Houston Camera Exchange

Unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary I will never walk into this store again. I have repeatedly been ignored by sales people, had them basically thumb their nose at me (ironic because they are supposedly photographers but the best work they can get is at a photography store rather than as photographers... go figure). I work as a full time photographer and make a pretty decent living doing just that but I don't feel the need to act stuck up when people ask me questions. The sales people I've spoken to there do not have a clue about photography. Once I asked a sales person a question they didn't know the answer to and his response to me was ""go google it"". Excuse me, but why the F@#$ did I bother going to a camera store in the first place then...? Their inventory stucks and they can't track what they have in their own store. I went the specifically to buy a large Tenba shootout bag and they claimed there was on in the store ""somewhere"" because it showed on their inventory. That was not the case and I wasted a whole trip for something they actually didn't carry. Get a clue on inventory management or maybe just try organizing what you have in your store instead of leaving is scattered about and mixed up with various brands. I like to support local business as much as anyone, but considering that their prices are usually $100 or more higher than most online retailers for camera gear I can't justify subsidizing a local business full of stuck up morons. Use this store to try out gear and then buy it online. Houston Photographers need to send these idiots a message that we don't need them. That is probably the only way to get them to change their customer service, business model and attitude. Seriously, do yourself a favor and DO NOT SHOP THERE!!! You find BETTER PRICES ONLINE. more

I've been doing business with HCE for some years and am so excited with all the seminars they are sponsoring. The first one I was able to attend was one on lighting. I was very impressed by the instructor and how easy it was to follow the seminar. I just saw on their website that there is one coming up with John Shaw, who happens to be the author of one of my favorite books. Keep up the good work HCE. I hope everyone keeps business local so you can keep putting on these outstanding classes! more

I bought my first camera from CE when they were on Bissonet and you couldn't see the ceiling because of all the kites. That was 1981. They have been my ""home store"" for a long time. I have since moved to Austin and buy mostly from Precision Camera now, but I still come back when I am in town. I spent a few moments with Reagan asking about what he preferred for lense/glass cleaner. I knew I was going to get an informed and educated answer. The next thing I knew my girlfriend had spent $400 on a point and shoot. She has wanted one and had educated questions...great service sells every time. There are a couple of people that are a little cranky or forgot what it was like before reaching the ""I know everything-everyone else is stupid"" stage but you just have to learn who to ask. They have a great selection of cameras and accesories. Like I said, I will usually try to stop in while in town. If you live in Houston there is nowhere else in town you should be buying from. more

This is by far the place to go if you are in need of a camera, lens, and knowledge! The biggest camera store I've found in years. Knowledgeable staff, but on top of everything you can go into this store and find so many things you didn't know you couldn't live without. Mallory is extremely helpful if you are searching for the perfect bag. Did I mention that they sell used equipment? Sometimes they get in high end gear, I got a heck of a deal on a 70-200 2.8 Canon! Pros: Knowledgeable staff, large store with lots of stock Cons: closed Sundays more