantly cheaper than in Europe. For example, with memory cards: for the same price, you can buy cards with twice the capacity compared to Europe! A benefit further accentuated when the dollar exchange rate is low compared to that of the euro.
• In New York, you will also have the opportunity to take advantage of maintenance services not always easy to find in smaller cities. I am particularly thinking of sensor cleaning for digital cameras.

The 3 best photo stores in New York

1. B&H Photo Video

   B&H is THE superstore for photography and video in New York. You will find all brands of cameras, from digital cameras to drones, including memory cards, camera bags, or lighting. I have never seen such a choice in any other store in the world! The store supplies many newspapers, magazines, and professional photographers around the world. However, be warned: the store is always crowded. Another downside: this store is doing so well that the staff at B&H are not really friendly, even arrogant behind their counter. But if you’re looking for something, you’ll definitely find it here!

   

   Address: 420 9th Avenue, between 34th and 35th Street. The store is a few blocks from the Empire State Building and Hudson Yards.

   Neighborhood: Hudson Yards.

   Metro: 34 St-Penn Station.

2. Foto Care

   Foto Care is a store run by photo enthusiasts since 1968. You will find all brands of cameras but also lenses, memory cards, tripods, bags… Foto Care also offers equipment for rent! Why not rent a Canon EOS R5 Mark II or a Nikon D850 for your vacation in New York? In addition, there is a workshop for repairs and maintenance of cameras of all brands. Keywords here: listening and advice!

   

   Address: 41 West 22nd Street, between Fifth Avenue and 6th Avenue. A few steps from the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park.

   Neighborhood: Flatiron District.

   Metro: 23 St.

3. Willoughby’s

   Willoughby’s is the oldest photo store still in operation in New York. The store was indeed founded in 1898! This historic store, however, knows how to live with the times: you will find the most recent digital cameras there, but also lenses, accessories, printers… Among the brands represented here: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm or even Leica. The store caters to both professionals and amateurs, and you will appreciate the very knowledgeable character of the salespeople. Willoughby’s offers several services, including photo equipment repair and sensor cleaning.

   

   Address: 15-17 West 36th Street, between Fifth Avenue and 6th Avenue. A stone's throw from the Empire State Building.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 33 St.