Calumet Photo

Full review
I'm a 35mm shooter who uses both manual and auto-focus cameras, mostly from Canon and Nikon. Most of my purchases are for professional-level lens, film, etc. Calumet Photo has been my backup photo supply store that I use when B&H Photo Video or Adorama is closed for extended holiday or is out of stock of what I need.

Selection and Prices

Although they don't have the vast selection of B&H (who does?), what they do offer is better than most. Indeed, they are a pro-dealer that sells almost anything a professional photographer would need. Of course, they also sell lower end models for amateur photographers and their selection here is good also. On occasion, I haven't been able to find some accessories for my newer model Nikons at Calumet, but I was able to find them in stock at both B&H and Adorama.

Calumet's prices tend to be higher than both B&H and Adorama. However, I've had good luck finding specials on film that were far less expensive than anywhere else. I've also received discount coupons with my orders for stuff that I would actually order, not just obsolete equipment.

Ordering and Shipping

Calumet's website is mostly a joy to use. I don't like clicking on the little "+" symbols to expand each category when I'm just browsing. However, if I know what I'm looking for, their search feature does a very nice job of taking me to exactly what I want. Many (but not all) items have photos so you can see what you're ordering. Perhaps the best feature of their website is the stock information indicator, which tells you just approximately how much stock they have of a particular item or, if they're out of stock when they expect to receive it. Popular items go fast, and I've seen their stock depleted when others (such as B&H) had plenty.

Shipping is more reasonably priced than B&H and especially more so than Adorama. This helps to make up, at least a little, for Calumet's slightly higher prices. They have an impress selection of shipping options (UPS, FEDEX, USPS) and speeds of delivery, and you can easily change your shipping method on the final order screen. Probably the best shipping selection process I've seen online anywhere for any type of store. I have promptly received order confirmations and shipment tracking numbers for every order I've placed with Calumet. Every order has arrived on-time or sooner than I expected. All of my orders have been well-packaged with plenty of padding to protect fragile equipment.

Returning an item is subject to the standard photo dealer policies: film, chemistry, ink cartridges, etc. can not be returned unless proven defective; digital cameras and computer-related accessories must be returned within 15 days. Unlike many other photo dealers, Calumet does not charge a restocking fee (unless return conditions are not met).

Customer Support

I have yet to have the need to use Calumet's customer support, so I can't really comment. However, the last order I received included a comment card that made me think they were genuinely interested in how satisfied I was with my order. I've never received any such concern from B&H or Adorama.

Conclusions

A quality, online professional dealer that provides very good service and timely shipping.