Reviews of Camera Kingston foto source (Photo Studio)

Helena Cheu

We've been renting cameras from here, and they're exactly what we needed! The staff are friendly, the store is clean, and they're good about limiting the number of people in the store

John C

This place only cares about your money. Took them 3 extra weeks to send out my slide film to raise their profit margin. Then neglected to tell me it would cost $9.00/hi resolution scan over the phone. I show up and they expected $300 payout. I have been developing slide film for years and most I’ve ever paid for hi rez scans is $45. Not a chance would I pay $300. After pretty much laughing at them, they grudgingly lowered the price to 99 cents per scan. The guy was also a little arrogant behind the counter which only worsened the transaction. Overall though, at least they did the job and it’s the most I’ve ever paid for E6 film development. While I was there a different customer stormed out due to high prices. They should really reevaluate how they do business here because I will not be returning. 2 stars is generous

Janice Wilby

Incredible expertise, wonderful service!

Marko Maric

They're very professional and have a great setup going for Covid. Insanely quick turn-around and good work on developing and scans and I really appreciate the text notification. Unfortunately I was spoiled by a phenomenal camera shop in my hometown so the lack of high-quality TIF scanning and very high cost in comparison for normal quality scans sets this shop back a bit for me. But don't let that deter you, this is still a very solid shop with good operation.

Victoria Dyson

Fantastic store! Kingston's gem! Was able to fix my camera in less than an hour! (got a filter stuck on my lens!!) Some items they sell are cheaper than Amazon and they have unique items for any camera enthusiast!!

keera merkley

Very helpful staff, I brought in a vintage film camera and staff helped me identify the parts that needed to be fixed and showed me the basics of how to use it. Really great experience overall

Finn Long

I’ve always had a good experience with the folks at Camera Kingston— whether I’ve been buying new equipment, ordering enlargements, or having images developed— they’re always helpful and deliver a good product.

Johnny C Y Lam

Terrible communication and not professional. I've placed a rush order on an item needed for a large commercial shoot, I was promised that the order will arrive on time. The person I spoke to said he will call me and keep me posted regarding the order. It's been a week since I placed the order, not only he never called back, I needed to call him 4 times just to find out he doesn't even have a tracking number for my order. The whole shoot needed to be called off and postponed due to someone's incompetence. I could've placed my order at B&H and have complete trust and peace of mind. Thought I'd give my business to a smaller shop but I am totally disappointed.

Sarah S

Helpful & knowledgeable staff, great downtown spot for passport photos, cameras & supplies.

Dan C

Great Camera store, knowledgeable staff and they had a lens I was looking for.

Ena Holtermann

Knowledgable staff. Parking is poor.

Christine Dedrick

I just went online and printed photos and it was so user friendly. It didn't glitch, my photos uploaded quickly, the steps following to check out were easy and I am so excited to finally find a service that works. I have tried to print photos online with big retail places and it always messes up, I get frustrated and then give up. Your online ordering made a normally very frustrating experience, super easy ! Thanks so much ????

Dawn Gannon

Great experience! Little shop, lots inside! Staff great too!

Kenneth Major

The printer at my go-to big box store printing service was down for maintenance... and I needed a rush order or prints. So I looked around online and stumbled across this place. First time using the online system, and I was very impressed. Quick, easy to use, and reasonably priced. The photos were printed within a day, and I picked them up the next day. The staff were super friendly while I was in the store. I will most certainly order more from here from now on. Thanks!

Viara Mileva

I've been here multiple times in the past, and they've always been solid and reliable, but today was a lifesaver (metaphorically speaking I suppose). I showed up at a client office for a previously scheduled downtown photoshoot only to realize I had left some essential gear at home. Oops. I called up Camera Kingston and they assured me they could rent out the same gear quickly and easily for the afternoon. I drove to the store and after chatting with the super nice Randy, I was out of there in under two minutes. He made the rental process so easy and smooth! In fact, because the process was so smooth, the photoshoot was able to start on time, and both I and the client were very happy. Camera Kingston didn't have to save my butt today, but they absolutely did, and I sure am thankful for their kindness and availability. (The only drawback to having such a centrally located store is the lack of parking downtown, but this is obviously nothing the store has any power to change.) Thank you CAMERA KINGSTON!

Matthew Irvine

Only place I will go in Kingston for my photos. Again, please don’t go to Walmart to develop and print your photos. Avoid Staples as well please. The gang down at camera Kingston are a great bunch and they’re always willing to go the extra mile to ensure your photos are exactly the way you want them.

Tim & Cheryl Hegarty

They were wonderful! They restored 53 year old pics for me and advised me to take the cheaper route and I couldn't have been happier with the results. Could barely see the faces in the originals, so when I got my restored copy I was able to see what I looked like as a baby (only had 6 pics). I also had old 1960 reel movies I wanted converted to DVD for a Xmas gift. I brought it in too late for xmas but they said they would try. Xmas eve day I got the call!!! Highly recommend and the staff are extremely helpful and very nice.

Samantha Fitzgerald

This place did amazing! My dad passed and we needed a picture for his funeral and wanted a picture cut to just him. We wanted a couple of those for family and along with that a picture of family. They did it in less than 30 and were super nice. I will be back to print more photos!

Jill Mulveney

The best photo studio to develop film in the nation. I have moved to other cities in Ontario as well as Halifax and tried every camera store I find and none compare. The quality is unbeatable, and boy oh boy is the speed they develop at unmatched. I dream of the day I can drop off film to them again. The price is also excellent. If you need film developed you will find no where better than Camera Kingston!!!!

Sam Edwardes

They did no print all the photo's I wanted first, which still took them half the day. Then tried to charge me extra when they did the missing photos. Good thing I caught it or they would have

Edna Malderis

Didnt have what i wanted

Emily C

Randy (and all of the staff, really) is extremely helpful and kind. Every time I come in, he patiently answers all of my questions and is happy to chat while helping me out with my camera. Favourite camera store! Great camera store, very fast service.

Keith Blackwood

Took phone in to get a print made from one of my shots. Ready in an hour after getting text to say , ready to pick up. Good price and excellent service.

Mia Lane

The staff are very knowledgeable and patient with those of us that are not pros LOL I have looked online for camera equipment but the staff are why I keep going back to Camera Kingston (for over 25 years). Their prices are competitive nonetheless. I just recently purchased my first full frame camera and super telephoto lens from them and am happy with the experience in spite of the fact that the lens I wanted is on back order because of covid, so they lent me one for now which was appreciated. My most recent visit was extremely unpleasant with the salesman being very rude, impatient, uncaring and obviously was anxious to just go home since I arrived to pick up a lens I had ordered. I was in shock at how unprofessional he was....I still am in shock and quite frankly don't know what to say. I will not be returning and will be doing business elsewhere. I can't remember ever being treated so rudely by any employee in any store. Such a completely different experience from my 30+ years of dealing with Camera Kingston. I even drove 80 km just to do business with them rather than ordering online.

Matt Parker

Paid 70$ for them to touch up an old photo, all they did was photocopy it. Open your envelopes in store , pretty sure that's why they hand them to you sealed. 1/10

Quinn Hollohan

Spent over an hour looking at everything in the store. The staff were knowledgeable and very helpful. Got a passport and looked at some wicked mirror less camera gear. Would highly recommend this store to anyone.

John Serviss

Camera Kingston has always been good to me. I’ve bought quite a bit of gear over the years and they’ve always delivered great customer experience, knowledge and communication. 5+ stars.

Ryme Mounib

I would give zero stars if possible. garbage customer service.

Marcel van Leeuwen

Fantastic service. Great staff. Very helpful. Here for all your photo needs.

Square Pixels Canada

Almost have everything you need

Maggie Hunter-Brown

The staff are extremely knowledgeable about the products and willing to accommodate the store's services to the best of their abilities. They are older, quite often artisans in their own right. The expertise they offer the public will not be easily replaced, should the store retire or close. They are friendly, polite, willing to offer tips and tricks to the trade. Their presence in our art commerce is invaluable. Ask questions from these folks.. they offer candid responses to all levels of consumerism.. beginners to experts!

James McLean

Their in house film development is for the basic photographer. I noticed that detail was missing and there were some discolouration in the prints. The price is fairly reasonable for processing (14$/24 exp including prints), but there's better. Some of the clerks do not seem trained. This was evident when I asked about an HB-40 lens hood for my Nikkor. Quick service though.

Shelly Poffley

As a beginner to manual photography I was very impressed with the entire staff at Camera Kingston, on several occasions the staff has helped me with functions on my camera (purchased elsewhere) - they have also helped me with select the right settings for macro, sports and long exposure shots. They have ALWAYS taken the time to answer any questions I may have. I have taken a one-on-one course with David and learned a great deal in less than an hour. I have printed images and also purchased lens with Camera Kingston since getting such great service. I can't say enough good things about this local business.

Doug McGregor

Informal but very knowledgeable staff w/ competitive prices

Anthony Kaduck

We are fortunate to have a real camera store in town. Camera Kingston has a full range of products to serve anyone from a beginner to a professional, and will happily order something in if it's not in stock. I have been buying all my equipment and supplies and having my repairs done here for a number of years and would not consider going anywhere else.

Daryl Tremain

We had passport photos taken for three boys: 10, 7, and 3. The staff was able to manage the relative chaos we created, were patient and understanding. Thanks! I recommend getting your passport pics down here. I've been coming here for all my camera needs for the decades: I'm always pleased with the service.

David Currie

The staff treats you very well there and they are very knowledgeable :-)

Scott Skywalker

Bought a Lowepro bag. Check the web site for prices. it was 50 bucks cheaper. They sold it to me at that price. Staff was friendly.

Benjamin Myers

Knowledgeable staff who care about photography, excellent turnaround on film development, and fantastic deals on used camera gear. An enthusiast’s dream!

Clara Ferri

Informed and available, great scans both of prints and negatives

Kathleen Harrison

Great store, with a vast array of equipment and very thoughtful staff. I had a photo taken, and they have an excellent eye!

Eric Kociuk

Designed and printed Christmas cards. Website was very good and easy to navigate. We utilized the same day rush service to get our cards quickly. Was a tad disappointed because the picture came out a bit fuzzy and would have appreciated being informed after the first print so we could have sent a better quality photo. In the end this was a minor issue which was ultimately our fault. Everything was good overall and will repeat business.

Jayesh Chaudhari

Very Good Service. Appreciate.

Yixuan Lin

They have nice printing shops, but for real they must have used make up cleansing oil instead of cameras to take passport photo. You will get what I mean when you see the attached photo (Left: took at another store Right: Kingston Camera. Both photos taken on the exact same day). At the right, I turned magically into a pig-like creature as if some jealous wizard casted me a curse in one of the Ghibli studio series. That being said, the service is nice, as they retook it after I was not satisfied with my photo Lol. I also brought my perfect camera here, so highly recommend their printing and camera only.

Pascal Dumont

(Translated) Very good and very professional. Surely the only ones able to make infant ID photos in Kingston (Original) Très bien et très professionnels. Sûrement les seuls capables de faire des photos d’identité de nourrissons à Kingston

Alison Wright

Staff were very knowlegable. Very reasonable price.

Michael Rankin

Never go to best buy or any other big box stores for your camera needs, they know almost nothing. On the other hand Camera Kingston is a well run small business that staffs professionals in the local camera community. They understand both the tech and approach of photography and are able to assist professionals and beginners alike. If you're are looking to get into photography or are already intreneched in it, look no further.

Harold Feiertag

Friendly and very helpful staff, especially Don and Jock. CK ordered a Nikon D850 for me, which I received on the date, as stated. I highly recommend this establishment.

cg eckert

In an era when big box retailers have all but hollowed out the independent camera store, Camera Kingston is a gem. I have purchased all camera gear for me, my family and my research activities there for more than 25 years. Uniformly excellent service and great prices! Why go anywhere else?

Matt

Good place to find a variety of camera supplies. Staff here are not bad. I did find one of the women here attempting to use the scare method to persuade me to purchase an item. I was new to photography at the time and mentioned that I used my t-shirt to wipe off the kit lens on my Nikon dslr. She started to freak out and insisted that I buy a whole cleaning kit and clear lens filter because if not I could permenently damage my cheapo $100 lens. I ended up buying all of the items and payed over $30 for it. They took advantage of an obviously new photographer, but other than that this place isn't bad.

S Clarke

Went for passport picture - made appointment. Door locked when I got there. Unfriendly and cold reception. Had to pay before I had picture taken. Took one shot, went and printed it, handed to me. No choice. Walked me to door. Will never go back nor refer anyone else there.

Brendan Montgomery

Photographers dream store. Wide selection of gear and services to fit your needs.

Rachel Lam

Charged me $30 for digital Chinese passport photos (with no authentication that is a passport photo). Said it would cost extra to have get both physical and digital copies done (that's why I only got the one done). Overall not worth it.

David

First time there. Awesome service and got great price on what I was looking for. Better then I found online. Would highly recommend going here.

Shannon Donahue

So upset with this place. One star is too much as far as I'm concerned but you have to rate it to leave a review. We brought in negatives on a Saturday, we were told it would be done monday morning. We needed them for a funeral. Went back in on Monday when we were told to. The staff said that they weren't done and they wouldn't be done on time. Its a 3 hour round trip from home that was made twice for these pictures, pictures we were promised would be done and they weren't. Such an upsetting time for family and to be told we could get something for the funeral and then told they hadn't been done yet. Never will go again, will go to ottawa if needed for future. Terrible experience. So upset.

Taryn Albert

Nice service and great turnout of prints. I get my photos developed here, would be more useful if they used the email method instead of having to come back to the store with a memory card. prices are a bit high but worth it.

wisecracku2

Not impressed with service at all. Didn't get his name but he was rude, didn't seem to care for our business.

Don Calverley

I took my DSLR to Camera Kingston, erroneously thinking that a full-service camera shop might be able to repair it. Wrong! Even before I fully explained the problem, the clerk was trying to sell me a new model and made every effort possible to dissuade me from opting for a repair. As I explained that simple economics made the purchase of a new camera out of the question, they begrudgingly filled out a repair form and took a $15 minimum repair fee. After waiting four weeks and having not heard from the store, I returned to pick up my camera. It had not been touched! When you compare this level of service to the availability of on-line shopping with free shipping, why would anyone patronize this antiquated store?

Aaron Price

Excellent service

Wayne Wei

really bad service, don't buy any equipment from this store I got my instead from here and I literally open the charger is not functioning I bring it back and ask them to fix it They said is my own issue is not in the warranty that fine, their attitude is extremely bad and just test the machine, the guy said it might take 2hours and ask my back afternoon, after 2hours I call back they said there are no progress ask me to want 7 weekdays, They don't treat their customer as human, and just the charge cost half of the machines price, I will never buy or purchase service from this store anymore

Brian Swinton

Helpful and had what we needed at fair price

Jason Fern

Traded in a gently used DLSR and lens for a new mirrorless kit. Don was super helpful and very fair. After this experience, I won't buy any more camera equipment from the big online retailers. The guys at Camera Kingston know their stuff, they make good recommendations and they price match. Furthermore, they were very patient with me to ensure I was happy with my purchase. I highly recommend them.

Jeannie J

Great service...there was a misunderstanding with my order but they rectified the situation immediately. Awesome photography shop!

Antoinette Parker

First time customer. Very poor service and poor quality results with basic photo print requests. They charged me $54.20 for 1 AS IS black and white copy of a photo . Disgraceful over pricing . I will never return or recommend their services.

Chris Pearse

Excellent service. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. I had ordered a lens online and they called me as soon as it arrived. They informed me of the manufacturers warranty policy and that I needed to keep the printed receipt incase I needed to make a warranty claim. I was assisted in procuring an appropriate gear bag, which wasn't over priced and they didn't try to sell me on a bag that was more expensive. I will definitely be going back. Thanks for the great service in a time when it is so rare!

Adam G

Great

Vanessa Crocco

One of my kingston favorites!

Cassie Sheffield

I used their online services to print enlargements. One was done correctly while two others were obviously cropped incorrectly. When I picked up the photos no one mentioned the issue. I checked them when I got to my car and returned to the store to see if they could rectify the issue. They told me that there was an issue with the files (due to their software) and I had to resend the photos. I ran across the street to a local business that I knew would let me use their computer because I had issue accessing their website on my phone. It took about 10 minutes. As soon as I resent them I called Camera Kingston to make sure they were sent properly. They said that the woman who took care of printing had left 5 minutes prior and they would be unable to help me. What incredibly poor customer service. 1. There was an obvious issue with the prints. They could have contacted me before printing to correct the issue before hand. 2. No one mentioned the issue when I picked up the prints. We could have corrected the issue then 3. When I returned to the store no one informed me that the print lab closed at 5 (which was 10 minutes away) even though they are open until 7. 4. When I called and tried to confirm the correct files were sent, they offered me no solutions and were of no help. I asked explicitly, twice "Is there nothing you can do to help me?" and was told the print lab was closed. 3 8x10 prints were $20 - which i insisted they refund. I'll be getting them done at Walmart for $5 instead. So much for supporting locally owned business.

Fatoumata Ba

Very pleasant people ???? staff nice and helpful.

Paul O'Toole

First Purchase from Camera Kingston when smoothly. Staff were helpful and friendly. I knew exactly what I wanted so their was little or no shopping involved. I used to buy from Henry's as I live in the west end of Kingston so it was more convenient to go their. It took me longer to find a place to park than it did to walk to the store and complete the purchase. Not unusual for downtown Kingston.

Nashat Mekhaeil

Very rude staff. I took my newborn for a passport photo and completely changed the way he looks. Would not recommend????

Phil Butcher

Great selection of film and chemicals available in stock.

Beth Clancey

There was good service here grom knowledgable staff. Helping me with my project.

Donna Smyth-McNeilly

Easy online ordering of prints that came out beautifully. There was a mix up of my name not being entered into their computer inventory system properly which took a few minutes to get to the bottom of. The man assisting me did not panic or become overly frustrated and apologized - and he told me what had happened thus reassuring me that it was not something that I did wrong. I appreciated that.

Eric S

Great store! Great staff!

Sarah Garvey

Ordered pictures online. Super easy to do, I was able to preview the prints before I completed the order. It took less then a day to be able to pick them up. The gentleman who helped me at the counter was very friendly. The prints turned out perfectly! It was a great way to preserve some very old photos and share them with my family

Jonathan Soper

I've shopped at a few different camera stores in different cities I've lived in, and Camera Kingston is the best. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff, and great photo developing services!

xin ying cheng

Professional!

Dan Tastard-Homer

Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, store has great products

Sarah Pine

Great service! Very professional and knowledgeable. Always very helpful.

Noreen Desforge

I tried to place an online order but discovered the size I required was a custom size. After calling the store and talking with an associate it was suggested I go onto have the order placed to have the size correct. The associate also walked me through the easiest way to place the order. After visiting the store and placing my order Randy completed it in a very short time. I was not expecting my order before Christmas due to the special size and short time. Thank-you so much Randy and all the staff for such great and friendly service, this speaks to how the business is still operating and thriving in these times!

E Clapp

always a pleasure to visit here staff are great at answering questions service is great

Natasha ski

Very helpful staff.

Sam Battams

Fantastic bunch of guys, couldn't be any more helpful. Highly recommended!

Cathy Yuan

Terrible staff with really bad attitude to customer and really poor quality of the camera equipment

Stirling Wight

Very good experience, in and out, got what I needed in less than 5 minutes.

Marina Anne

I went in to get some pictures printed and to buy an album to put them in. The employee I talked to seemed confused and it took the help of another employee for him to understand my request. Once he did understand, I asked him what size pictures I should get for the album and he said 4x6 was the size it had to be for the albums they carried. So that's what I went with. I bought the album and put in an order for the pictures. When I picked up the pictures and brought them home, I realized they were too big for the album. I went back to the store to at least get a refund for the album. The employee I dealt with first charged me again for the album before another employee helped him refund me. During this process I mentioned that it might be a good idea for them to not recommend the 4x6 size for their albums, since this size would only work if all of the pictures were horizontal. At this point I was not upset since I do think I could have double-checked as well. But the employee just said in an unfriendly tone that I should have known better and nobody apologized or acknowledged that they could have given better advice. I didn't even want a refund for the pictures I just wanted them to acknowledge they had also made a mistake and to be nice about it. Overall, horrible customer service.