After reading the negative reviews, I will admit I was skeptical about going here, but from start to finish, they were great. We had to print camp photos from a disposable camera. I dropped off the camera, a few days later I picked it up, they were great with communication and nothing but friendly. I will definitely be back. read more

My go-to place for film developing! I've also purchased several used digital cameras from them, and every one has been fantastic. The process is always easy, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is convenient and reliable. Highly recommend! read more

Very impressed with the honesty and professionalism here. I brought my Canon 6D Mark II in to have it repaired because it wasn't powering on. Turns out my battery charger was telling me it was charging the batteries when it wasn't. He tried batteries of his own and they worked! He saved me hundreds of dollars on a diagnostic trip to the Canon repair center! I will definitely be brining my camera back in here for regular lense cleanings. Thank you Encinitas Photo Center! read more

My feedback is long alliance of a lot of reviews. I went in there to buy a lens, and an expensive one. The guy working there and he seems like he might be the owner. He's kind of a crusty older guy, which I don't have a problem with but When I asked him to take a look at the $1500 lens he did not want to bring it down from the shelf and open it up and show me. I thought that was bizarre. I was about to spend $1500 for Len and He didn't want to sell me on it. It's kind of weird right? Anyhow, I end up buying a bag from him and he seemed the loosen up a little bit when he realized that I was serious, but I never did look at that lens and I end up buying it somewhere else. He was pretty busy lots of people in the store, but You really need to change his demeanor. I won't go back in the store unless I need something quick and easy, which is what I think he drives his business on, quick and easy anything that doesn't take any effort. read more

The guy helping me was so rude and huffed and puffed at every question I had. I felt so uncomfortable and like I was a burden just for being there. I've never left a bad review anywhere before, maybe this dude was having a bad day, but I see no reason to treat anyone this way. Pretty disappointing. read more

Went into the store today ready to purchase a camera as a beginner. Like ready to drop some $ and excited to start my new hobby. Dude was ridiculously aloof and at the same time seemed bothered when I waked in. I actually thought that I was getting Punked. I asked the owner if he could recommend a camera, and he said to take pics of the available cameras, go home and look them up. I asked to see some cameras and he placed them on the counter and walked away. I said I'd really like to purchase something today, dude said come back another time when I have more inventory. I've been looking forward to checking out this establishment as I'm a local and like to support small local businesses. It was a really off- putting experience, because most vendors in Encinitas are very kind and polite. I see from some of the other reviews I'm not alone. read more

I was on vacation in California, on my way to Joshua Tree National Park. I noticed that one of my camera batteries was no longer charging correctly. We were having Breakfast in Encinitas while driving from San Diego to the National Park. So, I looked up a photo store to see if I could purchase a new battery. I found Encinitas Photo on Apple Maps and went there. The lady was very nice and matched a new battery to my camera. It was not a Canon brand battery, which I would have preferred. I've had trouble with aftermarket batteries before. She assured me that it was a good quality battery and I went on my way. Once we got to our place near the park, I unpacked the battery only to find out that it did not charge either. On our way back, I went back to the store to return the battery. This time the owner was there. He demanded that I get my charger to see for himself. We did, and, guess what, the battery did not charge. So, he unpacked another one from the same brand and tried it out as well. I didn't register with my camera..., so, on the third one, he found one that worked. The charger accepted it, and the camera did as well. So, I took that one home. Now that I am back home (in MS), the battery is doing the same thing. He never offered to take the battery back, which I guess I should have demanded. In the end, this place is selling bad products with terrible service. I certainly don't recommend it. read more

So this there are some great things and also some "not so great" things about this shop. Great things: -Has some great film camera options as well as lenses at a fair price. - Also has a fair amount of film options for sale. - Gary is a knowledgeable guy when it comes to cameras. Not so great things: - Gary really needs a lesson in customer service skills. Honestly if he was better I would be coming back for more business. He can warm up to you if you are a regular but I have seen it first hand....if you don't know your stuff or ask questions, he is easily irritated and will brush you off and be very rude. - He developed my film at an average price which is fine but when I got the digitals back they were very off. The color was off and just developed strange. This is now forcing me to do them elsewhere and spending more money then I wanted to. Sadly I will not be returning to purchase anything from here again. Great customer service is crucial to have a flourishing business. I really hope he changes his way. Also, photography is a hobby a lot more people are getting into since the pandemic and it should be celebrated and encouraged by those who have been in the game for a long time. I hope he changes his perspective and is able to help guide those new photographers into loving it more instead of feeling not welcome and discouraged. read more

Okay, so for being a photographer, this store is kinda a hidden gem! I recently got into film photography and it's so convenient to be able to go in and chat with Gary and physically see options, pick up and drop off film, etc. As a warning, (especially because I'm posting a 5 star review) Gary the owner is not the warm and fuzzy, sit and chat for hours with you type of guy. He is direct and some would probably even say short, but once you get past the Initial silence and break the ice, he is a very nice and helpful guy. Just do your own research prior and come knowing what questions you have. I've seen a lot of negative reviews regarding him but you have to keep in mind, Just because he owns a photo store doesn't mean he knows everything about every camera and every type of photography so don't go upset he isn't Wikipedia for ya when you walk in. I recently bought a fun film camera from him and absolutely love it. Can't wait to drop off my film! read more

Encinitas Photo Center - Film - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I cannot recommend this place enough!! Gary, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable about old and vintage cameras. I recently inherited my grandpa's vintage camera that stopped working. I took the camera in and worked closely with Gary, who identified the problem and outlined the various options for the camera. Gary was incredibly helpful and honest throughout the process and ultimately gave a fair quote for a tune-up and repair with a 6-month warranty. read more

Worst customer service. The lady was very helpful as I was looking to buy a film camera. I had some questions and the guy owner was so rude saying that she needed to make calls and if I'm not ready to make a decision that I'm taking up too much of her time. I was in the store for 10 minutes total. From the moment I walked in they were kinda suggesting I go to eBay. Very weird. But I will be taking all my business to another camera place. read more

Tucked away in an unassuming shopping center on the 101 is this pro shop staffed by a kind, knowledgeable man. He swiftly found what I was looking for - a cable release for my DSLR - and tested its functionality. He noticed my lack of lens cap and found an inexpensive option for me. From the looks of it and another camera shop proprietor who came during my visit, this place is the real deal! I'll be coming in for my next sensor cleaning and probably just to browse and say hello when I'm up here. read more

Encinitas Photo Center - Large selection of used film and point-and-shoot bodies, along with various lenses and accessories - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Encinitas, California

Really don't get where all the negative reviews are coming from. Have been there multiple times now and have always been treated with the utmost respect by the owners. They have an incredible selection of film cameras at a wide range of prices and are always willing to walk you through their selection and give you the pros/cons of everything they offer. They also give you a 30-day guarantee on all their used cameras and have a super solid selection of cheap, used gear like tripods, straps, etc. Honestly what more could you ask for? read more

The man working there was extremely unhelpful and rude. Went there for getting a passport picture. He chided me for not knowing the size, (it was for a Japanese passport) and he could have easily googled it. Though there was nobody else there and there was clearly a space already set up for taking such pictures, he told me to call and make an appointment. (I had successfully gotten Japanese passport pictures at a nearby Postal Annex in five minutes but they were unflattering and thought that going to a professional photo shop and paying extra, would be justifiable, for a 10 year passport used frequently) I have a small business listed on Yelp so I have very rarely posted a negative review, but he was so dismissive. read more

Gary is the rudest man I have ever met. His assistant over the phone confirmed he is not very patient. Trying to order some prints over the phone & via email & all he could do was yell at me and say, I have a Dentist appt so call me later. I then took the time to go into his store and his assistant was trying to help me. After a while, Gary came storming out of the back room area and said, we don't have time for this right now, too busy. Sending your images via email is not something we have time for. Never have I!!! His assistant again apologized and gave me the name of another photo print store in Solana Beach with the comment, they have a lot more patience at that place. Zero customer service. Have never been so insulted by a store before. read more

AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COST!!!! Read this review before dealing with this business. Extremely rude, unprofessional, rude and beyond terrible experience. It all started by treating our baby in an obnoxious way, making her cry. My daughter is 13 months old and a well behaved child. She didn't know how to pose for photos. Sorry, but it's a BABY!! This man (he didn't even give us his name but a photo is attached with the review) quickly snapped one image and her head was very tilted. We requested at least one more shot. Apparently it was too much to ask for. In a very rude way he firmly declined because "what if she cries"! We insisted because it was for a passport photo. And then I mentioned it was a Russian embassy. That's all ! It triggered him and the hell broke loose! He yeled, wished us to die in Russia and never come back to the states (my husband and daughter are born and raised Americans, btw). Lots of cursing and F words! It was an absolutely unbelievable treatment! Embarrassing! Offensive! Purely racist and beyond any decency. Our child got scared by his screaming and cried. I would like to report this to everywhere I can. If this is how they treat customers, this place should be out of business!!! Just look at his face screaming at a family with a baby. It says it all. read more

Quick, knowledgeable, family owned, caring proprietors Went in to get my fujifilm developed and came out very nicely :) read more

I got a new film camera and was having some problems and didn't quite know how to use it. He was very helpful and taught me what on my camera needed to be fixed and what i may not want to do in the future, grateful for the learning experience. Excited to see how my film comes out, let's hope I didn't fail hahaha! Please use your magic to save my photos!! read more

My boyfriend introduced me to this place when he first got into film cameras. I think one of the first things he told me was that the owner was a little grumpy towards people who were in there just because taking film pictures was cool and "trendy". Totally understandable because you can tell that he puts more time and effort into explaining things to people who are actually picking up the hobby and ask questions. He was also super helpful since I brought in 20 year old film that hadn't been revealed. He was very honest and said that they might not turn out well because they're so old/expired and still gave it a shot. Thank god he did because these pictures were from my childhood, and they turned out beautifully. My mom has a whole bag full of rolls and disposable cameras that she never had revealed and now I take them to him because I know he does a great job. read more

Let me write a haiku to describe my experience I bought camera Gary is full of knowledge I love you Gary. read more

Encinitas Photo Center - This is a gummy representation of me happily enjoying my new camera from Gary. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Encinitas, California

Atrocious customer service. Shopped here for many years and witnessed many examples of the owner belittling paying customers. I respect small businesses but this is one to avoid. He probably enjoys reading these negative reviews. read more

I videotaped my Father who is 91 years old and I called to ask if they could help me get it from the camera to a DVD. The person who answered handed me off to GARY who said "CALL TOTAL PHOTO" and HUNG UP ON ME!!! Seriously???!!! Customer service???? HANGING UP on a potential customer? Gary, that was the rudest experience I've ever had from a business!!! Wow. read more

My goodness, these people are rude! Or at least the guy who finally answered the phone, then proceeded to ask me questions as if I was a stupid baby, then told me he was too busy to help. They must not have much competition! Because I can see other reviews that report similar behavior. read more

People don't like the owner here because he's forward and no BS business owner, personally, It was a pleasure doing business with him. When I had issues, he offered to see me right away. He was very understanding and not rude even one bit. This place is a hidden gem, and the owner is very knowledgeable. He doesn't like when people give him the run around - which I'm sure most people do!!! Thank you Encinitas Photo Center!! read more

Went in with a question about film cameras and wanted to buy one of the used film cameras, the manager told me not to waste my time and film because I won't take good photos, and that film photography is not something that can be learned, they have a nice collection of gear so if you can show up on a day the manager is not working I'd definitely recommend. Sorry in advance to anyone who meets the manager read more

This place is the worst shop in Encinitas. The owner/worker, older man with unpleasant attitude does not seem to have any interest in promoting sales, engaging with the customers, showing an inch of interest in connecting with anyone visiting the store. I walked away and will never go back there. read more

The owner guy who is always there is always so rude I have been shopping there for 13 years used to develop film and bought so many different things and he hung on me last time I called and today when I came in he was so rude asked if I could. One back he's To busy and was so rude the way he asked he's like what do you Need I am to busy I just can't believe it I am very upset! read more

Ok so i never leave reviews but i had to help tip the scales for this local small biz. The owner Gary is super helpful, efficient and kind even though he gets a bad rep in reviews. My advice is, go in here with purpose. Be direct with what you need help on, research first online if you're unsure. He helped me fix my camera, hooked me up with a new lens cap & some film in just a few min. Grateful for this local gem. read more

I have been visiting this location for many years. I have had nothing but positive experiences. I took a camera, that was given to me by my brother when he upgraded, to get cleaned and tuned up. The owner was extremely nice, helpful, and honest. He did a great job and gave me an honest opinion when the flash stoped working, to just add a flash attachment and not waste as ton of money on trying to fix the internal flash, as the camera was older and to repair the internal flash would cost more than the camera. I then returned to have prints done when my father passed away. The owner walked me back to his computer where he looked at the pictures with me and asked if I wanted him to remove some blemishes from the photos... we reviewed them and he got the prints done quickly and reasonably. Not sure why there are negative reviews other than maybe people are misreading the owners dry personality... doesn't make him a bad person. Don't let the negative reviews dissuade you, most businesses receive more negative than good reviews because people typically only write reviews to vent. Camera shops are few and far between these days.. this shop does a good job.. and I should also mention they have a great selection of used camera gear. read more

I noticed this business as I was heading to the Starbucks next door. I wanted to see if they would print an electronic image I had. When I walked in to ask, the older gentleman behind the counter looked up after a somewhat lengthy pause, and looked at me like I was inconveniencing him. If a businessman believes that customers are an inconvenience, he won't be a businessman for long...By the way, if someone's actually taking the time to read this - I was the guy who walked in around noon on 10/02/2020 in black jeans, black t-shirt, and black ball cap. I'm not homeless, I have a debit card, and I have a bank account with green money in it. read more

Came here to inquire about a camera. I'm getting into astrophotography so i wanted to determine what is the best camera for me, so i figured going to an actual camera center was a good idea. Wow was i wrong!!! The guy there literally never even looked up at me. As soon as i said astrophotography he said "check the internet". I told him that I was already leaning towards a particular camera (Sony) and he said "we don't do digital cameras" and only carry lenses for digital cameras. Before i even had an opportunity to ask him about a particular wide angle lense, he said "ok...have a nice day" and basically ignored me. There was nobody else in the store BTW. It was so bad and obvious that it made me pause and say to him "so do you want my business or not" to which he replied "Get your camera first and we can talk lenses". Uhhhh....that's why I'm standing in a camera store!! I realize that i can check the internet for pretty much every thing, but i was going to a camera store for your expertise and experience. I realize that maybe digital isn't their expertise, however the level of unprofessionalism is beyond anything I've experienced in a very long time. I will definitely NOT come back to this place and will never give this business or ANY business any of my hard earned money when they won't take the time to even look at me. I'm sorry... read more

Customers beware. I would strongly recommend not shopping here. I just had a terrible experience with the owner, Gary who was extremely rude and for absolutely no reason. I came in to have some wedding photos printed on a deadline (I had called earlier in the day to inquire about them having printed same day as a belated Christmas gift). He told me that he could and to come down to the store. When I got to the store he essentially shouted at me that he does not do prints while you wait and that apparently he "had explicitly explained that to me on the phone". He didn't but that is actually beside the point. His condescending tone was completely out of line and unnecessary. I will be taking my business elsewhere next time. read more

I recently ordered a lens from Gary...and pre-paid for it. After 6 weeks of "it's on backorder...it's coming", I found the lens online for 40% less and received it in 4 days. I politely told Gary that I would not need the lens anymore, explained the situation, and thanked him. He then made a cutting, sarcastic comment about how the Internet 'is keeping him in business', and hung up on me. I even called him back to make sure I understood his comment....and he was again very offensive, said we weren't going to do business, and hung up on me again. What poor Gary doesn't understand is that it's not the Internet that is going to put him out of business, it's his attitude and the way he treats his 'would be' customers. I would have considered doing business with him in the future, but not any longer. My recommendation to all is to not do business with this shop. read more

Don't get your pictures taken for passports here! I needed pictures for a new passport and I thought this place could provide it. Since it looks professional online and it is a Photo Center. The pictures come with an extra white line and they were cut uneven. Really amateur. The price is over $60 for six pictures, compare that with CVS that charges $15 with good quality pictures and make your pick. read more

Literally the worst customer service. Been hyping this place up to my daughter. Guy working the counter was unprofessional and rude. Will never give them my business or refer them ever again. read more

I've never left a one star rating on yelp before but unfortunately, this place is worthy of the lowest rating possible. The only way I can describe shopping here is to say that i think the shop owner genuinely hates customers and their annoying questions and he can't be bothered to even mask his feelings to hide his disgust for the people that enter his store. If you are reading this, you have been warned and you now know exactly what you are going to get if you walk in that door. The very point of yelp reviews is to help others find and avoid businesses. I read the other reviews and thought perhaps he is just this way with people trying to spend $20 on something small. I really try to support small businesses and I went in looking for something that could have easily run a thousand or more that would have been substantially less expensive if I just ordered it from Amazon and I and was treated the same way as the guy trying to buy $5 worth of prints. I've been burned twice now and I wont be back ever again. I'm sharing this review in the hope that I can help someone else not make the same mistake. read more

Encinitas photo is fantastic! The fact they've been a successful business since the 80s should speak for itself but since I saw people give a couple bad reviews I felt a need to stand up for this awesome place. I now go there on a regular basis. Great customer service. I've often spent 30min just chatting with the owner about the photo industry and he's so friendly and excited to help everyone moving forward. They fulfill all my film needs. I buy all my film there and just purchased a Pentax film camera. If there's ever a problem with your purchases they give you a big window to test it out and return it if you're not satisfied. I've read the bad reviews and they are very specific rare occurrences coming from what seem to be regular unhappy people. I believe it wasn't from bad customer service, just bad customers. I've been in the filming and photo industry since I was a teenager and I give this five stars. Visit there and form your own opinion. read more

Encinitas Photo Center really flexes their niche location and it shows in their pricing. Went in for a simple lens cap and they wanted $15!! Asked for a price match, because they are less than half that online. The response from the older gentleman working the store was "They're fake, they aren't selling real Nikon lens caps" really? I am turned off by businesses with nothing better to do than pass off deprecating comments about other businesses they know nothing about. I went home and ordered my lens cap plus a roll of film that use often (that they never have) for LESS than the $15+tax they wanted for the cap. My GENUINE Nikon lens cap and roll of film was on my doorstep in 36 hours with free shipping. Unless I have a "photo emergency" I will not be back. At the end of the day, EPC isn't the worst stop if you need to get that item same day. However, you will pay out the nose for it and support a rude, uncompromising storefront. If you can make it, a certain used photo shop off Adams Ave in San Diego will treat you with respect and work with you on pricing. I recommend the drive. read more

I suppose when you're the owner of the only store in town for old cameras in Encinitas, CA , you can be extremely rude and treat someone asking a question like they're an idiot for asking it. Won't ever be back. read more

Came in to purchase binoculars for my husband for Father's Day. Had to ask the man sitting at a back computer for help. He was busy ignoring another customer in there too. Seriously could not have been more disinterested in selling us something. I'm talking about a $200 pair of binoculars here, not a stick of gum. I asked a couple of questions and he could barely answer me. Must be awful to be such a miserable store owner. I went and purchased the binoculars on Amazon as there wasn't a chance I was giving this rude, disinterested, completely unhelpful man my hard earned $$$$. read more