Oh yeah, I"m a fan... What an amazing place - cool doesn't describe it. The vintage cameras and gear are off the hook! Staff are great, inventory is great too. I went to trade-in some vintage equipment in exchange for some Leica gear. They were super thorough making sure my gear was in proper working order. They offered a very fair price for my gear and a deal was struck. I'm super happy with the experience! By the way, thank you Zane! read more

We went in to have them check a Nikon F3/T that's about 40 years old, which was bought from a collector. The staff was very friendly when we came in. Jason was especially kind and informative, and mentioned that they've inspected this camera model for years. It was helpful to have him briefly check the camera. The camera had never been used by the original collector. He checked the overall condition, the shutter, viewfinder, and film housing, and didn't try to charge us for an inspection when some places might try to add extra fees. It made us feel like they truly care about their customers rather than trying to hustle money. Based on his inspection, the camera was in great condition. We bought Portra 400 and HP5 (5 rolls each), totaling roughly $160. Jamie at the register helped confirm that we had the correct film for the camera, which we were very thankful for because we had originally grabbed the wrong size. She helped us get the correct one. Thank you all! Also, they have a shop pet named Flash, she was very friendly and even had a cowgirl hat! read more

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I'm currently taking photography classes at CSM, and my professor highly recommended Seawood Photo. I needed a 35mm film camera for my class and easily found one on their online shop. They had an easy online shopping / store pick-up experience. There is so much to see when you visit in person. There is an amazing selection of lenses, cameras and accessories. Everyone was super friendly and I really loved seeing their shop kitty, Flash as well. :) read more

Found a Seawood Photo advertisement on Craigslist while casually looking for lenses. I shoot L mount, and finding used lenses near me is uncommon. I checked their website and found a wonderful 24-70 Sigma Art lens with all packaging for a really good deal. I decided to take some other gear I didn't want in with me and they knew exactly where the lens was without searching and were very patient with questions, taking time to inspect, and generally not rushing. The store was moderately busy but I watched as they took time to interact with every customer. They were also transparent with the trade in process, how much money to reasonably expect, and even have a screen facing you to show how they are valuing your trade-in. The trade felt fair so I purchased the lens. In and out within a matter of 10 minutes. They have a lot of gear, new and used. If you ever have time to stop by, it's a friendly atmosphere with a lot of gear, especially film gear, that one can get lost in. read more

Great place with a great variety of cameras and gear! I went in for a sensor cleaning, priced at $50 (cash) GREAT price in comparison to other stores! Staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable! Definitely recommend visiting, will recommend to friends and family!! read more

I had a great experience at Seawood Photo. We've came here for more than a year. The store carried a wide selection which is always changing (and their website is always being updated with new gear that's come in) and the staff were professional and efficient. Zane, the manager, handled my trade-in seamlessly -- he offered a fair appraisal and made the process quick and easy. He's helped us many times we've came in. Friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable -- I highly recommend this shop. read more

Extremely unprofessional. I called to ask how much a CLA would cost for a vintage TLR camera. The guy on the phone said it's a "crappy" camera and he only works on Rolleiflexes etc! So rude! I said I'm curious if it's a service why you care he said "l have the right to choose what I work on" I said cool. Never had an experience like that before wow! read more

Update: I've a talk with the manager and he clarified that I wasn't treated with discrimination but are just basically watchful that no one steals. read more

Seawood Photo is super awesome...had vintage cameras...fun shop to poke around...true professionals in San Rafael...a treat to visit...old cameras to poke through and bought one...and an old Leica pamphlet. read more

Seawood Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Need I post another glowing review of Seawood Photo? It seems like everyone already knows this it the greatest camera shop in the observable universe and an institution of the Bay Area. They have everything that any photographer at any level could want and the staff are professional, laid back, and friendly. The best! read more

Expertise, honesty, friendliness, excellent selection, and reasonable equipment pricing are all one would want in a camera shop, and Seawood has it. We are lucky to have Seawood in San Rafael. read more

One of the last full-service photography stores in the Bay Area. Very helpful staff. Patient with new hobbyists. I've sold used gear to them, and they offered fair prices. I don't get to visit as much as I would like, but I purchase from their online store now. They ship quickly and well-packaged. read more

Always A1 service and goods. I have been doing business with these people for decades since I was taking courses at the college of marine after I got out of a military. They have always known their stuff and been at the cutting edge of knowing their equipment and it's proper use. For years I've recommended for people that have equipment that they don't understand to go in and take some of their classes or have the text. S there walk them through it and pick up some of the wonderful used or new equipment that they sell. I trust them to be honest and fair priced. And I will continue going to them for a long time to come. read more

I love going to Seawood Photo. They are fair and very professional. Their staff is friendly and offer good advice. We have dealt with Jason on multiple occasions and he is great. We will definitely go back. read more

This is the place, if you know, you know. Great camera repair, very cool staff. 35 years ago I worked at Gassers Camera in SF. It was a real photography store. Seawood recaptures that kind of store and marries it well with the digital era. read more

Contacted the owner and media an offer on a lens they had on their website , which we both accepted. I thought we had a deal but ent to pick up the lens and the dude at the counter told me it was sold or he couldn't locate it. I thought he was being evasive. I walked away feeling like I'd been had. Will never do business again with this business. Which is too bad, since they're local. I feel like they were being dishonest and disrespectful. By way, this was a $2k+ purchase. read more

This is a charming and incredibly well stocked camera shop. Zane helped me find the exact mic I was looking for, and I got it used in great condition. If you are a photographer or filmmaker, they have everything you need. It's a cool place just to take a look. It was also cool they had some Rush greatest hits playing the whole time I was there. Highly recommended. Support local businesses! read more

The staff is super friendly and helpful. Film is very reasonably priced, and they store them in a fridge where you just grab and bring to checkout. Got my ae-1 repaired here since I needed the shutter curtain and battery door fixed. The door was in really bad shape, so they replaced the door by 3D printing it! They're really busy/backed up on repairs but it's only one person, Karl, doing them! He was kind about updating me on the progress when I called in. Took a little over a month but my camera came back good as new. Flash is also the best shop cat !! Make sure to give her a good pet while you're there :) read more

Seawood Photo - Flash :) - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

What a cool shop - well organized, knowledgeable and helpful staff, looks like a paradise for photography lovers. I got two photos printed as Christmas gifts. Yau-Man is an expert of his craft, even taking the time to call me and explain why he needed to crop one of my photos to fit the frame I wanted. The cropped image is perfect and he turned them around the same day. The prints are very high quality - best I've ever seen - and I'll definitely be returning to print more photos! As a bonus, miss Flash is adorable. read more

Seawood Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

I am so fortunate Seawood Photo is nearby. I would drive miles if it weren't, to receive its services. I took an old, point & shoot, Pentax camera there on Monday. It belonged to my friend. Her husband passed away in 2000. It belonged to him. The camera battery was dead, and there was a roll of film in it. My friend asked if I could find out if the film was exposed. If so find out if it could be developed. She did not want the camera back. I was immediately helped when I walked through Seawood's door by a very nice, communicative, supportive crew member who assured me he could find out. On Wednesday I received an email with all the images. They were saved to a Dropbox attachment, which I opened immediately. I downloaded them and made a SmugMug link for my friend. I wasn't charged anything. My friend is delighted, almost in tears when she called me. The pictures are of her kitchen when her husband began the remodel in the 1990's. I will never have enough words to praise & thank Seawood Photo for the excellent service I received. I have gone there previously and have never been disappointed. read more

I picked up my first film camera from Seawood Photo this weekend and I'm super happy with my experience shopping here! I live quite far from the shop (1 hour drive away) so I bought the Canon AE-1 camera online through their website a day before heading to the store to pick it up. If you purchase online, they only accept payment through PayPal. You can get the item shipped for ~$8 or you can pick it up in store. The camera body and lens were $200 before tax. When I arrived, I told Zane that I was picking up an online order and he brought out my Canon AE-1 in a plastic ziploc bag with the invoice. The condition of the camera was basically like brand new despite it being a vintage camera and they were nice enough to put a brand new battery in it for free. Zane showed me what film to buy as a beginner and also showed me how to load the film into my camera which was super useful since I've never done it before. He also printed a free "Film Photography Basics" packet for me and suggested that I buy a UV filter for my camera lens, which I ended up getting for $20. I'd definitely come back here in the future and I would recommend this place to anyone interested in getting started with film photography! And if you don't live nearby, I'd suggest checking out their website beforehand if you're looking for something specific! read more

Seawood Photo - Canon AE-1, really good condition! Came with a lens cap and new battery. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I was visiting the area and had my film camera on me when the battery went dead! I felt very lucky to find Seawood photo. I was able to get a new battery and also picked up a lense. I was back on track to take some photos. Best of all, flash posed for me! With my new things I was able to get some great shots :) read more

Seawood Photo - Flash in a cowboy hat - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Wonderful shop in San Rafael, with really friendly and knowledgeable associates. I've taken two visits to the store, and both times it has initially felt like stepping into a museum. Their collection of older analog cameras is staggering and demands the most attention when walking in, but my eyes soon begin to shoot between the wide range of supplies available. Digital and analog cameras, lenses, tripods, frames, developing supplies and etcetera. With every step I take, I find new reasons to forget why I came to Seawood in the first place, and I end up just scanning through whatever shelf captures my attention. I'm sure seasoned customers or photographers sift through this store easily, but I still feel like there's a lot to go through even after my two (albeit short) visits. Fortunately, I was helped (and kept on track) by Graham. The first time, I explained to him that I was completely new to film photography, and needed some cheap film. He informed me that their stock of cheaper films were on backorder, as manufacturers were struggling to keep up with demand. With an impending trip coming up, I decided on buying two rolls of Portra 400. When ringing me up, Graham also included a copy of "Film Photography Basics," written by himself. The cover shows a price of $4.95 (or free with a camera purchase) but he included it with my purchase for free, and it was a tremendous help. Having consumed endless youtube videos and online articles in the preparation of using my camera for the first time, it was nice to have everything condensed into a solitary packet. Second time, Graham once again took time to listen to my stories of my film exploits, and helped me pick out supplies for my next step: developing my own film. I also needed empty film rolls (cassettes?) which he told me weren't carried at the store. Nonetheless, Graham actually ended up finding a few old ones behind the register, and let me have them for free! Both times, Graham asked me if I needed help, and both times I walked out with something free! Now I'm not saying to go hassle them for free stuff (PLEASE DON'T DO THAT,) but rather that supporting small business does actually pay off. And Seawood Photo is certainly worth supporting and visiting. read more

Seawood Photo - Film photography cheat sheet, as sold at Seawood Photo. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

This place is really nice. Large selection of film cameras, lenses, film, and accessories. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Karl fixed my camera for free (only took him a couple minutes) and there's a friendly cat on the counter. read more

Having gone through every phase (b&w film, color film, digital and so forth) both personally and professionally since the 1980's, to me, if its not film it's not photography. Enter Seawood photo. In all my years I've never been to a camera store that supports film photography gear-wise anywhere near as much as Seawood does -- and that includes pre-digital. Their gear selection is unbelievable, very well priced and the staff and owner have less than zero attitude and are just a pleasure to deal with. Seawood is not to be missed if you work in film in my opinion. read more

Seafood photo is a sun soaked bazaar of cameras, incredible personnel , and Flash , a cat that is very easy going, unlike my cat, who is wired like a deer. She bolts if you look at her sideways . Sheesh! read more

Seawood Photo - Flash Seawood , cat photographer in retirement,but serves an executive function at SP . - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

Stopped in this place on a trip, they had a great selection of film stock! Loved looking at all the camera gear too!

This place is a gem in the Bay Area. Exceptional service, fascinating store, and unique product lineups. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about literally anything you can think of, from medium and large format photography to wet-plate work, and digital. They're experts, but down to earth, and always meet you wherever you're at. They've answered countless questions for me over the years, and provided a lot of really valuable servicing for my older cameras, and tips and tricks to get better. I can't recommend this place enough. Support local business! read more

My friend is in town and was hoping to replace some gear he'd lost in a move, so he asked if we could go to Seawood. It's like Aladdin's Cave. Or maybe a camera petting zoo. I was waiting for my friend to look at tripods and started browsing shelves. While I didn't buy (this time!), the gentleman behind the counter showed me not only the camera I asked about, but realized I was curious about medium format film cameras in general and just started pulling things out for me to handle and admire. He obviously knew his stuff and was happy to educate me. I was also impressed with the condition of everything put in my hands - clean, bright viewfinders, smooth, crisp shutter actions. I will definitely be back when I am ready. read more

Passport photos, no appointment needed, got two sets. The store has a million ancient cameras to look at while you wait. I petted your cat, thanks! Nice guys working here, fast, easy, affordable passport photos. read more

I went in for the first time looking far a lens for my camera. The staff there are super helpful. I don't know a lot about cameras but enjoy photography and the guys couldn't have been more helpful. Will dedicatedly be back even if add they offered just to ask questions or get help :) read more

Here's a highly deserved belated review: Last summer, I was interested in upgrading to a professional camera. I went to Seawood to consult with them about my various options, and I told them that my first choice was a Nikon D850. Cost, however, was a significant barrier, regardless of the vendor I chose. After leaving the store, I received a call from them 2 hours later letting me know that, lo and behold, a slightly used D850 had just come in, and after close examination, it was in excellent - almost mint - condition. They gave me a very fair price for the camera, and they followed up with a generous amount of time in coaching me on how to use it. I've been thrilled with the camera ever since. Thank you, Seawood - you're the best! read more

Wow, what a gem! It's hard to find customer service like this. He has everything you need for amateur and professional photography. He seems to know way too much about the equipment. He kind of seemed nerdy at first because he has so much passion for photography. After chatting with the guy it is clear he is an awesome man and so funny. He has a great sense of humor. He literally changed my attitude for the rest of the day. He had exactly what I wanted. The price was amazing. read more

Omg! A true classic! So happy to FINALLY have visited! I am so happy that this place exists! Any camera issue & analog support! What an incredible collection of camera's read more

Cool independent local shop. Fast friendly service getting film developed. Bonus point for the fat store cat.

I recently bought a used camera on craigslist and after a day it stopped working properly. I brought it to Karl at Seawood and he repaired it while I waited and didn't charge me anything!! While he was working on my camera the sales person at the camera counter was very helpful in finding me a replacement lens cap, strap and sun shade, all very reasonably priced for my new/used camera. I've been going to Seawood for years and I feel so lucky to have them here in San Rafael. They are honest and helpful. Trust them. read more

I've looked on eBay for a Canon FD 35mm that goes for $50-90 top. These lenses are fast, yes, but also very common. I wanted to swing by my local camera store to see if they had the same lens at possibly a lower price. I checked Seawood Photo, and found it in a bin for $10 cameras. I checked in with a clerk and discovered that it was not only unlabeled and incorrectly put into the $10 bin, they were selling it for $199.99. I don't think I have to say much else. $50 compared to $200?!?? Oh please, overprice another lens. read more

Seawood Photo - Very overpriced lenses, try another place. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Rafael, California

Awesome place. Tons of stock and interesting things to look at and buy. I also got my FM2 serviced here. It took a week and was very thorough. The staff are super helpful and friendly, and they have a cat in the store so you can't really go wrong. read more

This place is so pure and peaceful to shop around in. I came in with my friend who was looking for film, for a vintage camera, and they were so kind to him. They even had a store cat that was so friendly! It made for the cutest date. Thank you for making me look rad! read more

I don't review often (maybe once a year), but must give a shout out to Yau-Man Chan at Seawood. I bought a Sony RX10 2 years ago. I work Saturdays so haven't been able to join the free informational class. Last week I emailed Seawood asking if someone there offered a 30-60 min consultation and that I was willing to pay. I am a teacher, paying extra for stuff like this is what I try and avoid but I was desperate. I emailed Wednesday and Yau-Man replied within a few hours offering Friday or Monday anytime from 11-4, I chose Monday. Yau-Man is a fantastic teacher! He is friendly and respectful (for example, he didn't look down at me for not having previous camera skills or for teaching myself over the past 2 years!). He checked to be sure my camera was on all the right settings and explained some of them to me. He taught me some of the basics of photography like depth of field by showing me visuals. He teaches the class there, and gave me a printed packet of the slides he uses. We spent over an hour together and I left the store with a wealth of information, confidence and a huge smile on my face. Oh, and free of charge! This teacher did not have to pay! He said it was gratis since I bought the camera there. I knew I had made a great choice buying the camera at Seawood 2 years ago when I had stellar service then. Not only will continue to do business there, I will share my story with friends and refer Seawood to everyone and anyone! Thank you Yau-Man and Seawood! Sharon read more