New York Camera of Princeton — Local services in Princeton

I really wanted to keep supporting this shop, but unfortunately, things have gone downhill over the past few years.

Last summer, I dropped off a roll of film and was told it would be ready in a few weeks. I understand that film processing takes time, so I didn’t mind the wait. But after a month and a half with no updates, I reached out to ask about the status of my negatives or scans. They told me they weren’t sure where my roll was and that they’d look into it. Weeks went by with no updates, and every time I followed up, I got the same vague response. After months of this, I had to give up and move on since I was relocating across the country. Then, in February—many months later—they called saying I needed to pick up my negatives immediately or they’d be discarded. When I finally got them, I realized I had never received the scans. I didn’t even bother asking at that point, given the experience. To make matters worse, the roll had a serious light leak I’m sure wasn't due to my camera, which I’ve used for years without issue.

I chalked it up to a one time mishap - mistakes happen. But today, I decided to give them a second chance and dropped by with another roll. Unfortunately, the experience was just as disappointing. I was told to place my order on an iPad, which I didn’t mind, but the staff member was curt and kept interrupting me to explain basic terms (yes, I know what a contact sheet is). Then, at checkout, I was charged nearly $30. As someone who develops film at home and only uses shops for convenience, I can say that even $20 for basic b&w development is quite excessive. In fact, I paid only 13$ for dev+scan at a different store just 4 weeks ago.

I paid because I needed the photos soon, but I won’t be coming back. It’s disappointing to see a once trusted local business lose its way. I no longer...

Came in to get my passport photos taken on a Saturday afternoon, and there were 2 employees and 1 other person in the store. No one greeted me at first, but an employee eventually mumbled "hi". Anyway, I stated what I came in for and a young woman walked over and took my photos straightaway. She was friendly and patient as she took 3 different photos (I was slouching or my head was tilted), and then cropped and printed the photographs. It was a quick process.

I wanted to write this review about my experience with New York Camera because while my photos turned out well and the young woman was helpful, the overall customer service was definitely lacking. The older gentleman (possibly the owner) did not so much look at me or acknowledge my presence until it came time to pay for the photos; his first words to me were "That will be 15.95 - credit card?" I mean, it wouldn't kill you to be slightly friendlier and maybe even make eye contact with a customer -- but that's probably a stretch for this guy.

Finally, I wanted to say that as someone who grew up in NJ, and a Brooklyn resident for 5 years, I've met many New Yorkers who are less standoffish and just as competent at their photography/arts as the employees of this store. Next time, if I need any photo services, I'll go to Fotolux or even Walgreens -- they are farther, yes, but don't come with a side...

WORD OF WARNING FOR FILM PROCESSING (further down in review)

Great shop with lots of camera selection. Stock comes in and out so you may be able to find what you're looking for over the course of a month or two, especially regarding film cameras. The staff are welcoming and knowledgable - always have interesting things to say about different gear.

Now regarding the warning, this isn't related to the shop itself, but rather the place they send film to get processed and printed. I had four rolls of 35mm film get sent out to where they get film processed - all of them were completely off in color in digital and print. I took special care to ensure these rolls were safe and most of the pictures do not show any resemblance to the colors i have come to expect from Kodak film. I hope it was a one time occurrence but there is no fixing the processed rolls now. Just keep this in mind if you are thinking about...