This is a fantastic place to go for all your camera needs. They are well stocked as well as knowledgeable about that of which they sell. I had to walk in about an issue I was having with my camera that had been rattled after a car accident. the camera was delayed and wasn't recording any video. I was upset that it might of been something internal with the camera, which meant getting a new one... However after spending some time here with the guys that work here we were able to figure out that it was only the lens. Thank God! The lens was originally marked for $200, they priced it down to $100, which was really kind of them. Only one complaint about this whole experience. The dude that was helping me was really distracted by... everything that was going on in the store. This guy was helping me, looking at my equipment showing me this and that. When all the sudden a lady walks into the store that he knows and he leaves me mid sentence..."umm what?" he eventually came back and continued to help me. But man... that was awkward for a moment... Still a great shop though. Lot's of goodies. read more

Now that most internet sources are charging sales tax, there is no reason to buy anywhere but locally at Midwest. Great customer service, good people and the ability to hold and inspect the goods. The new building (it's a few years old now) has great parking, unlike the dump on High Street. read more

I called them in the morning and asked if they had an old E series Nikon lens. The staff was extremely helpful and said they would have it ready for me. I showed up a few hours later and was immediately greeted and asked if I needed help, even though they were fairly busy. I picked up my cleaned lens and was so impressed with them that I decided to sell them an old camera I had. They gave me a fair price for it and I was able to get another lens that I have been wanting for a long time. I tested a couple other lenses out, but I knew exactly what I wanted. Once again, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly throughout the whole process. I will definitely visit this place again. It was worth the 2 1/2 hour drive. read more

Until today, ha e really enjoyed my Saturday morning (and occasionally other day) visits to look at and buy cameras, lenses, film, etc. Today I encountered am extremely rude and dismissive young man. I will probably return again given this is the first time I have encountered this. read more

I had been told by several professional photographers that if I wanted to step up my photo game then this was the place to go. Parking was a bit difficult (in the back which was really tight or across the street) but once in........oh my! I thought that going in the afternoon would make for a smaller crowd - not here. I don't want to imagine after work hours or on Saturday. The place was bustling with people and staff helping them. This is not a glitzy place by any means. They are serious about what they do and what they offer and it shows. Some photo places have just a few of this that or the other. MPE had walls of items. I gave my camera to a sales person and let go with my list of questions. He answered them all, but unfortunately I didn't write them down so I have forgotten how to do some of the things he showed me. Plus, he was punching buttons on my camera faster than a teenager sending a text message and I lost track a few times! In the end I purchased a UV filter for my lens and was told that if I had any questions to come back or just give them a call. I shall return, but with a note pad. read more

I tried to make a purchase off of their eBay page and was treated awfully. I attempted multiple times to reach out to someone, never received an answer and was ultimately blocked by their page. Very disappointing as I've heard so much great stuff about this place. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

As I read everyone else's reviews, I struggle with whether to give them a 4 or 5 * rating. If rating them as compared to other photography places, I give them a 5 without hesitation. They're knowledge and prices are unmatched. The only bad thing I could say about them is that you do have to wait a bit to get some help, typically. They're usually pretty busy, but that's a good sign isn't it? I've been going here for almost 15 years. I highly recommend this place over any other photo store I've experienced. I've never ordered online or over the phone, so I cannot confirm or deny the comments made about others in those regards. read more

Many people complain about service issues at Midwest Photo Exchange. I have not seen any of the issues people complain about. The store is very busy every time I come, but that is because it is a store with some of the most knowledgeable employees I have spoken with. It also has the largest selection I have seen in a photography store. I came in with an old camera from an estate for evaluation, and questions about trading in one DSLR for a newer and more powerful one. Tim G. was extremely helpful with both questions, and we ended up with a new DSLR. I would highly recommend Midwest Photo Exchange. If you are serious about photography, this is the store to go to. read more

I've shopped several photo stores in Columbus, and this is the one I go to the most. I understand why it takes time to get help in this store. When it's your turn to talk to an associate, they are very helpful and will take as much time as needed to make sure you have what you need and your questions are answered. Customer service is excellent. Prices seem to be on par with the rest of the shops in town. I recommend this store more for new equipment rather then used gear. They have a wide selection of new equipment, but not as much used gear as Columbus Camera Group. The used gear they do have though does seem to be more modern. read more

I bought my first camera here like 8 years ago and I went to their new location on Silver Drive today. The lens seemed to be broken on the Nikon DSLR I use for work so I took it in to be looked at. I spoke with TJ and he was really straightforward and polite with me. He told me the lens had been dropped and was beyond repair. He gave me price quotes to buy a new or used lens. I came in today to pick up the used lens and was again impressed with how friendly all their staff is and how knowledgeable they are about cameras. I hope to come back to buy a nicer lens for my personal camera and take their photography classes. read more

Very limited experience but easily one the most satisfying. I was trying to source a Sony lens that was seemingly non-existent in the US with no one even able to tell me with any confidence when they could expect to see stocks again. I placed an email to MPEX and within an hour had a call from Sonnie informing me that they had a few that weren't listed on the site. All however were reserved.... with the exception of one! He not only held it for me but called me personally to take the order when he got a free minute. It shipped within hours. read more

This is an update to my previous review on Midwest Photo Exchange...After having contacted the company through email to inquire about the product, they did everything in their power to satisfy my needs as a customer. So, I would suggest either going in on a weekday when the crowds are not tearing the place apart, or contacting someone via email to inquire about a product. The weekends, at least when I went, the store seemed overwhelmed by customers... which is a positive, and a negative. But once again, ultimately very good experience. read more

Went in to maybe sell a camera and my camera was declined immediately with no explanation of why. I'm sure other people working there would have given much better customer service but it still made me not want to come back. The worker was very rude and quite snobby. It's one thing to be proud of how much you know about photography but it's tacky to act like this with amateur or beginner photographers. read more

I ordered a printer (Canon Pixma Pro 100) from them recently. The printer has been backordered everywhere (including through Canon) for most of the year, so it took a while to get it, but the online customer service people were really kind and helpful with my concerns about the delay. When it finally did get off backorder, it arrived overnight, AND they included a stamped envelope with the info to get my mail in rebate. Love the printer as well, but the kindness goes a long way for me. read more

I needed to get a picture enlarged for a frame that I bought and went looking for various options around Columbus. I started with the big chains - Walgreens, Kinkos... but they either didn't print the size that I needed (13x19) or they didn't have the printing paper I wanted... or simply put me on hold when they first picked up and didn't come back for some time. Then I found Midwest Photo on here and took a shot. Not only were they able to print any size, but of course they had the paper. When I came I was immediately assisted and directed to Andy who helped me complete my order. Emailed my pic in the store and he walked me thru the sizing options. Conversed about my picture, which he thought was incredible detail for an Android phone, and other photos he was printing. The end result came out way better than I thought it would and I had a great experience while being there. Oh and the prices are as comparable as can be and even though the picture was a little bigger than originally quoted, they still gave it to me for the price. Definitley has my business moving forward with photo printing! read more

Midwest Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I absolutely love Midwest! They are knowledgeable, friendly and always excited to help! I purchased a camera and a lens there and have rented from them many, many times! They have always been flexible and super cool about everything. read more

i met them at the PDN photoexpo 2010 and as much as it was crazy, there was a mixup and all that long story that is now all in the past - i therefore conclude that this place is GREAT!!!!! now, i dont know what its like ordering online, because i called them and placed my order over the phone. id say, dont bother with the emails - they dont answer. if you call them, your transaction is easily finished. i look forward to shopping with them again. maybe at the next pdn show. read more

Highly recommended. I reached out to Adam there with my camera needs for my business, along with my price range and other thoughts. The next day he pulled three great options for me, including a very slightly used camera that would otherwise have been out of my price range. I ended up buying that camera, and it is a perfect fit. My experience could not have been better! read more

When I was sixteen years old, I picked up my first real camera. A Nikon N60. Man, I thought I was cool. Then I heard about this place, MidWest, where it was a DisneyLand for photogs... so I went. This was after about a year of casual shooting. They had this guy working there, Abdi Roble... who didn't just know cameras... he LIVED for them. He'd get to talking about them, and get excited, and veins would burst in his forehead, and he'd run around grabbing things as he was talking about them because he wanted you to see them... Abdi turned me into a hardcore photog. Every camera, every lens I ever bought since was from Abdi and the gang at MPEX. Now Abdi's a famous photographer, and the place has changed a little over the years since the world went digital.... but walking in the front door still feels like home. Everyone should give this place the chance to infect them. read more

Hands down the best camera store in central Ohio, but perfect it is not. Midwest has come a long way and I've had both negative and positive experiences here... but in the past year or two they have been doing a lot better and have made great efforts to clean up the store, manage their inventory better. They have also become partners with David Hobby's Strobist movement (focused on using small inexpensive off-camera flash units) which has really increased their revenue. What is Great About Midwest: 1.) Pretty well stocked with most items you could think of... this includes lighting equipment. 2.) They still talk film... if that's your thing they still have all the film goodness you could want. 3.) They deal with medium and large format equipment, it's rare these days to see most retailers touch this stuff, much less really know their stuff about it. 4.) Decent prices, they aren't as good as the big guy retailers (B&H, Adorama, Calumet, Samy's, etc.) but they are much better than anything else locally. They also don't generally cost much more than than the big guys. 5.) Some great deals on their house brand 'LumoPro' equipment (mostly lighting related). 6.) Staff although short handed most of the time are both helpful and knowledgable (generally). What Isn't so Great About Midwest: 1.) Although vastly improved from years past, this place can still be unorganized and hard to find things. 2.) Inventory issues, what their inventory says they have and what they actually can find and have in the store can be two different things. Again they have improved things a lot, but they still have room to grow. If your calling and asking for something specific, make sure they can find the item and that they *really* have it in stock. 3.) Not a great selection of P&S cameras, this is a great store for photography enthusiasts but they don't have much of a selection when it comes to the average consumer market. 4.) The push the house brand LumoPro stuff a bit too hard... I think it's great that they have worked with China based factories to bring lower cost products. But I'd like them to still stock then name brand stuff... sometimes the cheap stuff is fine, but there are times where I want the *good* stuff. 5.) Staff. They are almost always understaffed.. they have grown a lot and that's great but hire more help so that people don't have to wait around for folks to assist them. I have also had a few friends who are new to photography report that they felt talked down too there, although I've not seen this personally. I've bought a crazy amount of camera gear in the last five years, but Midwest has only won about 10% of what I've spent, either because I could find it cheaper online, or because midwest either didn't stock the item or they didn't have it in stock. I fully admit I'm buying a lot more niche products that most folks wouldn't buy so I understand Midwest not carrying some items... I do wish that they had more competitive prices on camera bodies, lenses, etc. they are getting big enough that they can afford to wiggle a bit more in prices. I often end up buying my camera gear from Robert's Imaging out of Indianapolis because they have more things in stock and are willing to price match B&H, Adorama, etc. I'm willing to pay a bit more to support local businesses but only to a limited extent. Midwest Photo is kind of more than your average local good photography store, but they aren't yet quite there with the big guys (on prices, selection, or functionality of their online web site). All in all, it's a solid store with good folks who have great intentions... they just still have a bit to work on. It's a solid '4' with the potential to be a '5' down the road.... I wish them all the best. read more

Everytime I am in town, I prefer Midwest Photo Exchange. The staff is always very knowledgable, friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this store to everyone from professionals to beginners! Thank you Midwest Photo! read more

Always a good experience when I go here. Doesn't matter if I'm renting a piece of equipment, buying some gear or just browsing, everyone is always helpful and spends as much time with you as you need. You can find a good deal here and there sometimes. read more

If your a Photographer or a Hobbiest this is the place for you here in Columbus. Stu's Midwest Photo Exchange is your Nikon and Canon Authorized dealers and they stock alot of equipment . The Staff here is a true asset as well . Jim , KC , Sonnie are just a few who know their products well .. We are lucky to have a Amazing camera Shop here in Columbus . read more

Great selection and price range. Professional and polite. Great waiting area for guests... Did I mention the espresso machine? :) read more

Midwest Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Great selection of items, prices are reasonable, and they even hooked me up w/ a free DVD for what I was wanting to shoot! Great service!

Seeing Gordon's review brought back a lot of memories. I started coming here more than twenty years ago but haven't been here in years. I'm also familiar with the old church mentioned in some of the reviews. I didn't buy a lot of cameras but I did buy a ton of film and when I went digital is probably about the time I quit coming on a regular basis. But I bought a lot of lights and other studio related gear. It's a great place to shop. read more

I ended up here for a part I couldn't find anywhere else and needed right away. I was bummed that the cost of shipping to get it would be more than the part itself and called to see what I could do. They were so helpful and friendly and saved me about $30 in shipping. This is the second time I've ordered from them and will be back again! read more

Great local photography shop. Not just cameras and accessories but also DJI drones, GoPro's, and more. Buy new, used inspected or sell old equipment to upgrade. read more

Steve Hurley is the best! Anytime I need something or have an issue with a light, I give him a call and he takes care of it. He's easily the most knowledgeable and helpful person I've ever worked with at any photography store. I can't recommend Steve and Midwest Photo Exchange more! As a side note, the website isn't the most friendly, but a quick phone call and they'll help you with anything you need. read more

Great selection and staff is always willing to help with any concerns. This is my go-to camera shop in Columbus.

I went in to see if my battery was dead, or if my camera was broken. I asked a young woman to not manhandle my camera, because the user manual emphasized how sensitive the lens was. She snorted and continued to touch the lens area, as if I were misinformed. She took about 7 mins or so to tell me that the battery was charged and that I should repair or get a new camera. She then gave me a phone number to call for repairs. I called the number only to find out it was in Michigan! I decided against the idea and went to a local repair shop on 3rd in Grandview. They told me my battery was dead, so I went next door to "World of Photography" and bought a new charger. I will never go back to Midwest Photo Exchange. read more

Being in the market for a new camera, I just decided to walk in here one day and check out some cameras, with my mind set on a DSLR. I'm not a professional photographer by any means, so the associate who helped me (TJ) was extremely helpful. He showed me the camera I wanted to look at, as well as a couple comparisons. After telling him that I was taking a roadtrip and wanted to be able to take beautiful pictures of scenery and cityscapes, he suggested a smaller, kick-ass sort of point-and-shoot camera that he thought would be easier to tote and use more frequently. It was a great suggestion, but after talking to him and playing with these cameras for over 2 hours, I decided I needed to think about it, which he was totally cool with. He obviously wasn't just trying to make a sale, but was knowledgeable and wanted me to pick a camera that best suited me. He gave me his card before I left that day and told me to call or email with any questions. I went in the next day and bought the camera he suggested (Fujifilm x20), as I had fallen in love with it. Not even a week later, I had a problem where I could not figure out how to convert my RAW files to JPGs, so I emailed TJ and he got back to me within a few days. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!! I have no idea what people are talking about when they talk about poor customer service. Both times I went in there were more people working there than there were customers. I would absolutely recommend Midwest Photo Exchange and will definitely shop there again. read more

This is the only place in town to shop for your photography and video needs! I pick up lenses, cards, and accessories here. The staff is super friendly and helpful and they are willing to spend time with you. Prices are reasonable. They also offer used products as well. Parking is on the street but there are plenty of spaces on High Street. I always look forward to a trip to this shop! read more

Wonderful store with just about anything you need for photography. There is a wait for help, as the store was crowded when we went in but every available associate was with a customer. The staff is knowledgable and will help you figure out what you need according to your skill level and what you hope to accomplish. If you have any questions about photography, this is definitely the place to go! read more

While costing family we stopped by this great camera store. They had everything. Great prices and helpful staff.

Just went in there to get my camera sensor cleaned, and had the most positive experience with staff! They were all readily available but not pushy with sales, and were able to explain everything in a simple manner without being condescending. Will definitely be back. read more

They have quite an extensive inventory, but on the four occasions I have been in the store, I have not found any of the clerks to be particularly helpful. I can't opine about all of the staff of course, but the ones I encountered reminded me of coffee baristas who feel they know so much about their product that it's annoying to have to wait on the hoi polloi. When I'm putting a couple grand into a product, I want customer service I can count on. I went to one of their classes also and did not find it useful. read more

I've rented a few times from this location, as well as the one on High Street. The staff is professional and informative. I would buy the entire store- if I could! Thank you for yet another pleasant experience. Stay "focused." :) read more

In my experience, these guys were horrible to deal with on the phone and make folks like Adorama and B&H a joy to deal with. I am looking to buy a new set of Profoto D1s so I called them to discuss. They treated me so rudely (like they were doing me a favor for talking to me) I had to hang up the phone. My advice - go anywhere else to buy your equipment. read more

Midwest Photo Exchange is a family-owned business that's been around for about 16 years. When I was taking a photography class at Ohio State I used to go to Midwest Photo Exchange a lot to buy film and pick up other supplies. For the class we used 35mm cameras and the lower exposure film MPE sells is not that bad at less than $5.00. I usually got about 400 exposure film. I also appreciated that they had student discounts. I would flip out my BuckID so they knew because I didn't always have the same clerk. But, one day I was pleasantly surprised when the clerk said to me, "Oh, that's okay. I already gave you the discount. Most of the people who come in here are students." I'm not sure if the clerk had seen me before, because I didn't remember them, but I was perfectly content. I had always been treated well every time I went, including when I visited for a refresher to review it; one of the ladies complemented me on my purse I was carrying. The clerks are knowledgeable and willing to assist you in the right direction. For instance, they were honest enough to tell me that my Kodak EasyShare camera that needed repair was specially made and had to be handled by Kodak itself. read more