Main recommended list
Kerrisdale Cameras: This is basically one of the most established and reliable old-school camera retailers in BC. According to its official information, it was founded in 1961, is family-owned, and now has 7 stores across Greater Vancouver and Victoria. It also comes up often in local discussions, especially for its used gear, knowledgeable staff, and service that is helpful without being pushy.
Broadway Camera: Another long-running and very common name in Greater Vancouver. Officially, it dates back to 1982 and now has locations in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, and Coquitlam. People in the local community often mention that the staff really know their gear and provide solid service. The Richmond location is also a Leica Boutique.
Beau Photo Supplies: This shop has had a very strong reputation in Vancouver’s photography community for a long time. Officially, it was founded in 1982 and sells cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, film, and darkroom supplies, while also offering rentals and used gear. In local discussions, it is often treated as a top choice for professionals and more advanced enthusiasts, especially for people interested in lighting, film, darkroom work, and second-hand equipment.
Camera Traders (Victoria): If you are on the island, especially in Victoria, this one is well worth checking first. The official description is very direct: it specializes in used and alternative photographic equipment, and also deals in film, digital, and rentals. In Victoria-based local discussions, its reputation is consistently strong, with common praise focusing on knowledgeable staff, wide selection, and fair prices.
Henry’s Vancouver: This is a nationwide Canadian chain. For BC, the main location I found this time was the Vancouver store at 2928 Granville Street. Officially, it offers services such as repairs, trade-ins, 35mm film processing, and passport photos. Its local reputation does not feel quite as rooted in the “classic neighborhood camera store” category as the shops above, but it still gets mentioned often, mainly because of its broad selection and mature chain-store system.
London Drugs (camera counter / PhotoLab): This is not a pure specialty camera shop, but people in BC’s photography community still go there regularly. Officially, it offers photography services, film processing, and photo advisors. In local discussions, it is also often included on the list of places to buy gear or use imaging services, especially because it is convenient and has many locations.
Others
Factory Cameras (Vancouver): This shop leans more toward older film cameras, vintage gear, and restoration, rather than being a mainstream digital camera store. Officially, it offers film camera sales, restoration, and repair, so it is better suited to people looking to buy or fix older cameras.
Camtex Camera (Vancouver): More repair-focused than a standard shop for browsing and buying new cameras. But if your actual need is body or lens repair, it is one of the longstanding names in Vancouver. Officially, it describes itself as an independent repair center dating back to 1979.
VanCam Service (Vancouver): Also more repair-oriented. Officially, it says it has been doing camera repairs in Vancouver for many years, and some brand repair pages also list it as a service center.
