i don't really want to visit this place due to the phone conversation that i had with them. thanks to Chelsea P. for her review and i am also taking my son to visit a different store. If you ever need advise from anyone over the phone you defiantly need to call calumet!!!! they are extremely helpful every time and don't try to rip you off. read more

Very reliable business, The owner will go out of his way to make a business transaction go Regina ment as I have known him for a long time and has on several businesses all in a successful way and ending And currently is doing very well with this one read more

I've been trying to call this place to get a quote on a routine system check and sensor cleaning but no one ever picks up.

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

Avoid! Went there only once to offer some lenses and camera bodies left to me by my father that had recently passed away. Probably about $2000 worth (some were new EOS lenses, L quality, and a 1Ds camera body, unused) if sold individually. Came on a busy day, but I waited patiently for at least an hour before being helped. No one acknowledged the long wait or said they would be with me soon. Ok, busy, I was patient. Finally got some help, --literally-- waited another hour (standing at the counter) waiting for the gentleman to get me a quote price for all the lenses. Had to ask other employees twice if he had forgotten about me because I did not see him at all while waiting. The worst-- his offer? About $300 dollars total. I understand he has to make a profit in selling the stuff later, but come on! I walked out believing that he thought I was an amateur and that he was trying to rip me off. A terrible experience. Will never go back. Sold one of the lenses a few days later on Craig's List for $300 alone. read more

EDIT: Okay, ignore this review and check out their website. It looks like they're moving and closing out their merchandise. The website promises big sales on equipment! Camera Exposure is known to photographers and other photography store's employees as the place that will have whatever it is you can't find anywhere else, such as Spotone, spotting fluid whose formula apparently died with the inventor. The employees are friendly, and will help a newly-budding darkroom developer like me find everything I'm looking for. With a student discount and reasonable prices, it's not an intimidating place to be, all levels can feel welcome. They also have loads of equipment for sale, along with the film/paper/supplies you are looking for. The downside to Camera Exposure is that they're now on "retirement hours," which means that they are only open to the public for sales on Friday and Saturdays. This means that sometimes they are out of certain supplies, too, such as filters the first time I went. However, the good news is that they have a black-and-white darkroom open to the public every day of the week (I was told to knock hard). Apparently it's the only one besides the one at UCSD's Crafts Center that is open to all. Also worth noting: it's slightly cheaper if you pay in cash. read more

Camera Exposure is a gem. The staff is highly knowledgeable and courteous and the merchandise fantastic. It's my first stop whenever I need anything used - I have bought so much studio equipment from them! And they have always been incredibly generous with their time, advice, and expertise. We are very lucky in San Diego to have three outstanding camera shops - Nelson's, George's, and Camera Exposure. read more

The shop isn't perfect, but if you're looking for used camera gear the pickings are slim in San Diego. The good: he has a lot of stuff, is a knowledgable repairman, and you can find some good deals here if you know your equipment. Everything he sells has a 30 day warranty, and he's fixed a couple of things I'd bought there that seemed to be broken, but just needed some small repairs. Another item I bought there that would up having some problems he swapped out for another one. I've also gotten some great deals on lenses here, paying less than I've seen many go for on eBay. The bad: his pricing is haphazard. I've seen accusations on Yelp of gouging, and while I have bought things there that were too expensive upon further research, I don't think it's deliberate on his part. I think he prices items when they come in, and then doesn't update them later. I think the best way to put it is that there are some things that are worth buying here over something like eBay. Camera bodies, in particular, since he guarantees those and can fix them if there's a problem. Accessories and lenses, do your research first. read more

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

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

Went in only for some accessories. Ken was nice and took his time to show me what he has. I had my equipment with me, so that made it easier! There is a lot to choose from here- it's like stepping into a time machine. I will be back for future endeavors. read more

I don't remember the name of the person helping me but he was really really helpful. One of my lens covers was broken and he managed to fix it at no charge, the selection of lenses are never ending here. I found the exact lens I was looking for a reasonable price. Prior to coming here I had my camera fixed somewhere else. The guy helping me here told me that he could have fixed it a lot cheaper than the other store I had went to. If only I had known this sooner. Definitely Going to bring my business here from now on. read more

I found myself here on the referral of a clerk at Kurt's Camera, I was looking to price some used prime lenses for an upcoming shoot. Hoping to look around I was interrupted when Ken begrudgingly confronted me. I asked about "used and refurbished lenses" and got lecture on vocabulary and trade terms - which was off-putting. Still looking to find some a decent prime I stayed only to be spoken down to and dismissed the more I described my situation. I get the impression that they aren't extremely concerned about rapport and customer service because they believe their merchandise sells itself, which is probably true they've a great selection. I just couldn't bring myself to buy anything from a place that didn't seem like they wanted my business. read more

Having just moved to San Diego a few months ago, I was looking for a camera store that I could regularly purchase film from and, if I ever needed to, to buy a camera from. I have recently been looking for 35mm point and shoot cameras so I called ahead of time to see what variety of point snd shoot cameras were avaliable and I was told that I needed to "hurry up with my question" because he was working with a customer and it really put me off but I swept it under the rug because I assumed that maybe it was a miserable employee working that day. So I decided to take a little trip over to this store and apparently this, what I thought, was a "miserable employee" was actually the owner! I walked into the store and asked what point and shoots he had, and was at first dismissed for a solid 15 minutes while he chatted with another customer. After about 15 minutes, he pointed the cameras out and started off by asked why I would ever want one and then proceeded to belittle me for my lack of knowledge of an obscure camera brand. [I want to preface what I'm about to say by stating that I am 18 and fairly inexperienced with film but it is something I very much enjoy] He then proceeded to lecture me as to why "millennials" are ruining film because they are only interested in purchasing the same 5 cameras. He then continued to be extremely condescending and quite honestly, at this point, I don't care if they have the most amazing cameras in San Diego, you could not pay me to spend a dime here. read more

First and foremost, what a selection. Ranging from old rangefinders to 4x5s to lenses for the newest digital. Brought in some used gear and Ken was happy to sit down and negotiate reasonable prices. read more

Wonderful store, and extremely helpful. I got a free lesson on how to load film, (because I had obviously forgot) and I asked for some rolls of film and got them. No nonsense and will definitely be returning back. PS most of the bad reviews are from people trying to sell their stuff, I would rather just buy from them, that's a delightful experience. read more

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

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

Brought cameras in hopes they would sell. Most weren't worth much. The guy who owns it is very knowledgeable. I felt the price he gave us for what he wanted was a little low, but I just wanted to get a lot of it off my hands. read more

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

I would like to start by saying, if there was an option for less than one star I would give it... So I set out to buy a lens the other day and I knew I was going to buy one no matter what because of the pictures I was planning on taking. I walked into this shop with my friend and I saw an older man behind the counter talking to the only other customer in the shop, he looked at both of us but said nothing and continued to talk to the other customer. So my friend and I patiently waited to be helped since I did have some questions about the type of lens I was planning on purchasing, but after about ten minutes of not being acknowledged I was getting irritated especially since he wasn't even talking to the customer about his purchase, at this point they were just chatting about random crap. So he starts making his way towards us and I'm thinking finally I can get my lens and go, but instead he walks directly next to us to talk to the customer about another product next to where we are standing and still doesn't acknowledge us at all. So after waiting probably another five minutes to see if he would say, "I'll be with you in just a moment" or something like that we finally left. As we are walking out thats when he finally says, "can I help you?" that sounded more irritated than actually wanting to help us. The customer he was talking to even screams out, "Oh I'm done with him" while the old guy behind the counter follows us out as if he would somehow pursued us to come back in. Well a quick Yelp search and a Lyft later we found ourselves at George's Camera where we were greeted by multiple people right away and were out of the store in under five minutes with my brand new lens. The staff there was superior in every way and I'm glad I gave my business to them rather than a grumpy old man who doesn't know what customer service is. Oh and if he is reading this, I would like him to know he missed out on a $600 dollar sale that would have taken him just a few minutes. read more

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

I am addicted to manual lenses, and film shooting. I feel like I'm a kid in a candy store looking at all the possibilities. Ebay is no longer an option for purchases, for me. Great store... I try to stop in once a week or every two weeks read more

The store owner was very knowledgeable. He was able to fix my camera in little to no time. He also recommended another product that was cheaper and better than the one I currently had. Great prices on both used and new products. Again, incredibly well versed and outstanding gentlemen. He is not out to swindle you or steal your money. I highly recommend this place. read more

very dishonest & lazy to boot.....dont waste your time with this actor,bad actor. most of the equipt. is in poor to bad shape & its priced like it sold for when new. most of the equipment is dirty or in need of repair owner is the only person in shop this guy was the owner of the kerney mesa photo repair shop & had a bad rap back then (20 years ago) dont waste your time....go check out craigs list.. this guy is very dishonest.. i put donw a $100 deposit & when i needed to change the order to nikon equipt. he wouldnt credit or refund the money. this guy is a joke..........................go to nelsons, go to georges camera what ever you do dont go here................. read more

If you're not sure what you want or need go someplace else. They will nickel and dime you for every exchange- not good business model if you're going to keep someone coming back. I threw almost a grand here over a two week period and finally ended up with a camera I am really happy with, but at the cost of rental and restocking fees. Heck I even exchanged the camera I bought a week earlier for one that was more than twice as much and the guy still charged me a fee. If you want to feel like a valued customer rather than a source of revenue I really urge you to go someplace else. read more

This guy is very knowledgeable but he is an outright crook. I am a beginner and I bought a few things from him and later found out that I paid double then the price of internet.. YES DOUBLE!!!!! I work alot and finally got back over to see him and asked if he would buy the items back. Of course he would have nothing to do with that and made up a bunch of excuses.. Don't buy anything from him unless you have done your research. Horrible feeling to find out you have been totally ripped off. read more

Still the #1 camera shop in SD! Definitely stop by here first for all your camera needs. They know their stuff and have great gear.

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

Absolutely love this store. When it comes to cameras, lens and gear it really is fun to shop at Camera Exposure. The team is very knowledgable. Just picked up a really nice gently used Monopod ($40) for my Nikon D3100 and 300mm lens. It was perfect for stabilizing surfing and concert shots at the Switchfoot BroAM event and ideal for large crowded areas. These guys are awesome! read more

Although the owner may come across as "mean" or "rude", he is very knowledgeable and straight to the point. I had a positive experience and purchased my first film camera. The selection is diverse and far better than what you'll find in stores, at least around the San Diego area. Don't let the strong personality steer you away. Come in knowing what you're looking for and stick to it. read more

Excellent experience with a minor repair. This is the sort of local shop and owner I'll be happy to give more business to.

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

You can't tell me how much something is over the phone? Sorry, but I'm a mom of two toddlers and frankly don't have the time to drag them around town and come to the store to find out how much something is. I want the best deal I can find. So I do the necessary research from home before I decide to drive out and buy. That's really too bad, even if you do have the best deal for what I'm looking for. You really should consider changing that policy... read more

Went in to spend a grand or so on some used Nikon lenses, but was ignored, so I left and got what I wanted on eBay. So if I were you I would ignore this old place. read more

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

I live in the neighborhood and went to this shop to have my Canon XTi repaired. The hot shoe had become loose causing my external flash to lose contact and not fire. I was told that there would be a $35 fee to examine the camera, but that it would be applied to the final repair. I asked what the possible range in cost could be and was told he couldn't say until he had the camera apart. I decide to try another nearby shop, who sent me to a third shop as they don't do on site repairs. The third shop fixed the camera in ten minutes while I waited and charged only $12.50 Needless to say I won''t be back to Camera Exposure. read more

I was very unimpressed. Went in to establish a business relationship, and the guy told me right off that my camera would cost $100 to repair it. I already had done my homework, and found he was untruthful. He didn't know the difference between a Yashica Mat-24 and the 24G, and even after I told him he shrugged. He also cut down a repair shop on Mission Gorge stating "guy charges too much." I'd already met the competitor, and heard on the street how nice he is. This one lost all my trust, and now I will go to the guy he put down because he deserves my business more, and has a stellar reputation. Go Kurt! read more

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

I don't come here unless i can't find what I need somewhere else. I've been sold broken lenses and overprice on everything. Today I walk it to see if he had a camera I've been looking for and I happened to walk in as he I'd tell other costumes that the lens there are selling him is an OK model and it's a beginner type of lens. Makes them an offer of $15 which they take. I ask for the lens which happens to be the one he just bought for $15 and tells me how great of a lens it is and he will sell it to me for the low end price of $180. Really??? My advice to people that are going to sell please look into what you are selling so you get your money's worth. And camera exposure ... How about some honesty? read more

Amazing experience! I just bought a vintage Brownie camera, and Ken was very kind and helpful. I can't wait to practice with my camera and get more comfortable with vintage photography. Everything I needed was fairly priced. I know I will be back to this store many times in the future. read more