Came in with an old family camera that wasn't working. Asked for some advice and he was honest with me, saying that it wasn't really fixable unless I was willing to spend x amount. I asked about other options for similar cameras and he didn't try to upcharge me or sell me something I didn't want. Very honest service and worth a stop! read more

This spot has been a great resource for me for developing disposable camera film and learning more about cameras! I originally came in here with a camera I inherited from my gpa. The staff took the time to tell me all about the camera, what film it would take, and even taught me a bit about its different buttons and such. They helped me pick out film and a new battery for it and feel comfortable using it for the first time. They were patient with a camera newbie like me and ready to educate. I have also developed disposable camera film here, and it's been affordable and easy. read more

This is one of the last true old-school camera shops around. If you love photography, it's worth a visit just to see rows of gear you won't find in a big-box store. They carry new models from most major brands (no Lumix), plus a rotating selection of used cameras. Beyond bodies and lenses, they've got all the accessories--bags, lights, filters, film processing, straps, batteries--you name it. The staff know their stuff, no question. The only catch is personality: sometimes you'll get an excellent, friendly expert who really listens and helps, and other times you'll get someone who seems disengaged or uninterested. When it clicks, it's fantastic. When it doesn't, you walk out frustrated. Prices are mostly fair but not better than what you'll find online. Their "sales" on top-tier cameras usually match industry discounts--not deep bargains. Returns are tricky: you technically get 30 days, but with a 10% restocking fee. On a $4K camera, that's hundreds lost. If you're unsure about your purchase, consider buying from Amazon or B&H for added safety. Trade-ins can be hit or miss. I've had surprisingly fair offers, as well as others that were laughably low. One camera they offered me $800 for, sold the next day for $1,400. Another time, they lowballed a hot-ticket Fuji X100VI at $800, saying there was a glut of this model. But they had a waitlist for the same model. Store layout could also use work--cameras are in cases that get blocked whenever someone else is being helped, meaning you can stand around 20 minutes just to peek at the gear. UPDATE: My last transaction with the company has led me to question their integrity as a business. I returned a used Sony A7R V that they sold to me as new. They charged a $320 "restock" fee, and they refused to return the camera I traded in for the transaction. In total, they kept nearly $800 from the transaction. They gaslit me about it. My media company has business accounts with four vendors for gear, and we've never had a situation this lopsided. Please be vigilant about details and documentation when buying from them. They can take advantage if you don't. You should always be fair as a customer because business is about relationships. But also realize that not all companies have that same ethic. read more

If you want to lose faith in humanity read the 1 star reviews for this business. I've been coming to this small business for years (almost 2 decades if you include the years when I was a child). I have never had remotely close to a bad experience. If getting the absolute best deal is a must for you; support the evil empires that don't want their employees to take bathroom breaks. read more

Great store, good selection and wonderful staff who are will to empty your pockets of your hard earned cash. Lol.

I was interested in a camera, Sawyer's Mark IV, but they were no photos, and the camera was listed as EX. I sent a note asking for photos and they replied within an hour or so with photos. I decided to buy the camera, and it was shipped out the next day. And I recieved it quickly in a well padded box. The camera is in great shape and I'm ready to use it! Thanks for your good support and service! read more

This camera store is very cool. Now, the details. Every time I come in here I have a good experience. It's apparent that everyone behind the counter works here because of a genuine interest in photography. Most recently, I worked with Mark who was great. I planned on being in the store for 15 minutes on my lunch break but ending up staying for a half hour talking about our latest creative projects and which lenses I should try. Now, not only have I successfully increased my limited photography network, but I got my lenses cleaned and figured out which one I will spend money on next. Awesome. National Camera Exchange is also cool because they have a ton of used lenses, cameras, and other equipment. I've stopped in on occasion and have found one of a kind vintage camera bags and straps. I'm sure if you know what you're looking for you could find things here pretty often. I still have a lot to learn, but so far this is the first place I go for all my photography needs. My one qualm so far is the bag selection. There was a long period of time where I was in the market for a more modern looking photography backpack. NCE has a large selection of camera bags, but nothing that really jumps out as modern or simple. I ended up getting a Brevite bag online and love it. Lessons: 1.) Always check NCE for whatever you're looking for. You might be surprised by what you can find. 2.) These people know photography. Introduce yourself and ask for help if you need it! read more

Go-to spot for anything photo/video related. Love the staff, always very helpful and fun to nerd out with. I brought in a ton of old gear that was collecting dust on my shelves and was able to trade it in for some pro lenses. Staff was very patient and offered fair prices for each piece I dumped on the desk. Definitely recommend! read more

National Camera Exchange - Massive camera gear trade in. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Golden Valley, Minnesota

3.5 stars. Purchase a d500 w/grip. description was accurate. price was very good compared to KEH (which has gone down the tubes over the past decade) and Roberts/Uaed Photo Pro (ludicrously overpriced). Purchase online and order processing was very fast. The camera came in a nice generic white box (listing showed no oem packaging). That box was placed in a hefty cardboard shipping box. Shutter count was accurate l, and it was advertised as Excellent but was like Mint-. So very pleased with that. I'm dinging them a star because i felt the lu went skimpy on bubble wrap in protecting the camera. It works PERFECTLY... but for what i am paying i expect some more robust bubble wrap to protect during shipment. Anyways I'd likely buy from them again. read more

Good service & reasonable pricing. ............................ Hooray for National Camera. read more

I am a novice camera user who enjoys taking pictures of people, places and things. I've ventured into the store after having passed it several times in the last few months. They have a diverse selection of point and shoot cameras, DSLR and even some collectors. Whether you need a camera bag, photo frames or an album you are certain to find what you need here. The staff was nice and greeted me upon entry and took time out of what felt like a busy day to answer some of my questions about a camera I've had for a few years. If you enjoy photography and need an item or two or want to sign up for lessons I would recommend stopping here. read more

Stopped in yesterday to buy a macro lens for the Nikon and they had the one I was looking for, and the lady was super helpful with explaining how to best use it, and I also picked up an older macro lens from the bargain table and she was showing me how to use it with the newer Nikon body as well. She was was able to answer some questions about various other accessories and was super helpful overall, even though it was busy. Super cool store, really knowledgeable people, it's a fun place to browse around. This lens has been so much fun to play around with!! Initially I wasn't overly impressed with the lens, but after doing a little research and testing out different settings, it's well worth it! read more

See all

They lie and don't honor their online 30 day full refund policy. I bought 2 items and had to return them. I paid return shipping. A day later sandra called me and said they are charging me a 15% "fee". So they stole $147.50 from me. I would not tell anyone to go there. read more

All the staff members I spoke with gave me great advice for cameras & old film. Wonderful experience!

WOW!!! This place is amazing!!! They called me before printing my order to ensure that I meant to put white borders around my photos, which I did. And then my order came (all the way from Minnesota) in just two days!!!! I can only believe that they paid for overnight or 2 day shipping and didn't charge me for it. So good!!! read more

Very helpful and intelligent staff and great prices! Will be shopping here again for sure!

Stop by with an older camera to get an ideal of value and usefulness. Staff was extremely helpful and even cleaned out the battery compartment for me. These are go-to guys when it comes to cameras. Very knowledgeable. read more

When I drive anywhere near Hwys 55 and 169 I need to avert my eyes so I'm not tempted to stop and "just to see what's in the used lenses case" or to "look around" the store. I may or may not have lens envy... I shoot photos - www.KathleenRileyPhotography.com - and this is one of my favorite places to find gear. I have purchased new, used, rental, prints, transfer old movies and slides to archival formats, sold gear and taken classes. Is this the cheapest place you'll ever encounter? No, but you're shopping at a place that has camera right in the name - I wouldn't expect it to be cheap. It doesn't matter what level you are at, these folks will help you get started or enhance your skill set if you're more experienced. Looking to get started taking some photos and want to start small? They have what you need. Want the latest and greatest in gear? You'll be able to get that too. I decided to upgrade equipment and found the selling process simple and the of course spent all the proceeds on new lenses. Apparently I really learned that lesson years ago, put your money into the glass. ;) Maybe I'll see you in the store when the lure of seeing that building is too much for me. read more

shoutout to steve!!! got a cute vintage camera and all the advice i could ever need! lovely place filled with lovely people. thank you for all your help :) read more

I can't say enough about this place. They're the best, including expert advice that never makes you feel rushed, low sales-pressure that results in happier, more satisfied customers and the best inventory in the business. There's nobody like them. read more

I have been shopping at National Camera for a number of years and today I dropped by to buy a camera case for a new camera and realized that I had never reviewed them. So here goes. They have a large selection of both new and used camera equipment as well as other photographic paraphernalia and binoculars. It is very nice to have a brick and mortar camera store where one can examine potential purchases and also get mostly knowledgeable advice from the staff. The store itself is large and well organized and was busy when I was there on a Saturday afternoon. I have generally found the staff to be helpful although occasionally a sales associate may be a little full of themselves and disdainful of their customers. National Camera still sells and processes film (remember what that is?). They will also print your digital images. At one point there were a number of National Camera outlets but they now seem to be concentrated in this one store. Phone cameras must have really hurt their business. It is important to have a physical store where you can actually examine the merchandise and get in person assistance and I urge you to patronize National Camera. read more

I can't speak highly enough of this store. National Camera is a fantastic resource to have in the cities and continues to always have me covered with the photography products that I need. The staff is fantastic and always so helpful. I don't need technical help with operating my camera but it seems like I always catch them assisting customers who have questions about their camera or how to use it, I highly recommend National Camera to any photographer or videographer in need of gear. Say no to the big online marketplaces and support your local business! read more

I've had nothing but positive experiences with NCE. Years ago, I traded in an Olympus SLR for a Nikon FM, which was a good decision. That camera was a workhorse for over 20 years. Of course, one takes a loss on such transactions. But in the end, it was still a fair deal. I no longer live in MN. Recently, I was planning to purchase a used lens from NCE. I called in to get more information about the lens itself and shipping. Paul was most helpful. Although it wasn't at his location the day I called, he promised to get back to me after it came to his store (presumably Robbinsdale). He called as promised the next business day. After inspecting the lens, he let me know that there was some separation in the glass, which is normal for all lenses. Although he said that it may not be possible visually to detect the effects of this, Paul wanted to let me know before I purchased the lens. This helped me to make a decision to not purchase the lens at this time. I really appreciated his openness about this issue and his knowledge of gear in general. He could have just completed the transaction without thoroughly looking over the lens first. Paul is professional and most knowledgeable. I would feel comfortable buying used gear from NCE in the future with Paul's help. read more

I came in to take a look around and get a used point & shoot camera for a trip my spouse was taking. The staff was knowledgeable, and pointed me towards a used camera with features that would be perfect for the trip. My friend, a professional photographer, who was with me, agreed the camera was in good condition and was a great deal. I'm extremely happy about the my experience there.. read more

I have been a customer for years. Every time I go in they are very professional and courteous. My most recent visit I was helped by Taylor, she is very knowledgeable and patient. She was not trying to push equipment on me that I did not need. She is what customer service is all about. John F read more

Oh my goodness! The customer service here was incredible! I went in to surprise my son ( a frequent flyer at this location) with a camera bag for his graduation gift. I was able to have a team member there review my sons account of his purchases there, to help decide what bag would be suitable for all of his camera equipment, versus several bags as previously used. This type of service felt very personal, and traditional. I was pleasantly surprised! read more

I do not recommend this store for camera gear. My experiences have been nearly always negative, until finally I decided that the store overcharges on merchandise and has poor customer service and therefore decided to no longer buy anything from them again. The owner, in particular, was rude to me personally when I brought an item back for a return. NOT RECOMMENDED. read more

I've brought 35mm film and disposable cameras here to have the film developed and all three times they've been very helpful since I don't have much experience. They also develop the film quickly within a few days! I request the digital copies, and the scans are high quality. Plus they give you the option to have the files send directly to your email. I've recommended friends to go here and they've also had good experiences getting film developed their film. read more

My son ordered a Nikon D8 10 unfortunately it didn't work correctly. He tried to troubleshoot he even tried using the same ones that's on his other D810 to make sure it wasn't the lens and it still didn't work. He returned his product and they only gave him a 50% refund. According to these crooks it was because of the box that was damaged during shipping so apparently it cost $600 to replace a box. STAY AWAY FROM THESE CROOKS! read more

I received a response from a manager at National Camera just after I wrote my last more negative review. I was professional , explained my product management background years ago with Berkey Marketing Co in Queens in the early 1980's and was candid in my disappointment at that time with some attitudes from some of the staff. Yelp works!! I don't care what folk say , but the basic principles of YELP truly work! I have recently returned and worked not only with outstanding salesman Curt ( tall thin glasses, VERY gracious, NOT pushy , and very very technically astute) but with several other salespeople Staff has definitely changed and for the better. And this past weekends annual 3 day tent show of many photographic supplies and cameras is well worth visiting I found excellent lighting supplies in top condition for very good prices. The staff are now more down - to-earth, natural, comfortable and genuine . read more

I bought a camera body from them online, and they sent it UPS, but won't allow it to be dropped at a UPS store. If everyone in the house works, what are we supposed to do, stay home and wait for UPS?? Seriously? I buy many things online, expensive items. This is the first time a seller has ever put this restriction on shipping. NEVER AGAIN! read more

I have always gotten the answers I needed, sometimes it's not always the first employee that gives you the answer. A little patience is all that's needed. read more

What a treasure to still have as a brick-and-mortar business. They've been doing camera exchange since 1914, owned by the same family ever since. Super-knowledgeable staff, and they have not only cameras but also binoculars, camera equipment e.g. lights, vlog stuff, etc. I live in Minneapolis proper and it's worth the trek out to the suburbs. read more

Always helpful service. Agree, this place is not cheap, but if I wanted cheap, I probably wouldn't be at a store that specializes in camera equipment, I would be in the electronics department at Target. One thing you might not know is that they really stand behind their equipment. A year ago we purchased a remote for a home photo booth event. When we went to use it again it didn't work. I brought it in just thinking I would purchase the same thing and they just switched it out. No questions asked! That will get me back for my next purchase! read more

My son was looking for some advice on his current camera and what he should purchase next. The gentleman at the counter was kind, talked very slowly and very understandably and really helped my son get the right equipment both right for then and then what do he needed to buy next. The gentleman was very kind and very helpful highly recommend this place read more

Never been treated so poorly. Went to get assistance with some reprints of old photos. All he said was we don't do that. No reference for another provider, no greeting and absolutely the rudest person I've had to deal with. Never going there again. Walgreens helped me in ten minutes. Perfect customer service there. read more

An excellent retailer of both new and used gear. There integrity is without question. I've shopped and made purchases on there web site for years and have always been happy with both equipment and service. Thanks!! read more

Never getting my prints done here ever again and won't buy anything else from here again. They just lost a customer for life! I had emailed something to their lab for printing and I was told that it would take around 4 business days for it to get printed. Like any printer with good customer service, I was hoping to get a confirmation or an order number and a phone call to let me know when it'd be ready for pick-up, since I wasn't really given an exact date. I never did get any of those info and a week passes and no phone call... After 6 days (since I emailed the image), I gave the store a call and was told the print was ready to be picked-up. I drove to Golden Valley that same day. The disappointment just kept coming. The person helping me had been looking for my print for about 15 minutes. He's asked me my name and what item I was there for 5 times... Hello! why don't you write down the info! Finally, I flagged someone else down to help him since he didn't look like he was getting anywhere. The other person does the same thing, only after the 3rd time did she write down the info. By then, I was just getting so irritated for repeating myself about 10 times and waiting at the store for already 20 minutes. They never did find my print and (double insult to injury) the 1st guy helping me asked once again for my name, number and what I was looking for and told me "If you come back tomorrow, we'll just reprint it and give you half off." The other lady also said "Would it make sense for you to pick it up in Roseville instead?" I was trying my best to hold my tongue. They were simply not very organized! I was told my print was ready so it should have been there, ready for me to pick-up. I've given them plenty of time to get the job done. I came in the store to pick-up my print and with a thought of buying a new camera and other equipment. Now, I'm vowing to never ever use their services ever again. read more

My name is Wakefield. Gotta box full of your toys. They're fresh out of batteries. But they're still making noise, making noise. If you were me, and you were shopping for toys, and you lived in Minneapolis (actually, Golden Valley, which is where this store is REALLY located), this would be a good place to come. Bring enough cash, and you can indeed leave with a box full of toys. New or used cameras, photo or video or both, plus any accessory that could possibly be necessary. Back...well, let's just say back in the day, wifey and I bought a camera here. This was when digital was just becoming popular, and the resolution for even high-end digital cameras wasn't great. So, we opted for a Pentax that took good, old-fashioned film. And, honestly, I couldn't be happier. Sure, you can now buy digital cameras that have the same great resolution. But there's something about shooting with film that I like. Maybe I'm just a traditionalist (well, actually, I'm DEFINITELY a traditionalist; what I mean is, maybe that explains my affinity for film). Plus, we came back to buy the one lens every recreational photographer should have: a Tamron 28-300 aspherical. From same-as-the-naked eye wide angle to "bring that soaring eagle RIGHT DOWN here" zoom, the lens does everything. For a price, sadly. Later, we came back to buy the first lens every serious photographer should have: a Tamron (how about that brand loyalty?) 17-30 aspherical. At 17, it creates a field wider than the naked eye actually sees. The aspherical lens fights the dreaded fish-eye distortion. Amazing landscapes, and impressive close-ups to boot. Later, we came back and bought a special backpack to crate around the photo gear. Which was ALSO awesome. And later still, one of my photos got published. (Note: this review does not guarantee any specific results as a result of frequenting the establishment in question. Your mileage may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Caveat emptor. Plus, I've previously warned that I'm a dilettante). Sadly, my ordinary life doesn't allow me to play with my toys much. In fact, for a better window into my ordinary life, let's just finish the song, shall we? Tell me what to do. Now the tank is dry. Now this wheel is flat. And you know what else? Guess what I received, In the mail today. Words of deep concern From my little brother. The building's not going as he planned. The foreman has injured his hand. The dozer will not clear a path. The driver swears he learned his math. The workers are going home. read more

I haven't been to their store as I live in California, but, I found them while looking for a Nikon D40 body via Google Shopping. I went to their website and they did, indeed, have an amazingly low price for a used D40 body... great prices in general on used equipment - 30-40% less than what I've seen around here on average... this particular body was, no joke, about 60% less than what I typically see in LA. I called the store to make sure that the thing was actually a full, working body and not just parts... she put me on hold, got the frame, looked it over, and described it to me; then, I went online to buy it. I ran into a problem with their online billing system where I had to go back, and it wouldn't let me re-add the body to my cart because it had taken it out of inventory. I called them back and they put the body on hold for me so that I could call in and purchase it the next day. I did just that, and added a new lens, too, because the prices on both were so good. I made the call on a Friday and it was out later that morning; got here five days later, even over the MLK holiday... I didn't have to pay extra for shipping, OR tax because I don't live in MN. The girl I spoke to referred to the camera as a level "E" according to their rating system, which is three tiers down from the top... but the camera looks like nearly 100% new and functions absolutely flawlessly. My interactions with the staff were friendly and informative... they sell a great product at amazing prices. They've definitely earned a repeat customer. I'll be checking them for my future photography related purchases! read more