Although they had what I needed, the location is HARD to find. They moved locations and you wouldn't know that unless you looked on their WEBSITE. The address on Yelp is not correct. We drove past the new location twice and finally caught a glimpse of the sign. Their sign has a different business on it so yeah very confusing. I'll make sure I have wha I need before venturing to a film store in an unfamiliar city. read more

Talk about knowledgeable. The friendly staff patiently spent over an hour talking to my father and me about a wide variety of options for digital cameras and lenses. Tons of pre-owned options and a million small pieces for older equipment to search through! read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. I love every single staff member here. They are all so kind and caring. I feel so welcomed every time I come in, and have gotten to the point of knowing many of a first name basis. That's pretty cool. I love film, they always know what to recommend, and how to help. It's such a blessing to have an actual film store in Asheville. Love you Ball read more

Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Glad I was able to find their new location. Found a Ricoh GR IIIx that I had been looking for at a decent price and they happened to have one ... at a decent price. read more

Ball sold me up the stream! They took advantage of my ignorance and sold me an old inferior lens for more than the cost of my existing lens plus cash. Here's how it went: Not knowing much about camera lenses, I went there to get a micro lens for my digital SLR camera. I trusted the man behind the counter, which i shouldn't have, to direct me to the right lens. He brought out a lens and told that it was what I needed and that he would take the lens on my camera plus an additional payment as a trade in. About a month later I showed my new lens to a photography teacher. He said that this new lens that Ball had sold me was an old lens and not nearly as good as the one I had. The one i gave to Ball, he told me was already a micro lens. There is no fixing this except that i will never go back to Ball. Fool me once......................... read more

Kind, knowledgeable, and helpful staff; and high-quality prints! They sell and develop film and all kinds of cameras and equipment. Call ahead if you have any questions and they'll help you out. Let's support this local business! read more

Quick turnaround to develop film. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. Camera stores are few and far in between, and im grateful to have one in the Asheville area as a local wedding photographer. read more

Ball Photo Supply has an excellent inventory of used equipment. The have cameras, lens and accessories. They also have new cameras, lenses, and equipment. They also have a full photo lab on premises. Combine this with excellent service, and you have a great photo shopping experience. In these times of on line buying, with no or little post purchase service, the staff at Ball's is there for their customer. I have bought two major items from Ball, and am very pleased with the product, and service. read more

An old family owned camera shop with an incredible selection. GREAT service. I bought a tripod for my wife and a used telephoto lens that fit her new camera. So much knowledge here and they did not try to sell me the most expensive items...even though I was clearly a novice. They exist in what I call the saddest "mall" in the town that I have ever seen. Hard times in this mall, but please buy your stuff at this great local treasure. read more

Ball Photo Supply - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Professional staff, real knowledgeable. Some trashy Karen lost her mind in the store and the staff handled it well

Every time I go here I'm given full attention and candid advice on what I need. I never feel taken advantage of- more like I've stayed after class to ask a professor's opinion on something. Love these guys. Long live the art of photography! read more

Okay, I'll start with the positives. This place is really cool, lots of great old gear and lots of old junk piles to dig through and that is some of my favorite shit to do. The con: I went here mainly to buy some 120 film, but was astonished on the mark up. A box of tmax was $40, and a box of ektar was $60 that is an almost 50%mark up from most other online retailers. read more

Absolutely huge selection of gear. A film photographers dream. Except when I asked to be shown something about a camera the older gentleman asked "what's the point? I'd rather not unless you're going to buy it." Not helpful at all & just rude to be honest. read more

Great staff. As a smaller retail operation, they might need to order the parts in but isn't it worth waiting a few days in order to sustain a local business and get their expertise? I think so! Whenever I can, I try and buy my equipment from Ball and just try to allow enough time for when I'll need it. read more

Nice to see the small photography stores still exist. Gentleman behind the counter was very helpful. Extremely knowledgeable about cameras. I just happened to see this place driving by, great selection of camera gear. I wasn't able to find the very specific lens I was looking for but was still able to spend half an hour looking through everything. He could have ordered it but I was just leaving town. Did not get pushed into buying anything, got all my questions answered. Overall a great experience. read more

This is a REAL camera store. If you want to talk to someone knowledgeable, who can steer you to gear that suits your needs, don't go to a big box store - go here. You'll be glad you did. I took my beloved carbon fiber tripod in here, in shock after the ball head got ripped right off it. They pulled out the center post, got the broken pieces off, flipped the center post over and put it back together - charged me $10. I practically cried on relief, since I was 1,000 miles from home and headed for a 1 week photo tour of the Smokies. They also helped me pick out a great new ball head, lighter and more precise than the one I had. They showed me all the workings of it and attached to my tripod. And in the end, they didn't charge me the $10 repair fee. read more

Love the staff, they're so helpful and friendly! One of the guys helped me find an old film camera that's perfect for me and now I take my film there to get it developed and printed(: read more

First, I'll start off by saying I purposely made a special trip to Ball Photography while visiting from out of town. I collect classic film cameras and love anything photography-plus there are no stores like this where I live so why not? We were there for about an hour but it felt like 3 because there is SO MUCH to see! OMG, frankly I was a bit overwhelmed. I had read the yelp reviews and although there were only a handful they were great so I had to check it out for myself. It's true, the staff is very helpful, engaging and honest. I checked out their classic camera collection, everything from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, and a few special cameras Rollei TLR's and even some russian ones. I bought a lens for a Minolta camera at a great price, a few lens caps, filters and wish I could've bought more but the reason I didn't is that I already owned quite a bit of what they carried and/or it wasn't in the condition in which I wanted. (I'm very picky and actually use my cameras). They have tons of used and new camera cases, lens hoods, filters, caps, just so much! It's an awesome place for anyone looking to get into film photography and or digital as they had quite a bit of digital cameras as well but personally, that's not what I was paying attention to. All in all, an awesome trip. You should check it out for yourself. read more

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I've had a couple issues with equipment from Ball Photo. I was sold a camera and was led to believe it had only been used to photograph 59 photos. It had been owned by the clerk who sold it to me. The shutter broke after 5 months and 300+ photo's. They sent it out for repair and felt I needed to split the difference of the repair cost which were $190. I bought the camera after buying a lighting kit that I took with me to photograph a wedding. When I opened it it was incomplete and I was unable to use it. The wedding shoot was a nightmare because of it. I brought the incomplete lighting kit back and couldn't get a refund but was interested in getting a better camera. I guess I was gullible to trust them and in the end I had a very used camera that I have no idea what will go next on it. Don't buy from them! Not only are you playing Russian Roulette with your purchase but you will be ignored when your trying to support a local business by not purchasing online. read more

i have been using Ball ever since i moved to Asheville in 2011. i deeply appreciate this business -- where else can you get film developed in person anymore??!! have i ever had delays or miscommunications happen, yes. but i have not had anything short of high *quality* service. the reviews from out-of-towners, leaving low ratings based off of speed or customer service, are really unfair. as photographers, particularly film photographers, don't we enjoy taking things at a slower pace, with more patience and grace? the guys that work here are a bit older, perhaps a bit ornery (which i actually find endearing), so maybe they don't win a gold star for being sugary-sweet when it comes to customer service. BUT they reciprocate the energy you put down when you walk in their doors... i've never had a rude, sexist, or belittling interaction inside Ball. if you walk in 5 minutes til close, 99.99% of small business folks in Asheville aren't going to be too pleased nor pleasant. have some consideration, especially if you come in from out-of-town. the locals expect you to enter kindly and respectfully... otherwise, most of us don't care for your business anyway. read more

I warn anyone thinking of going to this store. Especially if your reasoning is to support them to keep film photography alive. They do not use traditional processing, and give no disclosure to customers. I had 2 rolls of black and white film processed at Ball. I was given the option of glossy or matte for my prints. I chose matte, expecting the standard photo paper would be used. When I picked up my photos, they had been processed DIGITALLY and printed with an inkjet. The fact that they do not let customers know that analogue film will not be processed in the traditional technique is unacceptable. The results were HORRENDOUS. The black and white images were composed of visible color pixels (look closely or under a loup--the employee claimed not to see the color pixels). They were printed on a thick cardstock paper and visibly blurred (explained by the employee as a result of the ink spreading on the paper used as well as the lower quality of the inkjet printer they used.) In response to my concern and dissatisfaction with the images, I all received was an offer to pay again to have the images printed on semigloss, and some less than satisfactory explanations of why the results of the first printing were bad. read more

Was treated rudely on the phone! When I called 10 days after I dropped my camera off I was told (in a very annoyed way) that the technician hasn't looked at it and it would be at least 3 weeks. Said to the guy that I was told to call back next week to see what the status was and that it would probably take 'a little while'. The guy said he always tells people 3 weeks. I then replied that both my husband and I never heard him say that specified time frame when I dropped it off. His reply: People hear what they want. To say that I was taken off guard and angered by this answer was an understatement. I picked up my camera the next day and asked for my deposit back. I'll never go here again. Rented a few lenses and had my camera cleaned there before but no longer. Such rude behavior. read more

The two gentleman at Ball Photography were incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The store is a charming vortex of excellent used equipment and film. read more

I was travelling and forgot my Nikon battery charger at home. Purchased one at Ball Photography and paid $34.95. Saw it latter on Amazon for $7.95. The price looked pretty high to me at the time of purchase, but I did not think it would be 4X as much. Buyer beware of the prices at this establishment. read more

Lots of new and used equipment. Needs better organization. The staff were helpful in finding things.

I came here several times throughout the summer to get my film developed and I was thrilled with all of the results, and it was a good price too. I grabbed a helpful book too for only like $2. They had a HUGE selection of different cameras and lenses and camera bags and film. If you're looking for any photography stuff I'd recommend checking this place out- not only is it a great place, but you'll be helping out a local business as well :) read more

Knowledgeable staff. They helped me find a set based on my limited knowledge and a poor description. Led me to a used body, new lens, and an all inclusive light tent. One employee grumbled that I arrived as they were closing. Rightfully so, as I got there about 3 minutes to close and had no notion of what I needed. They took the time to assess my needs and my budget, regardless. After I purchased, they invited me to a free course on how to best use my equipment. I didn't get any help at one of the big box stores. Go with a specialist. You'll always come out ahead. read more

While working in Asheville I needed some camera accessories and this place had everything I could need fully stocked and really great people if you're in need of a camera or any kind of photography equipment this is the go to place read more

This is literally the only place I'll get my film processed. Everyone there is professional and will take as long as it's needed to make sure you are satisfied. Elisabeth, the lady who processes film does an absolute phenomenal job. She's always patient and my pictures come out way better than I'd ever expect. What an amazing place. Support this business. read more

Had to find a photo supply shop while on vacation, a photo shoot of waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Forgot some of our filters and looked these people up while en route. Very helpful and more importantly, very knowledgeable about photo products. Ended up buying more than filters based on their recommendations. When we mentioned shooting waterfalls, we were told if we could come back the next day, another employee shoots waterfalls as a hobby and could probably provide some feedback on local waterfall sites. We came back, got some great advice on local sites. These people are quiet professionals, they know their stuff, they knew we were probably one time customers, but they still treated us as if we had been going there for years. Reading the other reviews here, I can't comment on their film processing issues, but our experience with them was very different than one low reviewer, Our first day, we purchased an older telephoto lens to use for a specific application. When we tested it out, we found we had a problem. We brought it back the second day and they resolved the issue free of charge even though we knew it was a more expensive option and yes, we offered to pay but they indicated it was their fault not ours and the original price stood. Good folks, a good experience. read more

I chose to take my camera to this store because there are no camera stores where I live and I didn't want to have to send my camera to Nikon. I was in town for photography classes so I rushed down to Asheville on a Friday evening to beat their 6 p.m. closing at the store. When I called to say I was about 10 minutes away and was going to drop off my camera, the man on the phone said, "We'll be open if you make it before 6." First bad indicator, I should have followed my instinct and heeded the horrific reviews of this place. When I got there, I was not greeted in any way. I was more of less glared at for arriving at five 'til 6. A different man took my camera and my information and literally could not wait to get out the door and jump in his Honda to leave. Second bad indicator. When I went to pick up the camera the next day, I barely made the 5 p.m. closing, having been in class all day. Again, not greeted, treated like I was a nuisance and in the way of them getting home. I was given my camera and absolutely no details of the cleaning. I take responsibility for not asking more but I made the incredibly bad mistake of assuming they were ethical and that I would get what I paid for. I wanted to purchase a cleaning kit. They didn't have any. I wanted a gray card. They had large ones but not the kind in bags (important to not get a gray card dirty or any color other than 18% gray). So, I didn't purchase. I would like to have looked but again was practically pushed out the door. That evening I discover that they ran my battery dead which was strange. Third bad indicator. Why would they need to kill my battery? Were they out using my camera? Who knows. Sunday I checked to see if the obvious specks on my sensor were gone and cleaned -- the whole reason for this horrible experience. All the specs were still on my sensor and there was still sand behind the live view display. The camera had not been cleaned. They were not open on Sunday and I drove home to where I live 70 miles away. I called Monday and, giving the benefit of the doubt just to be hospitable, said there must be some mistake, my camera had not been cleaned. The man who answered said he was the one who cleaned it and became defensive. He said "my card" had all the details of the cleaning. I was not given "a card" and told him that. I said the specks of dust or dirt that I wanted cleaned were still there and how could that be explained. He then asked if they were visible in photos ( trying to change the subject and divert from his lies). I had not taken any yet and told him so. He then started saying that the dust was in my view finder and that would be much for labor intensive and expensive to clean and implied that this was all my fault for not knowing where exactly the dust was. I thought that was the whole reason for the cleaning. Removing dust and dirt, cleaning exterior, alerting me to any things I should know about, etc. Avoid this place. I don't care if it's a mom and pop and it makes people feel all toasty and warm inside to patronize a mom and pop place. There is a reason mom and pop places are out of business. Snotty, rude, chauvinist, unethical "service." This place has a bad, sexist vibe if you are a woman so women photographers, avoid this business. Buy from B&H - a family owned, wonderful business based in New York. I hope this place goes out of business and soon. It's in a creepy part of town and not performing a service for which one pays is called stealing. So is selling expired film, which I read in another review. I've also read that the 5-star reviews on here are written by family members and that the men in the store are father and son. Just horrible. I always dread visiting Asheville for many reasons, mostly all the hate in the atmosphere and people so desperate for attention, but this was just the icing on the cake. Do not patronize this establishment. Put them out of business. read more

I've been using Ball Photography for over 20 years and though someone might be having a bad day or something, they are the only store in this area that has true expertise in anything to do with photography including foreign passport photos, etc. They are always polite and willing to help with any questions. I'm just glad they're still in business because I hate having not having anyone to ask questions of when it comes to repairs, weird problems. read more

My trip to Ball Photo was simply amazing. I am writing this after coming back from Ball and finally joining yelp. We are in Asheville this weekend for my wife's work and since I am a film photographer, I enjoy checking out shops in other cities. I'd read some old reviews of this joint and was expecting the worst. Wrong! I've been in some amazing stores around the world where the owners love photography and love the older film gear. Ball is similar to a store, in my home city of Atlanta, called Wings Camera, and is similarly owned by the same family for decades. Ball Photo has a staggering amount of gear for sale and I was awestruck by what I saw. If you're a film photog, you must stop by this place. Every major brand has a full two or three level 3x6 glass floor display dedicated to the brand. Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, and many others are well represented with lenses, bodies, and many accessories you've only read about. I got there at 3:30 and was immediately bummed that I only had an hour and a half to look. There is a huge section for flashes, filters, and most anything one might need. They did have some digital stock, but all I looked at was the film stuff, so I cannot comment on their digital gear. It's a modest sized store and I spent most of my time in a 20 sq ft area where the Nikon film gear was stocked. I could've spent hours more looking and likely wouldve bought more than the killer 20mm lens I got had it not been five and I needed to go to get our baby fed. I don't know what people expect these days, but the gentleman who helped me was terrific and didn't "sell" me a thing, I bought bc he had it in stock, was cool, and gave me a great deal. If you know your gear, and know what you want, you'll love this place. I really don't understand the bad reviews at all. I'd go again in a heartbeat and if I lived here I'd be there every week. read more

I only give 5 stars when I'm blown away. About 6 months ago my film camera died after 30 years. I wanted a replacement but my hometown shop stopped selling used equipment four years ago. I've been looking on C list but not finding anything I wanted. After searching through the shelves of Ball Photo for about 1.5 hours, I found a Nikon F2 with a light meter I liked. The had a sweet Nikon F with lens and leather case but while I wanted it as a collection, I couldn't justify the money for something to sit on the shelf. They also had a Mamiya C330 that I wanted to trade for my C220, however my wife would have killed me for taking too long in the store. Next was going through the lenses looking for a AI/AIs. When I found something I wanted, they sold me the camera, lens and clear lens filter for the price of the camera body. This is a great place, wish it was in my home town but it's probably a good thing it isn't. read more

I am a local professional photographer. I stopped by the Ball Photo store to purchase two items. They had one of the items in stock, and frankly, the gentleman who helped me did a great job of finding my small, relatively obscure item. I ordered another similar item from the gentleman and he told me it would be in within a week. I left all my contact information and he promised someone would call me when it arrived. Three weeks later I had not heard from them. So I called the store and spoke with the guy who helped me the first time. He told me that he gave the order to the manager, but that the item was probably never ordered. I asked him if he ever followed up with the manager about my order. He said no. I asked why not? He said "because he's the manager" as if that absolved him from all further responsibility to his customers. Then he told me "we get special orders every day" as if that fact excused them from following up with those orders and making sure their customers actually get what they order when promised. If that's not a lazy, don't give a shit attitude and bad customer service I don't know what is. I was happy to buy locally, even though it cost roughly double what it costs to get the same item online, in exchange for getting some personal attention and dealing with someone face-to-face. Big mistake on my part. I asked the guy to please check with the manager and was told he couldn't get with the manager until Monday - two and a half days from now. I called an online competitor who had my item in stock and is shipping it to me today. I received an online order confirmation within minutes and a shipping tracking number a half hour later from the online dealer. I will have my item in hand about the same time the guy said he would be able to check with the manager. Cost including shipping is a tad less than Ball Photo's price, but that is not really the issue for me. It's all about following up and keeping promises, neither of which seem to be of any concern whatsoever to the employee I dealt with at this store. In my opinion, this is why "real" camera stores are going out of business. read more

I had a 35 mm slide from 1966 - the only photo that exists of my parents on their wedding day. It had splotches all over it like circular worn areas. It wasn't like that 20 yrs ago! Mom recently died and I thought someone might be able to touch it up, but didn't think much could be done. Ball Photo took a look at it & said they could work on it, but it could be up to $44 depending on how many hrs it takes. I also wanted them to print a photo to see what the quality was like compared to other (cheap) places to print pictures. Ball Photo had the job done very quickly. When I saw how beautiful the print was I started to get weepy. It was perfect and crystal clear. They put a white edge around the boarder just like old photos have - very professional touch. The gentleman asked me what he'd quoted me for a price. I told him 'up to $44 depending on how many hrs it takes to restore. They only charged me $29.00 and that included the stunning print on extremely high quality photo paper. They not only do very high quality restoration, they are very honest as well. It was a pleasure to do business with them. They're a 'mom & pop' store with old fashioned customer service. If you have heirlooms that need help go to Ball Photo in Asheville NC. You won't find anybody better than them. (They're one of several stores along the parking lot where the Innsbruk Mall is.) read more