As a first-time customer and someone who strongly believes in supporting small businesses, I was excited to visit Houston Camera Exchange. Coming from a small-business background myself, I always prefer to shop local when possible. I brought in my Canon EOS Rebel T7 camera, which had only been used once and was in excellent condition, along with the two additional lenses that came with it. While I was disappointed with the offer I received, I fully understand that businesses need to make a profit, and I was prepared to simply decline the offer and move on. However, what ultimately left a negative impression on me was my interaction with the employee at the front desk. Before leaving, I politely asked whether the store had any Canon G7X cameras in stock. The response I received was delivered in a noticeably condescending tone. The employee stated, "The thing about that camera is everyone and their mother wants it, and no one knows anything about waiting or patience, so there's never any anywhere. But if you want to give me $180, you can wait two weeks or two months for it." Had this comment been made in a lighthearted or casual manner, I likely would not have thought much of it. Unfortunately, that was not how it came across. As someone who approached the conversation respectfully and with genuine interest in doing business with the store, I found the response unnecessarily rude and dismissive. What makes this especially disappointing is that I came into the store prepared not only to sell my camera equipment, but also to spend even more money there as a customer. Had a Canon G7X been available, I would have been more than happy to purchase it on the spot. In other words, I was prepared to be both a seller and a buyer, and I was genuinely interested in supporting the business. Instead, I left feeling unwelcome. Customer service matters, especially for small businesses that rely on reputation and repeat customers. Because of this interaction, Houston Camera Exchange has lost my future business. I hope management takes customer interactions seriously, because a single negative experience can undo what might otherwise be a great business. read more

Doing this place on a whim when I was on my way to a work trip and figured why not check it out. The store is a tad off from downtown but this place is a OG users fever dream. Not only is it big but it had a rather famous wall of admittedly broken cameras that I regardless wanted to grab, printing gear, old tripods, manuals and parts bins, a whole half of the store dedicated to film cameras and their lenses as well as a nice dslr and mirrorless set up with their associated gear and point and shoots. I literally prolly looked like a crackhead as I bounced off the walls tripping out seeing stuff I had only ever seen in museums, or YouTube. While I didn't find the camera I came there for I found one of my grails a Oskar Barnac Leica iii. The camera has seen better days yah but for the insane price drop of a slight hazed summicron lens and the tested in front of me body I couldn't say no (432). Bernie, the guy who helped me went above and beyond showing me their whole collection of rangefinders and classic medium formats I was fawning over and made sure I was straight when it comes to practice and handling of something almost a 100 years old. There's something special about a bulletproof camera that's probably seen some form of action that screams to me and that they love shooting and respect the art. While I'd probably be long in between my next travel to the city I'll definitely support them online from 5k miles away. Loved this place and everything it stands for. Support local and people who perpetuate the lost art! read more

As a former professional sports photographer, I could spend hours inside a camera store. Mathew is my go to salesperson whenever I needed to pick up a new Canon or gently used item. This location has some of the better prices have seen on items I need .Have even found some $10 light stands and other camera accessories in their sales items. Easy to get to and around for years , camera exchange has knowledgeable and friendly staff willing to assist for both professional and casual photographers. read more

Service was excellent, friendly, informative. Salesman, Mike, was tolerant of my ignorance and willing to wade through my questions.

I'm gonna be nice and give you guys three stars just because the one online sales technician was helpful and polite but the overall frustrating experience trying to buy something from you guys was shameful and I'll never order from you again & it's coming from somebody who just spent $7000 through you guys. I'm sorry you are a small business and have issues in the past but not every online sale is a criminal purchase haha pathetic, don't sell online then. What I had to go through to give you guys money and all my ID's proof of who I am my location my job etc. I've never experienced such poor communication though a business. read more

Easy to park and have CCTV cameras covered in the lots. People are very friendly here! And they have so many vintage lenses on display. Bought my Nikon ZF and the Nikkor Z 40mm SE here! Was a nice service by Christian! read more

HCE's the "go to" photography store in Houston. They're knowledgeable, keep up with current trends, yet keep darkroom supplies on hand. The latest gear is in stock and used equipment is thoroughly checked out. With few exceptions, my equipment's HCE bought, and every image that's been on exhibition in town was shot on on an HCE purchase. read more

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Matthew is a genius behind the counter. He resolved a technical issue over the phone that I've had trouble with forever. Thanks Matthew for the help and the laugh. read more

1. This camera business is the business! "LULU" you were amazing in helping us!!!! MATTHEW you were awesome as well!!! The vibe is amazing! The information the guys and gals have is off the charts!!!! Wonderful prices and they even have a wall of OLDER MODEL CAMERAS that are great for a small photo shoot right there in the store!! Me and my wife didn't feel rushed, we didn't feel like we were being a bother to LULU and MATTHEW!!! THIS IS A GREAT BUSINESS and if you have an attitude you may want to check it at the door because the employees here are the most amazing helpful group of individuals I have ever met! I could go on about my experience there but I'm done! We will be back for more gear and lenses read more

Mathew at Houston camera Exchange provided exceptional service. His expertise and dedication ensured I found the perfect camera to suit my needs. Highly recommend this store for all photography enthusiasts! read more

Bought a new camera and needed to find an accessory or two and look for a new lense or two to upgrade the whole rig. This was like walking into a paradise for picture takers and photographers alike. With both new and refurbished products there is a lot to look through and play with. This is a very comprehensive store. read more

I got the exact item I ordered. When I called the man on the phone was helpful and kind. I will order from them again!

I echo the praises of other Yelpers - this place is amazing. I actually heard about HCE by good ol' fashioned word-of-mouth. Some friends of mine have been going here for years and highly recommended them. I recently acquired an old Nikon film camera and was having a tough time finding film and generally a human who could refresh me on all things basic film camera related. I made a Saturday appointment with HCE and was let inside promptly at my appointment time. As we know in the weird wild word of COVID-19, things are a little different than they probably were this time a year ago in terms of how they handle appointments and customers. There's a sign on their front door with a phone number that customers should call, from their car, when they arrive. They're doing primarily curbside pickup, but they do have in-store appointment times available and their safety protocols are thorough. Bernie, the film expert, was one of two people helping me (along with Angel who was equal parts hilarious and eager to assist). Everyone had on either a face shield or a mask, there were socially-distanced stations set up for each customer complete with hand sanitizer and directions. Bernie spent a considerable amount of time with me inspecting my camera, giving me tons of useful information about how to use it, and of course recommending and explaining different film options. The shudder button on my camera was a little bent out of shape, so Angel went and found me a spare part from their giant wall of donor cameras to replace my bent piece. In an era of dying customer service, I was totally overwhelmed with the generosity and consideration of these two gentlemen. I left with several rolls of film, tons of useful information about my camera and how to use it, as well as info on how to approach getting through TSA with film and recommendations for camera repair shops in the area AND places to get my film developed! It really was a comprehensive visit and I'm super grateful to have found this place. I learned they do purchase cameras, accessories and film as well, so if you're looking to offload any of those things, this is your place (hence the "Exchange" part of the name, I suppose..). If you're looking for anything camera or photography related, I'd HIGLY recommend giving this place a visit. It's a treasure trove of awesome - including and especially the staff! read more

Houston Camera Exchange - Getting a tutorial (and some seriously good customer service) - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

Been dealing with Houston Camera Exchange for over 20 years. I prefer to deal in person rather than order over the internet and hope the right stuff arrives. While the internet dealers do have much more items in stock HCE usually can get anything within a weeks time. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and most friendly! I have never had a problem with anything I have purchased from their used department. Used items are thoughly checked to ensure peak performance. Finally not hard sales here.They work within your budget to recommend the best selection for your needs. Highly recommend! read more

We like HCE because we can get any of the camera/photography items we may need. I have always had great experiences when I have come here. My wife and I recently purchased a lens and a backpack from this store and both turned out to be exactly what we needed. even during Covid they have been able to keep their inventory pretty well stocked. read more

Great values can be found on their used equipment. Very knowledgeable staff. I don't always get to go thru Houston on road trips but when I do I always make it a point to stop in just to check them out. read more

Awesome exp. With these folk needed a new setup for baseball and they got it taken care of

They are really friendly and are great at helping you find the right equipment for your needs. Mike asked and answered all the right questions, and gave me recommendations I wouldn't have thought of. You can tell that they really to try share their love of photography with others read more

This store has a great inventory of new and used stuff. Matthew is absolutely the most helpful person on their staff, and he is 100% the reason I continue to shop at this store. I'd rather pay more in store for the knowledge and hands on experience than to try saving a few bucks by taking my gambles online. The store manager wasn't there for me to speak to in person, but whoever Matthew's boss is should know that he's the best one you've got! read more

Today was my first time shopping and visiting this store. The salesman who waited on me named was Bernie. He welcomed me and was quite friendly. I wasn't expecting to make a purchase onmy visit but kind persuasion left an impression. Needless to say, As a new Houston resident, I'm Definitely A New and Loyal customer. Houston Camera Exchange Is True to its reputation. :) read more

Houston Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Bought a camera for a Christmas gift and the person did not like it nor want a camera. Major fail on my part. They took the camera, which was brand new in the unopened box, back without question and gave a full refund. Great customer service and I will be a returning customer for sure when I need a really good camera myself read more

Houston Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

So I am a mid to upper level amateur at best. I know enough to want to buy the expensive gear that I don't need and have no idea how to use but recognize the name and purpose. The team at HCE are unbelievably professional and experienced. I have been to other camera stores that try to push you by what brand is sponsoring them are sell equipment you don't need. These guys are honest and straight forward and take time to learn their customer. The helped trouble shoot an issue for a lens I didn't even buy there. HIGHLY recommend. read more

Do not try to sell Nikon 3500 or any 3 series dslr camera. They gave thousands of them and won't take yours

Paid for a new battery for my canon camera and I was happy to know I only needed a new battery $50. Charged the camera overnight to take it on vacation. Took my camera for nothing because the camera still did not work but now I was down $50. read more

Did an online order and everything was ready during pickup! Instructions were clear in the email and they even called in the morning to let me know everything was ready and reminded me what I needed for pickup/checkout. read more

Houston Camera Exchange - A clean Canon Ae-1 Program. Exactly as listed. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

I needed a nice camera for my son and was ready to spend money on the spot but could not even ask for prices after waiting for 30 mins to even be acknowledged. Their team was with customers and I believe they were doing a great job with them. I hope they made the sell because they lost me as a customer. All I needed to hear was, "we will be with you when we are done with these customers " but that never happened. I felt sorry for the guy answering questions to these two ladies who only wanted to know how to do auto pictures and use apps for posting the pics online. Yes, this type of questions for 30 minutes!!! read more

I'm assuming Esteban is who I just spoke to, he was the rudest, snarkiest man I've ever attempted to do business with. As a business owner I would not speak to anyone, much less a potential customer the way he did. He asked what type of camera I had and as I went into detail, explaining the (used all of 3 times camera) a Nikon D3100 with several unused lenses, I explained it was in great condition ( in an excited way, as I looked forward to shopping around at the store simultaneously.) he rudely proceeds to verbally cut me off, stating, "everyone says it's in great condition." Well you're rude and a horrible business and I look forward to going somewhere else. 1 star because you were a jerk off on the phone and I didn't have to waste my time speaking to your pompous and arrogant face. read more

Firstly, I would like to say customer service here is 5-star. I've haven't had a issue with them ever! Which is great because you never know what you're going to get in Houston. They seem to have a wide selection of photography things in comparison to other photography stores I've been to. I've only been here to purchase seamless background paper. They have a wide variety of colors which I love as I use the paper for my YouTube channel and my business. I took a star away solely because the price of the paper increased by $2 and the brand changed. Now, I'm not tripping over the $2 extra because I really didn't notice it at first until I got in my car and looked at my receipt. At first, I assumed the brand (Savage) must've increased their prices so they followed suit. Before, they're prices were conparable to the online prices I saw with a tad bit of an increase. Then, I looked at the brand on the roll and it's different from what I'd previously purchased. So, I looked them up on Amazon, and it's $9 cheaper, with no tax, and next day delivery for the exact same product. However, if you need a product that day, I would go here. read more

I read through a number of negative reviews here and I felt it necessary to comment. Those negative reviews cycle around getting help from staff in a timely manner. There's a reason for that. When you have an employee helping you at HCE, they are there for you. They will take the time to explain the product and answer your questions. That, is a time consuming process. That means you have to wait till the ma.y employees at HCE are done with other folks. Like all good things, the wait is worth the time spent. We are no longer patient. If our immediate needs aren't met we tend to go online and gripe. I've been shopping at HCE for a decade. I've never seen such consistently good customer service and expertise. read more

i walked in there on a random friday morning and came across none other than bernie . he is that guy . He walked me through the entire process, helped my navigate and narrow my options . he gave out a lot of insight and knowledge on the cameras, lenses, and film. excellent service fr . plus there was a sale lol :) read more

Houston Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

Not sure if I caught them on a bad day or what .. but whoever answers the phone has TERRIBBLLEEE customer service and is VERY RUDE !! Did not want to answer any questions... I am officially done with this place:.. it's a new year please hire welcoming ppl ! read more

I've got some mixed and conflicted feelings about this place. On one hand, I want to support local camera shops, but they just don't give me much of a reason to other than to buy small knickknacks. Here are a few of my complaints: Atmosphere: Complete chaos. They have display counters in the back where it feels like you have to be "this cool" to go ask a question. I've been in line several times only to give up. They act pretty smug too. You'd think with the online places eating their lunch, they'd be friendly, but nah. New equipment: As would be expected, not even close to online outlets. Unless you're a working pro and need it today, it won't even come close to matching the online prices. I'm ok with this actually. Used equipment: This is where I think they're blowing it. Seriously seriously blowing it. They have a great advantage over the online places with used equipment since people can actually come and look at the selection in person, but I have never found anything remotely usable when I've been there. I was looking for a used SB-800 a few years ago and they showed me this POS and wanted close to what a new one would have gone for online. Lenses- forget it about it. I thought maybe that meant that they give good prices to people selling their lenses but the prices they've offered my lenses were just insulting. I'm talking offering me 1/4th of what I could make selling it on my own and at best 1/3 what I could sell it for type of insulting. *update* A lens I was quoted at $100 sold for $350 on ebay or roughly $320 after all the ebay fees. I do understand that they have mark it up and resell the used lenses BUT if they didn't low ball sellers, more people would be glad to not go through the hassles of ebay and Craig's List and bring in their lenses. At least just live with giving people half! That would bring in more people to buy used stuff too. That's a golden opportunity that they're blowing. If it was more of a "Camera Exchange", I'd visit it more AND buy more. *edit response to Abby* I appreciate you responding and I still do go to the store, but for now at least it's for an album, gel, or something like that. read more

My experience here exceeded my expectation. Everyone was so polite and helpful. Matthew and Louise deserve a special kudos. They made us feel welcomed and were very patient with me and my husband's millions of questions. Louise?! The most knowledgeable camera person ever! She was amazing! We didn't want to leave. I am glad my husband and I chose this place. We will definitely and absolutely keep doing business here!! read more

(I already sent Yelp the name correction, hopefully they'll do it soon!) Walking in the first thing my friend said was: "This place looks old school!" And indeed he is right, and even the service is old school, meaning: Attentive, accurate, and definitely friendly!! I am very impressed with this place. The workers just need to take a quick glance at your camera to let you know exactly what battery it uses!! Guess they really know their stuff. We went in to buy a battery for a Non-digital camera (I know, I was surprised they still exist!) and were taken care of very promptly. They have a lot of camera accessories, parts and just a whole lot of camera related items! I am sure you can find almost anything(camera related) there! I am glad to have found out about this place. I browsed around and saw very unique photo albums, will definitely be purchasing one of those in the near future. read more

Since COVID this place has a poor way of conducting their business. Very unorganized and unprepared. Their staff seem to untimely, and stressed. This once was a place I can come and calmly receive service and browse for new items. Now, this place is almost stressful to think about even getting camera needs. Try a different place or order online. It's not worth the stress! read more

Took my daughter here to get a lens for her camera. We were immediately helped by an awesome employee named Matthew. He was very knowledgeable and helpful! Got her all fixed up and she is happy with her purchase. Definitely ask for Matthew when you visit HCE! read more

I am a novice photographer that attended 3 great classes at Everydayphotoclass.com. The instructor helped me select some additional equipment I needed for an upcoming trip. She was adamant about going to Houston Camera Exchange because of the quality staff. She was right! Took my list and Rose was incredibly helpful!!! Not only did she find the price point and quality I needed but she insured the items worked with my camera. She was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and answered my beginner questions without making me feel dumb for asking. I also appreciated the lack of pressure to buy new when their used lenses were perfect for my current needs. She did recommend a protective filter for the lens which she was kind enough to put on. Great shopping experience and super help from their staff. read more

I'll start this review by providing a full disclosure. I buy the majority of my photography products from the large online stores or used on camera forums. That being said, I recently began my search for the very rare Nikon 500mm F5.6 PF lens. Since this is a very difficult to find item, I started searching at smaller stores to try to find a copy of this lens. Making phone calls I was able to get on a short waiting list for the lens at Houston Camera Exchange. I then found another lens available at a different store, so I called back Houston Camera Exchange to request a refund of my money. They were very reasonable about my request and open to helping me with it. I then received a call that there was an extra lens coming in and they asked if I would like this copy instead of getting my refund. I was happy to keep my order with this vendor after all the great and personalized customer service that I received. I would not hesitate to do business and highly recommend the seller. Thanks! read more

Great selection of equipment and knowledgeable staff I needed a few minor things, they had everything I wanted, the prices where competitive I'll return if I'm in Houston read more

Waited patiently for over 15 minutes to return an item with no one else in line. During that 15 minutes a young employee didn't acknowledge that I even existed, grab some items and walk away from the counter with his head down. The same young person, came back and rung up another customer that came much later than I did across the counter. A minute later one of the other employee came by and helped with my transaction. After reading other poor customer service reviewed, today I got my fair share of it. read more