The Camera Exchange in San Antonio is hands-down the best camera shop I've ever walked into. The staff here is unbelievably helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you're a complete novice who barely knows how a camera works or a seasoned photographer looking for the perfect upgrade, they meet you exactly where you are--no ego, no pressure, no fluff. Their used equipment selection is fantastic, and the prices are honestly some of the best you'll find. Everything is clearly explained, tested, and in great condition. What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff. They take their time, listen to what you actually need, and guide you toward the right gear without upselling or overwhelming you. If you want a shop where you can ask questions, learn something, and walk out with exactly what you need (and at a great price), this is the place. Highly recommend! read more

I've been a customer here since well, the 90s. Back in the day it was recommended to me by Mr McBride, a Photo Prof from SAC. #iykyk I've since become a professional photographer for the military, but when I need something I enjoy stopping by & picking up a piece here. I do miss being able to get my dark room supplies here. Oh dark room days. I need to set up a new one, I still shoot analog. (Gosh that.word feels so old. ) The reason for four stars is the way in which the girl greeted me vs the man right behind me. Yes, I noticed. But, the gentleman that assisted me apparently did too. It was a quick & simple sale. I walked in knowing precisely what I needed. I've been shooting for 52 years, I know my stuff. Walked in & out in under 10 minutes & spent $74 on one item & a really neato battery for my D800, my play camera. I had grabbed the Nikon brand, but he showed me the one I got because it charges, the battery itself, via USB. SOLD! I already have extras, so this is my OCD, gotta have it extra. I appreciated him showing me this new shiny new fangled must have. I walked out a happy girl. Time to go click the shutter. The fact that this city is as big as it is, & this is still our only camera store - I'm still so thankful they're here. Most of their employees are exceptional, there's always one. Meh. Don't let em ruin your day. read more

The Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Terrible customer service. Try calling and asking for something and you'll be met with the most disappointingly disrespectful service that hangs up on you before you're done speaking. read more

Camera Exchange is a solid local photography shop with a good selection and knowledgeable staff. They have a huge selection of photography focused backpacks and tripods, and as you'd expect, a lot of cameras, too. New and used gear is offered for sale. You can rent gear in the back just in front of their in house studio room. They also offer classes and events which are great for anyone interested in photography. The store does get busy on weekends and you may find yourself waiting a while for help. While the selection is big for San Antonio, it's not as extensive as you'd find at stores in other major cities, but being able to interact with at least some products is helpful. Overall a solid shop, will return. read more

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Great store but website has been messed up for months. They know they dont seem to care

I took a a73 there and they offered me $600 for the camera I paid $2,300 brand new for that camera with a lens that I paid a additional $350 and I had another lens I paid $1,250 for and they offered me $900 for all three items not even worth it low balling at its finest read more

The manager here is wildly uninformed of prior purchases. If the manager actually reviewed the orders, they can see that I returned items for a more expensive item, rather than essentially returning it for cash back, which has never happened. And all items returned were in the same condition as when it was taken out of the box. The one exception was that I did not have the plastic bag for the lens bag/case, to which I offered to purchase another lens bag to replace the plastic that was opened but was promptly denied. I also have a history of trading in items and taking a loss when MPB quoted more for my items. I had resolved whatever qualms I had with the employee (I believe her name was Mitzie) and apologized for angry behavior at this shop and started coming back, but based on the manager's most recent response accusing me of lying about my experience, I will continue to take my business elsewhere. read more

Knowledgeable sales person. Patient. Took time to show me and explain different options.

I was in town for a stay at an exotic animal ranch. I felt like maybe I should rent a longer lens to up my game. Was pleasantly surprised at the pricing of renting a lens! Totally worth it. The staff were friendly and helpful. I was able to snag a lens cap and some film as well. I wish there was something like this closer to home for me, but then again, my wallet is glad there isn't. read more

The Camera Exchange - Rental counter - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I came into the store with some old Pentax k1000 film cameras passed down by my late father. Not even two steps into the store I was greeted warmly by Grant who asked how he could help. I told him that I just wanted to gain some knowledge about the cameras and that I noticed the view finder was black on one of them so I thought it was maybe broken. He took his time with each camera, pointed out interesting facts about how certain years of the camera were built in different countries and how that related to how mine were made of metal and not plastic etc and that one of the lenses was pretty sought after (50mm 1.2). Plus some other good info. He cleaned the lenses, pointed out how one of the three would need a deeper cleaning and showed me that the view finder wasn't broken but was just getting stuck now and then and taught me a way to temporarily fix the issue so the camera could be used. This review is getting too long but there were many other instances of how he helped us out. At the end he helped me pick out my first two rolls of film so I can start using the cameras. Truly a great experience at this store. Thank you Grant read more

The Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Overall a friendly, professional, and quick experience. I've gone here a couple of times to trade gear and buy some small things here and there. I will say the first time I went they weren't as friendly, but they were pretty busy so I didn't make a big deal about it. The most recent time I came in they were more than willing to look at my trades and were very quick about it (the whole ordeal took less than 30 minutes or so). Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because I do think that they should offer a little more ($20-50 more) for trades, but this goes for about any second hand selling (trades, pawning, etc) to any shops so keep that in mind if you're looking for some quick cash or to upgrade. What I was able to get from the trade, however, was an excellent camera. I don't recall the workers name but he was very knowledgeable and helped me through the menu to play with settings. It was a used camera, but it was cleaned and very well maintained. If you're looking for an affordable used camera, I'd suggest this place above a 2-4 day wait on shipping from B&H or Amazon. I've started recommending this place to my photography friends! read more

OMG Zach(Zack), Josh and Chris literally saved my life. I had unwisely put my light on backwards on my GoPro 13. They help me take it off and gave me great advice on cameras as I take my business to the next level. I appreciate you all so much. read more

Customer service was amazing, even after I made my purchase. I was headed to OshKosh Air Show for the first time and needed some help on autofocus with new Canon. Bristin took the time to help me out, even went outside to take some pictures of planes and birds around the area. Even though it is a two-hour drive from Corpus I will continue to use The Camera Exchange! read more

Selection was good but the employees were either disgruntled or severely snobby, truly could not tell.

Amazing community! I consider myself a regular by this point, and I couldn't be happier to be so. Prices are pretty great, especially in the used section, trades are always fair, and the service is top notch. read more

Staff was very helpful in helping me decide which lens was best for what I was trying to shoot. They took their time to listen and offer professional advice, even though they were extremely busy. They have a very good selection of cameras and gear. Stuff is pricey, but photography in general isn't cheap. read more

This is a great camera store. I walked in looking for a thing, and bought two things! Great selection and my pre owned Nikon lens is as good as new for a very fair price. Great place to browse new stuff as well. read more

This place is great, by far the best Camera store in San Antonio. Been trying to score a Fujifilm V100VI and they helped me out. read more

Anyone want to speak up from this business and explain why my son requested a quote only on his camera, only to have it taken to the back and kept, giving him a check that he did not ask for, and then telling him it was final and he could not have his camera back? read more

The customer service is totally non-existent. I waited 20 minutes while 4 staff members waited on the same 3 customers. I kept thinking that when the 4th employee was freed up from helping the other employee with a customer, they would FINALLY help me. Instead she disappeared into the back. After waiting a bit more, I asked one of the employees that was helping a customer if the other employee was coming back out. He stated that she'd gone to lunch!! As I was headed for the door, he called out that he's try and find someone, but that was too little too late!! I get that it's first come first served, but someone could have AT LEAST acknowledged my existence, and said I'd be helped eventually. And if there was REALLY another person on site that could wait on customers, WHY make me ask?! Just go and get them, and tell them there is a line at the counter. And it's not like I can browse the store while waiting, because as soon as I leave the counter, I've lost my place in line. The whole thing is absurd. Also, the manager REFUSES to take feedback calls from customers. I'll never return. read more

I did a swap and was very happy with the outcome. Lots of service from nice and knowledgeable people. Easy parking and nice selection of cameras and equipment . read more

Saturday 2/25 at 4:45pm I came in to the store because my girlfriends Nikon D850 started to give her an error while she was at her second of three shoots for the day. I came in to the store to rent another D850 for her so she could make the last shoot with the proper camera body. I walked in and was greeted by Courtney. She could tell I was in a "pleased help me" mode. My plan was to drop off my gf's D850 for repair and rent another one. Courtney asked to see the error on my gf's camera, mind you she is cool and calm the entire time. She looks at it and goes, "I think I can fix this, hold on." She steps away and comes back with a new battery, puts it in and the error cleared and the camera was ALIVE AGAIN! I cannot express my gratitude to Courtney enough, she truly saved the day. read more

Great place to get rental gear for photography. The staff is really knowledgeable and go above and beyond to help. I really appreciate their customer service! read more

I was looking for a good but lower cost camera to get back into photography. I found a freat deal on a Fujifilm camera at The Camera Exchange through google shopping. I placed my order and started receiving updates to my email keeping me informed about where in the process my order was. I received my order lighting fast (in my case it was the next day) and when I opened it I found the camera tripple wrapped in bubble wrap and with packing peanuts surounding that. It was well protected. The camera I received was even better than expected and I could not be happier. read more

The Camera Exchange - Fujifilm X-T1 I purchased from The Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

the other day I went in to sell a 50mm kit lens and 75-300mm lens and they only gave me 45$. The problem I have with that quote for a price is that even though the man said they don't sell, why is it sold for like 300$ on the website. This place is good for some things but reasonable lens sell back I should have just kept the two lens. Biggest scam read more

They saved the day by having a battery charger for my camera's battery, the big box chain store I bought the camera at did not, at either of two locations. If you need camera stuff, come here. read more

The Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

They were honest and let me know what the cost would be and how to take care of it. They did not do the repairs on site and send it off to get done. The shop was great and I would recommend the store. read more

I bought a used lens online from camerax.com. It was marked as E- for condition, but what showed up was in much better condition than that. They also answered my question via email within 24hrs which lead to me purchasing. Seems like a great shop, I would buy from them again. read more

Terrible customer service, they could care less. Go somewhere else. Did online pick up order, and just got the runaround on any question I had. read more

Best place to get rental gear. They do a great job to get the gear needed. Best camera selection.

The Camera Exchange is a wonderful place to take a camera class! I recently got a new camera (yay!) and I wanted to learn how to use it correctly. I signed up for a class at Camera Exchange and I was very satisfied. I took Digital Photography 1. Note that if you have been using your camera for a while, this may be too basic for you. The teacher of the class at the beginning states that he 'will assume you know nothing about your camera', which was great for me!! I have already signed up for a second class. Note: I have not shopped here, so I cannot speak to that aspect of Camera Exchange! read more

The Camera Exchange - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I've rented from here several times and no issues, I'm on time and never returned anything in bad condition. I recently lost my wallet and explained that to them on the phone and no one told me 1) that I HAD to have my id 2) that the lens I was checking out was a 2,000 deposit hold WTF soooo pissed I live SUPER far, it's a good drive and for me just to get here and be told no sorry. San Antonio needs to open another close by friendlier location for camera rental. read more

I received rude, thuggish and sloppy service while at Camera Exchange a few months back. I needed a cover for the LCD image review screen on the back of my Nikon 7000. I originally dealt with the owner, but he then assigned the task to a technician. And that's where the trouble began! Instantly, that technician had an "attitude problem." He told the owner (in front of me) that he had retired from doing menial tasks. I wasn't sure if he was "joking around" or not. Anyway, he took the camera and went to the back to secure the new LCD cover. After about 45 minutes, he brought the camera back. And not only was the LCD cover covered with finger prints, smeared grease and grime, but there was also a piece of lint embedded in between the cover and the LCD screen itself. He pointed it out to me upfront, knowing that I would catch it and complain. I was very surprised to receive this level of careless, unprofessional and sloppy work done on my expensive camera! I calmly expressed my dissatisfaction, as he tried to talk me into accepting this substandard work. Of course, I wasn't having it ... so he snatched the camera from me and said he'd redo the work. After another 45 minutes, he brought the camera back again. And I looked very closely at the viewer, and it was again covered with grime. But, this time, I also noticed that the new LCD cover wasn't even replaced. It was just the glass with no cover at all! He wasted 45 minutes doing nothing! I was clearly lied to about the repair. I didn't bother to challenge it, I just took my camera and left the store. I later emailed the owner to make him aware. Oh course, there was no response. And that's fine. Austin has plenty of great camera shops, and I can always purchase online. I will and so should you! read more

I called and was given mis-information. When I went to the store they would not stand by what I was told on the phone.

"The Camera Exchange" in San Antonio, is the place to go for serious photographers, for all of their new and used equipment needs. I have been going there for years and their staff has always been friendly and knowledgeable. Most recently, I sold them my Nikon D-850 (which I had bought from them when I sold them my D-750) and bought a used Sony a7R IVa, which turn out to be the previous camera of one of their team, Sam "The Man" Cook. Not only was Sam able to tell me all about the camera's history, he went out of his way to find the old box, manual, UDB cable at home so that I could have them and then he transferred the camera's warranty (2 years) over to me. Sam and all of their staff are true professionals. My hat goes off to Sam and everyone at "The Camera Exchange". read more

Need camera gear of just about any kind, here's the spot you should be. They have cameras, flashes, batteries, SD cards, and also film if your one of those "Grapes of Wrath" people. The staff are very knowledgeable to your needs and helpful in purchasing. The store does rent cameras out, good to know if you only need to rent a good camera. read more

I absolutely love this place! I always make it a point to stop by to look at all their great used equipment. I was able to build my kit by buying used to lenses and bodies from them. I'm now slowly adding new lenses and equipment to my collection. They always have the right gear on hand. The sales staff is very knowledgeable, and won't sell you anything that you don't need. I can't speak highly enough about this place. read more

The Camera Exchange - My favorite place! - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Went in to replace a filter for one of my lenses. The customer service representative just pointed to a shelf that didn't have a very good selection of filters. When I tried to get his assistance in selecting a filter; he just looked at me, shrugged, and said "They're all over there." With such poor customer service; I may as well use Amazon. read more

Love love love all the folks at the Camera Exchange. I have gone to them for many many years and they always take super good care of anything I need and never charge you for anything more than is absolutely necessary. Thank you Sam for cleaning up my camera and lenses for my Alaska trip And for always being so helpful!! You rock!!! read more

This came up for review. I can tell you that I purchased a Tokina lens in 1989 for my Nikon FM2. Camera is long gone , but still have that old lens. Still works too. I'm in Louisville now . If I get down to SA , I'll stop in. Love old Camera Shops. read more