I was looking for a discontinued, hard to find item which they did not have in stock but the gentleman found one online for me from a reputable dealer at no benefit to himself instead of leaving me to try my luck with Amazon or eBay. I'd already been to another shop that day who didn't even offer another local store name, much less to help me find one online. I am so grateful and highly recommend these really great guys! read more

Great customer service from very knowledgeable workers. Good prices on all camera gear. read more

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The attitude of the staff was not interested in my business which was disappointing. I wanted to buy from a local shop rather than online but I was met with contempt and sarcasm for having questions and not knowing exactly what I wanted. I was hoping a local camera shop would be the place to go. I will find another place to buy from. read more

I have to admit that I'm conflicted about this place. They've got a marvelous selection of used gear, and if you're into developing your own film you'll feel like you've died and gone to heaven. That is, until you deal with the staff there. I've never quite figured out how to get in their good graces (even after spending many hundreds of dollars there), and I simply don't now. It's affectatious of them to be snooty at a time when traditional camera stores are in tremendous jeopardy by cutthroat online sellers, eBay and online printers like Apple and Lulu (to name but a few). I'm fairly certain that I wouldn't have been able to buy a Nikonos II on a whim from any other store in the area - nor could I expect to casually walk into another store and pick up some 120 film for my aging and sorely neglected RB67. But, as is the case for many photographers, my trusty digital camera has relegated all of my film gear to "very occasional" use (translation: never again), and with that has gone my need for a store like Peace Camera. If I enjoyed going there more I might be inclined to shoot film more, but alas. read more

Not sure what these reviews are about but I had an amazing experience here. At some point every employee in the store pitched in to help out as they put together a budget shoot-thru lighting rig for me out of new and used parts, plus some extra additions. The employees went out of their way to help and I wound up saving about $150+ over what they were trying to sell me at Southeastern (where they had lackluster interest in giving me what I wanted, instead pushing what they wanted to sell me - glad I went to Peace to see what they had!). Overall, it seems like Peace is more willing to help you find what you need and save money without that added tinge of elitism you find in some other shops. Will def check here first next time I'm in the area and in need of equipment (plus there's a candy shop next door - win!). read more

Ended up spending three hours (ok..... and a good chunk of change) upgrading from a DSLR to Mirrorless camera and zoom. They listened to our use case and recommended a solution that looks to be a real win for us. Dave and Geof were patient, expert and entertaining! They would have spent more time with us if needed. AND, Dave will be giving us a practicum for a couple of hours on the use of the new gear at the site at which we shoot. Great experience. Great customer service. read more

The store hours are not updated on here so I just drove 30 minutes for nothing. Not exactly happy about it. This is year 2020, please keep your online information up to date guys. Thanks. read more

I've had both film and digital Nikon cameras, but have wanted to upgrade my Nikon D80 for a few years. A friend who is a professional photographer recommended Peace Camera in Raleigh. A couple of weeks ago I made the 15 mile trip there and was glad I did. It is staffed by very knowledgeable people who are very helpful. Based on reviews I've read I decided to get a Nikon Z 6ii camera. They happened to have one in stock. They only had one lens for that camera so I got it as well. The next day I found a zoom lens for the camera at another place and called Peace Camera to ask about their return policy. I was told that the lens could be returned within 10 days of the purchase date for a full refund, so I did without any problem. I found out that my new camera had a new firmware upgrade that they installed for me while I was there. I also bought a nice camera bag for my new camera and lens. They have a very nice selection of camera bags and other camera equipment. I recommend Peace Camera. Their prices are competitive with Amazon, Best Buy, and other large stores. read more

I was looking at some point and shoot cameras. Specifically, the Canon S95 and G12, and the Nikon 7000. I went to Peace Camera, hoping to get better customer service than I might expect at a big box store. What I got instead was far from that. After waiting for fifteen minutes for anyone there to acknowledge my presence, someone finally asked me if I needed help. I told him that I was interested in the Canon S95 and some of its competitors. I should have known I was in trouble when the guy couldn't find the S95 in the case - it was right there in front of him, he just didn't know what it looked like. Once he found it, the battery was dead, so that didn't help very much. He did not offer to plug it in or charge it. So, I played with the G12 and the Nikon. Among other things, I wanted to see how each of them manually focused. I couldn't figure it out on the Nikon, so I asked the guy. He gave me a look of doubt, eyebrows raised in skepticism, and asked me, "are you sure you're going to actually do that?" I responded, "the camera offers it as a function, and I can't figure out how to make it work. Can you help me?" He glared back at me in disdain and said nothing. He then fiddled around with it, said he'd have to look in the manual, then put it down, completely disinterested. Meanwhile, the woman next to me at the counter, who was buying several hundred dollars worth of SLR stuff, was being treated like a rock star. The guy helping her actually carried her gear out to her car for her. Against my instinct, I decided not to walk out, since they had one in stock at $399, and told him I'd take it. I then asked about SD cards. I work in data storage, and it's not completely clear to me what "fast" could possibly mean on an SD card. Perhaps with an SLR shooting 10fps, but on an S95 taking snapshots? It seems unlikely to matter, so, I asked him if it did. And got a non-answer about how this particular SD card would be "good enough for what [I'm] doing." I got the impression that they don't want to be bothered with anyone who isn't either spending mega dollars, or isn't an expert. If I had any hope that they would take the camera back, I would return it, for the sole purpose of buying it somewhere else. I won't be back, unless the camera has a problem, at which point I suppose I'll have to go. read more

I am surprised to hear the negative comments about the Peace Camera staff, because I have found them on my (admittedly few) interactions quite helpful and pleasant indeed. Peace Camera is an indie megastore (oxymoron?), a haven for photographers, really. It's not conveniently located for me, a So-Durhamite, but, if I lived in Raleigh, I'd be all over this place all the time. And, honestly, next time I need something in a jiffy, I'll head on out to Raleigh anyway, because odds are Peace Camera has whatever it is I need. In SoDu we've got really only one camera shop now, the Wolf Camera that replaced the Ritz Camera in Southpoint (after the Wolf Camera on 54 closed). The only non-chain stores that come to mind are Camera Works (closed on weekends) and Southeastern Camera (I use them for all of my printing, but their brick-and-mortar location is a little out of my way). Peace has great hours, an impressive selection, competitive prices, and a helpful staff. I was referred to Peace Camera by Tony at the Wolf Camera at Southpoint. I was looking for a simple, cheap reflector disc, and all Wolf had was massive kits starting at $109 (at least $70 more than I was willing to spend). Tony called over to Peace for me and verified that they had precisely what I was looking for, at a mere $19.95. I jetted over and was stopped in my tracks by the impressively heaping mountains of bargains in the clearance bins outside the store. I picked up a Lowepro backpack harness for my Stealth Reporter D300 AW (my gear gets heavy, yo!) for a super-cheap $15, more than half off the MSRP. Finally, I pulled myself away from the bargain bin and was immediately greeted by the guy behind the counter (a cutie, too, I tell you), and was also assisted by who I assume is the store manager. I was taken directly to what I sought: a 32" silver / white collapsible reflector from RPS Studio for $19.95. After my initial rummaging through the sale items out front, I was in and out, easy-peasy lemon squeezy. I highly recommend this store to all photographers, amateur to professional. For you other Durhamites out there, Peace Camera is super easy to find. Just take 40 to Wade Avenue to Capital Boulevard (towards downtown), take the Peace Street exit, take a right, and there it is on your left. The private lot is not small, although all spaces were taken when I visited (I parked next to the building; there's room for that), but keep in mind that the driveway entry is steep and will definitely scrape the bottom of your car if you don't take it slowly (traffic is busy at this intersection of Capital-Peace-St. Marys, so expect a wait). read more

Today during lunch, my Canon camera's aperture got caught by a thread on my coat and wouldn't close. My husband called Peace Camera and they said they'd take a look at fixing it. I stopped by an hour before their closing, and the extremely hospitable and generous gentleman behind the counter took one look at it and told me that he'll be right back. 15 minutes later, he handed me back my repaired camera. It was all fixed and he refused to charge me for his service, expertise and his time! What great service with such wonderful attitude! AWESOME! read more

The rudest customer service EVER! I will never do any business at this "camera" shop......not only could the salesperson not assist me, he was quite rude. When you are in the business to work with the public, employees should understand that and realize that great customer service is a lifeline to success. read more

First, the good. They were courteous and helpful when my girlfriend went to purchase a camera for my birthday. So far, so good. Right? 9 days later the camera got the "Lens error, please restart" issue, and stopped working. Simple, right? My girlfriend took it back for an exchange. Not so fast, they said. We (not them) had to send it to Canon, and wait six weeks for them to fix it. For a 9-day old camera!! Jeff, the employee who "helped" my girlfriend, was rude, and wouldn't budge when she asked for an exchange. When she called me later, almost in tears, I called them. Jeff picked up the phone. I asked him if I bought a camera there, and it failed in 2 weeks, would they exchange it for a new one? He said of course. Then I said, "Then why won't you do it for a 9-day old camera?" Loooooong pause. He asked if this was about the Canon camera. I said yes. He put me on hold for 7 minutes (yes, 7 minutes) then came back and said he would exchange it. My girlfriend went a few days later to exhange it, and Jeff inspected the camera like a jewelry maker inspecting a questionable diamond, which made my girlfriend feel uncomfortable.Again, he was pointed and rude to her. We will NEVER deal with these jerks again. BEWARE!!! read more

I had some spots on my camera lens and took it to Peace hoping for some advice. Brandon took it back and cleaned it for me free of charge, which is more than I could have hoped for. Love this place! read more

I too had a really bad experience. BEWARE of the return policy which is no returns no matter what. I bought a lens extension kit for my daughter and a new filter for her SLR. I brought the camera and lens in the day I bought these two items. The lens kit was $200 (for macro work). I showed the salesperson the camera and lens and asked if they would work with them. He said he was completely sure (like I was a dummy). When I got home and gave them as a gift it turns out they "fit" the Canon but the macro magnification with this lens is so close that you touch the object you're trying to photograph before it comes in focus. So they really don't "work" even though they "fit". I brought them back within 10 days and explained how they didn't work with the camera and lens and was told there was no return/refund, even though they had said it would work and it did not. I could only get a store credit to spend more with them in the future! They also would not take back the filter which was still sealed and said it was to stop people renting from them. I explained I could not have rented the filter as it is still sealed but they said no there as well - absolutely no exceptions. So don't buy anything there unless you are absolutely sure you want it since this is like a third world bazaar or flea-market operation where the buyer must beware and they do not stand behind their advice. What a fool I was. read more

I went into this camera store since I heard so many good things. I was looking for a beginner camera with normal lens and telephoto lens. The associate that waited on me acted bored and not interested in my questions. He had a terrible personality and was no help at all. I would not recommend this store to anyone. read more

So knowledgable, and so helpful! I bought a new lense to replace one that suffered an awful fall, and it is back in action! I will be going back here for any future camera purchases/repairs. read more

They have more goodies than most camera shops these days, but much less than their local competitor. Also, they're significantly less helpful/friendly. No need to drive so far away to go here. read more

I've bought quite a few cameras here. My film film Camera was the Diana mini. The film is reasonably priced as well. I purchased the portra one time and it was some of my work. Even for beginners, they assist you in purchasing the right equipment. Whether you shoot digital or use film. There is always clearance or front as well. Free bumper stickers too! read more

Peace Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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They have plenty of high quality items and it is a beautiful store but in my one experience most of the staff were disinterested and sometimes condescending. These folks seem to be more about selling gear than pleasing customers. Southeastern Camera in Raleigh is not as organized but in my honest opinion the staff makes up for this threefold. SE doesn't push product for the sake of commission they truly want the customer to be happy. read more

I went to Peace Camera to buy a filter - a common item needed by burgeoning young photographers. I walked in and had what seems (by the other reviews, here) to be a common experience: I walked past FOUR employees then stood at the counter trying to make any sense of the organization (or lack thereof) of the filters for several minutes before anyone approached me. One of the nearby employees who chose not to help me was instead having a discussion with his friend about the merits of alcohol versus marijuana - he could not be bothered to help me even though I knew exactly what I needed. When an employee finally approached me, it was obvious that in the single look he took at me he had already decided that I was either not a professional or not going to spend more than 500 dollars and was subsequently not actually interested in helping me at all. Maybe he just felt like he should say something because he was the only person in the shop who didn't bury his head in some ostensibly important work so as to avoid a customer. When he got over his initial loathing of me enough to ask if I needed anything, I told him the type and size of filter I needed. He just looked at me with disgust and said "Really?" I replied simply "Yes." So he turned with disdain to the hopelessly disorganized piles, bins, and miscellaneous shelves of filters and pretended to look for a minute. then he turned back to me and said drolly "Nope - don't have it. I think you'll have trouble finding that", even though I saw a rack with various filters in the size I needed that he didn't even pretend to look at. So I just told him "Yeah, don't worry about it - I already found one online" that was exactly the size, brand, and type that I wanted. Without another word he just walked away as if thinking "Man, I hope this guy leaves before I am forced to actually help him". On my way out, I'm pretty sure that the nearly-visible wall of pretentiousness with which the other employees surrounded themselves actually grew. Beyond that, the place is hopelessly messy and smells like a stale ash tray. They must mark their merchandise up considerably, because I can't imagine they make many sales with customer service and a storefront that atrocious. I'm never going back. read more

I went to Peace Camera to check the function of my T32 flash for my Olympus OM-1 camera. Peace Camera couldn't do the repair, but referred me to a man who could. They also let me keep the batteries that they lent me to test the flash. Who does that?!? I didn't even buy anything. One of the most pleasant experiences I've ever had. read more

I brought in my digital camera... the shutter mechanism had jammed. Gave it to the guy behind the counter who disappeared with it into the back. 5 minutes later he came back and the camera was completely fixed! Best of all he didn't charge me anything. This was a couple months ago and the camera still works great. The selection looked good and based on this experience I would go back to Peace for future camera needs. read more

Been ripped off here in the past. Sold me a used Canon AE-1 told me it had been refurbished, yet it had a light leak. Of course you can't return anything. On a second trip I attempted to trade a Lowel light kit on a less expensive kit and they attempted the F*** me on that as well. I'm surprised they are still in business. read more

The staff at Peace camera seem disinterested at customer service. The prices change with a whim. I was going to purchase a Nikon DSLR and the prices kept going up and the staff complained about Nikon and not making enough profit. They seem to know there products but have problems finding them. The place could use some organization. read more

I highly recommend this camera shop! Geof is very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have. He has helped me on numerous occasions. read more

Great selection in digitial and film, prices could be a little better but the knoledegable staff makes it worth it.

I've been to this store twice now and each time has been absolutely awful. I needed a film camera for a beginner photography class and went to Peace Camera in hopes of finding one. I was met with incredibly rude staff who did not try and hide their disdain and annoyance. I even heard one of the younger men working there saying rude things about me when I was browsing the store. Today I went back in hopes of selling my used camera that I purchased through another business. Yet again I was treated with such rudeness and blatant annoyance with no effort whatsoever to help me. The problem with this store is the horrendous staff. I will never visit Peace Camera again. read more

A few years ago I took my camera in for repair. The repair was shoddy (ended up buying a new camera anyway, just not from them) and the staff was SO RUDE. read more

I was just passing through Raleigh and was in the market for a used 35mm rangefinder. I stopped by Peace Camera and walked out 15 minutes later with a great deal on an old Leica CL with 40mm f/2 summicron. Nothing to complain about here. One of the guys even chased me down in the parking lot to make sure I grabbed the original case. I was impressed with the staff and the selection. read more

Called in wanting to ask how it works to sell cameras as I have a relatively new camera and have never sold one before and the women i spoke to was very rude and said "we probably wouldnt want it" before even letting me explain all the gear i have. read more

Nice photography shop in downtown Raleigh. Recently went and staff interaction was pleasant. All questions answered and took time to break things down and even took the time to provide further education as needed. Will definitely re-visit. read more

Photography is an amazing medium. It is one where a person can make a living or one where a person can simply satisfy a personal desire to do something artistic. Photographic stores, too, can be amazing places - providing the tools to achieve these goals as well as places to exchange ideas, offer insight and get feedback to help move those goals along. Peace Camera, while it does have all the gear one could want, it fails miserably in being that place where photographers of all ilk can go to learn, share and advise - grow as a photographer. Instead, the curmudgeonly staff does whatever they can to belittle pretty much everyone who comes into the store with crusty commentary, smart-ass remarks and basically just being turds. So, yes, you can buy your digital cameras there, hell, you can even still find 120 film (as I did), however, I also found a toxic environment where I refuse to spend my hard-earned camera dollars. All my business will be going to Southeastern Camera on Atlantic Avenue. Friendly, helpful staff and they have what you will need. Yes, it is a bit chaotic there, but I kinda expect that from a camera store. Bravo Southeastern!! Peace, not so much. read more

This is the best camera store I've found in the central NC area. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I've bought 2 Nikon lenses from them, and their prices are hard to beat, very close to the best deals from legit online camera stores like Adorama or Cameta. Their selection of new items is impressive, and their used selection is usually pretty good too. I drive over 50 miles to the store (it's the closest one, anyway), and their prices, selection and helpfulness make it worth my while. They run circles around the Wolf and Ritz stores in the area. If there is a better photo store near Raleigh, I haven't found it. read more

I have used this place for years and years and the staff is professional, consistent and knowledgeable. They are very helpful and know the answers or will find out what you need to know. They have used and new equipment, film and digital cameras and even traditional darkroom equipment. I have bought almost all my equipment from them over the years. They know how to help you find the best stuff to fit you needs. Over and over they have proven to be reliable and honest. They will even do trade-ins, so when you are ready to upgrade, you know where to go. I travel the country and always make a point to stop in here for my needs because they know what they are doing. read more

I Have done a lot of business with this store. My business is generally split between Peace and Southeastern and I am happy with both businesses.. One of my first experiences with Peace was not pleasant, but I came back with a friend and have been very happy since. I have purchased several preowned cameras and lenses, plus a lot of printing supplies, accessories, etc. The service has been quite good. In spite of what the other posters have said the return policy has been good for me. I purchased a high use D300 that the shutter started sticking on within days. When I brought it back they simply asked if I'd like to exchange it or get a refund. I purchased a used 12-24 full frame lense and as luck would have it the AF stopped in the middle of shooting a wedding. Again, same service. They wrote me a refund check on the spot. Of course the vast majority of what I've purchased there has been trouble free. read more

You know that feeling where someone is making you feel like a total idiot ? Thats how Peace Camera staff do business they are the kids at school that were picked on and never got over it. I went in to get some advice on two old cameras I have and maybe sell them. The conversation lasted less than 3 minutes and was very passive aggressive by the member of staff who took great delight in his superior knowledge and ability to make me feel like a total idiot for daring to even walk in the store. I can only hope one day this person dares to walk into my business with their healthcare problems so I can return the favor. Peace Camera, I get you are not interested in purchasing my camera's but the rules of polite society still exist and you have lost my business for ever. I am not at all surprised you have so many negative reviews with your poor attitude and staff that obviously have some issues left over from being the nerd in high school. read more

Watch out. fairly dishonest. Will sell you only what they have in stock and aren't ashamed to lie to you. Multiple bad experiences and have heard stories from others as well. read more

I'm astonished that anyone would write a negative review about Peace Camera. While taking a photography class at Meredith College eleven years ago, my professor recommended Peace Camera and I have been a customer since that time, changing from a film camera to a digital camera and upgrading my digital camera several times. I have always been given the best advice on what to buy. The staff has been exceptionally patient with all of my novice questions and I have never been dissatisfied with a single item purchased at Peace Camera. I have recommended Peace Camera to many friends and co-workers and they have all thanked me for telling them about this camera shop. read more

Zero stars. Negative stars. Don't bother with these folks. Every time have the misfortune of stopping here, the staff is rude, condescending, and indifferent. I frequently wonder whether they want to sell a thing. Except that my wife and I were buying a present for a child, I was prepared to walk out of the store, because the "help" so patently unhelpful. And we wanted to purchase something that cost quite a bit of money. With alternatives in Raleigh, I actively avoid Peace Camera. I will never bring Peace Camera my business, and if you want to avoid being belittled, ignored, and patronized, avoid this retail travesty. Help them go--sooner rather than later--the way of all businesses that do not attend to customer service. read more