I started shopping at camera west a few years ago but in recent months I've been shooting a lot of film and I've been in a lot to buy film and accessories for my hassleblad. The staff at Camera West is super friendly and knowledgeable. Sometimes I find myself stopping in just to chat and eat the jelly beans they have at the counter. I normally see Robert or Hal when I go in and they are awesome. I'll never shop at a big box camera store again. Love you guys! read more

A dear friend of mine just returned from a 17 day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. She took over 300 photos and when she went to show them to me at lunch today, the memory card she has used to download 9 of the 300, that morning, was empty. Yes, empty. After numerous tries to find where they could have ended up on her computer, or elsewhere, and much crying, we decided to look for a camera store. We were on N. Main St. in Walnut Creek and google on my phone suggested Cameras West at 1255 S. Main. Theses guys were exceptional and recovered all her photos. They were kind and helpful and did not exploit a terrible situation by charging $300 for the service, they charged $25. They sent her home with a disk and said they would keep her recovered files on their machine until she called and said the CD was working and she could access all her photos. What a delight to have such a superb first experience. If I EVER need anything related to photography in the future... Cameras West earned my business and it deserves yours. read more

This place is great! No pushy salespeople, great selection and even some cool antique stuff to look at. They dont have everything a serious photographer would need, but the internet never fails for that. I went in looking for a hard to find Lee Filters Foundation Kit. They had 2 in the sales case, one brand new, the other used. The sales guy really tried to convince me to get the used one, since it was cheaper. He even opened the brand new one, to show me that it was identical. After that, he spent about 10-15 minutes showing me various filters and recommending what I needed. I couldn't recommend this place enough. Even if you have nothing to buy, just head over there and drool at all their Leica stuff... read more

I found Camera West by using Yelp to search for any remaining camera stores in the East Bay area. Unfortunately finding a camera store seems to be a thing of the past since the majority of people buy their cameras online. I go to Walnut Creek often, but never knew about this hidden gem. The store is tucked away upstairs sort of off the main drag of Broadway Plaza. The store is beautiful. It's like a museum for Leica cameras. The co-owner was a great wealth of knowledge. I could've spent all day in there talking about photography. If you have the money to spend and love photography this boutique camera shop is the place for you. read more

I've been looking everywhere for a Leica D-Lux 3 and I found mine here at Camera West. It's been sold out everywhere in San Francisco and Ebay has it for $200+ more than it's retail price. I'm just so glad I found this shop. The guys there are friendly and very informative. If you're looking for a Leica, they have a nice selection. As well as other cameras such as Minolta, Nikon, Canon...etc. Yelp has the address wrong. The correct address is: 1255 S. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA. - It's located on the second floor, on top of Children's place in the Broadway Plaza area. read more

I don't think there are enough stars? I found Camera West a few years ago when I moved back to the Bay Area from San Diego and since my first visit i've been hooked! The staff is friendly and super knowledgeable, I collect film cameras and sometimes I just bring my cameras in and geek out with the guys in the store. If you're looking for a local spot check them out. They are the best! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff always happy to talk shop with you even if you're just looking. If you aren't going with someone whose been there before the location might be a bit tricky to find, but in a funny way I kind of like that, "speakeasy" aspect about it. Once you are there however the grit of a speakeasy ends as everything is well organized, well lit and well maintained, much like a museum. Their prices on their used gear is fair, and on all the rest is pretty much what you'd find just about anywhere else. I think people forget that photography is also a trade and just like any other there can be high entry level costs associated with getting started. For a carpenter is a good skill-saw, for a stylist is a quality set of shears. For photographers it's damn near everything lol. That's just the nature of the beast, so I think it's a little unfair to suggest they're overpriced, but that's just my opinion. Either way I hope this helps whoever needed it, and to see their doors still open on the other side of this pandemic. read more

With the rise of on-line camera stores the hands on retail camera shop is a hard thing to find, and I'm very happy Walnut Creek has one, and one of this quality. The space is spacious and elegant, logically laid out ( I'm looking at Keeble & Shuchat as an example of the opposite), and the products they carry are pretty wide in the high end category. The staff know their inventory, and are photographers. I read some reviews that say they are snobs, this is not my experience. When shopping I hate someone standing over me trying to up-sell me. Here you are free to look around without being hounded, but the staff is there to answer any questions and make suggestions with little sales pressure. Of course the prices are higher than stuff you can find on line, but not so much that if you value holding the potential purchase in your hand, and testing out your options for yourself, that the extra price is well worth it. Plus they have all the elcipse solution, pec pads, camera straps, and little stuff that it is hardly worth the hassle of dealing with the big brown truck. read more

Needed to get a Camera strap, stopped in here. Place was nice, all high end equipment without the high end price. Staff were real pros and knew what was what. So I got the strap, and a new bag, and lens cleaning stuff . . . A prior review said not a place for a novice, I don't agree, this is a perfect place, I know because I am one. read more

Camera West has turned me into a customer for life. Today I went in to trade my Canon camera body in in the hopes of finding a Fujifilm lens I could call my first. Instead--after talking with Hal--I walked out with an X-Pro 1 body and two Fujinon lenses. My experience was fantastic and Hal's service and advice was refreshingly genuine. Consider this your sign to purchase your gear from this shop. read more

I've done business with Camera West over the past 11 years and the reason that I keep coming back is their outstanding customer service and extensive knowledge of all things related to photography. I've purchased camera gear, sold my used camera gear, and traded my old gear to Camera West for new lenses and other equipment. In every transaction the members of Camera West have been knowledgeable, polite, and very helpful, while consistently giving fair prices. My latest experience was no exception: Yesterday I traded my Canon camera, three professional lenses, and other assorted Canon equipment for a new Sony professional lens and filter. I now live in Auburn, Ca., about 2 1/2 hours drive from Camera West, and I arrived at the store in the late afternoon with a big box of my gear to trade for the lens. When I met Tom he explained that he didn't know if their technician would be able to examine my gear by close of business. When I told him that I had driven down from Auburn Tom explained my problem to their technician who then worked to get the evaluation process complete so I wouldn't have to drive down on another day to complete the transaction. Tom is really knowledgeable about all aspects of photography and he had a great deal of patience answering my many questions over the 45 minutes while I waited for the trade-in process to be completed. In today's environment, there are so few really top notch camera stores and Camera West is the best! read more

The place to go for the avid photographer! They have all the great stuff that everyone talks about. I found my camera strap here, a Black Rapid knock off, that I was tentative to purchase online since I didn't know how it would feel. It is awesome! I also found a used Nikon flash in great shape at a great price. And I even had the pleasure to try out an amazing lens that I will be saving $$$ to purchase in the future. The only knock on them is finding the place. But that's really not their fault. Blame that on Walnut Creek. Best thing is that the customer service was fantastic especially for a newbie like me. I even left the store with a lesson on how to take a better photo as well as how to correctly change lenses on my camera. They seem simple, but it's all in the details! Brad read more

This is the best camera store this side of the bay.. Nice that staff are Former working professionals and provide good old fashion customer Service that is usually lacking in businesses today. Special thanks To store manager Dan L. Who always makes sure that you know how To use equipment you buy. And something else. What camera store serves you Freshly brewed coffee to customers who Are fortunate to visit the store after they open at 10:00AM read more

I needed a firmware update for my new Nikon z6 which required some equipment that I didn't have. Other camera stores wanted to charge me $45, these guys did it for free and with a smile. It SHOULD be free. They were honest and didn't take advantage. I will be buying my equipment there from now on, since they match B&H prices on Nikon gear. read more

Last week i bought a great 35mm from Camera west. I went there today to get a lense for it. I was looking at a particular lens and I was left unattended, when someone else came in and looked at the same lens he approached him and helped him get the lens out even though I was there first. Other customer tried and ended up buying the lens. It was something I was really interested in, sadly I didn't get it though I was there first only cause this sales guy decided to help this gentleman over me, for reason unknown to me. read more

I came on yelp looking for a camera shop in my area that could help me with my camera. I had accidently dropped my Canon D60 and my filter was basically fused to the lens from the impact. After reading great reviews on yelp, I emailed them and within an hour I got a response from Dan saying to bring it in and would take care of it. I came in the next day and showed him the camera and what I had already done to try to get it off and low and behold, he got in removed right away!!! I can't express how happy that had made me. He cleaned it up, fitted another filter on there and I was on my way. So my experience here has been wonderful, and I will continue to go there for any camera needs, and I plan to return for some photography classes that they offer. Thanks Dan at Camera West for everything! read more

I really want to say that this is a great place and we are lucky to have them close. Looks very clean and wide open. So many cameras and accessories to look at. The way it's set up you would think you need to pay to be in there. I called them up to see if they had an adapter, which they did. Tom helped me with everything. Very respectful and helpful. I felt no pressure being in there. Thanks Tom for the great experience. I will 100% be back. read more

Great service here, and that's what it's all about. With so many brick-and-mortar camera stores disappearing, it's important to maintain a relationship with real people, face-to-face. You never know when those relationships will come in handy. I purchased my Leica Q2 from Camera West instead of online because I knew the CW team would be helpful, and they already have been. Spend your $$ locally and get to know the staff. You'll be glad you did! read more

I wanted to thank Emily Kiyomi for having helped me with the purchase of my Nikon lens. Expert advise and knowledge of photography, she was so helpful and caring. Thank you Emily you've made Camera West my favorite camera store. read more

Professional photgraphers as well as serious amateurs living in Contra Costa County now have a place to go for their camera, lenses, lighting, tripod and other photographic needs. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and a few are working professionals. From 35mm to large format, Canon to Leica, Bronica to Linhof, the staff knows just about everything. The Walnut Creek store used to supplement their larger Monterey store, but now that store has closed and have moved to Rancho MIrage. If they don't have an item in Walnut Creek, chances are they have one in Rancho Mirage and they will ship it up for your inspection. There is also a well-stocked used section with vintage Leicas, large format and the usual fare of Canon and Nikon gear in excellent shape. Kudos to Hal and Dan for making Camera West an excellent place at which to shop or to go for advice! read more

I can't say enough how the whole staff makes you feel like a rock star client, whether you purchasing film or a Leica Camera- I especially had an amazing and caring experience with Steven the manager at Camera West.He worked his tail off to locate a SL camera and just when he found it the Covid 19 hit and so we had to wait 2 month and then he had to start the search all over again. Instead of being lazy like most sales persons are these days, he told me not worry and we will find the best fit for me, and as like he said, we found the perfect Leica- What a great experience- Granted I'm not a high roller, but he made me feel like one- Aces Camera West. read more

I was in the store Saturday morning to look at the new Fuji X70 as a possible gift for my niece for her upcoming European trip. The staff were busy with customers as I arrived, so I hung out at the counter to wait until one of them freed up. No attempt to acknowledge my presence was made by either staff present. After 10 minutes or so, another gentleman showed up and was immediately welcomed by both staff, and both went to his assistance after finishing up with their previous customers. Again no attempt to even acknowledge my presence. I left after being ignored for 15 minutes. Unfortunately this is not the first time for this behavior in this store, which is why my Fuji X100 was bought online, as were multiple previous Nikon purchases. I really try to support local brick and mortar stores when possible, but I really do not appreciate being ignored. Customer service is what a local store is supposed to offer us to differentiate itself from online stores. When a local store can not offer even basic customer service, why should they expect any business? read more

I made an appointment, 1hr in advance, to "see and handle" a specific Camera. Upon arrival, I was promptly greeted by the salesman who couldn't remember what I was there to see. After a reminder the salesman broke into a condescending regurgitation of the brochure complete with rookie questions to which he didn't listen to my answers. I informed the salesman I had done my homework and wanted to handle the camera. I explained the Battery was missing. I was completely ignored of my battery request in favor of his return to brochure text. I informed the Automaton Salesman on two occasions I was on the fence between new/used or a newer model and still no Battery... I came away gaining nothing over what I can read on line. The Salesman, Hal, was successful convincing me to go else where, so I ordered the following day, Sunday from B&H. My shiny new Camera will be here in a couple days. read more

The one thing that is missing in the world today is ..... SERVICE. Do yourself a favor and visit Camera West. I've shopped at many other camera stores in the SF Bay Area and so far this is the best one of them all. The amount of time they spend with each customer and the distance they will go to ensure that you are a happy customer is amazing. Professionals and non professionals frequent the store just because of the knowledge and time they take with each customer has everyone walking out the door with smiles and with a bit more knowledge of the art of photography. This is not your typical camera department in a big box store or one of those chain camera stores. read more

These guys are great. I just recently started working with Hal, and I've been incredibly impressed with his knowledge, warmth and overall commitment and excitement to helping his clients. When considering a significant purchase or exchange, there's always a part of me that feels like I'm being gamed, but not here. This is literally the first camera store I've ever been to where before making a purchase I was offered a cup of coffee and asked, "so, tell me what you're looking to do." I guess I'm so used to the pushy "don't really care, whatever" vibe of B&H that this just feels wonderful. I cannot recommend Camera West more highly - and if you shoot Leica, come pay Hal a visit. read more

So this is probably an inaccurate review. I recently got more into photography after many years of idle interest. I forgot a lot, and now that everything's digital, it's all changed and there's a lot to learn. It's like learning about computers for the first time without prior knowledge. I wanted to check out this place just for fun with no particular reason to go. The place is intimidating. You can tell by going to a second-floor of a low-profile building that it was gonna be pricey. You go inside and it feels somewhat in-between a museum and a jewelry store. I felt like I was afraid to ask about anything since my knowledge about all these gadgets and high-end cameras is lacking. I did briefly browse the showcases and they had a lot of high-end film cameras for sale, at what seemed to be very low prices. But I guess with digital, all that stuff is pretty obsolete. Anyway, it's not a place to go if you're a novice. read more

This store is filled with a bunch of pompous sale people who look down their noses at someone who doesn't carry the knowledge of an Ansel Adams. Go to another camera store...they are not the only Leica dealers around. read more

I used to love this place. I liked it so much in fact that I encouraged many friends to support the store even though there are less expensive options out there. I notice a distinct lack of professionalism and service since Dan & Michael left. The grouchy guy is still there despite his lack of people skills. I take my D800 camera in for regular sensor cleanings. I have always been satisfied with the results and the timeliness of the service. Today was the exception. I usually pay $50 for the cleaning, today it jumped to $75 with no prior warning. I asked the young man how the company could justify a 50% increase within a few months. He said that if the sensor required one swab it would be $50 and if it required two it would be $75. As ludicrous as that sounds the real kicker was "We're the only ones in the area who clean sensors."! Emily, the manager was standing right next to him when he said that, which indicated to me that she was in agreement about being the only game in town. With that attitude you risk not being in town at all! Previous employees, including previous managers, would always take the time to dust off the exterior of the camera as part of the sensor cleaning. That extra service was not done today. It's not like there wasn't time to do it. When I was in the store, which is beautiful, there was one other person browsing with 3 employees standing around. I feel like I've lost a good friend! read more

I went here because our Canon eos 1200D is refusing to focus in automatic mode. Micheal was extremely helpful. He tried different settings before declaring that it had to be sent to Canon for debugging. I had been to a different store (Mike's Camera) earlier and they were just trying to get me to buy a new camera. But Micheal offered great advice about the camera and settings and also cleaned the sensors for free. I couldn't turn in the camera for repair because of an upcoming trip. But I definitely would once the trip is done, since I can clearly see that the people here are very trustworthy and know what they are doing. Just a note, if you turn in the camera for repair you will have to pay about $25 for shipping to the factory and you will hear back about the estimate. You will be able to make an informed decision then. read more

In preparation for an upcoming trip, I emailed the sales department asking if they had a particular ThinkTank bag in stock. Well, that was 3 days ago and no response. I could have ordered the darn thing from B&H and had it by now. read more

Great selection of Canon, Nikon and Leica camera equipment. If you're a fan of these brands and use them, you'll find a great store full of knowledgeable staff and photography enthusiasts ready to help you! Unfortunately for me, I shoot Sony/Minolta so I was left in the dust. read more

It's been awhile since I've used my camera, but want to pick up the hobby again. I thought my camera had moisture in it, but turns out it just needed to be adjusted and cleaned which they did for free! Super nice of them! They weren't trying to squeeze money out of me. I appreciated it! read more

WOW WOW WOW I've been shooting high-end for 30+ years, and Ive never seen such a collection of exotic, over-the-top photo supplies. And prices to match. $268 for a 77mm polarizer! It's not a shop for mere mortals... read more

I was nervous to go as I read the bad reviews....so not true ! My experience was excellent ...I was trying to get an older camera tuned up so I could pass it on to my daughter. They checked out my camera completely FOr FrEE. And said it was good to go...nice guys great service great place read more

I love that they have high-end shit and the kind of film I like that's hard to find in other places. They even have great used stuff sometimes but of course it's a hit-or-miss. Almost every employee is cool there, all of them I've talked to are photographers besides working their jobs there, one does a lot of charity work he was telling me about. They definitely know what they're talking about, but I've had one or two that seem to look at you and try to decide if you have money before helping you. Service can take a while if they have a lot of customers on a weekend because it's kinda small and only a few staff on at any time so they're not prepared for a rush. Also I'd wayy rather go to calumet in sf because so many more choices in everything, from printer paper to lighting kits and lenses. read more

Went in for the first time to get help with my new monopod and how to attach it to my collar lens. Dan Leto help me out and set me up great. He listened to my needs and didn't try to up-sell or sell me stuff i didn't really need. In fact he discouraged it and set me up with some used stuff for half the price. I will be a customer and I would recommend this shop. read more

I called hoping they were a Panasonic authorized service center but they were not. I then gave them a brief idea of the symptoms I was experiencing with my camera as well as the model and they told me that it would probably still be worth it to have my camera fixed. They then pointed me to the Panasonic website to advise me where to send my camera. All in all, very courteous and very knowledgable. You won't get this from Target or Wal-Mart - that's for sure! Knowledgable, courteous, ties to the commnunity - this is why I always try to shop local! read more

A lot of the existing reviews talk about Nikon. I feel that this is the place to go if you want or own a Leica. I agree with the intimidation factor. Although clean and pleasant, the place is not set up friendly. You get the feeling that it's for pros and people with lots of money to spare only. I guess that's to be expected. You would fit this mode if you are a Leica owner or want to own a Leica. The people are friendly enough once you approach them. However, I feel that if you were a novice, you wouldn't understand half the things they are telling you. I don't think they know how to NOT talk like experts or pros, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on your needs. read more

This is by far the best camera store I have ever visited. What sets them apart are the wonderful people manning the store (Dan, Hal, Ryan, Ben). They truly understand how to deliver good customer service. They are extremely helpful and patient with all that walk through the door. I highly recommend them without hesitation!! B read more

Dan Leto and his colleagues have a deep and wide knowledge about cameras, new and used. On two separate occasions, they bought my old used equipment and gave me credit towards new used gear that was in excellent shape for a reasonable price, putting the tools I need in my hands on my budget. Dan is patient, friendly and thoughtful. It's a pleasure doing business with him and Camera West. read more