Samy's Camera
Camera store 4.3 ★★★★☆ 1,148
Buys & tradesCamera repairRents gear
Store specializing in still & video camera equipment sales, rentals, lighting & accessories.
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Used cameras in California
67 camera stores across 44 cities in California stock used, film and vintage gear. Used inventory is confirmed from each shop's own listings or from customer reviews — and because stock is whatever walked in the door, it changes weekly.
Mike's Camera
Camera store 4.6 ★★★★★ 851
Develops filmCamera repairRents gear
Provider of digital & film, photographic & video cameras & equipment, plus processing services.
Samy's Camera
Camera store 4.6 ★★★★★ 690
Buys & tradesCamera repairRents gear
Store specializing in still & video camera equipment sales, rentals, lighting & accessories.
San Jose Camera & Video
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 629
Develops filmCamera repairRents gear
Old-school photo shop with a wide inventory of supplies, plus classes, archiving services & repairs.
Horn Photo
Camera store 4.6 ★★★★★ 566
Buys & tradesCamera repairRents gear
Digital photography and film processing shop offering equipment sales, supplies, albums and photo restoration.
George's Camera
Camera store 4.7 ★★★★★ 553
Rents gearUsed gear
Friendly camera emporium specializing in rentals, repairs, lighting and equipment. Offering classes and warranties.
The Darkroom
Community darkroom 4.7 ★★★★★ 552
Develops filmUsed gear
Film-development lab boasting mail-in and online ordering options for 35mm and other formats.
George's Camera
Camera store 4.6 ★★★★★ 482
Develops filmUsed gear
Buzzy retailer carrying a range of cameras & accessories, also offering repairs, printing & classes.
Samy's Camera
Camera store 4.2 ★★★★☆ 481
Buys & tradesCamera repairRents gear
Store specializing in still & video camera equipment sales, rentals, lighting & accessories.
Mike's Camera Dublin
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 418
Develops filmRents gearUsed gear
Provider of digital & film, photographic & video cameras & equipment, plus processing services.
Mike's Camera | Menlo Park
Camera store 4.4 ★★★★☆ 388
Rents gearUsed gearAuthorized dealer
Provider of digital & film, photographic & video cameras & equipment, plus processing services.
Bluewater Photo
Camera store 4.9 ★★★★★ 302
Rents gearUsed gear
Specialty shop with cameras & accessories for underwater photography, plus classes & photo trips.
Tuttle Cameras
Camera store 4.6 ★★★★★ 290
Camera repairRents gearUsed gear
Old-school camera shop offering all manner of equipment, supplies & accessories, plus a photo lab.
Action Camera
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 263
Develops filmUsed gear
Relaxed business offering cameras, lenses, backpacks and other gear, plus classes.
Mike's Camera Inc. Pleasant Hill
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 278
Develops filmRents gearUsed gear
Provider of digital & film, photographic & video cameras & equipment, plus processing services.
Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 264
Buys & tradesRents gearUsed gear
Longtime hub for digital cameras, film, photo equipment & supplies, plus a darkroom for rent.
Seawood Photo
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 189
Buys & tradesCamera repairUsed gear
Opened in 1947, this shop carries digital photography equipment plus new & used film cameras & gear.
Glass Key Photo
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 186
Buys & tradesCamera repairRents gear
Full-service camera shop with many types of film & paper, darkroom chemicals & photo accessories.
Leica Store and Gallery Los Angeles
Camera store 4.7 ★★★★★ 168
Buys & tradesRents gearUsed gear
Modern, upscale shop offering Leica cameras, related equipment, photography books & a photo gallery.
Camera Exposure
Camera store 4.2 ★★★★☆ 166
Buys & tradesDevelops filmUsed gear
Store selling cameras & related accessories, while offering repairs & equipment rentals.
Rewind Film Lab
Film lab 5 ★★★★★ 136
Develops filmUsed gear
Film laboratory providing development and scanning services, along with film stocks and printing.
PhotoSource
Camera store 4.7 ★★★★★ 144
Develops filmRents gearUsed gear
Friendly people with a passion for photography and film.
Paul's Photo Inc
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 147
Develops filmUsed gear
Knowledgeable retailer of camera equipment, plus classes and printing services.
Bill's Camera
Film lab 4.9 ★★★★★ 135
Develops filmUsed gear
Full-service store with analog cameras, lenses, accessories and supplies, plus repairs and development.
Digitron - Repair of Projector, Mixing Console, PTZ, Camera, Stage Light, Amplifier, Keyboard, Medical & Industrial Equipment
Camera repair shop 4.4 ★★★★☆ 145
Camera repairUsed gear
Pro-grade audio and video equipment repair shop with 35-plus years of experience.
IE Photo Rentals
Camera store 4.9 ★★★★★ 125
Rents gearUsed gear
Resource for camera and lens rentals, plus lighting and other equipment for photography and cinematography.
Leica Store San Francisco
Camera store 4.1 ★★★★☆ 149
Buys & tradesUsed gear
High-end camera shop offering the latest models & rare vintage finds, plus photography classes.
OC camera
Camera store 4 ★★★★☆ 146
Buys & tradesCamera repairUsed gear
Specializing in cameras of all kinds, this modern retailer also offers repairs and accessories as well as photo art.
Mac Star Cameras & Electronics
Camera store 4.7 ★★★★★ 122
Used gear
Camera store stocking the latest photo and video equipment, including drones, computers, and Apple products.
The Photo Shop
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 109
Develops filmUsed gear
Store that sells and prints photos, including passport photos, plus film and memory cards.
Fireside Camera
Camera store 4.3 ★★★★☆ 116
Rents gearUsed gear
Institution offering film printing & camera sales since 1954 in a simple, straightforward space.
Pro Photo Factory
Film lab 4.9 ★★★★★ 100
Develops filmUsed gear
Photo shop offering film development and printing services, digital copies, and passport photos.
Hooper Camera & Imaging
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 106
Develops filmUsed gear
Camera shop at Sun Plaza Shopping Center providing equipment, supplies, and services.
Nikon Inc. Repair Service Center
Camera repair shop 3.6 ★★★★☆ 123
Buys & tradesCamera repairUsed gear
Computer and Camera Repairs
Camera repair shop 4.7 ★★★★★ 92
Camera repairUsed gear
Camera repair shop providing speedy service and helpful explanations for digital photography equipment.
Steve's Camera Service Center
Camera repair shop 4.8 ★★★★★ 82
Camera repairUsed gear
Camera repair shop offering services for various brands, including Leica and Canon.
Camera Tech of Anaheim
Camera repair shop 4.7 ★★★★★ 82
Camera repairUsed gear
Camera repair shop offering services for a variety of brands, including Canon, Yashica, Nikon, and Sony.
Camera West - Palm Springs
Camera store 4.1 ★★★★☆ 93
Buys & tradesCamera repairUsed gear
Friendly, helpful local retailer offering new and used cameras and accessories for all skill levels.
Dean's Camera Repair
Camera repair shop 4.7 ★★★★★ 77
Camera repairUsed gear
Store specializing in the repair of cameras including Nikons and Canons.
Encinitas Photo
Camera store 3.5 ★★★★☆ 100
Buys & tradesDevelops filmCamera repair
Film and used camera retailer, plus lab services, first-rate advice, and camera repairs.
One Stop Film Lab
Film lab 4.5 ★★★★★ 73
Develops filmUsed gear
Friendly film shop offering processing for negative and slide film, 35mm and 120 formats and cameras.
Jeremiah's Photo Corner
Camera repair shop 4.9 ★★★★★ 62
Camera repairUsed gear
Laid-back store offering film, lenses, vintage cameras and new equipment plus repairs.
World Photo
Camera repair shop 4.6 ★★★★★ 66
Develops filmCamera repairUsed gear
Photo lab offering passport photos and services such as film development and camera repair, as well as picture frames.
Photo Darkroom
Community darkroom 4.6 ★★★★★ 61
Develops filmCamera repairUsed gear
Enlarged and restored photos, along with film processing, sales, and scanning.
Digitech Camera Repair
Camera repair shop 4.9 ★★★★★ 55
Camera repairRents gearUsed gear
Camera repair shop offering services for all makes and models, including vintage equipment.
Harry's Camera & Video
Camera store 4.2 ★★★★☆ 61
Buys & tradesCamera repairUsed gear
Long-standing shop features new/used cameras, video equipment & accessories in a functional space.
Cam Photo & Imaging
Camera store 4.5 ★★★★★ 54
Develops filmCamera repairUsed gear
Camera shop providing an assortment of film, batteries, and accessories, as well as developing and printing services.
HOTOTRONICS (WE BUY & SELL PREOWNED CAMERAS and LENSES)
Camera store 4.8 ★★★★★ 44
Buys & tradesUsed gear
Voice and Video
Camera store 4.7 ★★★★★ 37
Rents gearUsed gear
Camera, lighting and film-gear shop known for its friendly staff and rental service to companies and filmmakers.
New Age Camera
Camera store 1.5 ★★☆☆☆ 104
Used gear
Camera store offering batteries, sunglasses, and possibly repair services.
Santa Cruz Camera Repair
Camera repair shop 3.5 ★★★★☆ 41
Camera repairUsed gear
Camera shop specializing in repair services, including lenses.
Used camera shops by city in California
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Pasadena
- Burbank
- Culver City
- Huntington Beach
- Long Beach
- Montclair
- Orange
- Sacramento
- Studio City
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Berkeley
- Brea
- Campbell
- Carlsbad
- Corona
- Dublin
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Folsom
- Fountain Valley
- Fresno
- Highland Park
- Laguna Hills
- Menlo Park
- Montebello
- Oakland
- Pleasant Hill
- Pomona
- Rancho Mirage
- Rocklin
- San Clemente
- San Luis Obispo
- San Rafael
- Santa Ana
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Signal Hill
- Upland
- West Hollywood
Check these six things before you pay
A used lens hides its problems well in a display case. Ask to handle it and hold it up to a light.
- Fungus — fine branching webs on an inner element. It etches coatings permanently and spreads between lenses in a bag. Walk away.
- Haze — an even internal fog, usually outgassed lubricant. It destroys contrast and shows as veiling flare into the light.
- Element separation — a rainbow or oil-slick edge creeping in from the rim, where a cemented group has come apart. Effectively unrepairable.
- Sticky aperture — fire the blades from wide open to stopped down a dozen times. They should snap instantly and dry. Oily, slow blades mean a service bill.
- De-centring — shoot a flat detailed subject square-on. If one edge of the frame is soft while the opposite is sharp, the elements are misaligned, usually after a drop.
- Zoom creep — hold a zoom vertically and see whether the barrel slides. Not fatal; good leverage on price.
On the body: ask for the shutter count (entry-level DSLRs are typically rated near 100,000 actuations, pro bodies 300,000–500,000), check light seals on any film camera for crumbling foam, look for sensor marks that do not blow off, and work every dial, port and slot. Read the full used camera inspection guide for what each fault actually costs you.
Why buy used in person
Online used dealers grade gear on cosmetics only — "Excellent" describes appearance, not shutter count, optical condition or remaining life. At a California counter you can mount the lens on your own body, shoot the frame edges, run the aperture, look through the barrel at a light, and check the count yourself before any money moves. The trade-off is inventory: one shop stocks what it has been given, so call ahead for anything specific.
California shops that buy and trade
Trading your old gear against a used purchase in one visit is usually the best value on the table.
- Samy's Camera
- Samy's Camera
- Horn Photo
- Samy's Camera
- Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters
- MF Camera
- Seawood Photo
- Glass Key Photo
- Leica Store and Gallery Los Angeles
- Camera Exposure
- Leica Store San Francisco
- OC camera
- Nikon Inc. Repair Service Center
- Camera West - Palm Springs
- Encinitas Photo
- Harry's Camera & Video
- HOTOTRONICS (WE BUY & SELL PREOWNED CAMERAS and LENSES)
- Samy's DV & Edit
- Golden State Cameras
- Camera West - San Francisco
- Cameraworks
Buying film gear in California?
Also develops film: Mike's Camera · San Jose Camera & Video · The Darkroom · George's Camera · Mike's Camera Dublin · Action Camera · Mike's Camera Inc. Pleasant Hill · Camera Exposure · Rewind Film Lab · PhotoSource · Paul's Photo Inc · Bill's Camera · The Photo Shop · Pro Photo Factory · Hooper Camera & Imaging · Encinitas Photo · One Stop Film Lab · World Photo · Photo Darkroom · Cam Photo & Imaging · Analog Photomart
Also repairs cameras: Samy's Camera · Mike's Camera · Samy's Camera · San Jose Camera & Video · Horn Photo · Samy's Camera · Tuttle Cameras · Seawood Photo · Glass Key Photo · Digitron - Repair of Projector, Mixing Console, PTZ, Camera, Stage Light, Amplifier, Keyboard, Medical & Industrial Equipment · OC camera · Nikon Inc. Repair Service Center · Computer and Camera Repairs · General Camera Repair · Steve's Camera Service Center · Camera Tech of Anaheim · Camera West - Palm Springs · Dean's Camera Repair · Encinitas Photo · Jeremiah's Photo Corner · World Photo · Photo Darkroom · Digitech Camera Repair · Harry's Camera & Video · Cam Photo & Imaging · Santa Cruz Camera Repair · Ross Yerkes Camera Repair · ARRI Americas, Inc. · Samy's DV & Edit · Oakland Photo Workshop · Cameraworks
Used cameras in other states
- Used cameras in Texas
- Used cameras in New York
- Used cameras in Pennsylvania
- Used cameras in Florida
- Used cameras in Colorado
- Used cameras in Michigan
- Used cameras in Ohio
- Used cameras in New Jersey
- Used cameras in Massachusetts
- Used cameras in Illinois
- Used cameras in Oregon
- Used cameras in Washington
Questions
- Where can I buy a used camera in California?
- 67 camera stores in California stock used gear, across 44 cities — San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Pasadena and others. Used stock is whatever has walked in the door, so it turns over weekly. Call ahead if you want a specific body or lens.
- What do the online condition grades mean?
- KEH, MPB, B&H and Adorama grades describe cosmetics only — not function. "Excellent" means it looks excellent; it says nothing about shutter count, lens haze, or remaining life. Every graded item is expected to work. Use the grade to decide how much visible wear you can accept, and ask about function separately.
- What do I check on a used lens?
- Hold it to a bright light and look through both ends for fungus (branching web-like growth), haze (an even internal fog), and element separation (a rainbow or oil-slick edge where cemented elements have parted). Then fire the aperture repeatedly — it should snap dry and instantly, not stick. Shoot a flat subject square-on to check for de-centring, where one side of the frame is soft and the other sharp. Fungus and separation are the two that should end the conversation.
- Is a used film camera a risky buy?
- Mechanical film bodies are the safest used purchase in photography — no circuit to fail, and repairable more or less indefinitely. Budget for light seals and a service on anything long-stored, and check the slow shutter speeds, which drag first. Electronic bodies from the 1980s and 90s are the real risk: a dead proprietary board often has no replacement part.
- Do these shops buy used gear as well?
- 21 of the California shops listed here also buy or trade. Trading in against a used purchase on the same visit is normally the best value you will get, because the shop earns on both sides of the deal.