I LOVE Cameraworks!! I will scream it to the rooftops. I have bought and sold camera bodies here over the past few years and have nothing but the absolute best experience every time. Everyone in the store is fair with their pricing and trade in values, and the store is always clean and well stocked. Everyone is also so incredibly friendly. Every time I come in, I learn something new. It's just really nice to be around folks that run a good business, also really love photography and everything about it. It's something that feels so rare nowadays. I almost don't want to leave a review because I want to keep this store all to myself, but I also want this store to thrive so I can keep enjoying what they do here. This store is an absolute gem in the springs. If you're looking for a camera, lens, equipment, etc, this is the local stop you need to try. read more

Brought in a brand new vintage leica r4 still sealed in the packaging. The extremely rude girl behind the counter asked me if the item was stolen before asking the guy next to her if she should cut open the sealed packaging the camera was in to "inspect" it. She didn't even think to ask me if she could open it she just assumed. Brand new camera doesn't need inspecting and I wasn't trying to sell it I was looking to see the value. She couldn't even tell me that. Worst first time experience I've ever had walking into any retail establishment. read more

I dropped off my father's vintage (mid 1950s) Leica here in April 2025 for a tuneup/clean up. After 3 months (July), when I called they said they had not finished with it yet. I called again in October and they told me it was almost done, they just had to put it back together. In November, they said they'd rush to finish it, maybe by next week. In December, I visited the store to simply take it home in whatever condition it was in. The store staff couldn't find my camera on that day. Eventually, they called me back and said that they had my camera, but they had "lost" an important part of it and couldn't put it back together. I agreed to give them one month to try to find a replacement. They could not (or didn't try--I can find top plates like it on eBay, for a price.). I picked up my camera parts from them (in a bag) today (January 15, 2026). In 9 months, they didn't fix my dad's camera, they just ruined it while not being straight with me. Hopefully I'll be able to find a way to get it back together. Now, the top plate is also the part that included the serial number, so now I don't even know what specific year or model my father's camera is. It is very possible that they didn't "lose" this part at all, since it could be very valuable to an outside collector, but I have no evidence that they sold it off--just my suspicion that this is a very unlikely piece to "lose" in a small shop. I wish I had taken pictures of this family heirloom before I left it at cameraworks, since it's possible that my top cover is out there somewhere... In short, I'm not sure this is a trustworthy business. read more

My experience with analog photography is limited and mostly ignorant. I got a 35mm Canon for Christmas and was a little out of my depth. The fine folks at Mikes Camera walked me through various film stocks and even helped with my camera. Within 2 weeks they were also helping me buy my first beautiful lens for my mirrorless camera. Higher prices or not, the service here beats out anywhere else I could go and the expertise and passion for the craft shines through from everyone from novice to seasoned pro. read more

I always have a good experience here. Developing film is easy and inexpensive, and they give multiple options for getting the photos back. Staff is always so friendly and welcoming! I had some questions about an old camera I just got, and the employee researched the camera, showed me all of the cameras functions, made sure I found a good app to help with things the camera couldn't do, and was incredibly kind and patient the whole time. 10/10 super thankful for this shop and it's staff! read more

Super-great people. I went in to pick up a camera last month because I've been taking more pictures with film over the last year and wanted a better 35mm SLR than the one I'd been shooting with. In fact, I wanted a fully manual SLR like a Pentax K-1000, which is what I told Kate when I walked in. She listened and said "We do have several K-1000s in right now" and got one out of the case for me. I looked it over and, before she charged us for it, she checked the accuracy of the light meter one more time. Well, it's been a great little camera: I've shot and developed ten or twelve rolls of film and can attest the light meter is in fact accurate, and that whatever refurbishing they've done restored it to like-new condition. (And it's profoundly weird to hold in my hands another camera of the same model that I learned to shoot film well on twenty-five years ago and realize how much my fingers remember it.) Several weeks later, I had them fix a contemporary Canon DSLR lens that I'd dropped a year earlier and hadn't got around to fixing yet. Everyone else I talked to in Colorado who "does repairs" will happily take the lens, send it off to Canon for you, then charge you a handling fee on top of what Canon charges. These people actually do lens (and at least some other equipment) repair in-house. They charged me less than half of what it would have cost to send it to Canon, and they had it done in ten days instead of four to six weeks--that meant I got to take it on a road trip that I wanted to take it on. They've got a great selection of darkroom equipment and film, too. (My single gripe: I wish they'd carry B/W film faster than 400 ISO, but I also understand that that's a specialty item that can be hard to turn over before it expires. I used to manage the photo bar at a drugstore back in the day. I guess I don't mind ordering a FEW rolls of film online.) Everyone I've dealt with behind the counter has been polite and honest and incredibly knowledgeable and very willing to share what they know without being rushed or condescending. This place is a gem, and I hope they'll be around for a long long time. You should go spend some money there and support them. read more

Some stuff still needs to be bought in person, and photography gear is that stuff. And for photography gear in Colorado Springs, this is the place to go. Handle and try it before buying, trade your used gear for credit, ask questions to experts before making a purchase, or after if you're having issues. And in the rare event there is some sort of problem, you have great people to go back and get help from. They have close connections with manufacturer reps and can get any issues properly resolved. I know this first-hand because I had an urgent need with some new gear I purchased here due to a manufacturer issue. They worked quickly to understand and resolve the issue, directly with the rep, and get me out on my photography trip in time. read more

I loved the people at camera works! I went in to look at a few 35mm/SLR cameras and they let me handle all the cameras i wanted until i found the one i bought. Even though i shot film before, they still took the time to show me how to properly load in my film and let me record him for future reference since i live in California. This is my favorite camera shop I've visited, and ill visit it every time i am in colorado. I ended up with a canon A1, they even tested the camera in-front of me before I purchased! They also had the camera battery which I appreciated not having to search for it on amazon etc. they had a wide selection of everything you need for DSLR & SLR cameras. I honestly dont get the negative reviews, these are good honest people read more

I have never dealt with such incompetence. Brought my camera in for repair and paid $120. When I got the camera back there were still problems. It seems like they didn't do any work on the camera at all. read more

Well, I am great believer in buying locally, especially in Colorado Springs. For that reason, I stopped by Cameraworks to look at new cameras with full intent to purchase one, expecting to spend several hundred dollars to get the performance and functionality I sought. I have been a good customer for many years, and regard the staff as experts. However, they gave me my "walking papers" today due to their refusal to demonstrate the camera of interest until I purchased it. No demonstration is possible according to the person who served me....well, I might as well buy off the internet and shop price accordingly....if I must make a significant purchase essentially sight unseen. Too bad, that was not my intention. I was on the doorstep with cash in hand. But now, why bother? read more

This place came highly recommended so I went in to see if they could fix a lens that I had dropped. The staff members (owners?) that I dealt with weren't all that friendly, and they agreed to fix my lens for the same price that they [conveniently] had a used one in their display case for. To add to the negative encounter they made a generous offer of $10 to buy my minimally damaged lens. Ha. read more

This is a great, small photography shop. I was surprised by the amount of vintage and film cameras they had in stock, along with enlargers, light stands, tripods, bags. They really packed a lot into this small space. The staff was very friendly too with no pressure to spend big bucks. Another thing I like about this place is that it isn't just a camera boutique where you're going to find the latest Ixus or PowerShot or whatever digital cameras, it's a photographers camera shop with quality gear and knowledgeable staff. I have only been here a few times over the last decade since I don't live in Colorado, and would ordinarily give a shop like this 4 stars, but since they're pretty much the last photography store in town and still doing a great job of it I upped to 5 stars. read more

Wen't there and purchased a new camera bag that I needed on short notice. When comparing their prices to B&H or Amazon they are way, way, way marked up. Told me they could sell me a used Canon battery grip for $150 when I can buy one brand new for $163. They wanted nearly $300 for a new one. Camera bag cost me $130 at Cameraworks, could have went to B&H for $60 bucks. Bottom line, their markups are WAY too high. If you can wait three days for B&H Photo to get it to you, do it. Cameraworks prices are just too high. Plain and simple. read more

This place is awesome and these folks are super helpful. Dealt with the younger dude behind the counter and he was very helpful.

I took my 2-year old Sony a5100 mirrorless camera to Cameraworks for a shutter button repair. The shutter button had gotten sticky and, after I attempted to clean it myself, I realized that I am not a camera technician and that it would be better to let a professional do the job. So I brought the camera in to Cameraworks. Cameraworks took 2 1/2 weeks to diagnose the issue and sent away for a new shutter button. Then I got a call saying they were going to have to send the camera in to Sony and that the fee would be much higher than I was originally quoted because the camera had "shorted out." Instead of sending it to Sony, I picked up the camera. The shutter button worked fine and the camera took pictures but the camera's LCD was now broken. After talking to the Cameraworks technician, he said that something must have shorted out and said the LCD was broken when I brought it in. I denied that the LCD had any problems before I took it to Cameraworks, but the technician apparently didn't believe me. Now I'm stuck with a completely useless camera. Since it's mirrorless, I can't use it without the LCD. Long story short: Cameraworks successfully repaired the shutter button but broke the LCD in the process then refused to take responsibility for it. AVOID. read more

My Nikon D5500 had a lens stuck on the body, the release button mechanism stopped working for an unknown reason. They were able to fix it in a timely and reasonably priced manner. I am so pleased with the service and repair. Each person I spoke to, in person or by phone, was friendly and helpful. read more

First visit - Ross was a great help. Guided me to what I needed but nothing more - knowledgeable without sales pressure. Just what I wanted and needed! He also did a hands on help session with my camera. Look forward to going back. Great place! read more

After purchasing a camera kit through Amazon, two important pieces never arrived. The picture show the microphone and light, and it's in the description as well. I never received them. I contacted them, they said they will send it, and I never received anything in the mail. My second and third attempt at contacting them received automated replies that they're looking into it. They obviously never did. Not that hard to take care after you said that you're sending missing pieces. How rude! Avoid! Go to your local shop. It thought I would save a couple of hundred dollars ordering through them, but in the end, I pay the same since the mike and light alone were about $200. Sad :( read more

Alan and the entire crew at Cameraworks are terrific, knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. They're one of a very few places in Colorado that actively supports the film photography community, and I've bought several cameras, lenses and accessories from them. In addition, they do great repair work on many film cameras; they've overhauled a leaf shutter lens for me, and put two old Rollei cameras right -- all with a reasonable turnaround time, and fair pricing. They've also been honest enough to decline to attempt a repair on a vintage camera they weren't confident they could successfully complete -- I'd rather hear that up-front than be disappointed later. read more

Went in for a lens cap, the guy went into a drawer and retrieved a used one in mint condition for half the price. Didn't try to sell me a new one. Looking at used lenses he showed me how to set up my D7100 to accept them, and made some recommendations as to which one would be the better lens for what I was trying to accomplish (YES, it was the less expensive of the two). For all you Amazon aficionados below, try getting that type of Customer service, advice and knowledge out of your computer. First Class Outfit! read more

I went to CameraWorks to buy my first camera ever, and entry level dslr. Explaining my inexperience to photography, the salesperson took advantage of that lack of knowledge to add on a variety of "here, you need this book and this filter and this..." which added over $100 to a very tight budget. I explained my very limited budget, which resulted in "here, you need this $100 camera bag and this expensive tripod..." I declined the last episode of blatant, unnecessary selling. Rather than guide a new photography into smart, efficient purchases and gain a long-time customer, they simply try to sell massively over-priced add-ons that they can try and get away with. The experience was very much like a used car salesman. They lost my future business as I'm now researching a significant step up in my gear. I promise that CameraWorks will get absolutely no more of my money. read more

I came in needing help charging my battery and these guys bent over backwards for me trying to find someone around town who could help. I didn't end up solving my problem, but this definitely my favorite camera store in town. They also had a huge assortment of various professional equipment and accessories. Thanks guys! read more

This store is AMAZING. Any photographers heaven. Everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable. Great place to buy both new and used film and digital photography supplies. Will definitely be coming back. read more

I will NEVER go to Cameraworks again. I'm a huge believer in supporting local businesses and I've gone to Cameraworks a few times. Not only are the staff pushy and rude, but they treated me like an idiot because I'm an amateur photography student. I've given this business multiple tries. The first, I went to buy a Rebel T2i, and it was priced at $999.99. The store has layaway, and I attempted to apply towards the camera, but they refused, saying that two months to pay the camera off wasn't a "valued investment." When I went in two weeks later, the camera was priced at $675, and they offered to set me up with the layaway, saying "the policy changed." I respectfully declined. I went in to get a roll of film developed from a Holga, but the film has an imperfection and the roll was ruined. When inspecting the multiple other (unused) rolls I bought the same day, I found the same flaw-every roll was damaged beyond use. I explained that I had the bought the film from them, and asked to be refunded. They refused. Again, a month later, I took in a used roll of film, and they accidentally exposed it to light in the developmental process. I had prepaid for the film, and was refused a refund. Cameraworks has lost my business, as well as that of my fellow students, for good. read more

I had high hopes for Cameraworks, being a small local company, but was utterly let down from beginning to end. The prices weren't very comparable to other camera stores with an added 15%-30% mark-up on most items. Their return policy isn't very customer friendly either, which only allows for store credit (regardless if you opened an item or not). Their staff members are knowledgeable, but can be real camera snobs. I overheard several staff members making condescending remarks to a fellow customer due to his lack of knowledge in digital equipment needed for photography once he left. And another customer was complaining about how her pictures (that were developed by Camerworks) being of low-quality and unprofessional. Overall, I did make a small purchase with Camerworks, however quickly regretted it once I found the item cheaper at Mike's Camera with much friendlier staff and service. read more

It's pricey. So if you don't have the time to order cheaper online, expect to pay for convenience when coming here. I only come here because it's close and convenient and only when Mikes Camera doesn't have what I need. The hours are a bit limited, considering most people that can afford to shop here work the same 9-5 weekday job. Otherwise, they have a friendly and knowledgable staff which is why I still give them 4 stars. read more

These folks have been super helpful. Good prices as well.I was in need of a new camera body (T1i) before a big trip, and they made sure everything was in order, even following up by phone to make sure I was all set. read more

I love this store. I am from Amarillo Texas, and the closest thing to a photography store is Best Buy. That being said, the knowledge and expertise of the staff down to the last person was amazing!!! They were so polite and even stayed after hours to help me find just what I needed, and even play with lenses I couldn't afford. Lauren, the female employee who greeted me at the door was more than helpful, I recommend her whole heatedly. Every time I visit Colorado Springs, I will be sure to come to this little store. read more

NEVER shop here! No refund policy. Only store credit. Arrogant sales people. God forbid if you change your mind, even the same day. Your credit card will be charged or your cash taken and you will only receive a store credit. And, why would you ever want to shop at the same place again with such a ridiculous return policy. It wasn't even explained properly by the salesperson. Basically said 'just sign here'. Wow, I guess I should have read more carefully, who would have thought any establishment would have such archaic return policies...next time I'll skip the local place and shop nationally. read more

I bought a Nikon D90 body from cameraworks. Satisfied with the price and the salesman was both friendly and knowledgable. Seemed to have a good selection, but I didn't really look around much. The only thing is that I can't find a website for them. It is hard to believe that a camera store would not have a website! read more

Being knew to photography, Ross and Lauren have both been helpful in pointing me in the right direction in terms of cameras, lenses and gear. Some of the products you can get less expensive online, but the way I look at it, I'm supporting a local business and if I ever do need help, I'm not going to get that from an online store. So, I don't mind paying a bit more for that extra level of support. They do always have their "sales hat" on, which is understandable trying to push additional sales-- that's the only thing from me giving it five stars. With that said, this is the one camera shop in town that I'd recommend. I checked out Wolf Camera and didn't get near the support or attention that I do at Camera Works. read more

Be careful of doing business with this store. The owner offers less than ten cents on the dollar for valuable vintage cameras. We brought in a Mamiya Sekor C 330 camera plus 135 mm lens, 80 mm lens, 180 mm lens, 65 mm lens, plus prism viewfinder, plus a Yashika Mat 124-G twin lens reflex camera. I am being specific because average EBay asking price would be well over a thousand dollars. He appraised the whole package at $750, still reasonable. Then he wanted to charge $670 for in- house repairs and minor adjustments. He offered a pretense for a $90 to $140 repair charge on every item we brought in, including the shutter speed on each and every lens, and some had barely been used.Then he insulted us with a total cash offer of $90. We are talking valuable, working cameras that take good pictures. I suggest that serious amateur photographers will feel better about donating their equipment to photography classes than allowing themselves to be taken advantage of in this manner. Donate your equipment rather than allowing yourself to be cheated. Your self-respect is worth more than ninety dollars. read more

Ordinarily I don't write reviews, but Cameraworks has been especially disappointing on several occasions. I bought a used lens from them earlier this year, and received it for a very good deal. When I got it, the outer ring that attaches to the camera body was somewhat loose, and I assumed that was why the price was so low. Yet, only three months later the lens stopped working, showing 0 for the f-stop. I took it in (under the 6 month warranty) and was told that it appeared that I had dropped the lens. I let them know I received the lens loose and, the man took it from me, and said he'd get back to me the next day. I waited a week, heard nothing, called the store, and after some miscommunication was told that I should have received a repair slip, and then that the repair guy left my camera on a chair and didn't let any body know what it was doing there while he had days off from work! I gave them the benefit of a doubt. Then they said they couldn't get a hold of a diagram to fix my lens, much less the part. Then they told me they were having trouble ordering the part. Then they miraculously had my lens ready, I picked it up...and saw the same part was still lose, just not as lose. I decided to just keep it. It's been working fine for two months, but I was worried about the same problem re-happening. So, I went to trade the lens in for a cheaper, smaller, better brand of lens. Cameraworks was the only nearby store and so I visited there once more. This time I was told they wouldn't give me ANYTHING for my lens because the connector was lose. I told them, again, I received it that way, what happened before, etc. The employee spoke with who I assume was the manager. The woman spoke with the employee without acknowledging me at all, then the employee told me that they couldn't do anything for me because the repair man put that it was in a better condition than it actually was! I almost said more, figured it wasn't worth it and left. I don't recommend this business. read more

We visited Cameraworks for advice on how to finally make the transition from film to a DSLR. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and helpful. We decided on a Canon EOS T3i which was under a Canon-authorized promotion. Cameraworks accepted a lens and tubes in trade so the transaction was relatively complex. Our sales associate went through everything in detail, checked for our understanding at key points, and clearly stated the return policy. As some others have noted, the shop itself is a very enjoyable memory generator with many used cameras from makes like Mamiya, Leica, Rollei, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, and more for sale. They also had a full array of accessories, supplies, books, and film. The place was buzzing, and it was great to see a small specialty retail store doing so on a Wednesday morning. The forced-choicr price range index below will say "pricey" because of the quality merchandise but the prices are very reasonable, especially for the added value of the staff's expertise. Highly recommended for all your photography needs. read more

I am a visiting photographer from California. I was in a small bind and needed some background paper. Camera Works had what I needed and it was on sale ! Granted it was on sale due to a small imperfection. After I purchased the roll of paper and was using it I noticed another imperfection I wasn't counting on. I called them and told them about the issue. The young guy that helped me (Ross) talked with whomever and they credited me an additional percentage off. I went in the following day and issue was resolved. A great relief especially when in a town where you don't know anyone. I found them very friendly and extremely helpful. Thanks guys !! read more

I was so impressed with their service. I had old film from a camcorder converted to a DVD. They kept me abreast of their progress and got the DVD to me in a timely manner. They had great customer service. read more

It amazes me how short-sighted some people can be. They'll go to a camera store, where they can hold and examine merchandise, compare one item with another, then, with that hands-on experience that they cannot get by sitting at a computer, they will go online and buy it cheaper. Their short-sightedness is three-fold: (1) If what they bought has a defect or if they have buyer's remorse, good luck with an online purchase. (2) When we, as a collective bunch, make enough online purchases after wasting the time of brick-and-mortar store people, we will eventually cause that store to shut its doors forever. Then where will we go to hold and try before we buy? (3) Finally, those who go to a store and use an employee's time and expertise, to learn enough to make a decision on an important purchase then buy online "because it's cheaper," are guilty of theft. They have stolen the time of an employee that the owner had to pay for. When that happens enough, the owner will realize it's no longer viable to keep the doors open. So, let's all get smart, pay a few extra bucks, keep the local economy alive, ensure our own access to merchandise we can examine in person and keep our moral integrity as responsible human beings. read more

Great service, and a lot of help when I went in to get a new digital camera.

I'm a photography student and have been to this store 3 times. Not once have I found a friendly person or one that would share a bit of knowledge. I can find out more info on the computer! And I will. read more

Cameraworks is perhaps one of the worst stores I have ever been to. I have had a number of bad experiences with them. When I first went their, I asked a question about a nikon camera system which I already know to see how well informed they were. They were unable to give me an answer to my question. That should have been a red flag. I have personally witnessed them try to sell a customer a camera for four times what the camera was worth on a fair market. I have also gone in to by a sheet of negative holders. I only needed one but they only sold them in packs of 25. they were unwilling to open a pack and sell me a single sheet. their return policy on film is disgusting to me. by this I mean that if the film is a bad batch in anyway they will not reimburse you in anyway. the same goes for their prints. they claim they are not liable for any damage or lose of your media. This was the final straw for me. I had three roles of film developed by them, only two of which were printed, the third roll was a roll of 120 positive slide film. I told them this when I dropped the roles off for developing. when I got the prints back, first off, they charged me 64 dollars!! outrageous, especially for the quality of work that was done. Every print was gray, no blacks, and no whites. the negatives were good so I am not sure what they were thinking but the prints looked like a high school photo 101 student printed them. and to top it off, the positive film i had dropped off was developed with the wrong chemicals. the film looked like negatives instead of positives. not only that but there were chemical finger prints and stains all over the film. For 60 dollars the work should have been perfect, and what i got was worse than any print I have ever received before. In sum, they are very overpriced, the quality of work is below par, and they try to up sell you most of the time, I would not recommend having anything to do with them if it can be avoided. I have since switched to mailing my film and digital prints out, and the price is about half the price, and much beter quality. read more