Not sure who everyone is dealing with when they say they had bad customer service in their reviews. I just drove 40 minutes to finally check out Relics and I am very happy with my experience. I have been doing film photography for 5 years now and ready for a new camera, easy and lightweight for travel but still have that quality feel. Drake the owner knew exactly what I needed, showed me a few options, then showed me the photos the camera produced so I could see the quality each photo presented. Sure, I could have bought it online from eBay for maybe $50-100 cheaper, but I wanted that guidance and trust while also supporting a small business. It comes with a 6 month warranty in the event anything happens too! I will report back once I take it for a spin, but if you want to be valued and heard and time spent on making a decision on your next film camera I highly recommend Drake & Relics. read more

Relics Film Lab - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

My friend and I sent our cameras to Relics Film Lab in July 2025, and we still have not received them back. Over the past year, we've received several explanations. Last winter, we were told they were waiting for parts from Japan. This spring, we were provided with a tracking number that never showed a shipment of our cameras. Later, we were told that the best way to reach them was through their online portal. Since then, they have stopped responding despite our repeated attempts to contact them. If you've had a similar experience--such as extended lack of communication, not receiving your camera back, or not receiving the products or services you paid for--please consider filing a consumer complaint with the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company Filing a complaint is free. While it may not resolve an individual case on its own, multiple complaints can help the Attorney General identify patterns that may warrant further review. This has been especially heartbreaking for me because one of the cameras belongs to my late grandfather. I trusted Relics Film Lab with something that has tremendous sentimental value. At this point, I simply want my camera returned and my money refunded. If you've had a similar experience, I encourage you to file a complaint and share your experience. If you've already filed or have been able to recover your camera, I'd appreciate hearing what happened. read more

A SCAM. I sent out my camera to be fixed by Drake twice and never received my camera back, I've reached out through the website chat and email and no response back and my camera was never returned back to me. I sent my camera out for the first repair in February and my camera was sent back with the issue not fixed, I tried messaging multiple times to have the camera looked at again because of the 6 month repair warranty and it took multiple weeks for a response. I sent my camera back for the second attempt of a pair in the beginning of June and over a month of no response no messages about my camera. I lost over $200 and camera. Do NOT spend your time or money on this business. read more

Zero stars. Absolutely zero. First time I brought film in to be developed, I was told the prints were ready and when I came to pick them up, Drake said someone forgot to print them and had me wait an additional 30 mins DESPITE being told it was ready for pick up. He offered me a 25% discount and said he would email me the offer due to the delay in service. Little did I know this was just the beginning of the many lies he would eventually tell me. Second time around, I figured I would give them another chance because all businesses have off days and I thought Drake would honor the 25% off discount (fyi he never emailed me that discount code). I dropped my film off at Coffee Drunk December 12. Today is February 6 and I have not received my negatives or prints. I have sent multiple emails, DMs, and even chats on their website and it was full of excuses and lies and no accountability. On Jan 5 I was asked to confirm my address was correct to ship my film, I verified and then Drake told me he couldn't ship it because he didn't have my apartment address and then said it was "returned to sender" . So many lies and no accountability. I will be reporting this business to the BBB and I do hope to everyone else who has had issues with them do the same. This is not a small business to support. Edit: I have reported them to the BBB. Their website reports 1-3 day film turn around time once received and 24-48 hour responses with Chat being the fastest response. I have not been responded to and it has been almost 60 days since sending them my film. read more

Would not recommend this business. After placing my order, I received no response to emails, calls, or chat messages regarding my purchase and their business location. The website listed one address, while the phone recording provided another. I visited both locations and found no physical business at either address. A nearby store informed me the business had not been there for years. The lack of communication, misleading information, and inability to locate an actual storefront was extremely concerning. I ultimately had to file a PayPal dispute to try to get my money back. Please be cautious before purchasing from this company. read more

Horrible ZERO STARS. Completely scammed me. Had to get a refund via PayPal because they never sent it to me. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM. And the "email" they have to reach out is fake. read more

Relics Film Lab - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

I was initially really excited to discover a film camera shop so close to my house -- just a 3-minute drive. The space itself is very cool, with a solid selection of used cameras and a small film inventory. As an avid film shooter who's constantly experimenting, I started visiting often to drop off rolls for development. The owner is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enjoyable to talk to. I've even purchased a lens from the shop directly with no issues there. Unfortunately, when it comes to film development and overall management, my experience was extremely disappointing. When you trust a film lab, you're trusting them with irreplaceable moments. In my case, that trust was broken. My honeymoon rolls were mishandled, and film I shot documenting a friend's wedding was also ruined. The color was completely off -- beyond saving -- and some rolls came back completely blank. It genuinely felt like the film wasn't developed properly. Communication was also an issue. Development took far longer than expected, and I had to repeatedly check in for updates. While they did eventually text to offer a refund, that doesn't replace lost images or peace of mind. If you're looking for a reliable, professional film lab, I would not recommend this place. Film is expensive, and many of us are working on meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime projects -- it's simply too precious to risk. If you shoot casually, don't need your film quickly, and aren't relying on the results for important work, this shop may be fine. But for serious shooters, I'd strongly suggest looking elsewhere. Very disappointed. read more

This place is a scam, and I regret not checking the reviews before buying. I wanted to buy a 300 dollar camera for my birthday in December, expecting it to arrive in late January, and since I purchased it, I have been met with excuses and silence. December became January, then February, then March, and now April. No camera, no clarification. They are taking money from people and never even shipping the cameras they claim to have. And the audacity to hold a tight grip on my money after scamming me is crazy, over here fighting with my bank after I disputed the transaction. Don't waste your money or time with these people. Relics is begging for money to keep their business afloat when they're pulling these stunts; they should shut down this place and lock up Drake Woodson for playing in my face. read more

I ordered a camera on August 27 and was told repeatedly that it was "on its way" for over a month. Whenever I asked for clarification through email, my questions went unanswered or were met with vague, unhelpful replies. Out of frustration I tried contacting them on Instagram, but their responses there were minimal at best and provided no real information. By October 2, the item still had not been shipped. I was told I would receive a refund, but I have yet to receive my money. Instead of addressing the issue, the seller chose to block me on social media!!!! This entire experience has been unprofessional, frustrating, and dishonest. A trustworthy business does not ignore customers, provide vague excuses for weeks, withhold refunds, and then cut off communication entirely. I would strongly advise anyone considering this seller to look elsewhere!!!! read more

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This company will not ship your product and does not respond to inquiries. Avoid at all costs. It deserves negative stars. Shame on me for trusting AI to recommend a reputable dealer that sells vintage cameras. It recommended Relics Film Lab and they had the camera I wanted listed as in stock on their website. Relics Film Lab never shipped it and never responded to any emails. Thankfully, Venmo refunded my money. I questioned that AI if it had read Yelp reviews in its search and it claimed it did but since it was a minority owned business it gave it preference. Seriously?!? Relics Film Lab has HORRIBLE Yelp reviews, and has negative BBB reports. Again, shame on me for not verifying Yelp reviews before placing an order. Do NOT do any business with this shady company! read more

I thought Drake was a good guy. Got my film processed through him and bought a $400 Pentax LX. I did there after drop off my Nikon FE to get serviced, and after he closed his storefront dude stole my camera. It's been 5 months and he hasn't emailed or messaged me regarding the service no matter how many times I try to get in contact. GO TO ANOTHER CAMERA OR PROCESSING PLACE FOR YOUR FILM. Do not trust Drake, he is NOT a man of his word, and should not be in charge of a business! read more

As a LB native, this is one of my favorite stores to come to when I visit town. About 2 years ago I bought my first point and shoot from their old location, my Olympus infinity stylus. Today at their new location, I bought my first film SLR, the Minolta X7A. Alex was the most kind and helpful dude!! I honestly know nothing about SLRs and it was intimidating to choose a new camera but I really wanted to make the step up into this hobby. Alex had helped show me different SLRs and the different parts to them while also putting in his two cents on what he likes to find in cameras. I didn't feel rushed at all when choosing a camera and I got the family vibe just like when I got help choosing my first point and shoot from their old location. They are also all fairly priced cameras. Thank you so much Alex for your fantastic customer service and hang! Shoutout to Leah and Drake as well who always give great service! See you guys soon!! read more

This company scammed me. I purchased from them because I wanted a longer return policy than Ebay sellers provided. First, they sent the $216 point and shoot film camera I purchased in a paper envelope with no padding. When I tested it the screen was broken. I'm almost certain this is because it was shipped so thoughtlessly and was damaged during transport. I reached out to Relics and it took them nearly a week to respond. They said they had a new employee working who didn't know how to pack the camera. Another week or more passed before they finally sent ma shipping label so I could return the damaged item. I took the camera boxed up and padded properly to the post office where I learned that Relics had given me media mail postage - the post office said it would 99% be returned to me because a camera is not media. I paid for my own postage and sent it off. A month later it had not been received. I was in grad school so hadn't paid close attention to timing here - but eventually saw that their address is a PO box. Next thing I know, the camera I bought is back on their website for sale. It is a rare camera and the images and nuances of the camera I held reflected on the images. The company somehow managed to receive the package without telling USPS - so not only did they not have to pay me back, but they expected me to blame USPS for the loss and claim insurance on it. Fortunately, my credit card company went after them and I got my money back. This shop is a fraud and I regret not reading their horrendous reviews before making my purchase. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE - they are thiefs. read more

I've been meaning to leave a review for a while, but life gets busy! Relics Film Lab is a true gem in Long Beach, California. Drake and his team have created an exceptional experience. Every time I drop off film for development, I find myself chatting away for thirty minutes, building a great artistic rapport with Drake. The associates are also knowledgeable and friendly, making every visit enjoyable. I always have a 10/10 experience, whether I'm there in person or connecting via text or phone call. read more

-they make you pay online, even if you're in person. Weird, but ok -they say they have a 1-2 day turn around. They don't. -they DO NOT ANSWER THEIR PHONE -they occasionally answer their texts, but refused to answer my questions and GHOSTED ME -they didn't even wrap my film. They just put it in a paper bag. I reached into the bag to make sure my negatives were there (because up to this point I had no reason to trust their word) and I'm just grabbing the negatives themselves. No other lab I've gone to has done that. Looks cool and boutique, but clearly does not care about customer service. Look through the other reviews and you'll see people who can attest to the fact that communication is impossible with them and what they have to offer is nothing special. Especially with the headache it comes with. read more

Business hours really aren't clear. I saw 3 different times listed on Google, Yelp, and their front door. Unfortunately this business seems very exclusive and not welcoming at all. Such a bummer because I live down the street. Won't be going back again read more

Came in here to develop film for some disposable cameras! Unfortunately it was $18 per camera - which is extremely expensive and kind of cancels out a lot of "fun" for these types of things. Especially because I only ordered digital - the prints were even MORE! But the attendant was nice and made the process easy! read more

Relics Film Lab - Outside view - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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In the market for a film camera and came across Relics. A lot of cool stuff here and Drake is super knowledgeable. I told him what I was kinda looking for and he took the time to chat about different cameras and recommendations on some films and I truly appreciate the recommendations. I purchased an Olympus Stylus and love it. Been coming here to get my films scanned and developed which is cool that they offer those services as well. I'd definitely recommend checking them out! read more

Relics Film Lab - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

My order was never delivered. We reached out to the owner and he claimed he'll send it out but never did. It's been nearly two months.

Horrible customer service! Over promises & they ship months late. They give you the runaround and don't take their customer seriously. Any business that doesn't prioritize their orders, but are quick to take your money can't be trusted. Wish business is like this would take their business practices more serious. read more

(Posted December 17, not December 18 as indicated) What a surprise that a photo lab has opened next to Black Dog Cafe on Third Street and Alamitos. It seems quite charming and sells many accessories for the not-on-the-phone camera. It's a very different thing from the often gruff labs into which professionals ran their rolls expecting rush, rush, rush turnover then sped to a client on a bike messenger. This is a boutique lab and shop for the camera and camera publications etc. But wait a minute, in the few moments that we were exploring, people were coming in to get their film processed. I'm not sure if this is yet another trend which has come about or the industry is making a comeback. Relics definitely deserves a visit, who knows what will develop. read more

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Anyone who is new or is just getting into film photography knows that this can be an expensive hobby - film, cameras, repairs, etc. Given this information, getting scans and negatives at $20 per roll (35MM) was very affordable and a great deal. I came in to buy film once and the staff was very helpful in helping me pick out film suitable for my camera and experience level. They also have helpful tips and tricks. I've also come in to help fix a kink in my camera (thank you again to the staff for this!) Lastly I've had my film scanned and developed here for a total of $40 for two 35mm rolls. It was pretty quick turnaround. I turned them in on a Friday afternoon and received my scanned pictures Monday night. There's a lot here besides great (tested) vintage cameras. They sell film, lenses, cleaning tools, and accessories. 10/10. I'm glad this gem is here in Long Beach. read more

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Since they removed my google review: SCAMMERS!!! DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS!! I purchased a camera for their Black Friday online sale and never recieved the item. Apparently this is a reoccurring issue as I found reviews from the past stating the same thing. I wanted to support a local business but instead I was scammed of almost 300 dollars. They don't respond to emails, or answer their phone and when they text they will respond once and never again. DO NOT PURCHASE FROM THEIR ONLINE UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET SCAMMED. I had to dispute the charge because I couldn't even get a hold of them and when I asked for a refund I got no response. Also to just give a frame of reference I had ordered this item on December 2nd, it is now Febuary 9th and I live in the same state. It shouldn't take two months for an item to be shipped out. I am incredibly disappointed because I had friends recommend this place and say only the best things, I really wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt but unfortunately I basically got scammed. If i could give negative stars I would. Idk how this place is still in business. Its incredibly disappointing how they run this business. read more

Ive lost hope i will get my film back. No communication. Its been months. Those photos were irreplaceable

Relics charged me for a diagnostic, took my camera and never reached out to me with the diagnostic. It has been 2 months and they're still in possession of my camera, not sure if I'll ever get it back. I emailed, even IG direct messaged them inquiring and requesting they communicate via IG since they claim they emailed me (I never received anything, even after providing an alternative email to the original) and they chose to be unresponsive and still not send me my diagnostic. Do not trust this business!! They don't even have a store front anymore where you can pull up to. Terrible service. read more

I dropped off a camera for repair on October 4th 2025 and i still haven't received it hahah Drake is literally a fraud. This is what happens when people try to open a business and have no idea what they're doing. I'm sorry but how can your customer service be this bad? No responses to texts, emails, or calls. I eventually traveled to long beach in December to try and speak with someone in person...turns out this guy closed the entire storefront and is only doing business online? I've already reported this guy to the Better Business Bureau and I recommend everyone do the same. If Drake replies to this review with some BS gaslighting, don't listen to him. He has no clue what accountability means and always blames the customer. Drake, give me my camera back man this is outrageous!! read more

Scam company, tried buying a camera from their online store last September and they took my money and never sent me anything. They ignored 4 emails and never picked up the phone. I had to issue a refund through my bank which took 3 months to straighten out. Reposting this on yelp to warn people because it appears they somehow got all their google reviews deleted. read more

Purchased a camera, $400+ and never got it. Called several times and spoke to someone different each time who told me it was "being packaged" "ready for shipping to pick up" "going out tomorrow" but alas, like many others, did not get that camera... finally had to dispute it with my bank. I waited weeks before I reached out to my bank. Then my friend got an email saying the camera I purchased was back in stock. Seems like a trend based on other reviews. My sister bought a camera here years ago ago and had a great experience, but I cannot say the same. Would not recommend this place at all. At one point I had to call from different numbers to get them to answer. So they either save numbers in an effort to avoid them or they just have lousy customer service? It's unfortunate because I'd prefer to my money to small business, but seems like Amazon would a safer bet. read more

Sad to post a negative review on a small business. But its been months and i still havent gotten my film back. The film i took of my wedding. I dont know if ill ever get it. Ive gotten no response. I paid good money to lose the most important photos. I have such deep regret for choosing to develop locally. I hope i some day get my pictures but im not hopeful. I lost money. I lost memories. read more

Wow, I'm really feeling the love from the Relics staff today. I previously purchased a film camera last year from Relics, but after a couple of months ran into some battery issues with the camera. Came in a few times so we could figure out the issue when they encouraged me to come in and trade in my camera for a different one. Mind you it's been almost a whole year and other businesses would want to capitalize or send me away with the loss but not Relics. The owner was super kind when I chose a camera. I've never been treated so generously by a business and I highly recommend this shop to anyone considering getting a film camera. And understand it doesn't stop when you purchase the camera, they will definitely have your back if there's any issues, you need to buy film, or simply wanna chat about the beauty of film photography. Thank you guys! read more

Relics Film Lab - Samsung Maxima - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

Dropped my film off a month ago, still haven't gotten it back. They don't answer the phone or respond to emails..

would be so cool if you answered your phone! needed some film expeditiously; showed up and was told they were out. paid for an uber to get there before their early closing time and was extremely disappointed upon arrival and at a lo$s. can't really rely on this place in a pinch but probably great for photographers who leisure pursuit or for beginners read more

I ordered my camera in July 9th and it is currently 10/31 and I still haven't received my camera I paid for already I keep calling and no one ever picks up anymore and I just don't understand either you have the camera or you don't they keep saying it'll be shipped out next week but never does read more

I really wanted to like this place but the customer service is SO BAD. I ordered a camera and it's been over 2 months and I still haven't received it. I have emailed over 12 times and called and have gotten little to no response. They say they are going to ship and days go by and nothing happens. I keep following up on an update and it takes 3 emails to even get one response but no action takes place. My camera still hasn't been shipped. They also never apologized for lack of communication. I will never order from here again. read more

I really wanted to like this place but the customer service is so bad. No one ever picks up the phone and you basically have to keep pushing them or go in person to get an eta on your order. A wait time of 16 days would've been fine if we weren't told that turn around is 1-2 days. On top of that it took so long to even get a response. Probably not gonna come back. read more

WARNING: DO NOT BUY FROM THIS STORE!! Do not support this business! I ordered a camera from Relics over 6 weeks ago, expecting delivery within 2-4 weeks as promised. It still hasn't arrived. For the past two weeks, I've emailed multiple times--zero response. I've also called multiple times per day for two weeks, but no one ever answers. Their customer service is absolutely terrible, and at this point, I have no idea if I'll ever receive my order. After weeks of trying, I finally got an answer. The owner admitted it was an error on his end and claimed they had the camera ready for weeks. He promised to ship it that day--that was 10 days ago. Still no shipment, and now he's ignoring emails and calls again. Avoid this business at all costs! Shop elsewhere! read more

I dropped my camera off at Relics for a repair diagnostic on July 30th 2023. They had told me one month turnaround for diagnostic, no problem. Eight months later and I had received no communication from them. I tried calling, leaving a voicemail, and emailing but no one ever answered or got back to me. It wasn't until I left a one star google review that I heard back from someone. In their response on my review, they said their team is all caught up on repairs and that everything is ready for pickup, and that they emailed and texted me that my order was ready. I doubled checked my order details and I had used the correct phone number and e-mail. I receive all of their promotional emails, but never received any sort of communication about my order. I understand that mistakes happen, but this business took no accountability for the lack of communication from when I first dropped off my camera until I left a negative google review. I was finally able to get my camera back, after eight months. No diagnostic or repairs performed. No apologies for the lack of communication. If you look at their old yelp page (3.4 rating) and other reviewers here, this appears to be a common problem. read more

Relics Film Lab - Order details - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Most of my photos turned out well, but the turnaround time was several days slower than they had said it would be. The service in the store was nice, friendly, and helpful, although you have to complete orders on your phone or on a tablet in store, and I don't really see why you can't just pay in store directly. It adds unnecessary steps, but might be convenient if you go there all the time or prefer to purchase things in advance. read more

Last year I wanted to take up photography as a small hobby and stumbled upon this Relics website. I had some disposable income, so I bought a camera from their site. I paid for the camera on December 21, 2024, it is now January 18th 2025. I have gotten only one email response stating high amounts of orders or something, but that was over a week ago and now I just want my money back. Unfortunately, it seems like I wont get my $190 back at all. And now that I see this yelp page saying the store is closed completely, I am now a mix of pissed off and disappointed. I feel like I was defrauded and I would suggest to everyone who googles Relics or goes to their site to immediately leave the site because it seems these people are thieves. read more

They'll tell you it takes "a couple days" to get your film developed. The automated voicemail even says it'll take 1-2 days, but this is a lie. On two occasions, it took over 2 weeks for them to send us our scans. Communication needs major improvement. They rarely answer texts, calls and emails. They even lock the door before the advertised closing time. My biggest complaint is the lack of communication, and when I showed up in person and said the door was locked earlier, the owner said "we have a doorbell." Why not put a sign on the door? Why not keep your customers updated about the excessively long turnaround times? I wanted to support the local camera shop but will be going elsewhere now. I tried Fromex and got my scans the same day. Listen to the bad reviews!! read more