Camera Exposure

I’m a full time (digital) photographer, getting back into film for the first time in 12 years. In my 12 year career I’ve been to a lot of camera stores and had a variety of repairs, so I’ll preface my review by saying ‘this ain’t my first rodeo’ with a camera shop.
Here was my experience with this store. I had an issue with the aperture sticking on my old film camera, so I dropped it off here for repair on December 9^th. The older man who helped me confirmed that the aperture control arm was broken, but that he could see if he could get a part for the camera. So I paid a $ 35 diagnosis fee, for what I’m not sure because he had already diagnosed it with me standing there. Ok fine, the diagnosis fee would get credited toward the repair. So he lets me know it would be 2 – 3 days before I hear from him, after he determines availability of the parts. Great, no problem. Skip ahead *more than three weeks* after I haven’t heard anything. I was busy during this time with family, so I gave the benefit of the doubt that they were working on finding the part. During this time, I had many opportunities to get out and shoot, because I was on vacation after the holidays. I felt sad that I wasn’t able to do that, because I had no film camera to shoot with. (I don’t lug my Canon 5D Mark III and L lenses around for personal photos).
So early January I call to inquire, wondering at this point what in the world would take three and a half weeks. The man on the phone mumbles something about the tech ‘having a hard time with this one’ and then asking me a question that made it sound like I was supposed to know what was going on. I said «I don’t understand what you are talking about– this is the first time I’ve spoken to anyone since dropping the camera off over three weeks ago». «Oh, I guess we forgot to call you». Huh.
I’m a business owner, and if I had discovered a client slipped through the cracks like that, I would have been immediately apologetic and sympathetic, neither of which happened. So the man tells me the repair for the aperture control arm would be $ 145. I said no, the camera isn’t worth it. I could buy a new one of the identical model for around $ 60 on ebay. I should also add that I had already had the camera looked at by a great repair shop in another city, and they quoted me $ 90 for the same repair a year ago. So I say «no dice on the repair– I’ll come and pick it up». He says «ok, we’ll let you know when it’s ready». I had to stop him from hanging up. I said «how long will that be? *When* can I pick it up?». «Ah, maybe 2 or 3 days or so?».
If I, as a business owner, had a client’s product for weeks, after having forgotten about them, when asked when they could pick it up, I would have said this «I’m sorry you fell through the cracks, I’ll have my tech get it put back together first thing in the morning. Would tomorrow afternoon work for you to come get it?». I also would have apologized again when they came to pick it up, which he did not do. He just acted like none of it mattered. And I am a very friendly person, very easy to talk to, very reasonable, not difficult at all. I found this whole experience unprofessional, and felt highly unvalued as a customer. (I’m going to note here that it was the same man I dealt with all three times– in person while dropping off, on the phone and at pickup). I’m giving one star because the guy was affable enough when I first when in. And another star for having what appeared to be a very large collection of manual-​focus SLR lenses. But I feel that two stars is being generous. Happily I will continue my film photography passion, just with other companies and other stores. It’s really unfortunate, as this store is in the area I live in and I had high hopes for them and was excited to patronize a local shop. Oh well, it’s worth driving father away for (far) better service.

The worst customer service I have ever encountered in a camera shop. I spoke with an older gentle who I believe to be the owner. He was extremely condescending and grumpy. Go to George’s on 30^th street, you will be treated much better.

The owner/​operator, Ken, is very knowledgeable, helpful and patient when helping his customers. He is very fair in his business practices. I bought a used camera body which seemed to be OK in the shop at time of purchase, but when I used it out and about in real life the circuitry had some issues causing malfunctions. I was able to return it for a full refund, and used the refund to purchase a replacement from Ken. I buy a lot of electronics online, but Ken’s prices are fair and his help, knowledge and diagnostic ability are top notch, and an asset to the San Diego photographic community.

The store has a large variety of used camera equipment and the owner seems nice enough but I’m giving it two stars because I later found out the lens I bought for $ 189 sold on average for $ 79. It’s a good enough lens that I’ll use it but feel a bit like I was swindled. Perhaps serves me right for not researching on line before the purchase it but I trusted this fellow and now feel that was a mistake. I like to support the local economy and smaller stores over the online big guys but I will likely not be going back here.
Update Nov 8: I added a star as this lens works very well for the purpose it was purchased for and cosmetics-​wise it is in excellent condition so, while I do stand by my first review, I felt perhaps I was a bit too harsh with only two stars and unfair as I wrote too soon after discovering the price difference so it was more likely a rant than review. I will likely be going back here as the owner does know his trade and there is a fantastic selection of vintage photography equipment.

Im not one to post reviews… but this treatment could not go unnoticed. The customer service is extremely poor. The owner is very rude. I have been to this store several times and the service has been about the same. But I decided to give it another try because they have pretty cool things. But I will never go here again after today because when I asked how much he will give me for my camera he tried to low ball me. So I tried to research in my phone the used resale value, he said everyone tries to look up the prices in their phone but he says I follow this stuff every day with rudeness in his voice. And that’s when I said it’s time for me to leave.

Came in looking for a film camera for a class I am taking. I am very inexperienced with photography and he really helped me out and explained everything i needed and had questions about. I went to George’s camera first and bought some of my supplies there, wishing i went her first since the man who worked here is so much nicer than the employee that assisted me at George’s. I will definitely come back and buy the things i need here. I’m all about supporting small businesses and glad I found a nice camera store I can go to.

I went hear to just simply purchase a battery charger, and the help I got was definitely superior to other shops. It’s really a photographers «dreamland.» They will definitely be seeing my business again!

I don’t understand how anyone rated this store as
$$$, it makes no sense. All prices that I saw were at or below eBay!!! So, you get free advice, excellent service and quality gear at a great price!!! How can that be $$$ ??? I keep coming back for any one of those reasons. I’d rate it as — ¢WISE not $FOOLISH

I love walking into this camera shop, it’s like going back into time. Ken knows everything about all the vintage analog photography cameras, lenses and gear. Nothing beats dropping off your B&W film and getting it back the following morning. You also can’t beat having your sensor cleaned by the next day, sometimes even that same day. I like that they will rent just about any camera or lens in the place, and they have all the analog film you might want from polaroid, 35 mm and 120.

Awesome shop! Big selection of new but mostly used camera gear. The owner us very passionate and frienfly, and literally knows everything about all camera hardware. His prices are gre as t too. Got a nice affordable travel tripod, brand new and in case for 25 $. Lenses are pricey, but they are everywhere you go.

Love this shop. I like to give all the camera shops in San Diego my business, but I think I may have found my favorite of the bunch. Great service, awesome hard to find items and a huge stick of film, developing supplies and an Insanely fast film processing. I’ve had nothing but good experiences every time I’ve walked through their door.

The gentleman who helped me was super helpful, funny and patient.
I highly recommend coming here for camera questions and supplies

Love this place for used camera gear, the owner is a pretty nice guy with an absolutely encyclopedic knowledge of camera gear and all things related. You won’t save money over going to Craigslist, but you what you get is great, knowledgeable customer service with plenty of VERY clean options that have all been cleaned, lubed and adjusted to factory specs. The gear here is high quality and the employees are helpful. My photography professor in college recommended this place to me and I’ve passed on the info to anyone looking to get into film or for some high quality used gear here. My friend bought a really F3 and 50 mm lens and it shoots great! Thinking I need to upgrade myself soon… Thanks Camera Exposure! You made me realize how overpriced my local shop is, I happily drive 30 minutes to give you guys my $$.

Been in a few times for small needs and was helped by Ken. Nice guy, knows his stuff. Went in today to drop of some film for processing and a gentleman who I’ve not seen before helped me. He was so charming! (Didn’t get a name)
This place has a lot packed into a small space, but some real good buys if you find something. I can’t speak for the the pricing on all the old camera and lens gear, because I haven’t attempted to buy anything. Doesn’t seem like you should go in with too specific expectations on what to find, but it’s most certainly fun to browse. Especially on the miscellaneous odds and ends, like bags, lighting gear and lots of other accessories.
Looking forward to getting my film back, and hopefully I’ll continue going back now that I’m jumping back into shooting film. I love that they are only three blocks from my apartment :)

Sold me a a lens that he called «professional» and «very hard to find» for a great price. Best used photo dealer i have ever been to! Every photographer should definitely go here.

Best all-​in-​one camera shop in San Diego. From expert advice, to hard to find equipment, Camera Exposure can’t be beat. They do cleaning, servicing, and processing in house, and have all the professional film selection you’ll need.
I don’t go anywhere else.

I always come here first, to support local and to hear what the owner has to say about my endeavor on upgrading my camera and accessories. Actually, all three cameras and lenses I own, I got from Camera Exposure and I will always come back.
Very knowledgeable and always eager to help– never had a problem with any of his merchandise.

If you’re looking for a place to feel judged, this is the place. You probably don’t have enough money to shop here.
The guy knows more than you, about everything, and he’s going to argue /​belittle you to prove it.
He will sell you lenses and filters, but expect you to take them in a paper bag.

I recently went in to Purchase a Nikon D5000
i got a really fair price with a basic package for around 380.
i really like this store they have a lot of used items that are in remarkable condition and unlike almost every camera store in San Diego they sell used like new items at really great prices. My only problem with this store is that the owner was alone all 4 times i went there. he seem overwhelmed and rushed when more than 2 customers showed up while he was busy with me. other than that he really does know about what he sells and buys and always offers a fair price!

1. first time i went i had bought most of everything for a darkroom from a photographer who had gone all digital. I went to go check out the stuff at camera exposure to see if they had any clips, and other small things to complete everything (I got everything for about $ 100 off of c-​list and the photographer had never taken the time out to remove the stickers with the original prices). So when i went to Camera Exposure I asked how much the timers cost, well, they cost the same as they did new. over 30 years ago. Everything was like that.
2. i went to go look for an enlarger lens, I switched to medium format so i needed a 100 mm enlarger lens. They had a HAZY Schneider 100mm/​105mm (don’t remember which) for $ 236 dollars. This same lens sells on ebay (brand new, never used) for $ 100. WTF.
3. The same time i went for an enlarger lens i went to ask for a waist level finder for a Mamiya RB67. I’d seen the prices on ebay for around $ 35 — $ 100 max. He shows me one and says it’s $ 125 dollars, it’s in decent condition but not minty. Online i could buy the whole camera with a waist level finder for $ 145 dollars!!!
the guy is rude, he speaks as if he’s the final word on anything. Honesty, i’m not going back. His prices are 2 x or more what they go for anywhere, he commands the prices as if they are in mint condition, or antiques whose value have gone up (of which neither is the case). I’m surprised the guy is in business, but I guess if you don’t search around, you won’t know your getting scammed. Never brought myself to give him any of my money, and i won’t… sorry dude, but with that attitude, and those prices, i’d rather just not have this place around… i’m skipping this place from now on.