Allen’s Camera & Video

Not from PA, long ways from it, came across this awesome Madre&Padre shop while shopping in the big online A store. Called the store just to see if it was legit. It definitely was/​is. I’m very skeptical when it comes to online shopping… It’s like box of Sea’s Candy. Generally don’t hop away from the usual places I shop… But after research and talking to the owner, aka Brandon-​not-​Allen, not sure why, maybe it was once owned by Allen… anyways, losing track here, but the big Boss man was more than helpful, called, like the Saturday of Father’s day weekend, sounded super busy in the back ground, in fact I called twice, both times he answered with utmost responsiveness… I know, dragging here, so shorting the story here, he did everything he said it was, item was just as I had asked that it would be, sealed, hot-​off-​the-​molds… God help my wallet, hopefully I won’t have to buy another camera… but if I do, I’ll prolly try’n tap this place again to see if we can tender some more deals… I usually bust it from the NY store, heavy taxable stuff… you know the one that starts with B and ends with H store… but I have a very viable alternative now. Lovin’ my new Q, Thanks again Allen’s, my little gratitude with some Unilocal-​props, peace form Seattle WA!!!

This place is awesome. As a fairly «green» hobbyist (got my first DSLR in January) I’ve encountered my fair share of photographers who are less than enthusiastic about helping someone with limited experience. For that reason, I was wary about going into a brick and mortar store, but I decided to just go for it. And I’m extremely glad that I did. I was just looking for a used «consumer-​grade» Nikon body to use as a second camera, wasn’t interested in getting any extra peripherals (I have so many already), and wasn’t looking to spend more than a pretty limited amount. Not only did they not make me feel like an idiot, they found exactly what I was looking for – and it was an excellent deal. There was a candid conversation about different types of cameras and what I should think about upgrading to in the future if I ever get to that point, but there wasn’t a single attempt to upsell. No «but THIS is only $ 100 more!» They clearly respect their customers, they respect the craft, and they were just a joy to do business with. I will definitely be back… much to my wallet’s dismay.

We recently moved to Bristol and when my daughter needed camera equipment she «googled» and found Allen’s Camera & Video. I had disposable cameras and other film that were over 15 years old and never had developed. But my main concern was I believed some of that film contained pictures of my Daddy who passed away in 2000. Because of this extra sentimental value of the film it was important for me to find a shop that did it’s own developing. My daughter suggested I try Allen’s and I’m glad she did. It reminded me of the camera shop (Camera Craft) that has long since closed it’s doors in the town where I used to live. I’ve only been in Allen’s twice – to drop off my film and to pick up my pictures – but each time I was waited on quickly. Not only that, but I was waited on with a smile. The pictures came out beautifully and I was right – there were pictures of my Daddy attending my nephew’s graduation from trade school. When my nephew comes home for Christmas and I show them to him I know it’s going to be emotional for him. Allen’s is the place to go for worry-​free camera expertise.

Just placed an order for 2 Nikon lenses through Brandan at Allen’s Camera. He was SUPER helpful, courteous, and an absolute pleasure to talk with. I’m very excited to get my new lenses. Thank you Allen’s Camera!

I live in in NY so the big & famous retailers are great but as a NY resident sales tax is close to 9%. For all large purchases Allen’s is my go to. Great service, sometimes better prices, quick shipping. They are authorized Nikon dealers. I have always have a great and respectful dealings with them and recommend them to all my fellow NY camera enthusiast. BTW Allen thanks for the price service my my most recent service. Your deal last beat the big guys in NYC

This place has everything and the staff is awesome. Plenty of knowledge among the staff. Great deals on both new & used gear. Their website is equally good.

Their prices are competitive and they good product knowledge. They usually match or beat non-​sale items at B&H Photo. Fairly good customer service. The only negative is the staff can be indifferent at times.

This is a great camera shop that has the goods and accessories for people serious about their camera gear. The shop itself is small but jam packed with a lot of quality products. More importantly the staff here is actually knowledgeable and friendly.

Just an amateur, but Brandon treated us with respect … and he matched us up with what seems like the perfect camera for our needs. And at a good price, too. Thanks.

Great people, very helpful and willing to help answer questions from amateurs like myself. Looking forward to Allen-​Palooza this year!

WOW. A REAL CAMERA STOrE! I heard of them thru Fro Knows Photo videos on YouTube. I called — they explained –I purchased and it arrives the next day. Nice on the phone — same price as B&H and the perfect camera store transaction!
Thanks

Great store to get your camera gear. The guys in there are very knowledgeable and friendly. The price are competitive and they have a wide range selection of used lens.

I was in a bind and needed a camera body. Here in southern California buying used gear is crazy and the prices at local shops are close to what you would pay new which is ridiculous. I called allen’s as I heard of them through the FRO and I am glad I did! I got a great deal on a used canon body and for the price I just hoped it worked. The camera arrived in almost brand new condition and was very well packaged. Price was great, body works and looks great and shipping was fairly quick. When I called for information they were very helpful and were kind enough to get the shutter count for me. Other shops here would put their nose in the air and roll their eyes at you (EVEN OVER THE PHONE) lol! I can’t thank you guys enough! Found my new shop for gear even if i have to pay for shipping to the west coast you guys got my business.
If anyone is in the market for used gear Call Allen’s for sure! or new gear! :-)

I went in with my Father for his cannon powershot a630 because It would not close at bottom of camera via battery and card cover. A gentleman took bottom apart and after 20 minutes fixed the problem. Ask him how much we owed him he said nothing. You don’t find much of this gesture anymore. Very nice staff and when I buy my next camera I will check Allen’s out from their large inventory.

Love this place! What a great and friendly staff! Everyone is knowledgeable and is aware whats going on in their work place. No need to ask another employee or the manager to waste anyones time.
A lot of camera stores should learn from this place rather then be rude and snobby.

I recently had a last minute job that required me to rent some lenses from here. Due to the last minute nature, they did not have a large supply of lenses left in stock to rent, but they were extremely helpful in finding me a lens similiar to what I was looking for. They even worked with me on returning the equipment when my schedule conflicted with the drop-​off time.
A lot of people have told me how great this place is and now I am one of them. They staff are very knowledgeable and inventory is great.

I first went to place because I am always curious about local brick and mortar places. My first experience was ok. I was looking for the Benro Travel Angel and they had them in stock. A worker pulled one from the back and kinda shoved it in my face and left me to open it up and figure stuff out myself. I already drove the 30 – 45 min there so I got it anyway.
They also have a great selection of everything, but as for customer service…
I was checking their website out one day at their used section for Canon L’s. I believe I got the owner/​manager and I asked about the 70−200mm L that they had. I asked what I thought was normal questions, «Who owned it before, what did they do (wedding, hobby, sports), etc…»
He responded by, «What kind of questions are those? Its a good lens, great glass…»
I don’t know about most people, but before spending more than $ 1000 on USED glass, I would like to know if there’s cuts on the glass, if he was a wedding photog you know there’s at least 20,000 shots on it…
Sorry, lost my business bud.
Go to Webbcam in center city. They treat customers from first-​time buyers and pros with the same respect across the board.

An excellent photographic store on the old fashioned bricks and mortar model — compact and well organized with a knowledgeable staff.
They have a great selection of pro gear and accessories, and the store maintains a good inventory. An incredible inventory, when you take into account that they have half the floor space of Calumet or NYCV.

When I can’t find my Nikon gear in New York City (surprising right you would think we’d have it here with all the camera stores but we don’t always) I call up Allen and he always seems to have it. The service has been excellent and shipping is very fast. I highly recommend Allen’s camera store.

Allen’s comes up in every conversation I have with other local photographers, I am quickly learning that this place is an institution.
I’ve shopped at the other big local retailer over on Street Rd and while Allen’s is smaller in size, I think they have a better selection… well more suited to my taste. I’d say while the other place fills its space with a little of everything, Allen’s has a lot of specific things and a few extras to boot. Namely a ton of Canon and Nikon gear with all the accessories and a good selection of used bodies and glass too. I didn’t get enough time to explore the used medium format gear, but will do so soon. They also seemed to have a good selection of products for your home darkroom, be it analog or digital.
As Kevin said, their prices are competitive for a brick & mortar, but you will find everything a good $ 10+ cheaper at a reputable on-​line store. That said, you can’t put too high a price on personal service. Having someone to go to when something goes wrong, or when advice on a product is needed is worth the few extra most of the time.
all in all a good little camera shop that I am sure will be getting more of my money soon enough.