National Camera Exchange - Golden Valley

This is a Twin Cities Gem and an asset to anyone with any interest in photography. A recent transaction included purchasing a high ticket used item from the Golden Valley location. I was not rushed or pushed into the purchase. They allowed me to make multiple trips to get a feel of the equipment. Their return policy is perhaps the best in the business with a generous 30 days return for exchanges or full refund (restocking fees applies for items over $1500). They have the same policy for used equipment and that is what sold me into buying from them. I have almost a month to check the camera out and if not satisfied for any reason can simply return it. Where else are you going to find this policy? Hopefully, my test rolls next week will give me a good sense of how the equipment is. Nevertheless, these guys are a pleasure to deal with...No problems doing business with them again. more

I was asked to update my review. I continue to trade there and continue to receive excellent assistance. I look other places but continue to return for their high quality of service. more

I have had many experiences with them over the last 50 years and have been completely satisfied with every single one. I personally have shopped at the downtown store (it is smaller), the main store, Roseville store, and recently the Maple Grove Store. In all cases I found myself dealing with an enthusiast who knows and has used several different models of the cameras he/she is selling. In general, the sales staff knows what they are talking about, don't pretend to know something they do not (they can and do ask a colleage when necessary) and are always courteous. I have heard them be patient without being condescending, with some of their less than knowledgable customers who were asking questions that would drive me nuts. For reliable and reputable camera assistance, novice, amateur or pro, to me they are the only game in town -- and an excellent one at that. more

The store in Golden Valley and the one in Rosedale are excellent examples of retailer that wants your repeat business. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable. The same cannot be said for the store in Burnsville. the salespeople at that location are arrogant, rude and smart alacks. Since it is the closest store to home I have been there several times in the last 6 years. I have never bought anything from them and will not go back. Now I drive across town to another location, or simply order off the internet. National Camera is the only game in town if you want high end camera equipment locally. Most of their locations are fantastic to deal with. If they are not careful, the reputation of the Burnsville store will take the entire chain down with them. more

The best thing about National Camera Exchange & Video is that you can talk with the guys at the countter and they are (for the most part) photo and DV enthusiasts and they know their stuff. I do everything I can to inform myself by reading, searching the internet, comparing prices, etc but then I finally get close to a buy, I need to put my hands on the device and ask a few interactive questions to finish the deal. And that's were National Camera comes in. National Camera will also do their best to try and meet, match or get close to the best price on equipment. Even if you have to pay a few dollars more, it is worth the expertise they bring to a sale and support if something goes wrong shortly thereafter. You know they make their money on accessories (which you will often pay a premium for) but if you watch carefully, you'll find they offer sales and discounts on those as well. Another thing to watch for is National Camera's semi-annual tent sale. Often these happen in early or mid-August and they take all of their inventory out of the store room and used equipment, makr down the prices, and move it out into tents next to their building. You can score some great deals during the inventory sale. And if you are looking for an old SpeedGraphic or made a Kodak Brownie, this is the place to pick that rare item with a special film look to your arsenal of equipment to impress the foto-groupies with your work. The counter can be something of a circus and getting to the experts a challenge. Now, if I could only find the foto-groupies! more

There are reasons to go to specialty stores for certain items, and National Camera is one of those places. They have been in business for many years, and it shows. The people who work there know important things, not only about cameras, but photography as well. It is one thing to know technical information about an item, but the staff here understands the greater context of photography. Recommended if you have a few things to learn, or if you are pro in need of intelligent assistance. more

National Camera Exchange is a good camera store. They have way more cameras and accessories than the big box chain stores. Plus their employees are easier to find and more helpful when you do. I would recommend giving them a chance when you next want to buy camera or video equipment. more

I've had a couple of experiences with them and they have been overwhelmingly positive. First, I was looking for a flash for my Canon SLR. They steered me away from a Canon flash and toward a cheaper and more capable flash. Years later, I broke that flash (I blame the dog) and then when I returned to them, they sold a new one below their cost! Just because. They have been very good with camera advice. I was looking to sneak a digital camera into some concerts and they could talk to me about the difficulties in low light photography with digital cameras. I tried one camera but didn't like it and they were totally cool about taking it back (they have a great return policy). I can't recommend them enough. There may be a cheaper online source of cameras and equipment but it won't be by much and it certainly can't compare to the opportunity to try something first and talk to someone about what you want to do more