K & M Camera

I think that anyone that is giving this shop 1 star is out of their mind honestly. The first time that I found the store was just this past year when I needed to pick up something while other places are closed for whatever holiday it is every time that I want to purchase something. I ended up discovering that they have an amazing selection of old film bodies and accessories. I got talking to Michael who was very helpful with allowing me to see whatever I was interested in. I have been shooting for 22 years now, and I know a lot about cameras, and I know when employees of places do not know what they are talking about, and when they do. Michael kept up with me the whole way. I ended up purchasing an old FM2 from him that day in addition to what I needed as I collect old manual cameras. I used it for 2 rolls before the light meter stopped functioning. I quickly replaced the batteries with some that I thought would work and it did not work, so I dropped back by the shop. Michael was there, and swapped out a set of batteries for free for me to help me out being I just bought the camera. I was impressed with customer service that he provided me to the point where I now suggest this place to my photography students, and to any friends that are looking for alternatives to the big places that seem to close whenever you actually need something. I have revisited the shop several times since, and I always have a positive experience every time that I show up. cheers!

I stumbled across this shop and was attracted to the window display, which was a large format «view» camera.
In the market for a camera with a range finder, I looked at their various options, and the guy who «helped» me said he had used each one (even owned them) I looked at and thought they were wonderful.
But he could not explain any of them properly!!! VERY disappointing.
I would not mind if they were busy, but I was the ONLY customer in the shop!!! I mean really! I hope they work on commission.
The reviews here are mixed, and I am not surprised.

K&M is a good place to check out when B&H Photo and Adorama are closed during the Jewish holidays. I had a great first experience. The staff were attentive and helpful in finding the stuff I needed. They also offer student discounts! Take advantage, students.

My film camera (Mamiya 645) broke two days before my shoot. K&M saved me with the most affordable price. They do their job quickly and extremely conveniently via phone and e-​mail. In so much gratitude.
It cost $ 650 to rent the camera I need in Adorama but k&m cost only $ 125.

This weekend I visited four stores while shopping for a new camera (Adorama, H and B, this store, then B&H). At this store I told them my budget and they guided me towards a Panasonic Lumix that was a really good value within my price range. After checking out the camera at home I realized that in order to get what I want I need to spend more money. Since this store was closed on Sunday I would up visiting another store and getting the camera I wanted. Thankfully K & M was gracious enough to accept the return of the Lumix I purchased here and provide a full refund. The store manager was a pleasure. I plan to shop here again in the future.

Such a great shop! The workers are so funny and they know what they are talking about. Shout out to Manny for helping me find everything I need for my next trip! Also, I didn’t have to be shy about my minimum experience in the film photography world. They answered all of my questions in great detail, and even gave me a history lesson on one of my film cameras. They also price matched one of my items, even though their prices are already very reasonable. I can’t wait to go back after my trip! Love this place!

Wow, I’m a pro and the folks here are great. I don’t have the time to post normally, but I read a few neg posts and I felt like I had to respond. I went in there about 5 times in May while I was in NYC (I’m based in Brasil), each time they patiently helped me and guided me through my needs and had everything I wanted. Honestly, the people who are putting one stars are full of &$%$, this place is great. Bravo gents, beyond the great vibe, the space is amazing. Never ever going to B and H again. Pros want a real experience, this place is way ahead of its time and filled with people who know what the fuck they are doing.

Every time I go in there the staff has no idea what they have and I spend longer than necessary dealing with their confusion which is made worse by how condescending they are. They have ZERO selection which basically amounts to buying a much more expensive piece than you would find at all the places that AREN’T OPEN ON SAT. This after waiting around for them to figure out their stock situation and the fact that things on the floor are priced wrong. They are always out of most seamless colors they never actually have what they tell you they have in the back. K&M is an exercise in compromising. Every time.

I have nothing but positive things to say about K&M’s Rental dept.
Andre is the MAN-​super helpful, remembers my name, and will match a lower rental price if I do my research. Totally unpretentious, helpful and patient– which is hard to find.
Always open when I make my last minute Friday night runs for gear for the weekend (most places close early on Fridays in the city). Will be a customer as long as I’m living in NYC.

I the rented video and audio gear from these guys many times and never had a problem, the staff is super professional and really knows their stuff, I would highly reccomend these guys

VERY RUDE. I called in to check for the price of a camera before coming in to buy it. «Hello do you sell imported nikon D800?» — he said «I don’t know what it is». «So how much are you asking for for the USA version? «- «same as everyone else», then hung up… wow

Well, I found out why this place has so many 1 star reviews. I went in today looking for lenses for my Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera. So, I walk in and start browsing. One of the sales people asks me if I need help then shows me the MFT «selection». There was a three lens pack, that he really wanted to sell me for some reason. I told him I didn’t need them. He then made fun of the lens on my camera and implied that I didn’t know what I was doing. Well, they lost a sale and a customer.

It makes all the difference when the staff is there for you and is knowledgable about their products.
With the very accommodating and helpful staff, I can always find everything I’m looking for and I’m usually in a rush coordinating a production with little time for loose ends.
I without a doubt recommend this place if you are shooting in Tribeca, NYC.
Thank you K&M for making my life a little less hectic and answering every question I may throw at you.

Do not go here. Ever.
I came in for a basic purchase of a lens filter. I asked how much, and the salesperson/​manager said «errr, $ 40?». I look startled, because the filter is at most $ 15 – 17 anywhere else, and before I could say anything, he said «how about $ 30?».
Go to B&H. It’s out of the way and the hours are funky, but you won’t have to deal with this crap.

Wish I liked them, but I never have a good experience with the staff here.
They always talk to you condescendingly to try to convince you of something so that they can get the sale, as if you’re some newbie (I’m a pro photographer).
Just don’t like the vibe. Same vibe with their rental business.
Decent selection, and good location since there are no other pro camera shops in the area so I like that they exist, but sadly I’ll take the more corporate feel of Adorama or B&H if I can.

When this store was on 23^rd street, they used to bill themselves as «Keepers of the light.» I was a photography student, and I spent a lot of money here – at least, for a poverty-​stricken student.
Now that they’re in Tribeca – having closed their 23^rd street store – I go in there a lot lately, although I admit I haven’t bought very much here in a long time. Naturally, I love the gadgets, and see a lot of toys I can really put to good use. Nowadays, a photo store has to cater to the iPod set or they’ll go under. (The last thing I bought here was a memory card for my camera – goodbye, film!)
I’ve gone through a few electronic cameras in the past few years, and currently I have a Canon S110 that I take everywhere with me – although I admit my iPhone is starting to be my go-​to camera. This store has kept pace with the times; although they still sell conventional film – and are a strictly professional outfit, with equipment rentals as well – they move far more electronic toys than the conventional stuff.
The times, they are a-​changin’, and fortunately K&M is changing along with them.

Wow. Talk about a shit show. I walked in and everybody was yelling at each other. It took 5 minutes for anyone to realize I was there and when they did they yelled across the store to ask someone else my question. That person didn’t hear them so they proceeded to get angry and yell louder while I and another customer got visibly uncomfortable. I was looking to buy a seamless and they told me the list of colors was on the door. I went to look and was almost immediately slammed in the face by said door as someone ran up from the basement and then apologized profusely.
While I waited I continued to watch the employees fight and yell and realized why I continue to stay loyal to Adorama. I will only come back here if it’s my absolute last resort.

Extremely condescending and unhelpful. Quick to say I don’t know but when I asked a valid question the guy had a slick answer. It might be a great shop for professionals cuz they know what they need, but if you’re a beginner stay away from them because they will make you feel like an idiot!!!

The place was rather small and it wasn’t that hard to find. It was my first time here and the people were pretty nice. They asked me what I was looking for and they found it for me. I guess I looked clueless since I wanted to find it myself. The cashier was nice as well.
I was only there to get some supplies for my film photography class and the stuff were cheaper than other brands so I saved myself some money there.
They take card and there’s a 7 day return policy for store credit only.

This place is pretty cool. You might miss it if you’re not looking for it, just south of Canal St., in former textile shop neighborhood.
I stopped in to get a lens cover for my lens yesterday, but I didn’t have the lens I needed one for, with me. Fair enough, I’ll stop back.
These guys have a great selection of used equipment also and older camera stuff, and they’ll even buy your old stuff from you. (the manager will need to take a look at it)
One time these guys were late in getting me a developed roll of film.
When I went back on the specified day, they said. «oh…it’s not back yet»
So points off for that. (like I said in a previous review, I have a long memory for that kind of stuff)
All in all, this place will have what you need. Take the time to browse, if you’re waiting for something, or waiting for them to check something, chance are you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed.
This is one of those places in NYC, that add a layer of convenience for dropping in when you’re not in the traditional camera corridor of 17^th thru 34^th street.