I was initially hesitant about leaving my two cameras and lenses one camera that was brand new that needed a firmware update the other a cleaning and firmware update. They so very courteous and professional even when I picked up and wanted to match up the serial #s with my camera and lenses. Experience people who know their stuff that I am now am a life long customer . read more

Incredibly pleased with the service here! I brought my D800 in to have the sensor cleaned. First, they went above and beyond to take care of me. I was contemplating purchasing my own cleaning accessories from them because I was on a tight timeframe, but rather than rolling the dice on my first sensor cleaning they offered to clean my camera in a quick turnaround. Second, the quality of the cleaning was impressive. Not only was the sensor filter cleaned exceptionally well, they cleaned the mirror & mirror box, and the lens that was attached. Not to mention the exterior of the camera was spotless. By comparison to my previous camera repair shop in Seattle which charged more than Advance and took two attempts to get the job done, Advance is amazing. read more

I unfortunately dropped our NIkon DSLR recently and a pro photograher friend recommended Advance. They were quickly able to tell me that the lens was still good, but something in the body had come out of adjustment and needed to go back to Nikon for repairs. Unfortunately they didn't have any used Nikon bodies in stock or I would have bought one on the spot. They didn't charge me anything for the advice and I will definite be back next time I need anything camera related. read more

I was hoping to find a sixth star to accurately rate this photo shop with, but I don't see one, so I'll have to go with five. I mean that, but I don't think that even intentional hyperbole could improve on a plain and honest assessment of what I found at Advance. I badly needed to get a jammed filter off my wide-angle EOS zoom. The lens, which I love, had been unusable for months. I tried to get it off myself, the people at the shop in Eugene tried with a filter wrench, but it wouldn't budge. I did not want to ship it to Canon because of outrageous shipping and repair costs. On a strong recommendation, I brought it into Advance during a trip to Portland. Jason took a gander and went to the back of the shop with an air of supreme confidence. Three, maybe five minutes later he handed me my lens with the filter cleanly removed. The charge for the service was simply to buy one of their high-quality filters. That would be more than enough for a stellar rating, but by the time I left, I had thoroughly enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion about photography with Jason and learned more than I can say. We discussed the flash techniques of Diane Arbus and Weegee (pictures of whom adorned the walls). He told me what filters would be essential for a professional photographer, and how to create a veritable lighting studio with meager equipment. We talked about how affordable equipment can vastly expand the range of jobs a photographer can take on. Jason's enthusiasm was matched only by his expertise. This guy knows everything, from the innards of a DSLR (and any other camera, down to camera obscura) to the aesthetics of the art form. Jason teaches group and individual classes, but he was not stingy in the least with the free advice. As we spoke, I was admiring how well-stocked the shop was with used and new equipment of all types. I left there with a great leather bag for my camera and lens. I can say sincerely that my career as a photographer will be colored by the decision to go to Advance, in many more ways than one. If you think you could benefit from panoramic expertise, incredible customer service, and just a beautiful experience overall, please visit this one-of-a-kind shop. read more

Was given a Canon EOS 60D by a friend that had stopped turning on for no reason. Brought it in here and they were able to diagnose and fix the problem at no extra charge! When Morgan called to tell me it was ready for pick up, I went in and she was super friendly and incredibly helpful in helping me figure what else I would need to dive in to my new hobby. read more

I can't even handle how wonderful these people were to me!! Recently transplanted to Portland and my poor DSLR was long overdue for a cleaning so I stopped by to see about getting her fixed up. I also brought along a Sigma 35mm that got dropped at a wedding last fall and the mount had come loose. I figured it would need to be sent off to Sigma to be fixed but wanted someone to look at it - not only did they look at it but their technician saw that the problem was simple and fixed it on the spot!!! Like I said, blown away, and thrilled to have found such a great place to take my gear! read more

Second time I tried this shop. Customer service is terrible. I waited for 15 minutes to get help while watching people wander back and forth behind the counter. They could not answer question. If you want camera service or are in the market go to Pro Photo. read more

This place is awesome. I brought in my dslr due to a focusing issue and an old slr lens in because I had a filter stuck on it. They fixed both quickly on the spot and didn't charge me for either one. The employees that helped me were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, readily offering advice on my project. The icing on the cake was their $1 boxes of used goodies that were a steal: lens caps, lens cases, straps, cable releases, etc. The selection and value of their used filters blew me away. Unfortunately, places like these in Portland are a dying breed (I highly recommend Hollywood Camera and Blue Moon if you're looking for other awesome indie camera stores). I'll definitely be back again. read more

First time, I took in my Minolta for something minor I cannot remember. They happened to notice my lens was scratched and offered me a newer version that they just happened to have lying around for a cool $20. Rad! Second time, I took in my old Russian 16mm Krasnogorsk-3 for a diopter/lens issue. They fixed it in a couple mins, no charge included. They genuinely just want to help you out and are super knowledgeable and helpful. read more

I stopped in today to have a small repair done on my point and shoot, and was blown away by the customer service. Jordan is very personable & really knows his stuff. While I only ended up picking up a few small things, today I can't wait to go back for my next camera. Any and all cAmera needs I have, will be brought to Advance from here on out. read more

Wow! Where do I even start with this wonderful shop. I currently live in Astoria and there is NOTHING out here so I had to drive almost two hours just to go get my cameras serviced before my photoshoot this Wednesday. With the mountains being snowy I couldn't get into the city until today. I called ahead and they said they should be able to get me in for a cleaning etc. However with the holiday traffic I arrived a little after 1pm and I was told it was going to not be ready until Tuesday. I was super bummed because unfortunately that wouldn't work. Before I was too sad and walked away I was saved by Jayesunn who went in the back and asked Jodi to please help me and get my cameras all spiffied up before Wednesday's shoot. Not only did they clean everything and make everything perfect. The customer service was beyond impressive. They have great knowledge in lenses and cameras and have a lot of great deals and even a wonderful selection of camera bags. Brett helped me also and made me laugh and was super fun to work with as well. His taste in music was great and he also helped make all of this possible. Jodi you're amazing! My cameras look wonderful and like they're brand new. Thank you so much for making this happen you're simply the best! The whole shop was great. Even Gabe( I think that might've been his name ) The sales guy that was at the counter helping everyone. Anyway thanks everyone for everything. See you soon. Xoxoxo read more

They were very kind and helpful. They helped us lay out our options and worked with us on a best fix. It ended up being that they were able to figure out a Quick and easy solution That we are very excited about! The shop also has an awesome aesthetic:) read more

I close my shutter Only for a moment and the moment's gone All my shots Pass before my eyes a curiosity Dust in the lens All the specks are dust in the lens? Same old spots Just a blurry black spot in my camera frame All I shoot Is so goddamn dirty I refuse to look Dust in the lens All the specks are dust in the lens! Well, that was... until Advance Camera cleaned out my DSLR. I can see clearly now the dust is gone. Dust is the enemy of any camera, and now my camera is dust-free, both outside and in. My camera has been full of dust for years. YEARS. And after numerous home cleanings of the lens, sensor, mirror, and everything else, I still would see ghosts, hairs, and specks in my images. Photoshop clone and correction tools had become my crutch. Over 1,000 photos from China - dusty. Hundreds of photos from Mexico - dusty. Everything I've been shooting for years - dusty. And I had cleaned my sensor so many times I was simply convinced it was in my one main lens. Thanks to the many reviews here I went to Advanced Camera. The super nice guy behind the counter talked it out with me, and assured me it was probably the sensor, and not the lens, that was dirty and dusty. Regardless, he took the lens and the body for a couple of days for service and cleaning. Three days and $50 later, I have clean sensor and a stopped-down image showing lack of dust, hair, specks, smudges, or anything else. As promised. Great service, great work, and a decent price. Plus it's local. No sending my lens off somewhere else. No screwing around and up-charging me. That's 5-star service. read more

This place knows what's up! I'm floored by their level of professionalism. I came here to get a dust particle removed from a lens. Not only did they fully disassemble, clean, and fix a gear issue I had but offered that if anything happens they had another similar model they would sell me at a very good rate. Two months later I come in and they remembered me and my Exact camera model! I took the offer of getting the similar one. This will be the camera shop I'll be using for the rest of my life! read more

Thank you, Advance Camera! My Canon SLR had a problem was not functional. I requested a repair quote online, but needed to bring it into the store. They determined that a piece of a memory card had broken off in the card slot. They pulled out the piece and within 5 minutes gave me back the fully operational camera and they didn't even bother to charge me for the repair! Thank you Advance Camera! My friends and I will be back anytime we need a camera-related repair or purchase! read more

I've been shooting on my camera for two years now, since it'd last been cleaned. Never really noticed any dust spots or problem areas. The last year I haven't shot anything really beyond F5.6. However last week I shot some product groupings that put me around F22 and holy hot mess -- about 50 little dots showed up all over my images. Even one impressive squiggle, front and center. Unfortunately I had to keep shooting for the next 17 long hours and then edit for double that to get 200 images cleaned up. Lesson learned, don't go so long between cleanings and get your sensor checked before large shoots. Especially when they include detailed patterned shoes that you must then reconstruct to get dust specks out of. I came here and boy am I glad I did. Jordan was amazing, very informative about the process and gave a timeline that he beat by two days. I also brought in my 24-70, the focus hasn't been as sharp as normal. I wasn't sure if it was due to my camera sensor or the lens so he took it in and let me know that if they ended up adjusting it, it'd be $30 extra. I came back in today to pick up my *so fresh and so clean, clean* camera body and lens. Not a spot left on the sensor and my lens was micro adjusted to be perfect. It was front focusing a hair. Just took a few test shots with the freshly adjusted gear and everything is good as new. Couldn't be happier and won't be going any where else. The DL: Full frame exterior/interior cleaning = $80 Lens focus adjusting = $30 Getting sensor checked = priceless (literally) read more

Other camera shops make me feel like I'm less than human for not being as knowledgeable as they are- not these guys. They are a super knowledgeable, super friendly family business. I walked in once to buy a lens pen, and they didn't have any in stock. the guy gave me his own (in his pocket) for free. Another time I walked in for a camera repair (camera not purchased at Advance Camera) ... the result: missing screw, camera fixed up like new, total charge $0.25. Yes, I can get slightly cheaper prices online through Adorama or B+H, but the service is more than worth the extra price. read more

Fantastic. Took an old SLR in to see if it still worked (I didn't have a battery). Advance checked it out right on the spot, took some test shots, even cleaned/unstuck some buttons. Turns out it works, and didn't charge for looking it over. Very solid and great accessories selection, bought a memory card on the way out. I will return. read more

I was traveling from Seattle to Monterey and had my Canon 5D mirror come loose when taking a photo in Centralia. My wife did some research and found Advance Camera and the glowing Yelp reviews. I stopped to see if they could fix it. Normally, he would want the camera 24 hours for this repair, but I couldn't delay my trip that much. He worked with me to get me back on the road in just a couple of hours. In addition to fixing the mirror and cleaning the sensor, he cleaned the viewfinder and the camera body, and updated the camera's firmware (which I didn't even realize could be updated). All that for just over $100. The camera has been working flawlessly since, better than before the problem. What a great experience! I highly recommend Advance Camera. read more

I had a serious crisis today when my DSLR stopped working just hours before a wedding shoot, and these guys went completely out of their way to make sure I didn't miss a moment. They walked me through all of my options, even referring me somewhere else when they thought that may be the best choice! That takes class and commitment to your customers best interest over your bottom line, and it is the first time in a very long time I've been treated with that level of concern and effort. This place really feels like your own group of friends in the camera business; they're genuinely interested in getting you the best deal, setup and experience. I bought my camera from them years ago and have never had anything short of a perfect experience. It's rare to find a shop these days that has true photography enthusiasts AND heart, willing to inconvenience themselves to make damn sure their customers are well taken care of. Who does that? This place is a GEM. I'm still in AWE of their dedication to customer satisfaction, with no regard for the scale of the purchase. So long as I'm in Portland I won't go anywhere else for my camera needs, and neither should you! read more

After reading so many good reviews I took my medium format rangefinder in for repair. I was not expecting the lapse in communication or professionalism I experienced and after 5.5 weeks returned to retrieve my camera without repair. Cannot comment in their work, but I am a professional with a long history of working with camera repair facilities and the poor level of communication was inexcusable . I would not recommend anyone go there for timely repair . read more

I cannot recommend this shop enough. I came in with a busted Canon S100 hoping to get it fixed. After a short wait while they assessed the problem, my camera was returned to me with the problem fixed at no charge. I couldn't believe it. I will be returning here for all of my camera equipment and repairs from now on. They are honest, friendly, and professional. read more

Dropped in looking for a particular kind of camera bag, and for as small a shop as they are they had great selection, just not what I was looking for. But... then I went and looked at the Minolta lenses (since that's what I shoot). Jordan was really great showing me and letting me play with a few lenses. The one I decided I was interested in was on consignment and we ended up working what I think is a great deal. Very impressed with the service and attitude, the lack of a hard sell technique, and the willingness to call a buyer with a possibly too low offer (we ended up in the middle to my pleasure). Oh, and I'm loving the lens after shooting with it for a bit of an afternoon. read more

**Edit: 1 star now because they emailed asking me to take this down while simultaneously accepting zero responsibility. ** So, they were pretty courteous and professional, which is why I'm giving 2 stars and not 1. I'm not trying to be malicious. Not trying to rip them apart. This was just my honest experience. I sent my jammed 35mm Samyang to Advance Camera after emailing them about my problem, and being given their shipping instructions. They asked to include a note detailing what was wrong with my lens and what needed to be fixed. My note explained what I had told in the email, that it had taken a short fall and the lens had some sort of external jam. It wouldn't allow me to focus long distances because the focus ring was stuck. That was all. It was still in superb photo-taking condition, jam aside. I had just taken wedding photos with it the week prior to shipping it off. I called them after it arrived, and they informed me that the manufacturer had put the part on hold that they needed to fix my camera. Okay, no big deal. They were courteous about it, and honest that they didn't have an estimate as to when the parts would arrive. They said they could either ship it back to me or hold it until the manufacturer could continue releasing those parts again. "Sure", I told them, "Hold on to it." Not a big deal. A few months later, I decided I'd rather just sell it and purchase a new one, I didn't feel like waiting any longer. So they ship it back to me, it arrived quickly. I'm completely delighted at this point because they were so prompt and on-point. Everything sounds good so far? Well, I get my lens back. I'm literally in the car on my way to my mom's wedding. I put the lens on. I start taking practice photos with it. I notice with a sinking feeling that there is something WRONG. The photo quality is turning out horrendous and nothing is focusing. That's when I look down at my lens and realize ITS COMPLETELY SHATTERED INSIDE. I literally do a "WTF" double- take moment wondering if this is even real?!? It looked like a spiderweb. My husband said, "They probably made a mistake and sent you the wrong one, don't worry." So, I contact them in a panic like, "Did you guys send me the wrong one?" And they replied saying that it was in fact the right one. I'm so confused at this point. Did they drop it? They told me it wasn't them who dropped it, it must have been the shipping company. They asked me if I packed it myself? I did, and it was pretty secure. They told me that the lens CAME to them shattered like that. But unless the box straight-up dropped from like a 30 foot height during shipping, that shouldn't even happen. I can GUARANTEE that it was not like that when I sent it off. So they tell me to file a claim with shipping. Okay. Well, I can't. Because it needs to be within a 60-90 day time frame. The lens was held so long at their building that I can't even file a claim. So I just lost $475. But what's the most frustrating part to me, is that NOBODY at Advance Camera even THOUGHT to inform me that my lens apparently came in shattered. Despite the fact that both my email and note to them mentioned NOTHING about a break in the glass. Would have been real nice for them to check with me. I could have easily filed a claim while it was in there. But it's my loss. They offered no compensation, no discount. They did apologize and offer me one of their lenses at full price. I told them I can just buy it cheaper on Amazon. Would have probably ended differently had I gone somewhere else. Looks like I was just screwed over. Thanks guys. read more

The Advance Camera team are like superheroes. If Jimmy Olsen or Peter Parker were real, they would bring their cameras to, and aquire new gear from the experts at Advance Camera. This is a great shop for beginners like me, the staff is patient and knowledgable. I got my first camera at Advance Camera about 8 years ago. I've purchased accessories and gear here at a reasonable price and I even got a sweet deal on Amazon.com through the shop. I've had my cameras cleaned here with fantastic results. I also had a repair done here once. (once, because they fixed it so good, it's still working!) Advance Camera Rocks! read more

Excellent repair shop with highly knowledgeable folks who--thanks to their smarts and honesty--were able to save me from an extremely expensive repair to my Nikon D4. These people are super courteous, timely in their work, and deliver exactly as promised. And unlike the other major pro shop in town [ahem, you know exactly who you are] when you walk in, the don't ignore you, you don't have to tackle someone to get help, they greet you like the customer you are:) I highly recommend doing business with Advance Camera. read more

I've sent two vintage Pentax SLRs to Advance Camera for service, and each time, the camera has come back looking and working like new. They do great work. It's the next best thing to time-traveling back to the 1970s and buying one of these cameras at a store. read more

Thanks to Jayesunn, got everything squared away. If there is an issue they will try their best to take care of it. Great selection and great customer service! read more

Super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful! Clean store and quite an inventory of cameras, equipment and film. I came in with quite a few questions about my camera and they answered those and quickly fixed my camera's rewind knob. I will surely be back again! read more

Overall Take: Go here. Extremely knowledgeable, helpful, straightforward staff. Best recent customer experience I can remember. You can tell everyone at Advanced Camera really cares about cameras and they're passionate about what they do. They were also consummate professionals - a rep not only provided a price estimate for fixing my Nikon Powershot S31S, but explained my options with the existing Nikon warranty and the cost of total camera replacement. In the end, they found a way to fix my camera, replaced the camera strap and the end cost of fixing was less than I expected. Couldn't be happier that I went out of my way to go here. read more

If you like a culture of patience, knowledge, and old-school eye contact, not looking into a computer all the time, then this is your type of camera store too! I have used Advanced Camera for over 20 years, and its been solid service and just general helpfulness on a variety of photography related questions. Just recently the camera clean 7 check for my Canon 20D & 30D was fantastic, and they feel smooth and sleek again in the operation. It is refresing to find a business that has a strong repair and service shop for previous makes and models of cameras. Love this place and will continue to come here as long as I am clicking away! read more

I had serious problems with two very, very well used lenses - like globetrotting level used. I live out of town but work locally, and so I was only there every few weeks to check on things. Parts for these lenses were very hard to come by, and we had to send one back to the manufacturer. However, they totally came through and the lenses are as good as new now. You won't find service better than this shop. read more

I've said this in my other reviews here on Yelp, but I think it's important to repeat: A business shows its true colors when it responds to a problem. Every business, especially the small ones, have problems. When a business has a problem and responds favorably to it, I believe that says a huge amount about how a company runs. Today I received a call from Advance's owner, David. He apologized for my experience, including my less than stellar experiences since the first one over four years ago. We talked a lot about how their business model has changed since then and how it had affected service. Advance is now partnered with Amazon, allowing them to offer the low prices that Amazon has, but also allowing me to support a local business and receive the kind of service that I am willing to pay a little extra for. After the call I received today, I'll gladly give Advance another try -- it sounds like they have addressed the issues that made me hesitant to give them my business. Full Disclosure: - David also offered me a free sensor cleaning at the end of my conversation with him. It did not effect my review as I typically clean my own sensors, but I appreciated it. read more

This is the place to go for all your camera supplies and repairs. Stopped in with a video camera that had a tape stuck. The guy working immediately took it in back for about ten minutes and brought it out repaired. Charged me nothing and even gave me a quick tutorial on how to insert and remove the tape correctly to prevent it from happening again. Also, found a new case for the camera on a wall of cases for $5.00. YES, $5.00!! I have been in before with a film camera issue so I wasn't totally surprised by the fabulous customer service, but still! read more

First time I had been in the store. Amazing selection and knowledgable folks. I had a problem with my Canon EOS digital. They diagnosed and fixed the problem in about 15 minutes. They were very kind and professional. They also refused to take payment for their work. I will be back to purchase any needed things from them. Thanks so much for the great service. read more

I called about a tripod ball head unit in that was not longer staying tight - I thought it was worn out and was asking if they had new ones in stock. They told me to bring it in for a look before buying. They fixed it in 5 minutes, and didn't want to be paid - saving me $140 - and this is during the tight times of virus quarantine. This is not the first time Advance Camera has done a nice job with my equipment - I really love dealing with them... everything come in at the price quoted or lower, and never once have they talked condescendingly to me. I'm grateful to have such kind and ethical business owners in my community. read more

Went above and beyond to help me. I was on vacation and had a broken lens mount. They even stayed after hours and were super professional.

This is my other favorite photo shop in the Portland area. Jordan is beyond helpful. He's very patient and extremely knowledgeable. If they don't have what you are looking for ask Jordan and he will help you find it -- he'll probably even set it up so you can get a discount. This is a very nice family run store. Highly recommended. read more

I was traveling from New York, and I had a nagging problem with my Nikon camera. I was unable to use the any of the modes besides manual nor adjust the shutter. When I was assisted by Jayesunn, at he was very friendly, super dope personality and provided excellent customer service despite being their 5 minutes before store close. He fixed my camera at that very day with ease and even taught a a mini camera lesson. If I ever come to to Portland again, I'm definitely hitting that place up for more accessories and tips. read more

I came here about a year ago and found them to so helpful, I came back today and had a problem with my dsl and they took it to the tech in back fixed it, I wouldn't have known if it had been a big or little problem and they could have charged me up the wazoo.. They fixed a minor problem and gave some great tips on the operation of my camera. My camera is fixed and they are amazing!!! I will be back, honest down home shop for my very important part of my life! My camera is so important to me. Thanks!! read more