I started going here a couple months ago for film development and negative scans and I've been super pleased with the results. Compared to other places the prices are super reasonable and all my scans have come out great. They have multiple options for scan quality, and if you wanted to get super high quality scans for prints they offer that too. My normal turnaround time for scans has been 2 business days every time I've been, which is faster than a lot of other places and they hold your negatives afterward for 30 days I think, so the next time you bring in film you can just pick them up then. read more

Camera Exposure - Example of the "standard" scan quality - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

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I agree service could be better, definitely a bit snobbish, but I guess it comes with the niche dying industry in a hipster hood? I had to follow-up to get scans even though my email was correct the first time, but good price on prints, and the work was quick/only took a few days. read more

Camera Exposure has some of the best offerings and prices for film photography that I've seen in San Diego! Other stores I've visited are frequently out of 35mm color film, but Camera Exposure regularly has various types. Their film development prices are the cheapest I've seen. My photos are scanned and shared with me via Google Drive usually within 1 week of drop off. They also have good prices for prints, especially smaller sizes. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there is plenty of street parking near the store. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. I am just learning about film photography and don't know much about digital photography, but the shop has plenty of cameras, lenses, and other supplies worth checking out! read more

Camera Exposure - Lab Menu with prices - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

I dropped off my Contaxt T2 for repair in September 2023. I followed up with a phone call a few months later, they informed me that the third party they used was still working on it. I followed up every few months with the same response, that they were still waiting on the camera. I emailed the store in September 2024, a year later expressing my concerns and never received a response back. I followed up with more phone calls and emails, until an employee informed me in October 2024 that the camera was in the store, not repaired. No one communicated with me that the camera was back from the third party. I finally spoke with the store owner, Robert who dismissed the entire situation, explaining that they *too* were "disappointed" and "upset" with the third party. And then only offered my original $50 deposit back along with my Contaxt in the same broken condition. When I went in person yesterday to pick up my camera, the other store owner, also dismissed my concerns and offered nothing but my deposit back. After waiting over an entire year, with a complete lack of communication, poor business practice and not taking ownership, I'm more than disappointed. When I asked for anything they could offer me for my wasted time and effort to fix my camera, she continued to tell me there was "nothing they could give me" and that they were also "upset" with this third party guy... I asked for a few rolls of film? Store credit? Anything? She reluctantly agreed to give me a certificate for a 2 standard rolls ($12 value) to get developed... As a business owner myself, I would take complete ownership. Regardless of using a third party for repair, Camera Exposure was representing the repair and to fail entirely at all communication and then to not even offer anything to your customer for your failure and wasted time for over a year. This is no way to treat your customers. I will not be back. read more

I've been in here a few times since moving to the neighborhood a few years ago. The first time I came I was actually kind of nervous because I know next to nothing about film photography, but had an old camera I was hoping to see if it was salvageable. The staff was completely understanding (I had no reason to be nervous lol) and they gave me some tips and was able to help me with my camera free of charge. I've been back to get photos developed and the service is always above and beyond, their prices are reasonable and my photos come out with exceptional quality. Also appreciate that the staff always makes sure I am getting exactly what I want (size of prints, files for photos for Instagram, etc) when I get photos developed. Thank you guys!! read more

Amazing camera store! Was visiting San Diego and was greeted to wonderful and knowledgable service by the employees. Any questions I had regarding lenses or cameras, the owner knew what the answer was and even guided me to some other options or stores that might help find something if he didn't have it. Their film stock has the basic 35mm brands like portra or tri-x, but also fun niche stuff like Elektra 100 and LomoChrome Turquoise. I ended up buying an Olympus 35 RC and LOVE it. They even have a 90 day warranty in case something happens to it. Great store. Highly recommend to camera and film lovers! read more

I have bought a Sony a7II, Minolta 35mm, Nikon FG and most recently a Mamiya 645E. Each camera was in mint condition and have worked flawlessly. They offer really competitive pricing and my wallet is always hating me when I go in. Their team is super friendly and knowledgeable. I don't know of a better film camera shop in town! read more

I came here for film processing after getting the run around at Nelson. Prices and process time are very reasonable.

I've bought many items and darkroom supplies from Camera Exposure over several decades, both from the previous owners and the current owner. I can find it for less $ online but I've bought locally to help support local businesses. I've expressed interest in purchasing some large-format equipment (as-is) from Camera Exposure which was not listed for sale and probably needed some maintenance, which I am equipped to do myself. Offered a fair price and offered the owner my card and asked him to get back to me. 6 months later and have never heard anything back. Disappointed in the owners especially since I have tried to support them in many ways since they first opened Safelight Labs downtown years ago. Won't be going back or spending any more money there. read more

I had a broken rewind knob for my Leica and they were able to have it fixed in a few days rather than their usual 2-3 week turnaround because I needed it for a trip. Good service and polite staff. read more

highly recommend this spot for film development!! they are very fast with it (under a week), fastest i've found in the city. Shout out to Eden for their help with my scans. Good drive upload super convenient. Staff is always friendly! :) read more

Camera Exposure - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

The customer service here is great. I also received my scans faster than the turnaround listed in the store! It took just less than a week. Prices for scans are also insanely cheap. And they do a really good job too, the pictures turned out great! I also love that you can choose which scans to print. So much has been wasted from other places where they just print the whole roll. I'm super pleased with my experience here so far and will definitely be coming back! read more

Now that this place is no longer ran by Ken, this is the best place to shop for your camera/prints needs! So glad it was taken over by people with great customer service skills that love to help. Will be keep getting film and any other photography needs here. read more

If you're having trouble erasing your memories, having nothing and being happy Camera Exposure can help! They will heartlessly throw away your precious memories you entrust to them for development without flinching after just 30 days. No warning at prepay point at the register for payment in full at time of submission of your rolls of film for development. No pesky phone calls telling you your film is ready for pickup, they just THROW THEM AWAY. Even digital!!! film development, apparently that's too burdensome for their server ;) so clever.. Prepare to be gutted and disolved emotionally as they vapidly tell you they threw your multiple savored rolls of film away as it's their POLICY. You can find this on page 4 of their website which I'm not customarily used to do browsing for destruction timeline of my development projects. To say the least, they are the antithesis of human spirit of love and emotional sacred artifacts of humanity.. read more

Camera Exposure - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

I hope places like this can stay in business because it's great to go to a camera shop and be able to ask questions and get personalized information, which is what I got today. The young man who helped me was very nice and checked out my new camera and my old one and transferred my memory card for me. I really appreciated it. I told him I am not that knowledgeable and he was reassuring and didn't make me feel bad for my lack of knowledge. read more

This place is aight. Develop-only film processing is faster than anywhere else in SD at the time of writing. Film prices are high, but that can be said about most brick and mortars - purchase online from Freestyle or B&H instead. They've got a decent selection of cool old cameras and lenses. One of my favorite products they carry are locally-made leather camera straps. Staff is friendly/helpful enough, although not overly enthusiastic, but they do know their stuff. Camera Exposure would earn 5 stars if they had lower prices. Their equipment selection could be a little better too, especially development tools/chemicals. Otherwise, I've been pretty happy with my experiences here. read more

I have never written a review before... But this place deserves it!! Went in with a camera i bought off facebook market place and the guy at the front helped me and told me the camera was no good but the lens was!! Went to another camera store because they didnt have the kind in that I wanted and after i bought one i was having trouble with it and i went back to camera exposure that same day and the guy was still there and helped me free of charge!!! I never even bought anything from them and he was still so kind. Will for sure be going back to develop my film and buy any more used cameras!!! read more

Bought my photo equipment here, back in 2008. There was a man who helped me. I Never forgot him & I also Remember a Genuine, Pure & very Present Interaction. He Helped me out so much & Provided his Expertise on which equipment to buy, Keeping in mind what it was that I wanted. I Left w $600? worth of Photo Equipment. I was Really Grateful for All his Help. He was the one who unfortunately, had ...Parkinson's? *Great to see this place is Still up & running. Will def. Visit in the Future, Godwillingly. read more

I went into Camera Exposure 1 time and probably my only time, not because of bad service, but because I live states away. Camera Exposure has a selection of older cameras and new ones which was exactly what I wanted. I asked them the price of a Roliflex TLR and they said 3 grand. Right after that, they let me mess around with it. If you want a camera shop in San Diego that will help you with anything, it's these guys. I've never been in a cooler camera shop in my opinion, and these guys were super cool to talk to. I was looking for an MD-15 auto-winder for my grandfather's Nikon FA and when it wasn't up front in the shelf, the guy went to the back and brought out an entire box of Nikon auto-winders and helped me look. As I said earlier, and I stand by completely, if you want your camera to be taken care of or your other camera needs met, Camera Exposure is the place to go. read more

I recently stopped by this store on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. I was helped by Maleah, who was super helpful and friendly. She let me examine/hold numerous products in which I was interested and was super knowledgeable about all of them. She even let me see some of the more expensive cameras, even knowing that I had no intention of buying them. Maleah was super patient and offered great advice to help me find the right camera. I am really happy with how the new Camera Exposure treats their customers that might be new to photography. If you had gone here in the past and had an unpleasant experience with the employees, I urge you to give this store a try once again as the new management seems much friendlier. read more

Go here for all your camera needs!! The team there is so helpful and friendly. They really take the time to chat and ensure all your questions are answered. I was in there for 15 minutes at most and I learned more than a semester of classes. Great experience, great team. I will definitely be going back next time I have film to develop. read more

Camera Exposure has REALLY turned around in the last few months. The staff and owner are extremely friendly and very helpful while keeping a professional attitude and incredibly knowledgeable in-depth of everything technical and commercial in cameras. They KNOW their stuff. When I first walked into camera exposure Rob (the owner) greeted me with a friendly and enthusiastic welcome. Using their well-placed hand sanitizer around the store front and reading their clearly labeled COVID-19 pandemic precaution signs, it shows that he and his staff care a lot about my safety as well as the safety of their own during these trying times. The store itself is well-lit and displays a rather diverse and expansive showcase on camera bodies, types, and accessories. There were TONS of lenses on display catering to the novice and seasoned photographer along with a variety of larger items to include studio set-ups, flash lenses, mounts, tripods, and more! I feel like Rob and his team stacked everything on hand which gave me a ton of time to explore and shop around. Not to forget to mention that all the equipment was clean and orderly. It was a gear-junkie's dream. Everything was reasonably priced too, following market value or below on their sales. The staff was polite, Rob even on stand by while working to answer a variety of questions. Everyone seemed very attentive for an easy and seamless check out which left me wanting to go back. I would HIGHLY recommend a visit to Camera Exposure for purchase, questions, or repair relating to all your photography needs! I know I'll be returning. read more

Horrible!!! Threw out my 50+ years old photos from my mom !! How disgusting and i prepaid before I even received them! No call about my photos being done nothing!! Just got rid of them! The workers never said nothing about no 30 days! Useless workers just sitting doing nothing on their phones. NEVER COME HERE! HORRIBLE! read more

I had seen this shop many times when driving by. I loved the idea of buying a classic film camera. I came in and was helped by both Caitie and Mallory. They were both absolutely great!!! Both so knowledgeable and helpful. They answered all of my questions, spent time with me in both learning what I wanted and sought to purchase, and in teaching me how to use it all. I am a big 80's and 90's pop culture enthusiast, so finding an incredible Nikon FA and a flash to go with it along with a case and film and all at a great price was a great purchase and an a very nice experience with both ladies. I am very happy and grateful!!! read more

New hours posted so be advise. I found out the hard way haha. Guess I'll come back tomorrow. read more

Camera Exposure - New hours!! - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been shopping at Camera Exposure for over 30 years and have dealt with all the various owners. I know a lot of people will be happy that Ken, the previous owner is gone. While my dealings with him were always great, I could understand people having issues with him. The store is like a lot of used camera stores where you're dealing with extremely knowledgable people who don't always have patience for less informed customers. That said, Ken would spend a good deal of time with each customer before moving on to the next person waiting to be helped. If you knew what you were looking for and have a good working knowledge of photography, Ken was a goldmine of information who could steer you in the right direction. For those of us who buy most of our gear used, Camera Exposure became a regular stop because they frequently had long discontinued - but perfectly good - items and accessories at fair prices. The other thing with Ken and the previous owners was that prices were somewhat flexible or, at the very least, the store would offer a 15% discount for cash purchases. As a result I became a very faithful cash customer and over the years bought several Nikon and Mamiya lenses and bodies, Lowel lighting kits, sandbags, lens hoods, bellows, extension rings, Manfrotto tripods, bricks of film and various accessories. I usually spent several hundred to several thousand dollars at Camera Exposure every year. Recently the store was taken over by a very pleasant couple. Newbies will undoubtedly feel more comfortable in the store because they are so patient and spend plenty of time with all customers. They're definitely among the nicest people I've ever encountered running a camera shop. However, anyone who has been a regular customer at the store previous to the new owners may be in for a surprise - prices are now fixed, there are no cash discounts or package deals and if you want to buy a lens that doesn't have a lens cap, you have to purchase one. The other day I was preparing to plunk down $325 for an older Mamiya MF lens ... but there was no filter or lens cap over the front element. In all my years of buying used lenses, especially from Camera Exposure, they were happy to include either a lens cap, a cheap filter or usually both with any purchase of a lens. You usually didn't even need to ask. When I inquired if they would include a lens cap with the purchase, I was told, no, but I could buy one for ten bucks. I've been supporting Camera Exposure for years out of the belief that it's good to support local businesses, rather than always buying my used gear on Craigslist (which is where I find most of my purchases these days) or eBay or Amazon. Making someone purchase something separately that should reasonably be included in the first place is the very definition of penny wise and pound foolish. It's like shopping for a car and having the dealer tell you windshield wipers are available but only for an extra $20. I sincerely wish the new owners success and fully respect their business practices. But I probably won't be back anytime in the near future. I read more

I really don't understand the negative reviews. I stopped in on a busy day and the owner was very helpful. I picked up a Nikon f2 for an extremely reasonable price. Most other shops would have been double. Once I got home, I found the iso dial wasn't working. I took it back and he swapped out the part in a few minutes. Definitely worth a visit as he has a huge selection of used read more

It was my first time coming in to this shop since I'm new to shooting on film. The girl with the glasses was so helpful and such a guiding light to a newbie. I'm so grateful for her because I walked in like a lost puppy lol. Thank you! Im so excited to start shooting on my point and shoot! read more

I have been going to camera exposure for years, and although the service was already not optimal 8 years ago when I first discovered this store, it has considerably degraded in the recent years. I have a lot of respect for the employees and all the people working there, but they are lacking in showing basic decency and courtesy to even their most loyal patrons. Sure, they have a lot of very interesting inventory, some of it are pieces of art that they care for and maintain well. Sure they also have a lot of knowledge and experience in dealing with difficult technical issues that are bound to arise when practicing photography at any level. It's for these two reasons that I have long ignored the utter lack of respect and sometimes blunt disregard they have for SOME of their customers or in my case, patrons. I have even, now regrettably directed countless friends and colleague photographers there to shop and repair their items. Last week, I was on the search for a specific camera that I know they usually have. I called, and one was in stock. Since their hours are very restricted already, I asked if it could be put aside for me to purchase the next morning. I don't think I'm entitled to that at all, but I asked very politely if I could put some money down for it, by giving my card info. The person, who I think was the owner from recognizing his voice told me they weren't "equipped to do that" which was a bold lie since any online serviced card machine accepts manual entries. If a scammer abroad can take my grandma's card info from a phone call, you can too sir, you just didn't want to. And that's ok all things considered, since they have never acted like they wanted my business. As to why I spent the time to write this review though, it is for anyone else who shares this feeling. Since they seem to give the best experience to some of their customers and not others, I encourage those to go to Nelson's camera instead, who in the other hand has kept getting better and better each year. With equivalent inventory and knowledge, prefer to go to Nelson's camera for much better customer CARE. read more

This review is for the nice couple who are the new owners of Camera Exposure. I have been a customer of C.E. since it's beginning with the founder Kenn Petsch back in the late 1980's. The business has gone thru cycles that reflect the cycles that photography has gone through in the past 40 odd years, and that is no fault of the current owners. I stopped in a few months ago to see how the shop had shaped up, and was pleasantly surprised at the changes, and the excellent attitude of the proprietors. So on this basis alone I will watch with interest as the shop develops and word spreads. read more

I was turning in my film camera and had a bunch of questions, and I just felt that this place was annoyed by me, asking questions about film and how to pay for their services. The lady with round glasses and brown hair just seemed annoyed with me. It was my first time dealing with film and coming here so I was kind of sad. It wasn't very welcoming. You also cannot pay ahead of time when dropping off your film, you have to pay after. read more

I've been using this shop for around 10 years. I have NEVER had a bad customer service experience, so I don't know what's up with some of the reviews. Yeah, they're a small shop, and they take time with their customers, so if there are people in front of you, there might be a wait. It's miles ahead of the big retailers, and Ken used to work for Nikon, so he sometimes does repairs locally that everyone else would send to the company. I've always felt that Ken is looking out for my best interests. read more

I've never written a bad review. i work in customer service and have for over 10years, i also have been doing photography on the side for 2 years. my goodness, there's only one person behind the counter so a wait is fine... but when you're all done ringing up the customer before and there's another 10min wait bc you're talking about the past well, what is that? i started the stopwatch on my phone to really make sure i wasn't exaggerating the wait time and threw my headphones on and listened to some music while i waited to not get irritated. after a bit of time i proceed to ask about a lens, the camera is having difficulty focusing and i wanted to purchase a different one so i could use a macro lens- he asked me where i got the lens and i replied online(it was a gift) and hell hath no fury with the pretentious response he gives me ; excuse you right after you berated me about where the lens came from my mind was made to Not support this store. How does someone get experience? by learning and this place in no way has dignity towards those who aren't on par with his expectations and that is shameful. really cool stuff, the owner is really knowledgeable and would benefit from some non judgmental courses to be inclusive of the changing times. acceptance does wonders. read more

I finally got here! Will definitely come back and hopefully the lens that I saw is still there! The owner was so nice and helpful with all my questions. Thank you! Will come back soon! read more

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I call this place to fix my camera and the man that I speak with was very rude. He act like I am inferior to he and treat me with very rude and 'smart-pant' comment. After this call, I decide to buy new camera from different store. I will NOT recommend this business. Go place else! read more

Recently broke my Pentax Super ME and went in to find a replacement. Ken knew exactly what camera I was looking for and had it in stock. This place is really amazing. I've never seen another store like it. 100% recommend for any of your camera needs. All the cameras are serviced and in working condition, so although it is more expensive than cameras at a thrift store they are guaranteed to work and look pristine. I plan on getting all of my film developed here from now on. read more

Camera Exposure - My new camera! Can't wait to test it out - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Diego, California

What an awesome thing to have a shop like this in the neighborhood. I have been in for camera repair service and film development. Every time I go in it's always a brilliant time and I enjoy chattin with the Camera exposure crew. Grateful for this place! read more

Terrible customer service here. I came in trying to buy a wide angle lens but the owner was very condescending. He tried to sell me zoom lenses every though I was specifically looking for a prime wide angle lens. He also was saying that DX lenses do not crop even though they clearly do, claiming that the 35mm on a crop body is true 35mm. Ridiculous, does not know his stuff and an absolutely horrendous attitudetowards customers. read more

Yelp really needs a "doesn't even rank" option. The first time i went, i was corrected on my terminology, "educated" on my understanding of crop v full-frame lenses (and by that I mean that was told that since I owned a crop, I should already understand how it works) and corrected when I mis-stated the range of a lens I had at home. I left considering a purchase even though I felt I had been slammed into a wrestling mat just to get the information that I needed. The second time I went, I was again corrected when I mis-stated the range of a lens I had at home, told by whomever it was that he had "25 years experience, so he should know" and made to feel like I had committed a cardinal sin for naming the wrong lens range. Bottom line, that lens didn't matter! I knew what I was looking to purchase and didn't even get a chance to state that as I was so put off by the approach of the guy, not once, but twice, that I will never return. I urge you not to go if you aren't 100% sure of your EXACT lens names and ranges, oh, and unless you have complete knowledge and expertise in every photography method, technology, and term out there! Every "expert" needs to remember they started knowing nothing as well. If you just want to sell and not deal with questions or "inferiors", have an online only store...otherwise, learn some customer service. I HIGHLY recommend George's Camera. They "educate" in a respectful way, because they want potential customers to learn the craft, understand the technology, and return. read more

I had a terrible customer service experience here. It takes a lot for me to write a bad review, but I felt highly offended about the way I was treated. I am a beginning photographer and came in looking for gear to outfit with my strobe lights. I asked Ken if there was a possibility of renting the equipment he recommended and he laughed off my question like he thought I was an idiot for even asking. Further into our conversation he referred to me as "are these the star photographers who are working these days?" COMPLETELY inappropriate and rude! I responded with saying, I'm just starting out...and then he started to walk back his comment like it was all ok. He also mimicked my voice in what I'm guessing was an attempt at a women's voice. I am a reasonable person, but when someone acts this way, it's not ok & should be called out. I CANNOT BELIEVE THE WAY I WAS TREATED and will NEVER return. If you want to experience rampant sexism, condescending commentary and lack of basic decency in customer service, be my guest. If not, don't give this place your business. I went straight over to George's Camera after, just blocks away, and had a WONDERFUL customer experience. They respectfully & kindly provide information and ensure that you are getting fair prices. I highly recommend George's Camera for whatever you need. read more