The biggest strike against this place is poor customer service. The place is staffed mostly by grumpy old men who seem bothered by a young man lamenting heavily about purchasing his first almost $2,000 camera. :) I called myself supporting local business by buying my Canon 7D from them. Now I kinda wish I woulda saved the sales tax and got it from amazon. But it was kinda of a I have to have it now kinda feeling at the time. I liked Adray much better. To bad they closed. read more

This place has been here for a long time. It's nice and the staff are knowledgeable although the cashier clerks can not be the friendliest at times. Pricing for the items I've purchased have been higher than what you would see online but that's the thing: this is a B&M store, you pay for instant gratification and live help. read more

Well, the good thing is the selection of equipment, film, and used cameras. Most things that I browse for on eBay or Craigslist, Woodward Camera has (or eventually will), which makes it very convenient since they are one (if not the last) of a few mom/pop photography shops left in the Metro Detroit area. That being said, I would expect a higher level of customer service. I'm not saying that the staff are useless, but they don't seem to be trained to be 'friendly' or extend themselves as their customer-base simply keeps their doors open. I mean seriously; we can all shop at Ritz/Wolf Camera and call it a day! I would suggest that the Woodward Camera management take a business trip to Chicago and visit Central Camera (in the Loop, downtown) which is a true, community-based camera shop that welcomes everyone that enters their doors. They love their customers by not only offer honest support, but listens and talks to their fellow photographers and those interested in the art form. Woodward Camera's customer service has a Walmart-type feel...which is senseless in this day in age for independently owned shops. Good luck with your approach! read more

Best place to get your photos developed and enlargements made. Tons of amazing products to buy from cameras to cases to great frames! They also have the best staff who are kind and knowledgeable. I've been going to Woodward Camera for over 30 years and they never disappoint! :) read more

I have been using Woodward Camera for prints when I need them. Overall, I have been satisfied. I went to pick up some pictures yesterday and I thought that the prints weren't right. I showed the employee an original photo and compared it to the prints and she was able to get them to re-do the prints and match the original. I had ordered these prints online, so next time I will just go into the store if I have an original (in this case, I had portraits from a studio that I was getting reprints from a disc). The service is decent , although not super friendly, and I was certainly much happier with the transaction once they fixed the issue. read more

ABSOLUTELY NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!!!!! Unfortunately I didn't read the reviews before I bought several camera's, lenses, batteries, filters, tripods, etc. from this company. There is absolutely NO customer service at all. They don't stand behind ANYTHING you purchase from them. I am the type of person who is willing to pay more for merchandise if I can get expertise and customer service. I also like to support local businesses. Costco is cheaper and they don't ask questions for defective products! I've learned my lesson and will not ever give this company another penny. read more

The people are beyond rude! I sent my grandmother to drop some film off for me and they sent her away because "they only take film in the morning " when just 2 days before I dropped it off at 3:30?? Maybe even later, and they wear vary short and rude with her. She is a little sweet lady They also when they actually did take my film it's where spots all over it and scratches , i think because they have been around for so long they stopped trying to improve, they also know that they are one of the few in MI, I have soo many bad story's about this place, FYI I'm a photo major at an art school I hate this store rude mean and bad work! read more

I Always have a great experience here at Woodward camera. The staff is very friendly, Rick is always helpful when it comes to answering all my questions. Let's not forget about the owner who is always fair and willing to help when needed. read more

Woodward Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

I love it here! I think the prices are so good especially because I get them put on a flash drive too. The only downfall is I never really know when they're ready (I always do the drop box) I just end up calling to find out. Compared to cvs(who takes forever and is more expensive) and Walgreens (who lost my camera !) I'm loyal to Woodward camera because they really are the best ! read more

I have been a photographer for over 30 years. My grandfather worked for "Back Then", "Eastman Kodak". He was very well known and looked up upon for his knowledge in the photography world both here in Michigan and the United States. When I was a child, I always remember him taking the time in sharing his knowledge to whoever he was with. My grandfather passed away in 1965, but his legacy continues on with many who are studying photography in their course work in college. I am in the customer service arena as a Provider and Member Service Representative for a very large health insurance company here in Michigan. I know very well the positive attributes of great customer service. When you walk through the doors at Woodward Camera, you "Will" receive that great customer service you would want. All the staff are professionals at what they do and are more than willing to go that extra mile to answer all of your questions. On a humors note... Did you know that there are people out there that think cake and ice crem are terrible? WHAT!!!!! How many individuals do you think have passed through those doors at 33501 Woodward in a year? I dare say thousands. Do you think of out of all those individuals there were a hand full that were not completely satisfied with their experience? Your darn tootin! The moral of this dialog is to say that, "We are all human beings and some days are not as great as others". With tangibles, things do go array beyond human control. People all to often judge on the few negatives and not look at the positives (Which greatly out number the few negatives). Every time I venture into Woodward Camera, I notice all the staff giving their 100%. If you are either an experienced photographer or a novice needing assistance... walk through those doors at 33501 Woodward. read more

I love Woodward camera. I bought a new mirrorless and they answered my one thousand questions. I love the camera. The service is phenomenal, I've had other equipment repaired & it's been done correctly the first time. Tons of equipment & lens to choose from. Love Woodward Camera! read more

Woodward Camera is the best! Great service, amazing enlarging and developing. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I've been going there for 20+ years! read more

I drove all the way from dearborn to specifically come here and get a bunch of equipment i was ignored several times and waited forever for service! (there was only three customers there). I ended up leaving with out being helped whatsoever. I don't like the vibe of this place, they don't want to help you. thumbs down. read more

I had just returned from a dusty 8 months in Arizona, and my camera needed a good cleaning. Woodward Camera did a beautiful job, on time, and at a fair price. A great resource for expert service and advice. read more

While they don't always have the greatest selection of accessories, they are very knowledgeable about everything photographic. If they don't have something I want in stock, they'll order it. Staff is very friendly and not in a constant rush to get to the next customer. I always feel they're focused on my needs. I recently used their photo processing service for some 11x14" prints. They did a nice job. read more

Nice to have a neighborhood photo shop where you can actually hold the equipment before you buy. Knowledgeable staff.

Had an old camera from the 1950s and one of the employees helped me get the old film out and developed. Great to have this treasure in Birmingham. read more

Based on continued interaction with Woodward Camera, my impression has improved quite a bit. While I've still had a few awkward experiences, I have developed some healthier and more beneficial relationships. I am still concerned about pricing on some items and make sure I only buy certain things there. I also encourage price checking with a place like B&H before making a purchase. read more

Loved this place! They were incredibly helpful. They fixed an issue without me having to pay for it since it was so minor. They then spoke to me with amazing advice for like 20 minutes of great ideas. read more

I don't know why there are so many negative reviews on here! I was greeted right away and was given great service. My questions were answered about my camera, and I was offered to join a class. I will be coming here often! read more

These guys are great, terrific place with a hands on approach. Knowledgeable staff and there is nothing like asking a real person a question. Nothing like retail... read more

Exceptional service. I would give 10 stars if I could. Timely, professional, knowledgeable, efficient and very kind. They were beyond accommodating with getting the photos I needed on time. I highly recommend this shop for all your photo and camera needs. Support this local business!! read more

Very rude people. Simply asked a question and the agitated person made me feel like I was wasting his time. Take some classes in building customer relations. read more

IF ZERO STARS WAS AN OPTION THEN THEY WOULD BE GIVEN ZERO. This store has nice things, overpriced in some departments. But the employees are extremely rude. I came here two times and I am done. One employee watched me the entire time on my first visit. I don't need anyone staring at my every move, how can I focus when you're breathing down my neck. My second & LAST visit one employee was stand offish as if my questions were just killing him. Then the other employee was rushing me to make a decision on some items. I didnt no feel welcome, nor did I appreciate their attitude torwards me. She didn't even want to give me a bag nor did they even say have a good day or thanks for shopping with us. I asked a question about some items and she said she didn't have any knowledge on them. WHY ARE YOU WORKING HERE THEN? But later on in the conversation, I asked a question about the same items and she was talking as if she did know at that moment. I'm like if you want to go do something else then do so, let me shop in. peace. I had came a long way and it had been a LONG day for me. If I had given them the attitude I had, then that would have been rude. But instead I keep my personal life separate from dealing with businesses. It doesn't seem like they do the same. One of the employees had scuffed because I was taking too long to decide what I wanted. A better camera store is one in Livonia on 6 mile called Express Photo and I will gladly make the drive PAST woodward camera. They also make prices for you while standing there, some items aren't priced so I guess they make a price based on what THEY want to charge you. read more

Woodward Camera staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, especially to novice photographers. They have often helped us with purchasing advice and problem solving. read more

I can't talk about the camera or sales staff; however, I can talk about my experience with the processing staff, and it isn't good. I had several slides that I needed to have scans made from. After my experience with this business, I recommend anyone reading this to go somewhere else. I took a few slides in to test the service since they only charge $1 per scan and this is where the problems started. Once I picked up my test scans, and disc I took them home to discover that the disc was blank. I went back the next day with my slides and the blank CD, and "fortunately," my "scans" were "still on the SD card from their machine." and this time they were transferred to a flash drive. I took the slides home and found them a little contrasty but decided to go ahead with the rest of the order. Mistake!! When I took the main job in my scans done 75% were out of focus the rest were contrasty and just bad scans. So I had them rescanned, now the manager got involved, and they were all in focus, but the detail in the highlights was blown out, the shadows were crushed, and none of the scans were usable. Now after the second set of problems the staff began to take an adversarial attitude toward me to the point of one member of the team saying "there's no way to help you" as "we are shooting this with a 15 megapixel Nikon DSLR" (remember the SD card and Nikon has never made a 15 megapixel DSLR). I also found it strange that the metadata from the files indicated they were shot on a Canon Rebel T2i. After four days of going back and forth with these folks, being lied to, rude service, and their inability to do a simple scan, I took my work somewhere else. They did, however, refund my money. The time I lost dealing with them on a time-sensitive project cannot be regained, and just the unprofessionalism of their staff left me in a position to never recommend them to anyone for anything. On a side note, I took them to a service which used an actual film scanner to digitize my files and the difference between what they produced and Woodward Camera produced is like night and day and they got it right the first time. read more

Stopped in on 29 Dec 2019 because their site advertised a Sony RX100 M7 for $1099.99 thru 5 Jan 2020. They would not honor price. I thought Missouri had laws about this type of shabby behavior! read more

I was almost scared away after reading the negative reviews, because it didn't sound like it would be worth the drive. I had two awful experiences trying to buy a camera online, had to return both cameras, and I had a hard time getting a refund each time. Even though I buy almost everything on line, I decided that I'd make the drive to a brick and mortar store to buy a camera. My experience today was wonderful, and I'm glad that I decided to visit. Every single person in the store was helpful and friendly. I waited no less than 30 seconds for someone to help me. My salesperson was knowledgeable and was able to compare brands, give me all of the pros and cons of each, and find something that was right for my needs. There was zero pressure to buy anything, and I actually left the store for a few minutes, thinking I would be back in a week or so after I'd thought about it some more. I ended up going back in the store to make the purchase today. I spent more than I'd planned, but I'm delighted with my camera and I have something that will better fit my needs than the model that I thought I wanted. I will be back for the free class that they offer to teach you how to use the camera. Not only do they sell cameras, they have every type of photo service you can imagine. I'm going to go back there for all of my film transfers as well (and I have a ton of them). If you buy a camera, they will throw in a discount card that will give you 10% off for a year. Great store! read more

I use Woodward Camera for printing photos and have also bought some camera lenses, cameras, flash equipment and other things. I've been going here for many years and really value having a specialty store like this in the area. They price match and you get the warranty from the manufacturer of authentic brand cameras and equipment, not knockoffs or imitations that you may find on Amazon. read more

Amazing store. Needed film for a school project and only had 10$ on me even though it was 18$. Also, they can sometimes have your film processed within just a day or two! Love the energy read more

I have now gone into this store 4 separate times always having an amazing experience! I went into woodward camera hoping to be directed on what kind of camera to buy for my needs. I was greeted by a man who was so knowledgeable and helpful that I just keep coming back! I have bought my camera and a few other things there and I plan on using them regularly. read more

The staff were incredibly nice. I needed a local spot to develop 35mm film. They helped me save $ by recommending prints of 4x6 but spot picking (by examination of the negatives) what I would like at 5x7. I really appreciated that. Film turn around was estimated at 24hr. read more

I'm honestly not sure what all the complaints are about. I went there to demo a prime lens before purchasing and the staff was very friendly and helpful. They allowed me to try out the lens right there in the store. They answered all of my questions completely and were never rude. Woodward Camera has some of the nicest and most knowledgable employees I've dealt with. If you're looking to buy a camera or have questions, I highly recommend this store. There's also 0 shipping costs unlike purchasing online. read more

Rip off artists. They know nothing at all and also over charged my development and gave me all of my images upside down on cd. THIS PLACE SUCKS! read more

This is the first camera store I have ever been to where the staff, well the one guy I talked to anyway, just seem disinterested and unfriendly. I went there for the first time every this weekend because I am possibly looking to switch to Fuji and I was hoping they would have the model I was interested in. You would think if someone was looking to spend a thousand dollars or more you would be more interested but not this guy. I just felt like I was getting the brush off the whole time and just non-answers. They did have a $300 camera backpack I have been looking for to possibly buy but never seen in stores before, but if I buy it, it won't be from them for sure. In contrast I was in Muskegon earlier this year and stopped at a camera shop there and the guy there was absolutely amazing and helpful, the opposite experience that I had at this place. read more

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! B E W A R E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I recently purchased a "BRAND NEW" camera from this company via Ebay. When it arrived I noticed the clear protective cover for the LCD screen was missing. Red flag #1. I proceeded to analyze the body of the camera only to find scuffs and scratches on the bottom where it mounts to a tripod! Red flag #2. At this point I had to fully confirm it was a used camera. I was then able to find the shutter count which was 744! Red flag #3! The seller and Ebay were immediately contacted with full details. Woodward Camera never denied nor apologized for their actions! Only a mere "The seller has agreed to a full refund". Nonetheless, I will be refunded and already purchased everything elsewhere! We work hard, very hard to earn things we want. It's unfair and unfortunate that companies like this earn a living being dishonest! read more

I will not go back or contact this establishment again. The staff here are extremely condescending and rude. If you want to be made to feel like an idiot, go here. It's actually quite a shame because there aren't many places in the area that offer the selection they do. It's a shame. read more

All the reviews about bad customer service are correct. Thankfully, I got a taste of their rudeness over the phone when trying to inquire about a new lens. Ordered from Amazon instead. read more

Oh Woodward Camera, you're going downhill fast. I've been here a few times in the last few years and the customer service is terrible. They don't seem to actually WANT to sell you anything but rather want to make you feel like you're wasting their time. I'd love to support the local camera shop but I'm tried of the snotty and condescending attitude I get when I'm in there. I'll drive the 30 minutes to PROCAM in Livonia instead - they want my business and it shows. read more

I am a professional wedding photographer. I was in town for a wedding my husband and I were photographing together. I needed a few odds and ends from a great camera store, so I hopped on my yelp app and found this one. At the sight of 2 stars I was a little unsure of how this experience would go, but time was of the essence and so we went in. Can I just say, We had THE BEST experience the whole time we were in this store?The salesmen, Dennis, may not be the nominee for this years' charisma award, but he was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable, kind, and extremely helpful. He knew every detail about each product We talked to him about. Employees at good camera stores are paid to know their product, answer questions, and sell the best equipment to meet their clients' needs... Not become your best friend. Woodward camera surpassed all of our expectations and certainly do not deserve the terrible reviews they've gotten so far!! They also give instant rebates on lenses (not annoying mail-ins), and offered to replace my compact flash card for free if it ever mal-functioned! Now THAT is great customer service. Thank you, Dennis and Woodward Camera for being so wonderful in our time of need! I will definitely be back when a wedding brings us back your way! www.secrawford.com read more