Pro Camera is a bit of an unconventional camera/photo store because it's really a small retail storefront, behind which the main business is focused on camera repair. In the retail part you can buy a small to medium selection of film/digital cameras and supplies, but it's not the place to go for rack after rack of all the latest brands and models. They do have current offerings from a selection of digital brands for which they are dealers, but it's not huge. For film photographers like myself, again, they have a decent selection of film in various formats, but it's not as extensive as you'll find in larger stores. I try to buy my film from them when I can, because their pricing is the same as I can get anywhere and I want to support the small businesses that film photography absolutely depends on. The biggest threat to film photography's survival is the giant online retailers. Beyond the somewhat limited modern digital camera/lens selection, Pro Camera is one of the very few places you can buy expertly serviced film-era equipment or get your own properly serviced. I see on some of the other reviews people are complaining about pricing; well, in this area, you truly do get what you pay for. If you want a cheap film camera, go ahead and eBay it, but if you want a camera that will work properly and perform to factory specification for any length of time, the equipment at Pro Camera is a very smart investment. All the film cameras on their shelves in-store are expertly serviced, tested with very specialized instruments, and film-tested. In most film camera stores, little has been done other than a wipe-down and wind-and-click testing. Rarely does any store do professional testing with dedicated instrumentation; film-testing is pretty much unheard-of. Pro Camera is exceptional in this regard. By the way, the selection on their website is much smaller than in-store. I don't know why; I think it would be smart of them to offer all their gear for online purchase, but that's just me. The team behind the scenes at Pro Camera are world-class at servicing film cameras; it is rapidly becoming harder to find anyone even somewhat competent at this, and that makes it all the more extraordinary that they are playing a long-game and actually investing in expanding the number of technicians they have. I do camera repair myself and, as most camera repair technicians have done, I have sent my own equipment to a variety of others for repair. There's literally no one better than Pro Camera. And this brings me to my next point, the wait to get a camera serviced can be very long. That is a testament to how highly regarded Pro Camera's repair service is, among those who know the industry. So be prepared to pay what it's worth, and wait for it to take the time it's going to take, but getting it done right is worth it. read more

I want to support a local shop but with the prices and selection honestly you're better just ordering stuff online.

Very helpful, good selection. If they don't have what you need, they'll gladly help you find out who does! I've been going for a few months while I get my Voigtländer in order- they're very friendly and approachable, and helped me get off the ground, since I didn't know anything at first. read more

Have been to a few camera shops around the world. Pleasantly surprised with the decor, curated used collection, and service from employees who are experienced photographers themselves. Bought a 60-year old Leica refurbished with great thoroughness by store's co-owner (https://www.rj-repairs.com/). Happy to have discovered this shop while in town for travel. read more

Since I'm not seeing any recent reviews... I'll throw one in there... I think this place has gone down hill, especially ever since they moved location. Many of the items they sell are listed 2x the price of Amazon or B&H. It's actually a rip off lol. Real sad cause they're like the only shop in town, but looks like I'll only develop film here and not buy actual equipment anymore. Seriously price check their stuff yourself before you buy anything, online is guaranteed to be cheaper. Hasn't just happened to me either. read more

I was referred to ProCamera by District Camera in Washington, DC. I called and spoke with someone who informed me that yes, the could work on my 1950s film SLR. Not wanting to have this old camera lost or damaged, I made the 3-hour drive to Charlottesville and dropped off the camera. I was informed they were extremely busy but I had no issue with that - WHENEVER they could look at it and make repairs and adjustments was fine with me. Looking at the info written in their system on the day I left it, the order said, "Make sure it's in good working order." It took about 2 months for the camera to get to a tech, and I was told the loose lens had been resolved, proper shutter function was confirmed, they'd done a full cleaning, and taken test shots. The store called and said the camera was finished and I could come and get it. SOOO, I drove the 6-hour round trip again to pick it up. Next stop was the Camera Museum in Staunton, VA and I was crushed to be told the camera had not been completely fixed - the focusing knobs were very stiff when they should be smooth, and to prove it, I was shown a like camera and tried it myself. I immediately called ProCamera and after many excuses (tech was out), they called me back 5 hours later to say the tech had noticed the problem but since I didn't specifically say the focusing knobs were a problem, he left the dial as it were. WHY? Answer: they didn't want to charge me another $135 to fix the problem. WHY DIDN"T YOU CALL AND ASK ME? i wondered. Very unsatisfactory excuses including maybe they were busy that day. SERIOUSLY? My instructions, verified from the paperwork they provided, was to make sure the camera was in good working order. Having the focusing knob stiff is not good working order and, in fact will only get worse over time. So now I'm forced with either making 2 more round trips to Charlottesville (6 hours each time) to have the repair finished, or find another camera repair shop that can work on 1950s cameras. I gave 3 stars only because what was done seems to have been done well, but am INCREDIBLY disappointing with the piss-poor tech service, so unless I cannot find another camera repair shop, I will not be returning to ProCamera and neither should you. read more

Pro Camera has helped me solve TWO issues with my camera this spring. Their staff are so eager and willing to help. In my first visit, I thought that my camera needed a sensor cleaning, but with their help, I learned that all I needed was an air blower to remove some dust from the mirror and a good lens wipe down. Pro Camera is the place to go for knowledgeable, friendly staff. Thanks, y'all! read more

The folks at Pro Camera are quite helpful. I've used them before for some prints to hang gallery style and the quality is great. Where they shine is in the service quality and attention to detail. I am far from a seasoned camera user, but they helped me identify one suitable for my wants (phone camera is a potato so I needed something for travel). Since I am wont to have things go wrong, it's also nice to know they have an excellent in-house repair service which, while I hope I won't need to use it, I am otherwise reassured it's there if needed. Check them out! Friendliest camera folks I know. read more

Love this local business! Great service and expert quality repairs. The staff is so friendly and welcoming! I hear they even have free coffee now. The business atmosphere and service has improved since new ownership. Can't recommend it enough! read more

Bill the owner is a kind and knowledgeable person. The prices are good for a retail store in this area. read more

Pro Camera - Store front - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I've only been to Pro camera 3 times, but they are patient, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful! I had a horrible experience with Nikon service center, so I was hoping for the best when I decided to try Pro Camera and I'm so happy I did! They worked with me today until we could get the best results. I am so thankful for their help! I'll be back! read more

I've only ever experienced friendly service at Pro Camera. As an undergrad at UVa I took a couple photography courses, and they have a deal with Pro Camera for discounted rates for processing film which is quite nice. Even if you're not a student, their film prices are reasonable if you buy in bricks, and processing and printing 2 rolls of 35mm film ends up being $28 if you process and print them all at the same time. Their processing and printing is pretty fast (usually no longer than a day or two depending on their store hours and when you bring it in), and they'll call when they're done with everything so you know when to pick it up. You can also ask for scans on a CD instead of prints if you want to do color correction, etc, yourself. Lots of super cool cameras (analog and digital) around to look at, and they also sell photo paper, sleeves, developing chemicals, gloves, spotting brushes and ink...basically most things you might need in and out of the darkroom. A necessity in Charlottesville for photography buffs, and they do it quite well! read more

Very professional and kind staff. They helped my husband with a lens repair quickly.

What a disappointing experience this was. I walked into the store with the clerk (or manger) simply looking at me : "no hello or can I help you" I told him my camera was not taking sharp photos anymore and wondered if he could look at it. I told him I had been in a year back and another guy made a simple adjustment. That guy is no longer there. I think he took their customer service and friendliness with him. The present clerk said they did not do that anymore. I asked if he could send the camera out for service. He said they didn't do that anymore. I asked what I could do. He said I could think of a newer model . Through all of this all, he used the least number of words possible to answer or explain. To say he bordered on curt is to not say enough. As I walked out the door, with my back to him, I heard him say "Thanks for stopping in" I left snd went to another camera store with great customer service, helpful, friendly personnel who fixed my problem without charge. I would never go back to Pro Camera for any reason read more

I am a professional photographer with 40 years experience. I've had several different long-term buy/sell & repair experiences in that time. Bill Moretz may be the best and most experienced on-site photographic repair technician I've ever met. His expertise and abilities as a problem-solver are first-rate. Bill's personal & professional photography is excellent. This is very important because he instinctively knows what works to improve image quality and what doesn't. He's my Go-To Guy. If you give Bill Moretz a problem to solve, he either solves it himself or gives it to a staff member. He knows how and where to get real-world answers and solutions. I have trusted Bill with purchases and sales of Film, Polaroid & Leica/Canon Cameras & Lenses, Lighting Equipment, Tripods & NUMEROUS accessories. He is always most fair and he never lets me down. His encouragement during my transition to Fine Art Digital Photography has been nothing less than crucial to my image success in this arena. Not really sure of the underlying issues expressed in the negative reviews by others at this site, but I would be willing to wager that at least one complaint was written by a person with emotional issues that are difficult for most people to spell and pronounce. Top professionals from near and far depend on Bill Moretz and his very professional staff to assist them with rentals, purchases and repairs. Always trust your equipment & image quality issues to professionals. Bill Moretz & the staff at ProCamera are those professionals. That's why I rate them 5 Stars. (And no, Bill did NOT ask me to write this, nor will he give me a discount for it!) Doc Chapman, Harrisonburg Virginia (Retired Fortune 500-Corporate/Industrial/Advertising Photographer - now Fine Artist) read more

Why this store doesn't get stellar reviews is beyond me. I stopped while on a trip to pick up a camera and had the nicest experience. A very knowledgeable gentleman talked to me for a while and gave me great advice. A nice selection of used cameras too for anyone who is into that sort of thing. read more

Had a radio fixed here and its plaied better now then when my dad first gave it to me

Submitted a batch of about 60 35mm slides for them to digitize. When I called to follow up on the order about 2 weeks later, they said that they had lost them--very disturbing news to me, since the slides contained old family photos, though thankfully someone found the slides about 3-4 hours later. After finally picking up the order, I was going through the digital files at home and was further disappointed to see that several were poorly done--heads or arms were cut off, scans were blurry, etc. The next time I need old photos or slides digitized, I'll try somewhere else! read more

Have had several repairs done by Bill, all with great success. Bill is the best and he's extremely affordable too.

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. The employee there obviously made assumptions about me and treated me as if I were an idiot. At one point even told me how to do a google search.....are you kidding me? This place was stuck up when I was in high school, but I figured that was just because I was young. Now, 15 years later, I tried to give them another chance. Their entire demeanor was condescending and patronizing. I just received an endowment from my job to spend 100k on camera equipment and I went there thinking they would be knowledgeable and a good business to start a relationship with. WRONG! If you live in Charlottesville, go to Richmond Camera or Crutchfield. The people there treat you like a human being and are thankful for your business. If all the camera shops in Charlottesville go bankrupt, I'd buy online before stepping foot in there again. I hope you all work on commission, cause I half way want to go back in there with all my crutchfield camera bodies and lenses and tell you what a mistake you made...pretty woman style! Assholes. read more

Awesome service! They saved my vintage camera (at a reasonable cost) after it crashed to the ground. So thankful!

I felt really taken advantage of....It took them two months to get back to me about cost for repair and they said that Tamron was going to charge me $500 to repair it. I said no way! I then called Tamron and asked them why it was going to be so high...they told me that they don't do repairs that expensive. She ended up telling me that the cost was going to be a little more than half of what pro camera was charging me. so they were charging me the price of the manufacturer repair, plus $20 shipping, plus $125 which was the estimated in-house repair. They did not put in the work and were two months late with getting me my lens and they still expect me to pay that price. I told them no, and then they said, well we'll still charge you shipping. I said no and that is when the guy who works the front was really rude to me on the phone. Said, "in your universe you don't think you should pay shipping?" and I said not when I'm being taken advantage of. He proceeded to be rude to me until I asked to speak with the owner, who was nicer, but still avoided the fact they were charging me the $125 fee that they did not work for. read more

Repaired two vintage 120 cameras, flawlessly (Mamiya C33 & Fuji GS645S). Excellent work! Great communication about both jobs, fair pricing. Bill Moretz is a true craftsman -- and a really nice guy. read more

Save yourself time, money and aggravation. I've had few camera's serviced here and got them back with light leaks, "repaired" but untested and same problems present, issues clearly stated on the repair slip "overlooked", and so on... Just my 2 cents. read more

I have visited this store, twice.. The first time I just thought I caught someone on a bad day.. The second time I came to immediately feel like the guy thought I was an idiot and wasn't interested in taking the time to explain something to me.. It's crazy.. I HAD CASH MONEY and was ready to buy.. He was so rude, I went down the street to Richmond Camera.. There -- I was courteously educated on the product I was interested in.. I ended up spending more -- because I came to understand what was needed -- thru such courteous service.. I won't go back to Pro Camera again.. read more