Impressive camera store! They have everything a photographer would ever need: film, used, new, videography, lights, etc. I bought a full frame camera and a prime lens. They also added a complimentary SD card and an extra battery. - I didn't know physical stores do this! It was a pleasant surprise. Definitely better value than some big name stores. Note: for in-store pick up you have to show them two IDs. A credit card with your name on it also works as a second ID. read more

Downtown Camera - One of many counters: Leica, Hasselblad, lenses, camera bags, tripods, etc. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Large store with an array of new and used. Stan the part owner has been around since the Downtown Camera days in a hole in the wall on Church Street in the early 1980s where I bought a Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Ai-S (1981) off of Suey. read more

Downtown Camera - Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Ai-S (1981) - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Poor customer service. They hang up on you when they can't answer a question. Staff seem very young and do not know a thing about customer service because they only care about themselves. Surprising that they are still in business. Spend you money elsewhere, you will be happier. read more

Great place to buy film and cameras. Staff are super helpful. Shout out to Elijah who took the time and explained basics of loading film on my medium format camera :) read more

Great camera store with a wide selection of gear both used and new. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The only real con is their hours. 11-5 on weekdays is very limiting also they're closed on Sundays. Your best bet is going on a Saturday and you can expect the store to be very busy read more

Highly recommend for quick film development! I brought mine in on a Saturday and had them on the Tuesday following. They had a 15% off promotion going on so developing my Fujifilm Quicksnap (27 exposures) was only ~$15. They are very knowledgeable about film and digital cameras so I trust them. read more

Downtown Camera - One of my developed film pics - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

So I went here today on September 05/2023 to sell my used Canon Rebel T5i Digital SLR Camera and 18-135mm EF-S is STM Lens Kit with a bag and some accessories too. A used one like new is valued on Amazon for $857.09 and a used one that looked used is valued at 699.99. There's are reliable store prices on line. Now once I got to the store I was sent to the back to see an expert well on line they have a list that they fallow they check the equipment if it works and give you an appraisal. Well my equipment was never Chechen's out to see if it actually works. Just by seeing it you can tell it looks new and they did not doubt that it works. The offer I got was 150$ to leave all my exercise with the bag lol. Ya I said no clearly I don't know if their stupid or did they think they could score on me and I would go for it. My lens for the camera is worth $300 alone. Now I never expected to get the full $857 but he also tolled me that the lends has to come with it no camera is sold without the attachable lends and yet their selling all their cameras without lenses. The elderly Asian gentleman that try to get me to sell it all for 150$ for real. A new one is $1095.99 that's with out the lends, bag and exercise. Instead he tolled me the rest is worthless ya so clearly I'll never be going back their again and to all my union film friends in the camera department and lighting technicians with iatse873 and iatse667 after comparing prices on Amazon and online, you'll get a better value than anything, and that Store has to offer. Besides the rude and dismissive attitude and taking to me like I'm stupid and don't know anything. When it's clearly that they don't know. I almost forgot he said my camera was worth only 300$ so he would by it off me for 50% with is fair if it was that value. So for 150$ he would have made 1400$ with the bag and all the exercises since it's like bran new truthfully I only used it 6 x and you can tell it's like new. read more

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Came here for film developing. Inexpensive scans and prints. Knowledgeable staff. Excellent web portal for prepay. Fasts service as they have about 9 tables setup and do one on one service. I would highly recommend for film developing and prints read more

Browsing around Downtown Camera is such a pleasant experience! I have to say this is the best stocked camera accessories stores I been to in Toronto... Great selections of Tripods in a huge price range, light diffuser, lens, filters, protectors and bags... Staffs are nice and friendly and approachable... and eager to help. Prices are really comparable to other retail stores.. I would definitely suggest you drop by and check out what Downtown Camera before you made your next purchase! read more

Downtown Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Some of my issues - purchased $13,000 camera - told they would support it including upgrades- brought it on 3 years later - they charged $50 just to look at it - Second agreed on purchase price - I left work early - brough the cash - Owner said "NO DEAL" Third I Agreed to pay $469 + $100 for Used lens and accessories - I was charged $700 - I never agreed to that - I brough it back next day for refund - told by owner "NO RETURNS" read more

Absolutely packed camera store. It felt like I was at home in my element here. A must for all photographers visiting. Especially for film and vintage goods. The staff was among the most helpful of any service ive ever pursued. Any question was answered to the very best of ability. I flew in all the way from Florida to visit. That should tell you how far their name has carried. read more

This shop offers some great professional level equipment. Their staff are top notch are are very knowledgeable in all areas photographic. I'm a film user and have found some hard to source items in the used section. While some if their prices on used are high - they usually know the value of what they are selling. I've purchased numerous lens and a DSLR here and every deal with was great. Again - the knowledge behind the counter makes this place a go-to when it comes to photography read more

Downtown Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I just happened to be walking by and spotted this store. I was surprised how large it was and the expanse of their selection. Even better was that their prices are very competitive. With Henry's being a block away it definitely doesn't hurt to price shop at Downtown Camera. I found two different accessories I've been looking to pick up for $10 cheaper than Henry's. These guys have everything you could need including a development studio. Their staff is knowledgeable and very good. read more

Downtown Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

My favourite camera store in Toronto. Nice and knowledgeable salespeople , flexible returns , good choice of used gear :digital and film alike. Also, it's a lab of my choice for my film processing needs. There are certain loyalty programs available for film processing and purchasing ,ex . discount from Kodak on their products. read more

Going to Barcelona tonight. Needed a bit bigger camera bag (I'm from out of town) they had what I wanted, and free shipping....hurray! Finally found it online at 3am. Set alarm to get up and call them when they open at noon. Done, perfect, bag on hold. Set alarm, get up, have coffee, go, 1/2 hour walk from hotel. So I'm thinking buy the bag, ship my old one home. I ask.....Nope. We can't do that. Ok, ask the manager.... (Stan) Nope. I'm perplexed. I've done this many times before when replacing or upgrading on the road...with anything. Especially when they ship. Do they have products ? Yes Nice store? Yes Would they lift a finger to help a fellow shooter out? ABSOLUTELY NOT Brick and mortar store, same as the attitude. Run away from this place. I was also picking up an SD card. Walked around the corner to Henry's and got a very expensive XQD card. I'll never be back. Usually a mom and pop store stays in business by being better than the big box store. Not here. Customer service is dead. read more

I live in Oshawa I love their mail in service They send you an invoice after they receive your film and you just pay by pay pal it takes them generally a week to complete your film order or you can pay extra to get next day service and then it sent out to you . The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Their have always been willing for me to go the extra way . read more

Extremely upset with the handling of my film. I have been taking concert photography for quite some time, and recently sent in a roll (via mail) to Downtown Camera. I received an email 3 days later telling me that my order was ready to download (as i had chosen the email transfer of pictures), but in the email it said no pictures appeared on the film. I was extremely puzzled and called right away. They put me through to the film department, specifically the lab, where i was given the excuse that the film wasnt put in the camera correctly. When i informed them that the film was actually purchased and put in by a professional, they quickly changed the story saying how it was due to the actual pictures not being taken correctly. I was very confused. The lady on the phone kept offering me "tips" and "hints" on how to make my photography better, meanwhile i kept telling her that i had been doing this for quite some time. She refused to listen to me and kept saying that i needed to buy this and that from the store to make my photography better...hinting at the fact that i didnt know what i was doing. I was extremely offended and upset because she did not listen to me when i told her numerous times that i was aware of the lighting restrictions that concerts have, but how i was used to doing this. I will NOT be going back to here as this is the second roll that they have ruined for me and i simply cannot have my film photos returned "blank". On top of that, i would only be getting a partial refund. read more

As a lifelong photo enthusiast, and 20 years in advanced digital photography I sprang for a Canon EOS 1N body to try out film photography and the mecca for film is DOWNTOWN CAMERA. I just got back my very first roll of film from my new (old) film camera and asked for Hi-Res scans. OMG!!! The processing was impeccable! The dynamic range - amazing! The service - OUTSTANDING! I was able to join the film club as a Toronto Camera Club member and now have a 25% discount on film and processing and access to the film drop-off box and convenient billing through PayPal. I am hooked! DTC is a great shop for new and used equipment and great advice too. 5 Stars!!! read more

I prefer Downtown Camera to Henry's simply because the staff is more attentive. I rarely every buy camera equipment retail (bodies and lenses), so I am only basing this review on accessories and my knowledge of their operations. Here's a breakdown: 1. They have some very good weekly specials. A good sale pops up once in awhile, especially for a full beginner SLR kit. 2. I purchased a Manfrotto tripod kit here for $150. It was on the lower end of the tripod spectrum, but the same kit was retailing for $230 USD on Amazon. I consider this to be a great deal, especially for Canada. 3. Staff is great and a lot more laid back than its neighbour. They're also very knowledgeable without being arrogant about it. 4. Excellent selection of goods from all manufacturers. It is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks from outside. 5. Regularly prices are moderate (perhaps overall very slightly cheaper than Henry's). 6. Store layout is less confusing and easier to find what you need. read more

February 26th, 2020 I work at a local charity, we're looking to up our social media presence and sought the assistance of Downtown Camera to help us make smart equipment purchases. Today I entered, and the male employee with glasses and a toque scoffed at me because I got in the wrong line. He pointed me to where I needed to go in a tone that indicated to me that I really inconvenienced him, and that I should have known where to go. That was my first impression - not a good start. Then I walked to the counter the first man pointed me to where I was assisted by someone named Joseph, I believe. He spoke to me like I'm an idiot. Maybe when it comes to cameras and equipment I am an idiot, but I don't need you to make me feel like that, especially when I'm about to drop a couple hundred dollars. Needless to say, I opted not to purchase anything, though you did have exactly what I was looking for, but out of principle I could not buy anything from you folks. It's easy to be arrogant and condescending when you work in the arts, some might say it comes with the territory, but it's bad business. My organization will not be coming to Downtown Camera for our equipment. read more

My nine thousand dollar mobile photography studio would have cost me ten thousand dollars if I shopped anywhere outside of Downtown Camera. I purchased my first digital camera here in 2006. It was an 8 mega pixel point & shoot. The service I've received from this store has not been consistent. It has only gotten better. I have only bought one camera from another store since first shopping here, and I regret that decision. So naturally, when I decided to go pro with my equipment, Downtown Camera was my only choice of where I was going to throw away my cash. Luckily, the person who asked whether if I required help was the guy who ran the place. I bargained hard, and he was both able to, and nice enough to put up with my negotiation tactics. Don't think you can come here and barter at anything your heart desires. I purchased top-notch products by the bulk; this was my ace in the hole. Or maybe it was the hole in my ace. Downtown Camera doesn't have everything. But it'll have everything you'll need. Analog or digital, zoom or prime, Nikon or the C word. This place is the only store I trust for quality photography products. There is an impressive array of vintage photo gear dating back to when hipsters were known as beatniks. So if you're a modern beatnik, the gear your ancestors couldn't possibly afford can be found here now at very reasonable prices. I actually saw a Queen Street West local here during my last visit. She asked one salesgirl whether she can 'do anything' for her on a vintage camera that was already massively discounted. If I worked here, I would have said yes, but only after forcing her to prove her worth by demonstrating her ability to actually use the camera--which is to say I wouldn't have given her the discount. Too bad they don't have people like me working here. There are often events where the store becomes interactive. It could be talks with experts, or just getting to test out some gucci gear. I never felt misled by any salespersons, and the prices are highly competitive. If you develop tenure with the staff and treat them like human-beings, that relationship could lead to some nice discounts. That's very nice, considering most photographers are broke. With the one thousand dollars in savings, I was able to take that money and buy myself some essential groceries for the next twenty minutes at one of my favourite high-end restaurants. I guess when it comes to fine dining, I'm quite a beatnik myself. read more

Best camera store in Toronto - and I've been to a bunch of the other ones. They are close to downtown Henry's - but the prices are WAY better at Downtown Camera. I do 95% of my camera shopping at Downtown Camera. They have a large selection, and their staff REALLY knows their stuff. I trust the staff to give me their honest opinion about equipment - and I can't imagine getting better prices anywhere else. And they like me - they really, really like me .... read more

This is by far one of the top three camera stores in Toronto. As a photographer, I find their prices to be fair and are generally are lower than the competition. Also, I find the store size is the right size to carry what they need to carry to be a fully equipped store but not large enough turn into a walmart-like camera store, which Henry's really feels like. Not only that but Henry's tends to charge more for equipment. And by more I mean $30+ for some items. The staff is friendly and to the point and everyone, of course is an avid photographer or studying the craft. So they also know what they are talking about and they are definitely more adept than places like Black's for your photographic needs. They tend to have good specials from time to time and if you are price shopping/or just shopping, then you would do yourself a favour to check them out. read more

I was looking for a camera place where experts know what they are selling and had a lot of options. I am happy I followed yelp and found Downtown Camera. David really helped us. Think about a place that they have everything for great prices. I do recommend! !!!! Talk to David and if you are a student let them know. read more

Downtown Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This is my new go to place for prints made from my 35mm negatives! I discovered this store during a weekend stroll and so happy to found them. While they sell cameras and film accessories which I normally buy online due to better pricing, their service on 35mm prints is excellent and the turn around time is about a week. As a University of Toronto student, their student discount for prints is another incentive why I get my prints done here. With great customer service and a convenient location (located across the street from St. Michael Hospital's Queen Street East entrance), it is one of the few places in town where I can get prints made from old negatives. read more

Thank you George! Instead of turning me away, you found a solution on how to print my pics from my phone. Hope the new store's wifi starts working. Thanks again. read more

I have limited knowledge when it comes to camera. And I've been to multiple camera stores in the past, and it's always been disappointing or intimidating. However, I have to say my first experience at Downtown Camera was anything short of amazing. I brought in a Leica M6 camera and needed to purchase some film and other items to outfit the camera with. Patrick was extremely informative and knowledgable. He provided with exceptional customer service and went above and beyond understanding my needs by giving me some pro tips and suggestions. I love how he also kept the cost factor in mind by giving options and weighed out the pros and cons. Aside from that George who cashed me out was extremely patient and thorough, with explaining the membership and my questions pertaining to film quality. The impression I walked away with was extremely inviting, and I'll definitely come back to the store for my future camera needs. read more

Downtown Camera gets 3 stars in my books. I have been a customer of Downtown Camera for several years now, most of my business with them has been film developement, being that I am an avid medium format shooter. But if you are going to them to get film developed - just a warning that you should scan the film yourself, as the quality of the scans from DTC are not all that great -- blacks are muddy, and scans are so so. That being said, all of the sales guys at DTC are friendly, and I have gone in a few times for price inquiries. I haven't bought much gear there, as I have a sales guy that I deal with at another store in Scarborough, so DTC is not really the place I go to buy gear. Just a point about developing medium format --- Toronto Image Works is cheaper, and the quality of developement is the same, so in the past year I have switched to using TIW. read more

Came into the store looking to get a quote to repair my Nikon D3200 which I had dropped the day before but left with nothing but a great experience. Walking into the store I assumed I would be shelling out hundreds of dollars for a repair but thanks to the helpful staff that was not the case. One of the staff at the store took a look at my camera, tried it out and determined that both it and the lens were working fine. He said while there was a minor crack it was not that big of a deal, suggesting I place some epoxy in the crack and save myself hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs. He also fixed the strap so that it would never come off again. Thank you guys for not ripping me off when you could have very easily done so :) You are now my go-to store for cameras and camera accessories! read more

I called to ask a simple question about the developing and I get customer service jobs can be hectic at time but don't take it out on the next customer I got so much attitude from the guy that answered the phone , I will not be taking my business there especially since the store is not even ideal for driving or parking read more

I also am impressed with the great attitude and knowledge from the staff. One guy even recommend against buying some accessories because they could be made with readily available materials. Instead of buying expensive and heavy sand bags, you can just put books in a shopping bag and use those to weigh down your stands. Another time the girl didn't know the answer to a hard question, but referred me to fuji's direct support number for my series of camera. Turns out I already have an amazing service plan through them. These two experiences are typical of the quality customer service, knowledge and enthusiasm the staff there have for the craft and technology of photography at Downtown Camera. read more

As a recent transplant to TO, I was worried about finding the right shop to process and purchase film. THIS IS THE PLACE! Because I'm strictly a film photographer, I was looking to find a store that would offer great support in terms of my analog needs. I tried one other place in the city and was disappointed by their crappy customer service and the fact that they kept their film stock hidden away from view. Not at Downtown Camera. With a wall made of vintage cameras and a range of films right out in the open, I knew this was going to be a good fit. Not only do they have E6 outlab services, their turnaround time for film processed in-house is quick, and you can receive text or email updates to know when your film is ready. And they offer a punch card (for in-house developing only) to keep track of the film you've dropped off - once you've hit your ninth roll, your tenth is free! Seriously, if you are still shooting film, are only shooting film, or just getting into shooting film, this is your go-to lab and photo store! With so many places choosing to only cater to digital shooters and doing away with film processing altogether, we need to take care of the stores that are taking care of us! Make your film cameras happy, come into Downtown Camera! :) *UPDATE* As I've been taking more and more advantage of the film processing services at Downtown Camera, I've become aware of a few issues that I find problematic. Thus why I've felt the need to alter my original review. First, the customer service is very touch and go. Some days I go in, and it's fantastic. Other days, it's as if the person behind the counter is going through the motions. The assistance you receive is never consistent, and that's pretty much a bummer. Second, and even more disheartening, is the fact that next day film service at Downtown Camera is now three or even four days processing time, something that seemed to have started within the past month. I inquired about it possibly being due to a large influx of film to be processed, but the person behind the counter claimed that this was the norm. Not sure how next day can be advertised as such, but I do know that there are other film processing places in TO that will develop your film either that day or the very next day, dependent on how early in the morning you drop off, and that is their regular service. Just a few things to consider when assessing your film processing needs. read more

Went to henry's a few days ago to check out a camera. They didn't have it charged and were of no help to me. Went to downtown camera the next days and they gave excellent service. Downtown Camera greater than Henry's read more

My preferred camera store in Toronto, especially as an occasional film shooter, they have the best rates on town. Service has always been great (a few other places have impatient sales people) and they have a well stocked used camera section. read more

Came here for my passport photo on Wednesday morning. The services were excellent, the photographer was very patient, making sure my face and hair are perfect to meet the passport standard and requirements. read more

Very nice helpful honest sincere and professional staff particularly Daniel and Sheldon (and couple more), they are a Credit to the store

Had an urgent need for batteries for my camera, they delivered... thanks guys. I picked them up at the store enroute to the "competition"... :-) Henry's... I think someone scooped their business... Good one guys... :-) Positioning is everything... Do you have a pentax spotmatic in used stock??? I seem to recall they're built like a tank... My cameras: 1. Yashica DLR - not digital - dual lens - focus broke so I took it apart - and well...lost interest 2. TOPCON - Dad's - oops... I broke the shutter with a hard bounce from a camper trailer... I jumped out the back door of it, about 2 feet and the shutter broke... sorry Dad... I owe you one... Love your son Andrew... 3. Pentax Spotmatic - still have this one... banged bashed and 30 shutter speed screw fell out somehow... but hey I think it still works... J. call mom... it's in her house somewhere... bring it to me... 4. NIKON F601 - my baby... I have lenses (70-200) (50) (35-70), B+W/NIKON filters for all, and of course an SB-25... all I need is a 15-???mm and filter... Did you know there's a little hole in the wall food place right by you "Old Blue Cafe Eatery"... 5 stars on the tuna-pasta salad.. $5.00... and a coffee (youch-yum) for $2.00. "Old Blue Cafe Eatery" is located at 73 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Thanks. Hit the spot.. Andrew (c) Copyright 2017. Andrew M. Walduck. Associated Press. All rights reserved. read more

I went there a few days ago to ask some questions about my mom's old camera (a Canon AE-1). Great and friendly customer service, they were very patient with my amateur camera skills, and they considered my price range and offered me a roll of film that wasn't too expensive! I definitely recommend them, they have great staff and lots of different products. I'm probably going to continue getting my film and developing it here! read more

If you shoot film, you should visit. The staff is so friendly, lab services are well priced and turnaround times are very good. I've used them for hundreds of rolls and never had an issue. They have made a huge effort to cater to the film community over the past few years including stocking a huge selection of films (which includes a changing selection of rarely found/unusual ones), finding ways to process slide film when no one else in Toronto was doing it (outlab service), online checking of your lab order status, and discounts for regular users. They also have a great selection of digital photography stuff if that is what you are looking for. read more

Garbage. Don't ever shop here. Walk the extra steps to Henrys, who price match anyway and it is a much nicer store. Went to buy a dust blower. They had some no name japanese brand that was "on sale" for 13.99. I asked what the regular price was and was told the sale price is the ticketed price, they choose to sell it at the "sale price". So I said, ok then it's not on sale, this is just the regular price. It is misleading but I was prepared to buy it anyway. The manager (someone with an australian or similar accent) told me he could put me in touch with their marketing guy (no thanks) and proceeded to tell me he was "insulted" and some other nonsense about me raising an issue about a 13.99 item. Very rude. Apparently I am the first person to bring this issue up, which I find hard to believe. I went to Henrys. Got an Optex dust blower for 12.99, the regular ticketed price. MUCH more pleasant experience at Henrys. Sales reps are way better. Confirmed why I always shop there. I've walked into Downtown Camera multiple times but have never ended up purchasing anything there. Now I know why. Many items are more expensive than competitors (check for yourself). I'd give it negative stars if I could. Horrible. read more