Van's Camera Inc — Local services in North Canton

I see all the comments on here about rudeness, and it's true that Keith has a no BS demeanor, but he's been here a long time and their inventory seems more catered to skill levels from the amateur (like myself) to the professional, not the guy looking to score with Instagram models. The sticker shock is not because of his prices, that's what this quality type of technology actually costs. Sure, there might be a 10% convenience markup here and there for the smaller stuff, but it's nice to feel the inventory and ask a pro questions before you buy it. I'd rather walk in here and buy something a professional has studied and used and recommends than fretting over countless options for weeks and getting junk in the mail, or going to the big box store where the zit-faced teen pretends he knows what he's talking about. Before I started photography, I stopped in and felt under appreciated, but they took a little time and probably smelled the new photographer all over me. He's willing to give you his advice but they aren't going to train you. I'm sure the traffic through this place is exhausting, so I can't give him a hard time about it. With retail threatened due to online business booming, it has to be hard to be a small tech retailer, so I understand the no returns policy (he'll take it if it's still like new and working, but only gives store credit), he even said "I'm sorry, I just can't", I get it. I recently got some great equipment from him and I felt a little more respected this time that I knew what I was talking about a little more. He sold me something he and I both thought was a transmitter, but it ended up being a receiver and he ordered me the right part without any extra charge and no hassle. In summary, don't come here thinking you'll find a pleasant smile and discount pricing, but do come here if you want a professional's opinion and quick, fair, no-frills, no pressure...

HORRIBLE experience, not worthy of even a one star rating, due specifically to the horrendous, rude, disingenuous, vague, evasive and condescending store manager named Keith...who gives only excuses for NOT reparing my camera lens...which he insisted I pay for in advance before being shipped to an unknown state to be repaired by an unknown person because the employee at Van's who "repairs" cameras is too "sick" to do it...??? my camera lens has been sitting there at Van's for a solid month now...Keith refuses to tell me exactly who is "repairing" it and where it actually is ! He stonewalls, talks in circles, give non-answers...and then hangs up on me ! Pathetic place, pathetic Keith. (several days later)...after finally having to badger Keith for a response as to where, exactly, my lens had been sent (no one there is "privy", as they said, to that information) and practically threaten a lawsuit, presto! I suddenly began to get some straight answers...the lens was actually on it's way back from the mysterious repair location ! and suddenly, within just a few days, I could pick it up ! I am now giving a very favorable review here to the employee there named Don who was extremely helpful and friendly when I went in to get the repaired lens, finally. Thank You, Don ! Because of Don's helpful attitude, I will return to Van's Camera in the future...even though I never received anything even close to an apology from the owner of...

This guy is clearly burned out on running this business. He's very knowledgeable but can also be very condescending. The trick is to go in having already done your research. If you know what you're talking about before you walk in he seems to respect you a little more. If you just coming in fishing for free advice with no intention to buy you can expect him to be a little gruff (and honestly I can't blame him).

His prices are about 5-10% higher than Adorama or B&H, but depending on the item and the deal you might find after you factor in shipping it may be a wash.

His equipment selection is pretty good for the size store he runs. I had color film prints made here several times about 15 years ago and was never really happy with them, however I had him print some black and white film for me recently and they came out pretty good.

If I'm buying an expensive piece, sadly I will probably buy it online do to the lower price I can get it for (5-10% with camera gear prices can be a sunstantial dollar amount after all). It I need something cheaper like a lens, cleaning accessories, or a bag I will usually at least check him out.

I'd like to support local businesses like his more but between his sometimes bad attitude and the bottom-line society we live in, sometimes I'm forced to take the better...