Throughout my 4 years at UW The Camera Company (both East and West locations) aided remarkably in preserving my undergraduate memories. The sole service I utilized at both locations was film development. The staff at both locations were always friendly, and the stores had an efficient process for dropping off film and electronically stating what type of prints you wanted. The quality of the photos was always consistent and very high quality. I have since moved from Madison to Chicago, and I believe the company should open a new location here. I'm reminiscing on the ease and trust associated with film development that The Camera Company provided me, and I'm nervous to drop off my film camera with anyone else! I have provided photos to reference the quality. read more

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recently purchased a Nikon camera from Best Buy and, after having some trouble using it for the first time while on vacation in South Dakota, I stopped into the store for help. Tim went above and beyond. My boyfriend, John, and I were both incredibly impressed with Tim's character, professionalism, and knowledge. He never made me feel incompetent or embarrassed for asking questions. Instead, he took the time to look over my camera, showed me how to better care for it, introduced me to photography classes, and made it clear that he and his team are always available if I need help. What stood out even more was his integrity. Rather than speaking negatively about where I had purchased the camera, he simply focused on helping me succeed with the equipment I already had. That kind of customer service is becoming increasingly rare. In today's world, it's not often you find someone who genuinely cares about both the customer and the experience. Tim's patience, kindness, encouragement, and expertise turned what could have been a frustrating situation into an enjoyable one. Because of him, I'm excited to continue learning photography, and I know exactly where I'll go when I need advice or my next piece of camera equipment. Thank you, Tim, for reminding us what outstanding customer service looks like. You made a lasting impression, and you've earned customers for life. read more

We were passing through town and saw this location and my son is really into cameras. We stopped and liked the selection of new and used items. They also have rental items which is great to test a camera and make sure you like it... I actually found a camera there also to add to my digital shooting. Nothing fancy but great price and we know the D40. The employees were and knowledgeable and very friendly. All of them were willing to help and no body ignored my son due to he is younger. They all talked to him respectfully and like he was another adult.. I was very impressed and respect this location more because of this. Thanks for the great experience and hope to use more of your services and advancing our cameras. read more

The Camera Company - The used D40 - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Went for fingerprinting. Was pleasantly surprised by how nice it is. All the employees were super nice and helpful. It seemed that they are really honest also. The print printing was super quick! The store was very organized and had a great selection. read more

The Camera Company - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

They were so nice when I went! They also said it would take around 3 weeks for my film to develop and it literally took like 1 week ANDDDD the film was fabulous (better than other places I have taken it to.) Highly recommend! read more

I was on vacation visiting my best friend for the last two weeks, and she suggested we stop and go into this store because she knows how much I love camera gear and photography. We stepped in and the first thing I saw was a "used gear" cabinet with a bunch of cameras in it, and in the midst of it, a perfect condition Fujifilm X100V. I had been wanting to get an X100V for the last 6 months or so, and tried to get one for my birthday but they were back ordered everywhere I looked due to the chip shortage. This very nice employee named Tim took the camera out and let me play around with it. I had a lot of fun talking about Fujifilm camera gear with him, and ended up putting down a deposit on the X100V. I came back a week later and picked it up. This was such a lucky find and such a pleasant experience. Made my trip here one of the best I had. read more

The Camera Company - Fujifilm X100V - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This review is specifically about their passport photo service for US passports (they can do photos for other countries too). Came in on a Saturday, and although all four sales associates were busy when I arrived, I was quickly served (less than 5 minutes). The associate directed me to their setup in the back of the store where he quickly took a professional quality photo, printed it out, emailed me the photo (for additional fee) and had me on my way for a dollar less than the pharmacy I had previously used. The dimensions of the photo were exact, unlike the pharmacy which produced a photos that were about 1/16 of an inch too small. This matters when you are dealing with bureaucrats that are looking for reasons to reject your application. The dimensions of the head, color of the skin and other esoteric minutiae met regulations and I am confident I will have no problem with my renewal due to the photo. I'll update this if that doesn't turn out to be true. Kudos to Camera Company! read more

I wanted to support my local business instead of shopping at Amazon, so I decided I'd go to the Camera Company I went to go purchase a new camera body from them, and we agreed that I would purchase a mediocre adaptor with the understanding that they would exchange this mediocre adapter with a necessary better adapter within a few days. Almost a week later, I called and asked about the part, and the person on the phone had no idea. After 3 additional calls, they finally they had no control of when the order would arrive, and it could take weeks if not months. This contradicted what their salesman, Tim, had told me. Had I not called and inquired, my refund period would have passed and I would have been stuck with a mediocre adapter. Tomorrow I have to go and return this order, and I'm sadly ordering it online--and the online shops like Adorama and even Amazon have better bundles and deals. I really wanted to be believe in shopping locally, but they have sadly disappointed me. read more

Camera Company has been doing my photo printing and film developing for almost twenty years. I've also purchased a number of cameras, lenses and accessories from their stores. Their owners, Ward and Ed and all of their employees treat me like a valued customer every time I walk in. I've had my photography on display at the Overture Center for the Arts and Whole Foods on University Avenue, in Madison. Camera Company's expert printers made the prints for both of my shows, some of them as large as 24" x 36". Each year I photograph the University Avenue Holiday Lights and the volunteers who make the lights possible. Jack Kammer, DDS asked me to photograph his trees at his office Christmas party in December of 2007. I shot three 36exp. rolls of Fuji 100ASA film while photographing his trees that winter and the Camera Company processed each one. I showed Jack dozens of prints that winter, each of them printed by the Camera Company. Jack told me "That's the best photograph of my trees, ever" (about one of my photographs). The image on the cover of his book, "The Story of the University Avenue Holiday Lights" is based on that photograph. Jack's son, Chris Kammer DDS regularly uses my photography and cards to promote the lights. On the back of each of my cards are the words: "Photography by Jon Pfeiffer Printing by Camera Company" Tim Erickson has been working at the Odana Rd. store as long as I can remember. Nobody else cleans the sensor on my trusty Canon EOS. I live twenty miles outside of Madison now, but still go to Camera Company to have my photographs printed. read more

The Camera Company - My photograph of Jack Kammer's lights, taken on 12-27-07. The image on the cover of his book is based on this photograph. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I need a new camera and wanted to give my business to someone local rather than shopping online or at one of the big box stores. I went in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday and there appeared to be three people working. Each was helping a customer when I came in. Cool. I'll just take a look at the specs of the cameras while I wait to see if I can narrow it down. Hmmm....only a handful of the cameras in the case had a spec card on them and they weren't the type I was looking for. With nothing to look at, I just hung out at the counter, trying not to feel like a tool. Then I realized that no one had so much as nodded at me since I had come into the store. I didn't expect them to come running to help me; they were busy. But no one likes to feel ignored. It was obvious that I wasn't just browsing for fun. It was clear I was there to look at something in the case and was waiting to be helped. It would take 2 seconds for one of the employees to glance at me, possibly give a half-a$$ed smile, and say something to the effect of "I'll be right with you." Yay! I'd at least know that someone was aware that I was in the store! I don't want to jump to conclusions, because the employees were maybe just poorly trained or all having a bad day, but was it possible I was being ignored because of my appearance? I couldn't help but wonder as I finally gave up and left. Maybe I'll try the East side store. read more

I have had nothing but good experiences here. First time I stopped in I wanted to get a tripod for my camera. The place was rather busy so I looked at tripods on my own, and soon enough somebody got done with the customer they were with and came over to offer assistance. Fantastic. I told the gentleman what I wanted to do with the tripod and where I was taking it and he suggested a few of the collapsible models specifically designed to be compact for hiking/biking. These weren't the most expensive models they had, just the ones that would best suit my purposes. Precisely the sort of customer service I was looking for. The next trip was because I had dirt/dust on my sensor so every picture I took had a dark blob on it. Again I waited a few minutes because everybody was busy with other customers. Not being somebody who simply MUST be acknowledged and immediately served upon entry, I patiently waited for assistance. It didn't take long, and the gentleman who offered help needed to get the repair guy to help me. I was then told that a sensor cleaning costs $50. Fine. If I don't have splotches on my pictures anymore, I can live with it. The repair tech (not sure if that's his title or not) instead blew out the camera, showed me how to do it, and instead sold me a proper cleaning kit for $15 or so saving me $35 on the spot. I can work with that. Absolutely fantastic customer service. read more

I miss the days when, if a business screwed up your order, it didn't charge you for the job, but integrity and accountability have become less and less important in affairs of business. I was told it would take roughly 10 days to do film transfers of family Super 8 and 16 millimeter films to DVD I was having done for my mother's 91st birthday. It took 3 weeks for the Super 8's - and as an apology I was given 20% off on that half of my order - but seeing as the whole family had flown to Madison for my mother's birthday and the intention was to give her the film's for her birthday, it didn't really matter to me. I have no way of knowing when the 16 millimeters were done because they never called to tell us they were in, but at some point after we all left Madison, they got done. We've got another 30 or so cans of film to transfer, but I sure won't be bringing them here. read more

So I go here a lot to simply look around and feel out cameras. I don't generally buy things here because you can get most of their products for a lot cheaper on places like Amazon, which I sort of feel guilty about. The selection is good, and there are usually plenty of employees so that each customer is taken care of by one employee during their entire visit. They are really patient about letting you play with the cameras and feel them out. I definitely think buying a camera is comparable to Harry Potter's wand buying experience. Just as the wand chooses the wizard, the camera definitely chooses the photographer in my experience, and the Camera Company gives you time to figure out what works best for you, which you obviously don't get if you are shopping online. More often than not, I have found that although all of the employees are very friendly, most of them are not able to talk to a novice photographer in ways that they will be able to understand. There is one exception: a man named Ray who works there. He was so incredibly friendly and helpful, he dumbed things down to my level without making me feel like an idiot. He was very honest with me about what to not waste extra money on and the differences between similar products. If my only experience at this store was with Ray, I would have given the store 5 stars. With him, I felt very confident that if I had any issues with my camera, or just needed some general help understanding it, I could stop in and get some hands-on help from him. read more

I went in to The Camera Co to buy a camera for a photography glass. I've always wanted a Canon Rebel, so I found a knowledgeable person, David, to answer all my questions. He is an experienced photographer and was very helpful in the buying decision, offering lots of info on the features of the cameras, lenses and camera bags. I could have bought this camera for cheaper from Amazon but I like to support our local businesses. And I like knowing I can go back with questions and take advantage of their classes. Feeling great about my decision, so no buyers remorse! I have also have large photos printed here and framed. Excellent staff, service and pricing! read more

Went here to get a passport picture and had a good experience. The staff seem nice and attentive. Although I was only there for a picture, the store seemed to have a very large selection of camera equipment. Would recommend. read more

I have purchased cameras and done on-line photo work through The Camera Company on Odana Road since 2006. I would not go anywhere else. I started as a novice and they have helped me develop into a photographer. I have purchased three cameras through them for myself and two for family members. I have the cognitive changes of early Alzheimer's so my photography needs to remain a therapy, enjoyable, and creative. Each staffperson there takes the time to understand my needs, and even the rough terrain where I take photos. Their advice is outstanding... I thank them for being there. read more

We are so lucky in the days of online shopping to have this gem in Madison. I decided to take up photography last year as a hobby when my kids all left the nest. I walked into the Camera Company on the far west side and met with Dave Anderson. I told him I had experience with iPhone photography and had a Canon from many many years ago but only used the auto settings and really had no idea what I was doing. That said I was committed to put some time in to learn. Dave recommended the Canon 80D to me saying that it was a camera a beginner could use but would have the ability to grow with me. He set me up with the body and asked me questions about what I was going to take pictures of and he helped me pick my first lens. Since that time I have taken a few Camera Company classes, gone to some of the free seminars, and been on a few really fun outings with the "other" Dave Fiala from the Eastside store. Every time I have been in for things like a Tri-Pod or a different lens, even memory cards (there are BIG difference) the staff at all three locations always ask me questions about things I haven't even considered before offering suggestions. Ive had my Camera now for a full year and it has grown with me and there are still more things to learn and master. I have a wonderful hobby that has me finding beauty all around me even in the most mundane places. I have found many supportive mentors and always have the wonderful staff at the Camera Company to help me with any road blocks to my learning curve. Thanks especially to Dave Anderson, Dave Fiala, and Keith for all your expert help this last year! read more

I was referred to The Camera Company by my photographer friend. I went there today to have my lenses calibrated. I traveled all the way from Lake Geneva with my two kids (quite a trip) and really had to have my equipment back the same day, not only because of long travel with my monkeys, but also because I have sessions scheduled this weekend. Tim was SO amazing!!! Professional and so accomodating!!! From making an appointment to drop off and pick up it was a wonderful experience! Not only he calibrated everything, he also fixed my stuck-on lens hood and dusted camera's sensor. He also showed me few new tricks when it comes to holding, storing and operating my favorite 200mm. He was so patient, knowledable and easy to talk to. He really cares about his clients! I will be back and I'll bring more people in! Thank you so much for all your hard work, Tim!!! It does not go unnoticed!!! read more

I'm very impressed with this store. I stopped in to ask questions about sports photography (particularly basketball) and the gentlemen in the store was incredibly helpful. He sat down with me and explained things really well in detail and was very willing to answer my questions and elaborate. I will be a loyal customer at this store! He also noticed a wobble in my lens and tightened the screws in it, potentially saving me from a damaged lens. read more

I bought a camera strap here. One of the sales guys showed me how to use it. I like it, it seems to work well. I am a little disappointed that this company doesn't stock any Olympus products (what I use). I had hoped to pick up a new lens here, but they only carry used Olympus lenses, and their stock constantly changes. I hoped to support a local business, but was unable. read more

I recently went to their Odana location on the west side and was absolutely impressed with how they conducted their business and interacted with customers. Even though the store was fairly busy, they seemed to have a great attitude and demeanor and helped everyone the best they could, which was impressive with how many people were there. It's not easy to keep up with all of that stuff, but they seemed to handle it very well. Overall, with just the little interaction I've had(only been there twice now, but that will change from now on), the staff is always cheerful and more than wiling to help with any questions you might have. One employee in particular is my go to guy for anything camera related from now on. Even though I wasn't spending a large sum of money, he went out of his way to make sure I knew exactly what I was getting before purchasing. He even went above and beyond to go to the pet store just down the strip mall so I could test how the pictures would look inside of an aquarium, since I primarily take macro coral pictures. They have an actual passion and admiration for anything related to photography and camera equipment, which is what you absolutely need if you're going to be getting into photography. Yes, of course it was a bit more expensive than other places online or the like. But the way I look at it, is that if you're going to be spending any sort of a reasonable amount on your camera gear, you need to be educated on what is actually going to work instead of someone who only cares about a sale. The knowledge they have tought me(and hopefully more) is well worth the piece of mind and extra money spent to support the locals. If I could, I would have rated it ten stars, but I cannot. That is my only complaint, and that's from yelp. read more

My refund was applied to my credit card. Unsure why it took two days longer than they said but it was applied. So that is good. End of story. read more

I had no knowledge of cameras, I just needed something better than the one we currently had. I left Best Buy with too many questions than they could answer and a friend recommended this business. The sales associate took alot of time with us to find the right camera and equipment. Skip the big boxes and go here. read more

I went in to find a frame, and ended up looking at their used Canon lenses. I did some research that night, found a lower price online, and made a deal the next day--they matched my price. In short, the service was excellent and the print quality and prices were a good value (with online ordering). This location seems to have more used equipment and has more printing services than the location on East Washington. read more

For a Christmas present, I needed an old photo copied. It was an unusual size so it could not just be reproduced on a regular scanner. They were able to reproduce the size and color to my exact specifications, within 5 minutes, and much cheaper than other photo stores. The staff was friendly and quick and knowledgeable. I would definitely go back. read more

Every time we're here it's somehow really hard to get prints. I don't know anything about cameras, but I guess they have good equipment for sale. Sales people are always friendly but they seem to have hard time ordering prints from their software too. Note to self: save pics I want to a usb drive and bring that in. The people here say it's easy to order prints from home but we've never had luck with that either. So we're back today struggling along trying to print some pictures. It takes FOREVER and is VERY frustrating. read more

About 7 years ago while shopping here, one of the salesmen, Tim and I were talking and I made an off hand comment about purchasing it cheaper off of Amazon. Since then, 7 years later I have had issues with returning any items to the store. I have bought two lenses, a flash, rented a couple of lenses, lens and body caps and many other products. I have spent plenty of money at this store but because I made a comment, I have been "black listed" and can no longer return items to the store. I have never been treated like this at a before and I find this to be extremely unprofessional! I will never purchase anything from the Camera Company again! Terribly disappointed! read more

The Camera Company is my go to source for camera equipment. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Dave is fantastic! He will never lead you the wrong way and is very helpful when it comes to buying what you really need. He's honest and doesn't try to make you purchase unnecessary equipment. read more

I purchased a point and shoot camera here for an upcoming trip, it was ten dollars more here than online, but the personal service and having someone explain the differences between three cameras for me was worth that ten bucks. read more

Wonderful! My sister who is a professional photographer recommended this store. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about photography equipment. I brought in my little camera and they cleaned my lens for free! I appreciate great service like that. I was thrilled to find a unique camera bag that I couldn't find online. I hope they open a store in Milwaukee. read more

Best quality photo prints I've found! The Wisconsin prints website has issues at times, which is annoying, but worth the quality of prints I get. read more

What do I need to do to get good customer service..... All I wanted was for someone to sell me a lens, I've been there several times and I have never been treated so poorly!(FYI I still didn't get a lens) When the guy goes over to another employee regarding the customer next to me and says "must be stupid question day" you know you are in the wrong place. 3 strikes and you're out! read more

After being extremely disappointed with another company that couldn't fulfill my Christmas order I thought all hope of getting the items I needed was gone. They were sold out everywhere. I found the camera company online and they advertised that they still had what I wanted in stock. I emailed three employees to verify that that did indeed have them in stock. Within minutes all of them emailed me back to let me know that they had them and would happily put them on hold for me. I placed my order and they had it ready when UPS came to pick up 30 minutes later. Not only did they save the day, but I had my order in 48hrs and I live across the country. Their customer service is unbeatable and I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks again for saving our Christmas! read more

I bought my first telephoto lens here (used), only to have a switch fall off three days later. Brought it back during the 10 day return window and got a new lens no problem. Unfortunately, something would go wrong with that lens as well, a couple months later. I brought it back to have it looked at, and the best guess was something went wrong with the aperture controls, despite the lens looking like new. Since it was used, the year-long warranty offered by The Camera Company didn't apply, and repairs would be at my expense. I was at a loss, not being able to afford the repair costs at the moment. I was floored when the associate came back after conferring in the back room and told me they would just swap the lens for a working one, no charge! That was above and beyond what I could've hoped for. Not only did I get my lens "fixed" but I didn't have to miss having it on an upcoming trip because of this. I have always been very pleased with how welcoming and helpful the staff here are, but I never would have expected them to be so generous; I'm sure they lost money on the deal, but they certainly did keep a customer. read more

I needed digital camera instructions regarding deleting photos from a full memory card, which my friends did not know how to do. Sure, maybe it's a pretty simple process, and I could have Googled it, but was not in the mood for that frustration. One of the employees there was not only knowledgable, and able to talk me through the process with ease, but he was very polite and patient, and gave me the time I needed to make sure it worked. And this was on the phone! Note: I had not purchased this camera from the Camera Company. During the call, there was NO pressure to come in and buy anything. read more

We purchased a Fuji waterproof camera from here. We used the camera twice while on vacation. Once snorkeling and the second time tubing down a lazy river. The camera broke. So we thought, no big deal we just got a dud camera. We took it back to the store and after a month were told we could pay $180 to get the camera fixed. Huh? Fuji won't even talk to us since the Camera Co submitted the information on our camera and the Camera Co won't help us at all unless we want to buy another camera from them or pay them to fix our old one. Be careful of these guys! read more

Today I stopped in by the East Towne store for some advice on which camera to buy (Canon T2i vs Nikon D90). I spoke with an older gentleman around in his 50's with grey hair who appeared to be the manager. After consulting with him for about 10 minutes, I asked him if they offered financing. He replied no and I responded back saying that it was unfortunate because now I would have to buy it at BestBuy. He then suddenly he lost all interest in helping me, looked directly his watch and said, "Look at the time" and placed the camera back on the shelf and locked the glass window while his back was turned to me. I was stunned to see such poor and disrespectful customer service! In my effort to desperately correct the awkward situation, I asked him about their camera bags. Without an apology or an explanation as to why he's leaving, he said he'll find someone else to assist me. I was the only customer in the store. As he went to the back room to find the other worker, I left the store. To be fair to him, the man was very knowledgeable about cameras and lenses. However, once he knew I would not be able to purchase the camera, I was ignored. Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY NOT because no one deserves to be treated like that. The west Camera Co. store has more staff working up front and their customer service is much more friendly, so check out that store instead. read more

This place could be five stars or one, depending on who you get behind the counter. Last time I went in, the salesman made various comments aimed at getting me to upgrade my camera, then sold me an SDHC card that I knew at the time was too expensive but didn't have the presence of mind to walk away from, because I wasn't sure my camera would read other 32s, he'd opened the package, and I was short on time. I ended up paying $75 for a Pro Master Rugged SDHC 32 GB card that can be had for $50 online. (Originally it was going to be $80-something. I blanched, and he knocked it down, saying, "Nice guy, eh?") Plus, I fear this card was way more than I needed. My camera body is a D-40. (He knew I wasn't a pro. He asked if I knew I had to format the card.) I let it all happen, but as I thought through it all later, it ticked me off. On the other hand, the time before this one, I had a lovely young man who asked all the right questions, sold me a hood for $10, and cleaned the lens. He made me happy I went in there. I would have given the place 5 stars that day. The other guy made me never want to go in there again. I have no idea how the place is set up, but it feels a little bit like a car dealership sometimes. You might get a nice, informative, neutral person who really helps. You might get somebody who's out to sell sell sell. If you know a lot, you're surely safe. If you don't, like yours truly, you want to get that young man. read more

I went in to buy a step up from the basic point and shoot digtal. Have an older DSL so know a bit about cameras. Arrived and salesman David C asked me what i wanted before i even got to look in the case display. I asked to see what they had and features available. He was very insistent on a quick sale, did not show me the lineup of cameras they had displayed. He asked me what I wanted, as if i should know prior to shopping the store. I was shown one camera, and it was a take it or leave it type presentation. I went on the internet and researched cameras... I would never go back to Camera Company for a camera, case, or additional lenses because they are significantly higher in price than any of the internet stores i viewed. I would buy small items like memory cards, batteries etc that i may not want to wait for mail delivery. However BE CERTAIN you know what you want by researching current camera and lens models BEFORE going in their door. The store has many accessories and the sales staff lets on browse accessories independently and at leisure, but approach the camera display counter and it is quick sale time! Apparently they want to process people through the store as fast as possible, or more likely commission sales on high ticket items. A shame because I tend to purchase locally when possible. read more

I bought a camera battery from the east side location last year. This May, the night before leaving on an epic road trip to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, I discovered my camera wasn't working. I charged the battery; still nothing. I didn't know if it was the battery or the camera itself (it's an 11-year-old Nikon). I decided to bring my camera along on the trip anyway as we thought we could stop at a camera store in Breckenridge, Colorado. As luck would have it, we ended up leaving a bit later than expected the next morning and found ourselves near the Odana Road location 10 minutes before they opened (at 10 a.m. on a Sunday! Most places open at 11 a.m. or noon on a Sunday). The wonderful gentleman who helped me popped in a new battery and the camera worked. He tested the old one and declared it a bum battery ... and gave me a new one gratis. We were on our way within 15 minutes of opening. Excellent customer service!! read more