I recently was "Spring Cleaning " during these hard times, and found 20 rolls of film!!! To my surprise, I don't remember where they came from or what's on them. I also didn't realize that MOST film stores WILL NOT develop rolls of film; if they do it is VERY expensive!!!! I found Wilson Camera through Yelp, they were local, had GREAT prices (from my comparison inquiries), and have awesome developing equipment!!! I was very impressed with the store and especially the customer service. I would recommend this business to anyone looking to develop film or save important photos from disintegration!! They also gave me back my negatives and placed all my photos on a disc. Thank you Misty for the online help and also Brandon who assisted me in the store; VERY knowledgeable!! Thanks again!!!! read more

I purchased an ETX80 Meade telescope at this location. It was a "floor model", the last one they had in stock. I was given assurance that this was "a new" telescope. When I got it home to assemble it, I found that there was viewing prism missing. The very first time I set up the telescope to align it............it malfunctioned. When I reported to the store that I had a problem, they said I had to contact the manufacturer. Meade customer service agreed to send me a replacement telescope. After returning my defective telescope, it wasn't long before I received my new one. After setting up my new ETX0 and using it only a few times, it also malfunctioned. For the second time, Meade customer service agreed to send me a new telescope. After my initial experience, I no longer have any confidence in the ETX80 Meade telescope. I called back Wilson Camera, to tell them I wanted by money back. I have a brand NEW ETX80, unopened, in the box, direct from the manufacturer, and Rudy, the owner at Wilson Camera refused to give me my money back. Go figure. Wilson originally sold me a defective scope and when I asked for help, they told me to go to the manufacturer. Now, that I have a brand new telescope to trade back in, they won't give me a refund. I think that sucks. read more

I needed help with something on my camera and the owner helped me free of charge and was very kind. Definitely will be coming back.

Extremely poor quality of work. Incapable of properly cleaning a camera. The manager is the salesman, the receptionist and the repairman, all of that at the same time. A "jack of all trades and a master of none) Prepayment was required for the cleaning of this camera when in fact the camera costs 5 times the price of the repair. I am just wondering if this company has an insurance in case of theft? There are plenty of reputable camera shops in town. For sure, we won't use this one anymore. Just glance at the BBB reviews and make your own decision. read more

I brought my camera in for a basic cleaning, the young man Brandon who assisted me was super friendly and took a lot of extra time answering questions about products and pricing. Never once did he make me feel as though I was asking too many questions or I was wasting his time. The customer service is exceptional! I will be signing up for a class here in the near future. read more

I've been here several times and have always had a great experience. I bought a camera and have been incredibly happy with my purchase. I noticed a few reviews mentioning that you can sometimes find items a little cheaper online. But with each camera purchase you receive a free one on one session as well as one of the 3-hour classes. I've taken photography classes elsewhere before, but learned far more in these classes from Wilson than I did in all my other classes combined. I think this value far exceeds any kind of savings you might get from purchasing your camera online. Not to mention if you have a question or issue, you can call or pop in the store for help. You can't get that kind of service buying online! I have also had some prints made and found Misty so incredibly helpful in figuring out what size and crop looked best for each photo. Very happy with this place! read more

Went here for passport photos and found out they do photography lessons, great staff friendly and knowledgeable next time I buy a camera it will be here! read more

Reading some negative reviews on here, and it dawns on me...they are wrong. I have had 100% satisfaction with this place, and their location on Miller. The tall guy is always helpful. Hell, they even throw in free camera class etc when I bought camera! PEOPLE! Always read negative reviews carefully, notice a pattern? A lot of these people leave similar negative reviews on other places, and also blame the business for the weirdest shit (cashier didn't smile ONE STAR! I took shitty pictures, so they looked shitty on print, even tho they tried their best to UN-shit my shitty photos ONE STAR! I paid 1.00 more for batteries there ONE STAR). Wilson, you keep doing what you do. read more

this place rocks! brandon is literally the best person ever. so smart and kind and inviting! i absolutely love coming in to talk with him. Also they're flexible and will be willing to help you experiment with your film! Was having a super hard time finding a place that takes souped film but they agreed to develop it by hand for a little extra $$. Meant a lot! read more

My husband, a talented amateur photographer, and I, who know next to nothing about cameras, stopped in at Wilson Camera to inquire about a new camera. We were impressed by the depth of knowledge exhibited by the staff, as well as by their genuine interest in sharing their love and mastery of photography in a manner that managed to be immensely useful to us both. Additionally, their workshops, discounts on processing, and other perks are fantastic, much better than anything I've seen in any big chain store. read more

Had an opportunity to work with Brandon in a one on one tutoring session for my new Sony Mirrorless camera. To be honest, this camera was way above my skill set, and I am sure I would have only used 10% of the cameras capability. Brandon in 1 hour took me up a few levels and I will be going back for another session. Good people helping other! Great model! read more

We bought two cameras from Lauren. She knew we didn't live there, we were on vacation. She was patient and really went long on the set up and tips. Very engaging, this is our camera place when we are in Arizona! read more

I recently switched back to shooting film and needed a local processor to develop our medium format film. We found exactly what we needed at Wilson Camera. Great customer service and very knowledgable team. My wife is a small business owner and understand how important customer service is. I appreciate other local business that rise above for a new customer and stand out from the big chains. read more

We booked Wilson Camera/Rudy for our engagement photos. Rudy and his wife Misty did a fabulous job at picking out the locations for the photographs, making us feel at ease during the shoot and an especially wonderful job on the photos! They knew what would look best for us, they organized flawlessly and had our photos ready quickly. We couldn't have asked for a better couple to work with and have received numerous compliments on our photos. They are amazing at what they do and we are so excited to book them for our wedding! - Teri and Rich read more

Don't go here to take passport picture of infant!!! We decided to go to a professional photographer to take passport pictures of our 4 month old daughter. We paid almost 25 dollars for it. My husbands finger was on the picture but the photographer assured us that it would not be a problem and that they would accept the picture so we believed him. When we went to the passport office they immediately told us that the picture didn't meet the requirements. So we went back to the shop and he told us that it was the first time this has happened to him and that it depends on the person you get at the administration!! He didnt want to admit his mistake. He did take new pictures and he told us we didn't have to pay ( how nice of him - sarcastic) ! The guy has some nerve. They will never see us again there. we lost more then 2 hours because of him. read more

Be aware, NO RETURNS, NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES!!! ALL SALES ARE FINAL!!! I needed a camera for work to take pictures of sports events. I sought out Wilson Camera because they were locally owned and I like to support the community. They were very informative and patient with my questions, and had somewhat comparable prices to larger retailers. However, I ultimately choose Wilson to purchase my camera from because their deal, although it was $50 more, came with free cleanings, free classes, lifetime support for use of the camera and they threw in an SD card to go with my purchase. I decided on a $1300 camera and an additional $600 lens. I paid a deposit because they said they needed to order it because they didn't have any in stock, but they NEVER mentioned that ALL SALES were FINAL before or after taking my deposit and handing me my receipt. As I drove home, I decided it was too much for me to spend so I called as soon as I got home and they easily took off the additional lens and NEVER mentioned anything about ALL SALES being FINAL. They called 5 days later and told me my camera was in stock. When I went to pick it up, they were again, very friendly and started to take the camera and all the parts out of the box to show me, but I was in a bit of a rush so I said I didn't have time to look at each part right then. When I handed over my credit card for the remaining part of the balance, I asked about their return policy. Finally, that is when the sales guy said they DON'T TAKE RETURNS but they had a consignment program and could resell my camera at HALF its value. (So, it isn't even out of the store, still in its box, I haven't even touched it, nor has he handed me the receipt and the guy tells me, with a smirk no less, that it isn't even worth what I paid 30 seconds prior. Sweet.) I asked what happens if the camera is somehow defective or worse and I want it replaced. I was told they would NOT replace it, but they could probably diagnosis/fix whatever the issue is (for a fee), or I would need to contact the manufacturer. I was dumbfounded...I had NO IDEA I just purchased a $1300 camera; sight unseen and I could not get it fixed for free, return it/exchange it/get store credit, nothing. I felt like I was going to throw up because I was so upset. To make matters worse, I found out on the way home from the store, I no longer needed to take pictures for my job...I called the store again, begging a possible return, and they said they couldn't do anything. I called again the next day (Saturday) to talk to the owner/manager and the guy that answered said he had to call his manager because she was not there, but that they have it posted on the wall that ALL SALES ARE FINAL and pointed out that it was on my receipt, in super small print, at the bottom as well (the first time I had seen it.) The guy called back several hours later and said his manager said they would NOT take it back and that they had to stick by their NO RETURN policy no matter what. They also didn't give me the SD card they promised. I am a novice camera user. I previously had a point and shoot camera but mostly used my iphone and this was my first purchase of a nice DSLR, and I am hating every minute of it. I haven't opened the box. I have no clue if they sold me some used camera they had in the back. There was no security seal or manufacturer seal on it at all. It could be totally broken and I can do nothing about it. DO NOT GO TO THIS STORE. THIS IS THE WORST experience I have ever had. read more

I bought the Canon Powershot SX50. I LOVE camera. There has been a few glitches but with anything new and technology today that is expected. I took a picture of the moon and posted it to Facebook and I got amazing compliments on the photo!! I couldn't be happier. Rudy and Lauren have been fabulous with all their help and my many calls asking questions. The free classes they offer with the purchase of the camera is well worth the few extra dollars you spend. If you are looking for great customer relations and quality products I TOTALLY recommend Wilson Camera as the place to go!!! I need to buy a telescope for our trip to Peru and was considering buying from Amazon but after speaking to Lauren and inquiring if they sold telescopes. I am going to Wilson Camera to buy a telescope for my husband or shall I say myself to stargaze and of course the trip. LOL!! read more

I am really impressed with the level of knowledge and cilia toner service at Wilson Camera on Miller and Camelback. I just bought a new camera and signed up for a private class with Brandon this past Friday. He was SO helpful, really intelligent and so patient since I knew nothing about the features of my camera. Because of my experience with him, I will only be shopping at this store. He is a gem. read more

I dropped off a roll of film here for developing and printing. When I picked up my order, there were scratches over the entire roll. I mentioned it to the staff and was told my camera was to blame - maybe it was dirty, etc. I went home and shot a test roll and sent it off to my usual mail-away service and -what do ya know?- no scratches at all. I won't take another roll there. I'd love to support local but I can't have my negatives damaged. The staff does seem nice and knowledgeable so maybe they retail end isn't like the film processing. read more

I'm really surprised at the previous reviews for this business. I have been getting my prints done here for several years, and have always received excellent customer service. I recently started a small Wedding Photography business, where I have many needs, but a limited budget. Both the employee's and the Owner are always helpful in going over my options with me. read more

I had extremely poor service here, at least at the location on Camelback. After buying a camera off EBay, I brought it and a point and shoot camera here to be cleaned. While the service was speedy, it was poor. The camera I bought off EBay had a working flash before I dropped it off. After, it did not. However, because I bought it off EBay, I didn't think it was fair to be upset about this. But the other camera was in basic working condition. It took photos, the flash and zoom worked. While I did check both the cameras at the store, I did not try the zoom. As soon as I went to use the camera a few days later, I tried the zoom and the lens stuck. Total, I spent about $130 to have the cameras cleaned. I felt the lens on the point and shoot had somehow been damaged and it was $25 for that one only. I thought it was perfectly reasonable to ask for a refund for that camera only. I went in planning on buying addition parts for my other camera that I bought off EBay as long as they refunded me for the cheaper cleaning. The manager, Jerry, refused and immediately became agitated. He argued he couldn't have possible damaged my camera. I argued that it worked before and didn't think I was asking for an unfair refund. After realizing he was not going to give me a refund, I let him know that I had planned on putting the $25 toward the credit of another purchase. I also said that I was a journalism student and would be letting people know about my poor experience. This is when Jerry got very angry. He said it was unfair of me to share with other people and that it was my fault the camera didn't work. He proceeded to call me a liar. I kept saying I didn't want to argue and was trying to leave but he kept escalating the argument. While I was there, the owner happened to call and overhear. He told another sales person to authorize the refund which caused Jerry to sputter in disbelief. He said he felt wrong about it and that this was unethical and taking blame for something they weren't responsible for. He continues his tantrum for about five minutes before I finally snapped and returned his rude attitude. I asked him to give me the refund or let me leave. He took my credit card and continued to insult me and call me a liar. He was taking a lot of time to run my card and I said he needed to give me back my card without my refund so I could leave or run my card in silence. He kept antagonizing. I finally asked the other employee to call the owner. While it was nice of the owner to speak with me on a Saturday and at home, I don't think he addressed my concerns very well. He assumed because I was a student I was young and unaware of "how the real world outside of school worked." He also said I was lying when I said I had planned to come in there and spend three or four hundred dollars if I had been given a refund. I know this much about the real world: When employees are rude, especially in a small business, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The point of spending a little more money at a small business is because they are usually a little more flexible about being able to fix errors. They don't have to go up the corporate chain. They could have earned business by giving me a $25 refund. Instead, I went to Best Buy and spent $600 on camera equipment and was given an extended warranty that I know they will honor. I would have liked to support small business, but the rudeness of this employee made that impossible. In the "real world" I only spend money where I am treated with respect. Edit as of 11/28/12: After reading the comment from Wilson employee Misty, I had to laugh. She wasn't even there the first two times I was in the store so I find it hilarious that she's lying. Also, I was not asked to leave the premises. I was held up by the fact Jerry wouldn't give me back my credit card. There are too many more discrepancies to list and to date I've spent more than a $1,000 around the valley on camera equipment at places that deserve my business. There are two sides to every story; I'm still mayor of this store on FourSquare which tells me no one checks in there. I see nothing but poor reviews for this store. And on top of it, the fact that you saw the need to defend yourselves tells me you have reason to be defensive. This business is a sinking ship and I can't say I'm sorry. You come to Yelp and spend time defending yourself when your time would better be spent working on your customer relations. read more

Jack a customer for $60 bucks? You bet! I went into the store to get an inexpensive tripod. Lauren and owner? Rudy (38 years in the business, trust me!) showed me a couple of tripods. When I asked about a Vivitar (model no. VPT-4867), Rudy looked at it and said, "Look at the price. It must be used. It has to be on consignment at that price. He and clerk Lauren engaged in a few minutes of theater. The tripod was marked at $59.99. Rudy made a phone call, and then stated, "That is my cost!" He assured me that the next time I went into the store, the same item would be listed for $119.00. I decided to purchase the tripod. I was also looking for a wireless remote for a Nikon D3000. Rudy told me that a remote wasn't supported for the D3000, and that I should buy an updated D5100. I plugged it into Google, and learned that the ML-L3 remote was indeed supported by the D3000 I already owned. The ever helpful Lauren grabbed one off the shelf and presented it to me. The Wilson Camera price was $39.95. When I did a web search on my phone, the same item was offered for less than $13 bucks on Amazon.com. I pointed this out to Rudy, and he made a beeline for the door, leaving Lauren to deal with me. I offered $20 bucks so that I didn't have to bother ordering it online. Lauren countered at $25, and I walked out. When I got home, I was so furious that I called the store and told Lauren that I was going to return the tripod. Lauren said, "Sorry, all sales are final." When I blew up, she took my number and said she'd call me back. A few minutes later, Lauren called back and said that they would take the tripod back. Returning the tripod is the *last* time I will ever set foot in Wilson Camera. For no reason should you do business with Wilson Camera. They lie and are deceitful. Rudy apparently has not heard of smartphones or Google. The shock on his face when confronted with a competitive price is almost worth a trip into the store. It is fair to make a decent profit, but when a 100% profit is not enough, consumers should steer clear. Oh, and if you are in the market, Walmart and Buy.com both carry the VPT-4867 for about $23 bucks. If you don't want the Vivitar, run, don't walk, to Best Buy, and some kid with *zero* knowledge about cameras will sell you a nice Sunpak for $44.99 with nicer features. read more

Really Misty- every negative review your defense is "not true, look for unfiltered reviews". Seriously???!!!! You are a liar, I forwarded the "complimentary photo session" email you sent me and everyone I forwarded to was utterly appalled at not just what you wrote but how you wrote it. Try TAKING ownership for YOUR actions I.e. your rude email. I I could post the entire email I would. read more

I was charged $140. for Blake to photoshop three photos. Two of the three were terrible. I went back home and watched some youtube videos of how to photoshop and did a better job myself. Blake said he spent a huge amount of time photoshopping, but when I looked at what was done on the history, that is difficult to believe. I would try a different place if you really want some photoshop work done. Also, they charged me $35 to scan a photo that was too big for my scanner at home. They just scanned it to my thumb drive. I really think that is way overpriced. Too bad. read more

This company should not be entertained at all!!! If you aren't there to buy that day then don't bother entering the store at all. They treat their employees and customers alike like crap every day. They will insult your intelligence and integrity at every turn to just try and make a sale. NO returns or Exchanges at all! If you try to return something and they've know your for a long time, then maybe you can get an exchange for lesser value. They will do anything to get you to buy something the day you walk in and their policy is, if you don't buy then you're not worth it in the first place. I'm all for small businesses but this one doesn't deserve your money!!! read more

Dropped off film to be developed on New Year's Eve at lunch time. Got a voicemail an hour later that it was ready! Once again the pics were exactly as I requested and great quality, far better than Walgreens or Target (never tried Costco). Price is 39 cents a print for 4x6 glossy. I'm highly satisfied again and will keep going back. I keep my photos for a lifetime, so you might as well get them done right and Wilson Camera does! read more

I've always been pleased with Wilson Camera--Jerry is smart and personable and honest and nice, and the work (developing pictures) has always been just fine! read more

I hate to be a Christmas Grinch, however I am very disappointed with my experience at Wilsons Camera. I called WIlsons from the Walgreens parking lot. I printed pictures and was not entirely happy with the quality. I decided to call a professional. After discussing a my issues and emailing them my photos, I was assured that they would be able to get the job done. They explained that they wouldn't be perfect but they would be able to enlarge the pictures with decent quality.I wasn't looking for perfect and I even agreed to pay an extra 200% "rush fee" because it is Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I was charged $39 for 2 pictures that were SIGNIFICANTLY lower quality than what I paid $5 for at Walgreens. I won't even be able to use them. I was offered a 10% return, so I got back $4. I was underwhelmed. I understand that they couldn't have known the quality of the pictures I printed on my own over the phone. I am mostly disappointed in their service recovery. My pictures were ready and printed in an hour after I called, I would have been happy with a refund on the 200% "rush fee". To their credit,Nicole at the Phoenix location was nice,unfortunately for me I had to drive 30 mins each way to the Scottsdale location for nothing. read more

I have been a customer of Wilson Camera on Camelback for years, and here's why I would never buy camera equipment at any other store: you tell the people at Wilson Camera the kinds of photos you're trying to take and they'll tell you what you need to buy/learn to achieve that. When I bought my first camera there, I knew absolutely nothing about taking photos, other than point and click. With any camera purchase, you get so much more than just the equipment at Wilson -- you get advice and instruction. In my case, it was Jerry who helped me over my learning curve. He's now got me taking photos using totally manual settings and I am loving it. I have heard stories from friends who have bought cameras and equipment at discount places and given up trying to use them because they just can't figure out how to get good pictures. For people like me who want to take interesting pictures but need a little help regarding which camera and which lens to buy and how to use them effectively, Wilson really fits the bill. Jerry and Rudy are experienced, knowledgeable photographers who can help you get the kinds of shots you'll be proud of. read more

I stopped in looking for a Sony Cyber-shot battery charger. I was politely informed they did not carry any Sony products. However, they recommended a universal battery charger that I purchased for roughly $40. When I tried many different ways to use it, I decided my battery must be either completely dead or the piece of plastic didn't really work. In any case I decided to return it. At that time I was informed of a NO Return policy that was posted off to the right of the desk not easily seen if not pointed out. Their was nothing posted at the entrance which I might have noticed on arrival. Bottom line the service of the 2 young ladies was very professional and I had no problem with, it is just the fact that if a customer is not happy with something they should get their money back and not just store credit. $40 out the window! read more

Wilson Camera in Scottsdale: do not go!! On aug 2, 2014 I brought a Canon camera in for cleaning to Wilson Camera because small grains of sand were on the lens. Mr. Rudy told me that the whole lens had to be cleaned and dry. Cost $ 85 for half an hour's work (a fortune). I wanted it to be quick but knowledgeable happened. When I picked up the camera I was assured that everything was restored and I checked the camera, stupid afterwards. The next day and 100 miles further in Tucson I noted that the lens was still dirty. I have submitted the problem but Wilson Camera wanted to do nothing! I went to Tucson Camera Repair which established that the repair was not necessary and had made the situation much worse. Recovery of the repair costs once again $ 45 |(actually 65). This happened very knowledgeable. Tucson Camera made the call with Wilson and reported that the repair was very poor conducted by Wilson Camera but found no hearing. Later I sent a mail from the Netherlands to aks for a (partial) refund to be recovered but Wilson won't do that. On the contrary: I only got but recriminations. The email exchange on this subject is available. Wilson Camera is a cold shower from Netherlands wished. Very bad. read more

Disappointed with honesty and they overcharge some. I went in for a camera cleaning and paid upfront. The next day went back to pick up and shopped for a few other items due to the convenience (knew their prices would be more, but wow are they more than one can find elsewhere!). Was told that a filter would be thrown in for free due to my business and then was charged for it with only a slight discount AND recharged for the cleaning, plus tax was added to it on the second bill! I should have checked the bill more closely while there and now dealing with the overcharge situation through credit card company. Something felt fishy while I was there because she was acting nervous (did she do the overcharges on purpose?) and I should have trusted my instincts and walked out; regret that I was tired and unfocused while there, but they should be more with it and honest, too! Folks, online reviews will hurt you badly if you don't clean up your act! read more

great place we just spent $ 1,300.00 every body was very nice, they have been around a long time, must be doing some thing rite