Vancouver, BC Camera/Film Shops

[jcc]

I'm going to be in Vancouver area for a few days. It'll probably be raining most of the time, so I won't get to shoot much. Any recommendations on camera/film shops to go check out?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dave Swinnard]

Well you should have a look at Leo's Camera Supply at 1055 Granville Street, in the downtown area, on the main drag (as it were). They still have some film and as decent a selection of old, used goodies as you'll find in this town. (I've been going there since the late '60s)

If you can do a week day between about 8 and 5 you should also have a look at Beau Photo
(1520 W. 6th Ave - look carefully you might miss them) - likely going to be the last bastion of film in Vancouver. When you walk in, do not be taken aback, they are a pro. supply shop but cater to all those-in-the-know in Vancouver. Professionals, students, and anybody else who wanders in. The front section is bags, albums, and behind the counter stock, moving farther in you'll find the darkroom and film/paper area and then down the hall, past the shipping folks is the magical back room...used equipment, new digital, and the super rental department (Ken, Mike, and Jason respectively). I have bought much film, paper, and used LF and MF gear there over the years. Some new stuff too.

Kerrisdale Cameras, the main store on W 41st Ave. - no longer in the downtown area, but into the residential Kerrisdale area. At one time they were the other go-to film/used goodies store. Like many, they've shifted to digital along with the amateur market.

There are a couple of others camera stores, Broadway Photo and Lens & Shutter - both on Broadway (nearish the downtown, but south over the bridge(s) off the downtown peninsula. Not sure how much film related materials they have these days

Enjoy your visit - best place in the world when the sun is out. (pretty terrific the rest of the time too, just a bit damper)

Dave
(left Vancouver after 40 years to the peace and quiet of Vancouver Island)

 

[Chris G]

if moody, haunting street scenes, architecture with mountain backdrops, are what you like, then you will be shooting a lot. Rain soaked street scenes... interesting, friendly people, brilliant at night.... bring an umbrella.

The shop recommendations above are all good choices

 

[jcc]

Well you should have a look at Leo's Camera Supply at 1055 Granville Street, in the downtown area, on the main drag (as it were). They still have some film and as decent a selection of old, used goodies as you'll find in this town. (I've been going there since the late '60s)

If you can do a week day between about 8 and 5 you should also have a look at Beau Photo
(1520 W. 6th Ave - look carefully you might miss them) - likely going to be the last bastion of film in Vancouver. When you walk in, do not be taken aback, they are a pro. supply shop but cater to all those-in-the-know in Vancouver. Professionals, students, and anybody else who wanders in. The front section is bags, albums, and behind the counter stock, moving farther in you'll find the darkroom and film/paper area and then down the hall, past the shipping folks is the magical back room...used equipment, new digital, and the super rental department (Ken, Mike, and Jason respectively). I have bought much film, paper, and used LF and MF gear there over the years. Some new stuff too.

Kerrisdale Cameras, the main store on W 41st Ave. - no longer in the downtown area, but into the residential Kerrisdale area. At one time they were the other go-to film/used goodies store. Like many, they've shifted to digital along with the amateur market.

There are a couple of others camera stores, Broadway Photo and Lens & Shutter - both on Broadway (nearish the downtown, but south over the bridge(s) off the downtown peninsula. Not sure how much film related materials they have these days

Enjoy your visit - best place in the world when the sun is out. (pretty terrific the rest of the time too, just a bit damper)

Dave
(left Vancouver after 40 years to the peace and quiet of Vancouver Island)

if moody, haunting street scenes, architecture with mountain backdrops, are what you like, then you will be shooting a lot. Rain soaked street scenes... interesting, friendly people, brilliant at night.... bring an umbrella.

The shop recommendations above are all good choices

Thanks, folks! I will check out Leo's Camera Supply, as it's actually just a couple of blocks from where I am staying. And Beau Photo is just a little bit south. Kerrisdale might be a bit of a stretch though as I am mainly traveling around town by foot.

 

[Jeff L]

Timely thread.
I just arrived in Vancouver this evening.
Thanks to all for the store locations

 

[hdeyong]

This is timely for me, too. My wife and I start a three month long house-sit in Victoria in January, and I was thinking about exploring the shops in that whole area. Last time we were there, I remember a good one right in downtown Victoria, and I ended up buying a Patterson tank and a few other things.

 

[sly]

Jcc - Don't let the rain stop you! I shoot more during the winter months than the summer.

Hdeyoung - you're probably thinking of Camera Traders in Market Square. Drooled all over a 6x17 when I was there last - way beyond my means. Great place for odds and ends - if you can't see it, ask. They have a lot of stuff tucked into that little store.

If anyone is heading for Nanaimo, I'd be glad to show you around. Just don't come here for analog shopping.

 

[Dennis S]

Today (Sun)was a surprisingly warm day. Was out with my 4x5 for most of the day. Started to look a bit iffy late afternoon. Make sure you check the seawall which is a great place on foot. Anywhere in False Creek is nice for viewing and photographing. Rain might a challenge as from Oct-May it is :
View attachment 96378 or View attachment 96379 forecast.

 

[jcc]

I was out and about at Stanley Park yesterday. Hasselblad in the morning, then the 4x5 in the afternoon. Sadly, my travel tripod was not tall enough to look over the Lion's Gate Bridge, along the park's loop road.

This afternoon is surprisingly pleasant, after this morning's showers. I'll be out and about again.

 

[jcc]

If you can do a week day between about 8 and 5 you should also have a look at Beau Photo
(1520 W. 6th Ave - look carefully you might miss them) - likely going to be the last bastion of film in Vancouver. When you walk in, do not be taken aback, they are a pro. supply shop but cater to all those-in-the-know in Vancouver. Professionals, students, and anybody else who wanders in. The front section is bags, albums, and behind the counter stock, moving farther in you'll find the darkroom and film/paper area and then down the hall, past the shipping folks is the magical back room...used equipment, new digital, and the super rental department (Ken, Mike, and Jason respectively). I have bought much film, paper, and used LF and MF gear there over the years. Some new stuff too.

I went to Beau Photo yesterday and picked up a couple rolls of 120. You were right--I did miss them on the first pass! It's a nice little place with some surprisingly diverse types of film, and the lovely lady tending to the film stock was very nice and helpful. Thank you, Dave, for the recommendations.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Yes, Beau Photo is where I pick up my film. I just wish they'd open on Saturdays!