The Best Local Camera Shops Near Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Area Camera Shops

Let me tell you where to find the best local camera shops near Pittsburgh. There was a time not that long ago that camera shops seemed like they were going to go extinct. In fact, the few chain stores like Ritz camera closed all but 2 stores. Many local mom-and-pop camera shops went out of business.

Retail Survival

Most of those that managed, just barely did so. In fact, to tough it out faced many challenges. First, they adapted by selling low-priced consumer cameras. Then, smartphones came along. Thus, another wave of stores closed.

Thankfully in the Pittsburgh area we have a few great locally owned camera shops that we can turn to for most if not all of our camera needs.

Consumer to Professional Cameras

The stores I've listed here cater to everyone. If you're a consumer or a professional then you've got to know about these camera shops near Pittsburgh. It doesn't matter if you're looking to buy your very first camera or want to upgrade. Shop local first. Additionally, if you're a pro looking for some new lighting, accessories, etc. then these stores have you covered as well.

The Good and the Bad

Of course, a list of great local camera shops is one thing. However, I don't feel it would be complete without my list of stores to avoid. As a result, don't skip out early. After all, you'll want to know where not to shop as well.

Visit These Camera Shops Near Pittsburgh

You can trust the following two camera stores in the Pittsburgh area. In fact, no matter what level of photography you're at and what you're looking for they'll both go out of their way to help you. Both sell film for your retro SLRs and even other film formats.

Plus, they both carry the latest greatest cameras from the major manufactures. Do you need some lights capable of high-speed sync? Then. visit one (or both of) these camera shops.

Premier Imaging

Premier Imaging has three local camera shops. First, they have a massive shop in North Hills Village. Second, they started with the former Ritz Camera in the Miracle Mile Shopping Plaza but are now in Monroeville Mall. Finally, they opened their third shop in South Hills Village .

All three camera stores are staffed with truly great people. They all love photography. Plus, they know their inventory and what they're talking about.

Additionally, they offer a wide selection of gear and they process film onsite (at least some processes). Also, they offer classes and can help you with most any questions you might have especially if you're a beginner.

One really cool thing, at least at their North Hills location, is that they have an in-house studio which you can rent.

Read why Premier Imaging is the best local camera shop in Pittsburgh.

YM Camera

YM Camera in Youngstown Ohio is always worth the trip!

Robbie and his team also know their stuff. Plus, they too really enjoy talking about cameras, photography, and so forth. They'll also ship items to you, even overnight.

I'm not joking when I say that they treat you like family. Too, much like Premier they offer classes and other activities that encourage comradery and build community. They help people learn and grow as photographers.

Finally. they too sell film and a variety of video related products. Also worth mentioning, along with being an incredible local camera store they carry a wide selection of skateboards. Yes, skateboards. Skaters love to photograph and film themselves.

Pittsburgh Camera Shops to Avoid

Bernie's Photo Center

First, I wish I didn't have to say it but nearly everyone I know who have visited has had a bad experience at Bernie's.

For example, my bad experiences was over 20 years ago. I placed an order over the phone that was critical to my graduation, gave them the date I must have it by and they promised they'd have it.

Then, I went to get it they told me they hadn't ordered it but would do so right then. It was too late and I told them forget about it.

Of course, weeks after I graduated they called and told me my order was ready. I told them I didn't need it and they began to hound me with calls demanding I pay for what they ordered. For weeks I endured calls from them increasingly demand that I pay for what I told them they were too late to order for me.

Times Change Service Doesn't

Thinking things might be different I ventured back there about a decade ago but was again met with poor attitudes and snarky comments. At the time I had been working as a professional photographer for more than a decade but they acted superior, entitled, and treated me like a clueless noob. In fact, I was already teaching others photography at that point.

Honestly, even if I didn't know what I was talking about how they treated me would have been incredibly problematic. Nobody should be treated like that. It's a really bad way to conduct business and may scare people off of photography thinking that they'll encounter nothing but rudeness from ignorant know-it-alls.

Student Reports

Students still report being ripped off at Bernie's. In fact, I had a student who was sold a UV filter (the same one that retails for $15-$20 online) for over $100. In addition, I've had other students tell me how they were ripped off.

When it comes to camera shops in Pittsburgh to avoid Bernie's will seemingly always be at the top of the list.

Camera Repair Service

Camera Repair Service is that small shop in Market Square that people occasionally ask, "Is that place still open?"

To be fair to them I've never been there but it's only because people I know and trust have had really poor experiences there.

I've had students and other pros tell me horror stories. First, that they got cameras back in worse shape than when they dropped them off. In fact, one newer pro told me how their camera was returned to them in pieces. Additionally, along with many, many complaints I've heard of absolutely horribly rude service.

Rude Boys

Just like with Bernie's this really bothers me. Why? Pittsburgh is mostly a very pleasant city so to encounter such rude people in one industry sends a really bad signal about that industry in particular. Additionally, to have them happen in or near the central business district where tourists might encounter them is really upsetting.

Have you had any experiences at one of these shops bad or good? If so let me know via my contact page. If you're looking for photography gifts or classes check out my shop and classes page.