Portland Or and Seattle WA

This summer I will be having a very short visit to these two locations. Basically, while my wife and daughter shop using their money (don't I wish), I get to take photos and visit used camera shops.

I have done the usual web search for used cameras, thrift and second hand stores, pawnshp etc.Too many to count. So I would appreciated a few suggestions for each of the cities for good used equipment (rangefinder, slr) that doesn't cost my first born.

I would also appreciate and couple of photo suggestions 'near' the downtown core. The usual tourist sites (ie Space Needle) are OK but what about the slightly quirky, off the beaten track locations. Thanks for your suggestions and directions.

There is not much left of good camera stores in Portland, Pro Photo Supply and Citizens Camera are about it. The Japanese Gardens (fee entry) are a favored photo spot in the city, there are restrictions on tripods but they are allowed at certain times.

http://www.japanesegarden.com/

Doyle

Doyle Thomas said:

There is not much left of good camera stores in Portland, Pro Photo Supply and Citizens Camera are about it. The Japanese Gardens (fee entry) are a favored photo spot in the city, there are restrictions on tripods but they are allowed at certain times.

http://www.japanesegarden.com/

Doyle

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I agree with Doyle about good stores for used cameras, but might add Blue Moon, if it's still there.

It depends what you like taking pictures of... I like the old Urban Renewal district just south and east of Portland State University; there are three or four interesting fountains there that were designed to resemble thundering waterfalls or trickling mountain streams, and nice shady walks through trees. I also enjoy just wandering through downtown with my eyes trained on my waistlevel viewfinder on my Mamiya 67, looking for interesting juxtapositions of buildings. There are a lot of interesting buildings in downtown Portland.


Katharine

I haven't been to Portland in years, visited often in the '90's. Downtown is interesting, they have a great bus system I used to get around town, small cost and you can ride for hours for not much money, to different locations. I enjoyed the zoo and surrounding areas just a short distance from downtown. There are rose gardens, landscapes etc., downtown will also give you access to the rail system to travel east to the waterfalls, etc.. The bus drivers have good tips for photos and were helpful in getting me on the right bus. If you need a place to sit and rest with a cup of coffee there is always Powells bookstore, walking distance from downtown. It covers a block and is several levels, used books as well, at good prices. From downtown you can also access the river and some of the older buildings. If the transportation info. is incorrect I'm sure one of the apuggers in the area will let you know. Dan

Thanks for the suggestions - looking forward to a good day!

I like Jim's camera in seattle... he's not the nicest person, he's certainly not friendly, but I kinda enjoy his grumpyness. Plus for a tiny little store in the university district he pack a big punch... it is crammed floor to ceiling with cameras and more cameras, plan on spending some time like 1-2 hours to actually find a deal... his prices are a bit steep - but how many used camera shops can actually survive in this current climate of digital. I live in oly btw

In either of the two cities, is there a location/area that street performers generally do their stuff. I don't mean like all in the same block, but just a general area like say Pioneer Sq in Seattle (just an example - don't know if that is one of the locations).

My problem now is deciding on my kit - oh to have such difficult decisions.

Certainly Pike Place Market is one place to go in Seattle, lots going on and lots to photograph. In Portland, hmmm..... I can see the place, but I'm blocking on what it's called. I want to say Pioneer Courthouse Square. Between 5th and 6th at Alder, Morrison, somewhere along there, right downtown. It's where the old courthouse used to be; they tore it down and bricked in the whole block for a plaza. It seems there's always someone performing there. Right on the transit mall, you can't miss it.