I have used Pro Camera for a number prints I needed for a couple special occasions. I am always running behind and so both times I needed the prints made in a rush. Pro Camera responded professionally and thoughtfully to my myriad of questions. They got the prints done on time and they delivered beautiful prints.
If you need a photo lab or other things related to photography, this is the place for very knowledgeable service at a reasonable price.
Saddens me to say, but Ill have to stop using Pro Camera. Their repairs, which are done by Bill, are great but the owner has little to no respect for customers and has an inattention to detail. I recently left 4 items for repair in early October. Since then Ive had no updates so I called in today. I was told by the owner, Edward, that they had no knowledge of when the repair was finished and didnt call me because they had been asked not to. Actually...theyd been asked no to call me every 3-4 days, which they had in the past. When I stated that it was ordinary to call someone when a service was finished, I was told I was a problem customer and that it would take a few more days to generate an invoice with shipping. Throughout the entire conversation Edward was constantly raising his voice and talking over me. In the past, Ive had other conversations where Ive been told he has a lot of older customers who were problems, but I wasnt one of them, which I thought was weird. Makes me wonder how many customers are problems to him. TL:DR Repairs are great. Avoid Edward and buy your new cameras and film from other small businesses.
They fixed the light seals on my Minolta. Their repairs take a little long but they are worth the quality. I am able to get all of my film needs in one store.
Pricing for film development isnt bad. Definitely worth going here over a big box stores like Walmart.
Very professional personnel. Great selection of gently used older SLR lenses.
I sent two cameras to Pro Camera, a Nikon F100 and a Canon 5d for professional cleanings (CLA) because they had dust/fungus. Each time they did an excellent job. I was nervous about sending my cameras through the mail but it was fine. Cameras were cleaned and returned in a timely manner. Total turn around time was around 7 days (send, clean and send back). And the price was great. Definitely recommend Pro Camera.
Absolutely love the store; if youre a photographer and want to talk photography gear, this is the place to go! Great collection of vintage gear and great collection of 120 film as well. Getting my 1969 Nikkormat FTN CLAd here... looking forward to a like new camera!Update... CLAd camera operating like new! Thanks Pro Camera!
Went in to drop off a camera for repair and enjoyed checking out their stock of great cameras and lenses. Ryan was really knowledgeable and was great to talk to. Will definitely be going again!
Got me the right remote for my camera and also shared extra info to me. Very knowledgeable!
This place is great, really good film developing prices and they have a fast turnaround time. Will be using them to process my film from now on.
My review is literally only based off the phone call. I called for a CLA on a lens that most shops either gave me astronomically high prices on, or flat out refused to do it. I rarely ever recommend camera shops, but I had like a seven minute phone call about a CLA, the price was beyond agreeable. And, the estimate was completed in three minutes.I usually dont like even calling shops, but the person who took the call was exceedingly professional. Very polite,very courteous... Mind you Ive never even been to this shop. But I can safely say its probably the only camera shop I would visit, other than Nippon Photo Clinic to drop off a Contax.I usually base my opinions on experience, and in my experience the shop is a five star. I look forward to stopping there in my future.
I am so glad I found these guys! I have never met a more driven group of professionals. The staff is completely knowledgeable, willing to make a deal, and could not have been nicer. When I needed a packaged delivered, they packed it with tremendous care. The amount of time and detail they put into their customer service is unmatched. I couldn’t recommend Pro Camera enough if you are market for anything Photography related!
The best customer service! The guy who does repairs on the Contax 645 was very helpful. He explained my film back repair clearly, and offered a rush service which ended up being even faster than expected! He cleaned my Contax beautifully. He also made an eyepiece to test out over the camera’s viewfinder. He sold me another film back and insert as well, which I really appreciate since I like buying from a camera repair shop vs. a stranger online. He did all this within one day for me since I have a shoot this weekend! I highly recommend this shop to anyone in need of Contax repair. Hope they will be around for a long time.
This place has remarkable service. I drove up from Richmond with a camera that had been dropped. They immediately looked at the camera and were able to fix it on the spot and didnt charge me anything. I appreciate that this is probably a fairly straightforward fixed for them, but I really appreciate how they probably looked at it and fixed it given that I had taken the time to drive up from Richmond.
Professional staff who arent above joking. I always find some second-hand piece of gear for a great price; and they wont let a strobe go out without testing in front of the customer.Good film selection, both 35 and 120 in a variety of speeds. Great selection of print supplies; paper and chemistry prices are in-line with online prices with shipping. And they always have a variety of second-hand lenses, lights and other gear in the price ranges for both pros and amateurs. Ive gotten a 285, a ring light strobe, and several slower lenses in rarer bayonet mounts; they also have faster lenses, studio lights and bounces, medium and large format cameras that amateurs like myself try to justify buying.
Awesome guys and great service. I have had several Leica services that would have cost twice as much elsewhere. The employees know their stuff and are true veterans of the photography community.
My contax 645 lens screw fell out, and i had a wedding within the next 9 days. Sent it to Pro Camera and Bill & Ryan took care of it right away and got it back to me in time for my wedding.Much love for always using them and its finally due that I write them this review.Theyve always taken care of me and I cannot recommend them enough.
Great experience all around. I brought in my L series 28-70 2.8L and a 580EX. Less than a week turn around. Very, affordable. Thank you, Frank!
Always brilliant assistance with any photo dilemma. Been my go to photo shop for repair and camera purchases since early 1990s. Rescued me countless times with perfect repairs and suggestions. Super indebted to Pro Camera!! Highly recommend!
New owner is great, knowledgeable staff, and a great selection of used and film gear. Clean store and a great location too. Also one of the best in the east coast for camera repair and cleaning (Bill is a legend).
This is the place to go in Charlottesville! I went in with a broad question about product photography and walked away with the best, most affordable lens Im incredibly happy with. They were so helpful and patient as I asked them a million questions in the process.
Awesome service, not to mention EXTREMELY knowledgeable about everything camera related. Their negative scans are high quality, too.
Super helpful staff. Awesome prices andgreat selection. I wish I could give them 6 stars .
I had one experience and I have to say it was pretty awesome. Turnaround times on camera fixes are crazy fast and their prices are perfect. I just wish I lived a little closer. If you have any camera issues do not hesitate to give them a call. They are now my official camera repair shop.
I have been purchasing new equipment from Pro Camera for almost 30 years. I do not shop I just go in and talk through my needs. Bill has always recommended what equipment fits me best because he knows me and, his prices have always been in line with national (published on-line) prices.I just purchased my fifth or so professional camera from Pro Camera last month. I did no price comparisons because I want Pro Camera backing me up when I need service.Pro Camera is a joy to work with as a professional and they also work with students and newbies with equal quality and patience.
This is the only place I will buy a camera. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and they have a surprisingly good selection of new cameras for such a small place. Their selection of used and vintage equipment is amazing! I only wish their hours were longer; its difficult to shop there given that they open after Im already at work, and close before I get off.
Very proffesional and friendly people. I would highly reccomend to any novice or even pro camera person in need of help, repair or shopping around. The only camera shop that i will be doing my serious business at in town!
I was traveling & needed supplies urgently. I was so impressed with their inventory & helpfulness. Satisfied customer. Will go back again!
Im from out of state, but Ive used ProCamera for repairs twice now (Mamiya lens wouldnt focus, Minolta handheld light meter was way off) and both times have been spectacular! Very quick and reasonably priced repairs.
Great collection of film cameras BUT one member of staff was rude to me, she was rushing me through the film processing service and made me feel like I was asking stupid questions as if she had no time for me. But the other staff member was really friendly and made time to talk to me about the 35mm cameras in store. After picking up my films I was going to buy more 35mm film but upon arrival a different member of staff was pretty rude to me too! Im not usually easily offended!
I just had 6 24x36 prints made on their new Epson printer. I am a tough customer and I thought the results were flawless. Superb job!
I recently sent in my F100 to Pro Camera for a meter repair and a CLA. This was my first time using their services, but Im very happy with the excellent service, and I will now be sending all of my future camera repairs to Bill. I received an accurate estimate over the phone with a three week turn around time, you cant beat that. Definitely recommended.
Very knowledgeable and professional! Took the time to answer questions. Went condescending in the slightest! Will definitely be back!
Just an amazing place. Bill and his staff are so experienced and so patient, kind and always on top of things. The only place that will service my cameras!
Great place, people and product
Cleaned camera viewfinder and was honest about mirror not needing to be replaced. Great guys work at Pro Camera!
Great place- very helpful- went out of their way to help me find a place to develop old 110 film and also to print pictures from old negatives !Would recommend to anyone !
I went here for a simple adapter for my DSLR. The man that greeted me had the adapter on hand, showed me how to adjust it, cleaned my lens and shutter for free, and showed me some of his personal lenses. Excellent service, and a must go A+++.
Pro Camera is amazing and I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to purchase a camera, film, or get repairs. Bill is extremely knowledgable and will take great care of you!
New Location. They develop film in-house.Great prints.
Pretty helpful for an old camera well out of Nikon servicing. Am sending another item up for repair.
Great staff- solid products and selection- highly recommended!
I purchased a used fujifilm x-e2 from Procamera... I was shown how to use it before i left the store, and i was able to try it out first... I returned for another camera but it was not in stock... Later I received a followup phone call explaining why they did not carry it... He also gave me suggestions on where to lokk for it... Awesome service.
Great place to find any type of camera gear in charlottesville! Helpful friendly staff!
Short version: A great store suited for enthusiasts and professionals. Super-knowledgeable staff. Richmond Camera is friendlier towards beginners, but has more limited stock.I consider myself a regular at this store now, and Ive had the most peculiar experiences here. Sometimes the staff is super-helpful and nice and sometimes they look at you like youre trespassing as soon as you walk in the store. It helps to remember that the staff here are experienced photographers, and my best experiences have been when I come in with an idea I want to explore and use the staffs expertise to guide me in selecting the appropriate equipment.You can always count on the staff being very knowledgeable and Ive always gotten great advice here. They dont try to upsell you to the fanciest product, they consider your needs and try to find the best gear for your situation. No online store will ever say you really dont need that, and here its the norm. This applies in particular to used equipment. If you need a UV filter, theyll happily find a used one that suits your needs for a fifth the price of a new one. If you need a $75, optically-perfect, super-duper-multi-coated filter, they have those in stock, too.They have a great selection of used gear and while their prices are a bit above eBay, Im confident the people here would never try to sell me junk, and anything I get has been carefully inspected and found to work as it should. Ive never needed to return anything Ive purchased here.Visiting Pro Camera is always a kid-in-a-candy-store experience, the place is packed with beautiful classic cameras next to the latest and greatest technology. The $10, no returns lens bin is always fun to browse, and Ive actually been very happy with a 135/2.8 lens I got from this bin. Also take a gander at the beautiful 8x10 view camera with the 300/5.6 lens. Refreshingly, they dont play cheesy music in the store, you can explore at peace with your own thoughts.They do a great job developing film, though the turnaround times are a bit on the long side for E-6 process film. They also have a nice variety of films in stock.Overall, other than the occasionally gruff service, Ive found this to be a great source for my photographic needs. For a professional or serious amateur, this is a great store.The other store in town in Richmond Camera. They are friendlier, but their stock is more limited. Richmond camera is wonderful for beginners.
They dont carry any Sony products, but were otherwise very helpful.
Great service
Staff was very patient and answered all questions. .