Shopping Guide: Peony Garden

A Shopper's Guide to This Vintage Camera Shop

Why You Should Visit

  • A Unique Selection: You'll find this store specializes in secondhand camera equipment, offering a rare opportunity to add to your collection.
  • Vintage Treasures: The location seems to be a time capsule, with items on display that haven't changed since 1985. You might discover some truly unique and historical artifacts.
  • Reasonable Prices: Shoppers can expect reasonable prices on the secondhand cameras and other trinkets.
  • Serviced Cameras: The shop offers the sale of serviced cameras, potentially reducing the risk of purchasing a malfunctioning piece.
  • Enthusiastic Husband (Potentially): The husband of the couple running the store is described as lovely and knowledgeable. He is willing to talk about the cameras at length, including how they work.
  • Short Window of Opportunity: The shop is sometimes open for only one hour a day. This creates a sense of exclusivity and the thrill of the hunt for vintage cameras.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

  • Inconsistent Operating Hours: Be aware that the store's hours are unreliable. Several visitors have reported that the shop is frequently closed despite posted operating hours. The window seems to indicate the store is open Monday-Friday, between 1-2 PM.
  • Rude Service: Unfortunately, the experience can be marred by the wife's extremely rude and impatient behavior. Several interactions have been described as unpleasant, including being hung up on over the phone or being told to never return.
  • Condition Concerns: Be extremely cautious about the condition of the items, particularly cameras. Some reviews report the sale of cameras in less than ideal condition, with signs of fungus and moisture, despite being presented as mint. Inspect every detail before purchasing.
  • Potentially Careless Handling: The way the cameras are handled while demonstrating them can be concerning. Some reports indicate that the handling of cameras is rough.
  • Cash Only: Make sure you carry cash as the shop seems to only accept cash payments.
  • Unfavorable Return Policy: The shop seems to have a policy against returns. There have been reports of the shop refusing to provide a refund for a malfunctioning product.