West Photo is located in Saint Anthony Main area of NE right by Surdyk's, with a convenient location and a handy parking lot (especially for this busy area!) I've used them three times now for disposable film developing. It's a bit pricier than National Camera Exchange for film and developing, but still reasonable. They have straightforward but helpful customer service. Turnaround time on disposable camera film is a week and they make it easy to drop off / pick up. I got print and digital copies each time, and one of the times I had to follow up twice to receive my digital copies as they hadn't sent to me by the end of the pickup day, but after a call their way we got it resolved. One of the staff members also helped me with some questions I had on a camera I inherited and gave helpful professional insight. A convenient location for photographers of all levels, from disposable camera users to professionals! read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. I didn't end up purchasing anything because I found a cheaper price online for the camera I was looking at but they answered all my questions and showed me a few camera options I was looking at. I would go back in the future for accessories and attachments for my camera. read more

Have rented from West Photo for many years. Killer selection of lighting gear, stands, glass and bodies. No stress process. Great service. Knowledgeable staff. read more

I traveled to Minneapolis and had a tripod shipped to my daughters house. It came without the flat top plate. I called Steve at West Photo and they had the part. 20 minutes later I had the part and was out the door. Thanks Steve! read more

PRICE: This review is for the 35mm developing service. The cost of developing 35mm film alone is $5.49, and a separate charge of $0.25/photo for scans or $0.35/photo for scans+prints. For a 35mm roll with 36 exposures, this will cost $14.49 for scans alone or $18.09 with prints, before tax. SERVICE and TURNAROUND TIME: I took off one star because processing time takes too long, in my opinion. I went in late February and was told that the process takes about 2-3 weeks to be completed, which I think is a bit too long. Other labs I've gone to got it done in a day, or a week at most. Another issue is that I would have to pay for a flash drive (either from here or elsewhere) just to receive my scans, when most film labs nowadays send their scans over web transfer for free... in here, you would have to spend an extra $5 per order to receive it on webtransfer. I was also told that they were going to call me once my order was done but I never got a call. So, I ended up calling them 4 weeks after I dropped off my order. When I went to pick up my order, they told me the date of when they called me... strange because I've checked my call log multiple times and have not received a call that day. Other than film developing, they also have a diverse array of film stocks if you ever need to stock up. Their prices seem to be similar to other retailers, which is good because a lot of film labs tend to inflate the price. The staff are also patient in assisting me as I browsed through digital cameras that they had in their glass case. read more

Went in and Zack was extremely helpful and answered my multiple questions. I never felt rushed and I left with my new monopod and filter. The diverse selection of products made this first visit fun, as well as informative. I will definitely return for all of my photography needs. read more

I've gone here twice to get my disposable film camera processed. My first time I literally had no idea what to do with my disposable camera, but the worker that day was so nice! They helped me through the process and told me all the pricing associated with developing and scanning into my USB! I really appreciate this because like I had mentioned earlier, I was clueless!! The second time I went to drop it off, they seemed a bit annoyed, but I didn't think much of it cause it was just a drop off. I took a point off because of this encounter and when I had called in maybe 5 days later to get updates (first time I dropped off person said I can call in to check because sometimes they get done sooner) they also sounded annoyed and abruptly hung up when they said it'll be done one week from drop off. Sorry! I was just in the area and thought ~maybe~ I was lucky that it could be done sooner than expected. They have about a week turnaround time and costs about $13 a roll to develop and get scanned into a USB. Prices will vary depending on how many are good and your method of delivery. I think this place has the best prices for developing film so I will continue to come here, but will respect their timeline from now on! read more

I went to West Photo 6-7 times to get film developed and to buy more film stock. They had a great selection of gear and film stocks. My issue with West Photo is that their film development turn around times are long. They would typically tell me about two weeks from drop off- but only once were they able to actually meet this time estimate. Much of the time it would take around 4-5 weeks to get film back. This is in contrast to other places in the Twin Cities that have consistent 3-4 day turn arounds. Customer service was hit or miss. Generally very knowledgable people who work there. In addition they charge quite a bit for their services. This is a good local business but I will not go back there to develop my film. read more

When I needed to get some C-41 35mm film processed, West Photo came through! First, I had emailed them to make sure they were able to do C-41 processing in-house, and they promptly replied and provided some pricing. They're located next to Surdyk's--yay parking lots and having quality spirits and cheese closeby! When I entered, I saw the store was larger than I imagined. I would certainly come here when/if I need to rent or buy camera and lighting equipment in the future. I was greeted and someone swiftly filled out an order envelope for me. Everyone I encountered was wicked friendly. I was told it would take a few days to develop and print my order, but I never got notified that my order was finished, so I just went back when I could. Great prints for a good price! It cost me $28 total to get two rolls of film developed (with thumbnails) + matte singles printed. My ol' manual Nikon and I are happy so far! read more

West Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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They have a great selection of gears. The staff was patient and helpful when I try out different camera options. I decided not to purchase, but if I ever want to in the future, I will buy from them. read more

My daughter needed paper for her advanced photography course at college and it was recommended she go to West Photo. The employees were very helpful in showing us the difference in the papers and how the images looked on them. I needed to go back a second time to get more paper for her and it was easy to find what was needed. Check-out was quick each time. We will definitely be back again. read more

Every time I go in here the staff seems to make it my problem that I don't know the specifics of what I need. I am usually there to ask questions or look at options, but today I went in and was pushed towards a product that I didn't need, and getting home realizing it doesn't work and now need to return. Real bummer. read more

For poor customer service, don't be passive aggressive and tell them you're OK. Have a conversation and you will see that they have your best interests at heart. I've never had anyone push anything on me and have always had a great relationship with whoever is available. Paul is my guy. They buy used equipment for you GAS people...you know who you are. Fair prices on used gear and hell, spend it local. I admit 2020 was a hard year to keep things in stock so sometimes I looked elsewhere to get items faster. COVID hit Italy and Japan hard. They price match when they can so again, spend it local. I would like to see Matthews products but I get it, they're a little pricier. It's the place to window shop ProFoto gear...buyer be warned...have a credit card on hand! read more

Great place to go for anything photography! The staff is so nice and genuinely helpful! 10/10 recommend!

I have been trying again and again to give this place a second chance. I have finally given up. I have gone there over 10 times and each time, without fail, the employees are either condescending or rude to me or both. They are not helpful at all either. I came in with a medium format and the first 3 employees didn't know a thing about it. The only one who seemed to have any knowledge on it was the girl working in the film department. I would not recommend them at all. Especially for anything film related. read more

West is the last of the Minneapolis Camera stores. They still do C-41 film processing in house, they stock darkroom chemicals, paper and film. They have a first class rental department and carry more advanced/pro grade gear (which is a large part of their clientele). Have a problem, need to find the right tool? They will spend the time needed to help you get the right tool for your photographic needs. Super good people. They're very welling to help and very supportive of the Twin Cities photography community. They are iconic. read more

I absolutely love West Photo, their staff is extremely knowledgeable, and their shop is well maintained. They carry mostly professional quality cameras and equipment including chemicals, photo paper, cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, books, ink, bags, straps, and everything else under the sun. In two words.....they're awesome.......So why didn't I give them 5 stars? What's the Catch? If I had absolutely no money worries I would be in this shop every day shopping, the problem is they're fairly pricey even compared to other shops like national camera exchange. Either way, if you don't mind paying a bit more, I'd definitely go here for my camera needs before any other shop. read more

West Photo - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Have had West Photo as a go to local photo needs resource since early 2000s. Whether it was to rent a lens, camera, studio gear or purchase a new or used piece of gear the staff has been very helpful. And more than willing to talk about price wriggle room. Kyle and the gang are just great. Unlike some stores they don't chase you down with a "hi, can I help you" every few minutes. Which is good because this is a store worthy of serious browsing. But when you're ready with your questions they're ready with the answers. A posting area for local artists to use and workshops on useful topics. read more

Just picked up a roll of white backdrop paper from these guys this morning! With all the Covid stuff going on, (and they have instructions on how to shop with them online - super helpful), I decided to just park and call to see if I could purchase and pick up immediately upon store opening. The guy who answered my call was beyond nice, professional and friendly. He came out to the parking lot to grab my card, went back in and was out within minutes with my item. Great service!! I also got some of my wedding photos developed here (like 7 years ago) and they were super helpful then also. Definitely the place to go and I will continue to shop here in the future/support this local business due to how friendly and helpful they are! read more

I stopped in at West during a recent business trip to Minneapolis. I always try to check out local camera stores when I travel. What a pleasant surprise! I love those rare camera stores that have everything from commonplace gear to professional grip, every gadget imaginable, all out and available to examine and browse. The downside to the internet having everything is that nothing seems to be at hand anymore. This store puts the gear you might need where you can see it, touch it, and buy it. I had a great time browsing and chatting with the friendly staff, but of course, being from way out of town, I wasn't going to buy anything too big. However, I was photographing the rain grey town with my micro 4/3 rig and I there were a couple of accessories for which I had a nagging need - a mini-tripod and a protective wrap, and I had my choice of both. As an Olympus shooter, the Canikon focus of the cameras and lenses department was a little narrow, but the camera is a rare purchase (and one on which the merchant makes little por no rofit) and one that a pro researches. When I need an accessory or a piece of lighting equipment or supplies in a hurry is when a resource like this comes in handy. Twin Cities photographers are lucky to have a great place like West around. read more

Loved my visit there. Their hours are kind of odd. I'm from out of town and sometimes its just hard to get there before they close because I'm usually working during the day. However I finally made it there and was blown away by their selection. New gear used gear, various parts and a decent selection of video support equipment as well. Their salespeople were most helpful and very friendly in locating and finding things. I knew mostly what I was looking for however the support they did provide was fantastic. Will be checking in again definitely. read more

Only place in MPLS area that still develops color film in house. Everyone there is super nice and helpful even with an amateur photographer like me. Since I am fairly new to photography, I asked loads of questions and the person I spoke with was happy to help me figure out what I was looking for. read more

THE store for professional photographers in the Twin Cities. Smart, well-educated staff. Good selection. EXTREMELY high prices. Owner should go to charm school. read more

Working as a professional photographer for the past 15 years, I've purchased quite an impressive arsenal of equipment from various physical and online locations. When I found West, I knew there was no reason to shop elsewhere. The staff is incredibly helpful and always points me in the right direction. Steve is the guy that I interact with most often, but every staff member is friendly and knowledgeable. They've always got great used equipment, ( which is updated often on the website ) and their rental department is fantastic - lots of great stuff at really reasonable prices. Awesome! read more

I've been renting photo equipment from West Photo for several years. Very reasonable rates, and I know I can trust them. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. We're very fortunate to have them here in Minneapolis! read more

Terrible customer service. Staff members ignore you & if you have a question about something they're super reluctant to give an answer. Rude. Have not been back here due to extremely poor customer service. read more

I regularly get myself in over my head with photo needs and this place is my go-to place when I'm in need of assistance. I'm a consumer that sometimes pretends he's a pro and thus far non of the service folks have called me out (as the idioté that I am). I will keep going back as long as they keep treating me well and continue stocking lighting equipment. read more

Several years ago members of the photography club I was in told me about West Photo. At that time, most of my photography equipment had been gifted over the years from family, but I was getting into "needing" more lenses, better tripod, etc etc. I'd been to National Camera Exchange a few times, and while they were okay, my photography buddies told me West Photo was the professionals' shop of choice. Not that I'm a professional, but I decided to try them out anyway. The first time I went in I was told to talk to Kyle - he's SUPER-nice & very down-to-earth - and ever since I ask for him when I'm researching to purchase something or I just need advice over the phone. He's always EXTREMELY helpful, taking the time to answer all my questions and giving me the low-down on what he recommends vs. what I can afford. I've purchased a camera body from this place, rented some lenses, had them clean my sensor a few times & developed film (yes, I still occasionally use film). I'll continue to make this my go-to photography equipment store! read more

I really dig West Photo. I rent Nikon gear here about 10 times a year. Prices are reasonable, equipment is older - but in great working condition. Bought my camera here years ago, and will likely buy my future cameras here. I had my camera cleaned here for $50 -- likely the best $50 I've spent in a long time. It was perfect when it was returned and turnaround time is quick. Staff knows me by name and I can't help but like a small local company that puts out great service. read more

Their rental department saved my butt! I dropped my Nikon flash directly onto the hotshoe mount in the middle of a shoot, damaging it to the point of no return. I looked up the nearest shop in the area and West Photo was 5 min away. I was back up in running in no time with a rented Nikon SB-910. The process was simple and fast and I was able to complete my assignment with no loss of time or imagery. Thank you!!! read more

Everyone here is very kind and knowledgeable. I've been getting my film devolved here and getting prints from them for nearly 3 years. Consistent turn around time and quality. Also the only place I've ever been able to get my camera batteries. West photo rules. read more

This is the first photo store I went to in Minneapolis and It is pretty decent. They carry film supplies, as well as digital. They have some studio equipment, lights, 5 in 1. They are also friendly and helpful. I'll keep coming back. read more

The West Photo staff is hit or miss. There's one really nice guy who always helps me figure out what equipment to buy, but the rest of the staff I feel are rude and disinterested in me once they find out I'm only buying something small. When I've made large purchases there, I get some awkward comments about the cost. Overall, West has the things I'm looking for, but it's not often in stock or is way overpriced. That means a run to National or ordering online. I prefer local though. They are more of a professional store and aren't quite as nice to you if you aren't a professional, but I can deal. read more

Very helpful to have this place to cater to (very) small business such as mine. Knowledgeable staff, good over-the-phone advice lowers the "boss'" blood-pressure . Can't get that online. Only way it could be better if they opened a bar read more

I've rented from here a few times for various projects and while they have a decent prices, the customer service is awful. The woman is rude and condescending, and acts as if I've inconvenienced her somehow by asking to rent equipment. I've worked in sales a number of years and this is not how I would act toward customers. I tried to keep an open mind coming back here a couple more times hoping I'd have a better experience. To be fair, the one time I had one of male employees help me out it wasn't so bad, but every time I get the woman I am not treated well. Going to rent from elsewhere from now on. read more

The only place (I know of) that rents photography equipment in the Twin Cities. I've rented at least a dozen various lenses and lighting equipment here and have been very satisfied. Price is reasonable for lenses (rental list with prices is on their website). The only thing that holds me back from a 5 star rating is that I often feel self conscious when renting; certain staff are quite haughty. I've had a staff member chuckle at a question I've asked. Not so fun. read more

Super knowledgable staff, awesome equipment, anything you need as a professional photographer they have here! I live close so anytime I need anything I come in. The workers know me by name and are always so helpful. They have new and used equipment, super affordable, and they take trade ins! They will also advertise for your services if you are a wedding photographer (Like me) love this place. read more

I rented the Atlas slider to take some sliding video shots. I didn't check it closely upon pickup. I took the slider on site the day of shooting and we learned that because of the amount of play in the slider, it was difficult to get a smooth shot unless the slider was perfectly level. Even the slightest slant would cause the motion to have a bump because the slider shifted on the track and did not ride smooth. That ruined every shot we tried to take with it. We only had a Canon 5d, with a 16-35mm lens on it, not much weight at all. I tried to explain that to the salesperson but she just said that everybody else uses it fine, and that it has a lot of use so I can't expect it to be perfect. How can that be an excuse for the equipment not working properly?! If I can't expect a slider to slide smoothly and securely, without bumping around, what is the point of using a slider? After I expressed my frustration and asked for my rental fee to be returned, she only offered to discount me half of the fee. I was too tired to argue, but I believe they deserve this honest review. I hope someone else can be saved the trouble I went through. read more

Nice big store with lots of cameras, lenses, many accessories, and their own dark room. Even near closing time, the store had a decent amount of customers looking and shopping. My reason for four stars: they don't do financing of any sort (I tend to like 12-24 months same as cash). That issue aside, it's a nice, clean, big store with lots of options. read more

Great selection of gear, and the staff is very friendly, knowledgable, and wants to make sure that your needs are met. Can't recommend West Photo enough! read more