"I placed an online order with Central Camera for a drop-in circular polarizer. A few days later I received an e-mail stating that the item was out of stock and would take 4-6 weeks to get from their vendor. After six weeks went by I sent customer support an e-mail asking about the status of my order. I never received a reply to this or any query I've made in the last three months since I placed my order. I'm left to surmise that Central Camera is not a very good company to do online business with."

"While searching for a Gitzo GS5120LVL leveling head, I came across Central Camera. Not only did they have the lowest price, but also offered free shipping, so I placed my order. I found it a bit disconcerting that I never received a confirmation e-mail, but I let the order stand. Weeks went by without so much as a word from Central Camera - no e-mail, no phone call to let me know the status of my order. I knew this was a hard-to-find item so I waited patiently.

Here it is a few months later, and still no word from Central Camera, so I decided to call them. The person who answered the phone transferred me to a salesgirl who "knew" the item in question. I explained the situation of how I had been waiting so long for my order to ship and wanted to know if they had the item in the store. The gal was not familiar with the item, so she put me on hold to ask someone else.

Several minutes went by before she returned to the phone only to say that someone would have to call me back. I gave the salesgirl my phone number and waited, and waited, and waited for the call that never came.

I wouldn't have minded waiting for my item had Central Camera kept me informed of the situation, but instead they chose not to send me any correspondence or even return my phone call. I did however buy the GS5120LVL from Kirk Enterprises and I had it two days later.

It's easy to advertise the lowest price on an item when you have no intention to deliver it. I have to assume that's why I was never communicated with. Shady practice, but some companies operate that way. So much for Central Camera."

"Firstly, I was impressed that they had a hard-to-find Nikon 70-200 VR zoom. It was very easy to call and confirm stock with someone that was standing right next to it. I was able to quickly place the order around lunchtime, and it shipped the same day. Everybody was very friendly, and I am a happy customer."

"I don't want to repeat what everybody is saying here about Central Camera Co.
Just simple words: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I wish all sellers be like CC Co. and world would be probably much nicer.

Jacek D. - proud Sigma DP-1 purchaser."

"As my local stores were backordered on the Nikon D300, I remembered that I had bought photo gear in the past from Central Camera when I was still living in Chicago. I located their website and called to make sure they had the D300 in stock. I placed my order on Jan.14th, and the camera was delivered on the 18th. Central's price was competitive with other online dealers, and UPS ground shipping was free. My order was processed promptly - It was shipped the same day I called, and was very well packaged. My entire experience with Central Camera was great and I would recommend them highly."

"I found Central Camera doing a Google search for a Leica lens that I needed for a photo shoot. I found their Website and tried to find the lens I needed. The site sucks BUT as bad as the site is I called and the sales rep I spoke with was Great! He took much time with me never being sure that I would place an order. He had just what I was looking for at a very competitive price. No sales tax and free shipping. What more could I ask for? I will return when I need something else."

"Great place to do business. The website is klunky, but I called to order. You can tell this is a smaller business without dedicated phone sales people; you talk to someone on the store floor. When I asked if the tripod was in stock, the reply was "I can see 3 on the shelf right now." Quick friendly service. I really like this store. My tripod arrived in 2 or 3 days."

"Ordered a nikon d70 outfit and 50mm lens from them. Received email the next day saying that d70 was not in stock and that it was expected next week. They would hold my order until then or I could cancel if I wished. I called back a few days later to cancel the d70 because I found it in stock elsewhere. They did so with no problems. Very friendly people over there and phone service was fast. I will definitely do business with them again. "

"I bought a Nikon D70 and compact flash memory from Central Camera recently. This is an old family-run business in Chicago, and you're given all the friendly and personal service you might hope for from a long-running concern. Manny, who sold me my outfit, really took time to answer questions, and was obviously sincere. I ordered the outfit a 4pm on a Monday, and I had the package in hand by 10am the next morning. Everything worked perfectly, and I never had a moment's worry. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to use them again."

"I was not familiar with Central Camera until I was searching for a camera lens that I needed in a hurry and found it to be out of stock everywhere I looked. I finally found it from Central Camera. I placed the order for the lens late on a Monday afternoon. They filled my order and I received it on Thursday, which is one day faster than I expected. Shipping on this order was free. This vendor went the extra mile to ship my order on the day I ordered it, getting it to me one day sooner. Prior to this purchase, I had been using B&H out of New York. After this order, I will probably buy some items from Central in the future. I'm completely satisfied with their service and the product I received."

"excellent customer services, competitive pricing, courteous salesmen, can't ask for a better business than that, will be on my list to do business with again and again."

"When I placed the order, by phone, I was told the lens was out of stock and to expect delivery in about 10 days. Ten days later the lens arrived. The sales person was informative and very nice with no pressure to purchase unwanted items. The price was very competative and free shipping (if over $50.00 and under 10Lbs). "

"Saw item on website, placed order easily via phone (they cheked physical stock while I was on the phone). Item came in excellent condition when promised with all billing done correctly."