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The best camera stores in District of Columbia

5 shortlisted from 5 reviewed businesses in District of Columbia — camera stores, film labs and repair shops, each labelled for what it actually is.

How this ranking works

Score = rating × log₁₀(review count). A 5.0 from nine people does not outrank a 4.7 from nine hundred, but one huge shop can't bury everyone either.
25 reviews minimum. Below that a rating is noise.
One entry per chain. Multi-location retailers get a single slot, so the list stays a list of businesses rather than of branches.
Museums and attractions are excluded — this is a directory of places you can actually walk into and buy, develop, rent or repair.
Nothing is paid. No business can buy a position here, and quotes are pulled verbatim from public customer reviews.

Built from 2,076 Google reviews across District of Columbia. Updated 2026.

#1 District Camera and Imaging

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,527 reviews · Washington, DC

Camera store Develops filmRents gearUsed gearPhoto printing

Time-tested retailer offering camera & film equipment, plus classes & printing services.

This is my first time renting a lens and it was a really easy and good experience with District Camera. Everything is reserved via their online portal to avoid overbooking of the same lens which is…

— Aggie · 5★

Hours, address and photos →

#2 Aperturent

4.9 ★★★★★ 198 reviews · Washington, DC

Camera store Rents gear

I've rented cameras and lenses from Aperturent four times in the past and am renting again over the holiday this year. Having a local place to rent equipment from it is really convenient to save time…

— Dennis · 5★

Hours, address and photos →

#3 Pro Photo Inc.

4.3 ★★★★☆ 198 reviews · Washington, DC

Camera store Camera repairUsed gearPassport photosScanning & digitizing

Longtime photography specialist offering a wide variety of cameras & lenses, plus repair services.

Called to see if pro photo could repair my Pentax k1000 (stuck lever and shutter button) I worked closely with Zane. He was very communicative and responded within 24 hours. Very pleasant guy.…

— Angie · 4★

Hours, address and photos →

#4 Leica Store Washington DC

4.7 ★★★★★ 100 reviews · Washington, DC

Camera store Leica Store Used gearClasses & workshops

Spiffy, high-end retailer showcasing a host of cameras, binoculars & more plus photography exhibits.

Like a lot of people who don’t yet own a Leica camera, I was a little intimidated walking in this store, however the staff member I spoke with couldn’t have been kinder or more welcoming to me and my…

— Zachary · 5★

Hours, address and photos →

#5 Arlington Buyback

5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews · Washington, DC

Camera store Buys & trades

Been looking to sell my camera equipment to upgrade. Ex was great! He gave me a reasonable price and the transaction was smooth and fast. I got quotes from Pro Photo and District Camera and Arlington…

— Patrick · 5★

Hours, address and photos →

All camera stores in District of Columbia → Best in another state