The best place to rent a camera and stand/accessories! We wanted to capture photos on this trip that our phones wouldn't be able to capture, but didn't want to invest thousands on equipment that we might not use again. Tom and Wendy are the most kindhearted people I've ever met! Not only were we able to rent a camera from them as total newbies to cameras, Tom also pre-set the camera for us (so we just had to point and shoot the photos), and spent 30 minutes answering all our questions and explained how to use the camera. He really went above and beyond to make sure that our pictures would come out great! The night we were going out Aurora hunting, Wendy also gave us directions on where we could go to find clear skies to take pictures of the Aurora, and what time they might come out. She showed me what apps to use and how to interpret the data. We didn't need to spend any money on a tour! we ended up, making lifelong friends, not to mention the rental price was so much less than how much it would've cost us to buy a brand new camera, and a stand, and all the accessories!! Thank you Wendy and Tom !! P.S. the photo is a little blurry because I forgot to focus and my hands were frozen lol read more

Alaska Camera - Aurora lights with me! - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Fairbanks, Alaska

See all

Awesome small business!! I highly recommend going here for your camera needs while traveling in Fairbanks! I rented a tripod from Tom at a really affordable rate. I was visiting from out of town and didn't want to travel with a tripod, so I'm glad I found Tom's small business. Tom was really helpful from start to finish and answered all of my questions about what settings to put my Sony in to properly photograph the northern lights. I now have really great photos!! Thanks, Tom! read more

Tom and Wendy were the key to our success on Chasing the Aurora, we paid for Canon Lenses and a Tripod, but we got much more than that, all the tips and knowledge shared from them was priceless, we could feel how much they enjoy Photography and also helping the Customers to find the right equipment and the best spots to take their shots! It's a place with Alaska signature, Great people and impeccable service! read more

See all

If you are a photographer, Thomas Payer is your best friend in Fairbanks, Alaska. I recently had an inexpensive but essential piece of gear fail unexpectedly right before I got onto an early morning flight to Fairbanks. There was no time to solve the problem locally. When I arrived in Fairbanks, Thomas not only had the obscure item I needed. He went way out of his way to get me back in operation, even though it was a only small sale for him. This is the best of good people. I wish I could buy every bit of photographic gear I ever needed from Alaska Camera. read more

This is a lovely mom-and-pop store and we had a wonderful rental experience here. Wendy is nice and responsive. Tom is very knowledgeable in photographing. We came to Alaska for aurora chasing without our own equipment nor much knowledge in DSLR. Tom is patient in learning our demand. Before our arrival, he helped us choose a kit that best balanced our needs and learning curve -- no upsale. Upon pick-up, Tom took the time to show us how to use each item in the kit and made useful suggestions on shooting parameters. He shared a lot of tips/ resources for aurora shooting. Later they went far beyond to accommodate our changing request. We also ordered a photo print from them, the quality of which was super. We really enjoyed talking with Tom and Wendy. Like many others we encountered in AK, they are warm-hearted, ready-to-help and willing to share. Their love and passion for this land is genuine. So a little tip for travelers to Fairbanks, don't be frustrated if you don't catch the northern light through your lenses; you can feel / learn more about Alaska through talking with Alaskans. read more

We arrived in Fairbanks and after going through my suitcase, I realized I left my camera charger and battery 3000 miles away. I called 'Tom the owner, who was absolutely amazing. He had a charger and a battery for my camera, and when I said I would take a shared ride out to his store. He said I'm coming into town anyway so I'll drop it off. The products were perfect. The service was amazing and he was a really nice person who I would be happy to recommend to anyone!! read more

In from out of town and needed a new lens. Call and they had it. The fellow that helped us was knowledgeable, friendly and spent all the time we needed. Wish we had a shop like this at home. read more

This family business is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful when it comes to everything photo. If you do not own a DSLR or have the proper equipment to capture Alaska's beauty this place is a goto to get you set up. read more

Great selection of lots of various camera gear. Stopped in to get a spare shutter release and lens pen. Surprised to find out the prices beat Amazon! Staff seemed pretty friendly and knowledgeable. Watched as they worked through a language barrier with another customer with relative ease... read more

Alaska Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Fairbanks, Alaska

Great customer service, fast friendly and really took the time to explain the products! Made the choice easy! read more

Great experience buying from Alaska Camera. The person who helped me was patient and knowledgeable. And there was zero pressure, no upsale BS. It was a positive experience and I walked out with a new camera at competitive pricing with no sales tax. read more

Ok let me start of saying this Camera shop is The Best! We had camera issues they went far beyond to help us out! Friendly very knowledgeable in Camera use and lens to use in different applications you are shooting. A+ Thank you very much. Super Service read more

Professional and have it all. Staff are very helpful. You can find everything here. And rentals available.

I rented a camera from Alaska Camera and specifically asked that it be set up for nighttime shots of the Aurora. Their settings did not allow the camera to take a picture during the nighttime in very low light. If you are a novice like me, you may want to really, really educate yourself on how to use this model/make of camera. Sorry--there customer service stinks! Fortunately, there was a very nice person at Clearly Summit/Skiland that helped me adjust all the settings to allow nighttime pictures of the Aurora. read more

I walked into the store looking for a good northern lights portrait lens on 9/27/17. I have started to shoot northern lights routinely and live in Fairbanks. After looking through the lens I found one that looked promising, I asked if I could rent it to see if I liked it after using it for a night but the salesperson said that they had no rentals of that type of lens but he added, in no uncertain terms, that I had a "7 day" window to return it if I did not like it.This information made the difference for me, I came off the fence and bought it. Today. 9/29/17, after shooting 40 shots on it, I came into return it and look for a different lens. I was told, to my surprise, there is a no return policy, I asked for the manager/owner and she backed that up. She said even though I bought it with the knowledge that I could return it in 7 days (she gave new employee excuse) that it was my problem and not hers. I find this to be unacceptable business ethics. She should have made the situation right with her customer and then spoke with the new employee and revise her new employee training program to ensure this never happens again. Regardless of the reason, I have lost total trust in this store and will never set foot in it again. Perhaps I will grow to like the $600 lens I am stuck with, but that will have no impact on my opinion of the lack of business ethics at this store. For me, I'll buy from someone else, Amazon offers returns on the same lens and sells it for 5% cheaper. read more

Awesome shop! Had everything I needed and then some more things. Anthony was very knowledgeable and helpful with helping me find what I needed for my new camera. I will be going back there in the future to purchase anything else I need for my camera needs. read more

We recently visited Fairbanks to experience the Aurora Borealis and tour the area. Alaska Camera provided us with such great recommendations for taking photos of the Aurora! Thanks to BAILEY & JEFF!!! They took the time and answered many questions! They were very professional and patient! We were also able to rent a camera lens and tripod at very reasonable prices. It's such a great service for those of us who prefer not to have to carry equipment on the plane. Your staff is amazing! It made our once in a lifetime trip the best! read more

Katie was incredible! We came to rent a camera to photograph the Northern Lights. I also brought my camera to see if it is possible to use it to take the pictures. All their rentals were taken but she promised to call if one was returned during our stay. She also helped me get mine set which I could possibly use since no camera were available. Great customer service. read more