Hunt’s Photo & Video

This place rocks. Good staff. Knowledgeable. Helpful. Selection and pricing rival the web. And they always call when they say they will if you order something. Or they arrange for you to pick up at another of their stores. Ask for Jeremy.

LOVE this store.
Every time I’ve been there, I have been helped quickly, or asked if I needed help. Even when it was busy, they made sure to acknowledge me and make me feel seen/​welcomed.
I just bought a camera from them yesterday and they were super helpful and the whole transaction was quick, smooth, and painless!
Will definitely continue to use this store!

The store is impressive, but their film processing is poor quality and the staff so fare have been less than truly knowledgable about the actual process. Their photo lab is difficult to get in touch with, and if you want prints done off of negative film onto negative paper, they still scan it as abysmally low resolution, so they never come out looking too good. The best in-​house scanning resolution that can do is 6400 dpi, which gives you a resolution of about 54-​megapixel digital file from one full 36×24mm frame of 135 film. A high quality film can resolve 400 lines/​mm or better, giving you the equivalent pixel density of 10,160 dpi on the film, but their equipment cannot reproduce it. It’s a cheap shortcut which saves time, but gives you less value for your dollar, so this is not the place to have enlargements done. Even at its best, the print quality you’ll get from film is nowhere near as good as traditional analogue printing, and it’s a lot more trouble to go through.
Their inventory of film is very limited; they have the old standbys (Portra, Velvia, Tri-​X, etc.), and they stock a fantastic variety of Ilford films, but other than that, there isn’t much diversity as yet.

I am very disappointed with Hunts photo.
they measured the frame from the outside so when I received the Picture it was way to big for the oval frame. I had to cut about 40%of the picture for this to fit.
NOT happy at all with them.
After all the cutting and resizing it finally fit in the frame.
way to drop the ball on this.
not to mention the customer service I received. they did not want to open up the package when I showed up because they would not be able to put it back in the box ??? I will not be returning customer

I recently took a photography class here and was very satisfied. I knew nothing, NOTHING about taking photos with a DSLR camera and now I know enough to take some awesome shots. No more scene settings for me! Instructors were helpful and gave easy to understand explanations and tips.

When my daughter in law asked for the pictures I took and send to her via email. I started a frequent journey to Hunt’s Camera Shop at Melrose. I am very low tech. Don helped me 3 times to uploaded the pictures from the camera to the computer, Jeremy helped me to delete the pictures from the computer, they both wrote down instructions for me to follow at home in my note pad; Chris, the sales manager was always helpful every time I was in the store and showed me how to do it right. All 3 were very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and above all ‘willing to help’. Thanks soooo much and may the «force be with you».

Came here to get a camera i needed for a photo class at school. They have all type of cameras and lots of different brands to choose from. The guy who helped me was really helpful. The rest of the staff seemed helpful too.

Looking for a random obscure camera part & totally found it here! I didn’t think I would, but this is store is good… Or else how else would a brick n’ mortar place still survive in an online shopping economy? Well there is something to be said about going into a shop, talking to salesman who actually know their stuff (not just clueless teens working registers), & walking out exactly with what you want, not having to wait for shipping, & being able to use it the same day! Beats shopping online any day!
The sales people are passionate about cameras so they will either be able to help you or direct you to someone who can. They are paid commission, but we’re not pushy at all about the sell– I think they are smart enough to know that if you are satisfied with their quality service, you will be back… Because they are so right. I WILL be back there for all my camera needs. I had Alan S help me tremendously & I am so glad stores like this are still around because no, you CAN’T always find what you need online.

I had purchased a light kit from Calumet years ago, and the company then went out of business. The soft box that I bought with my light kit ended up with a missing rod, and I was trying to find out if I could purchase a set of replacement rods for a similarly sized soft box. I asked at another Hunt’s Photo location, and honestly found the store clerk quite rude and unhelpful for my (apparently) odd request. So, I headed to the mother ship in Melrose. I explained my conundrum to Peter, who went above and beyond, and was able to find an equivalent brand of light kit and soft box that would sell replacement rods in the same size. I definitely plan to give them more of my business, because they were so helpful, and really knew their business. I imagine lots of new camera lenses and backdrops in my future purchases from them to help with my head shot and nature photography.

Top notch service at the Hunt’s in Melrose. Alan Samiljan in particular really put in an extra effort recently to help me locate a difficult-​to-​obtain lens. I’d much rather give them my business than a big online retailer (same price, too!).

I am not a «Professional» by any means, but go to Hunts about 3 times a year to get camera accessories like batteries, chargers and memory cards. Even then, i get top quality stuff and spend about $ 1000 a year there. I was thinking with the collapse of slr cameras, their business would have gone downhill. but it hasn’t! They have gotten better at what they do, They know their stuff, and their prices have gotten more competitive! They are the ONLY local place to go to buy camera, camcorder, and professional lighting equipment. I wouldn’t even dream of going to Best Buy for any of that stuff. Hunts has the most current models of anything you can imagine. Although there are a few small «branches» of Hunts around, i go to the Melrose store only. If there is ANYTHING i would love, is for that store to be fully stocked with every high-​end item on their website. There are times I need something (very) quickly and go onto their website and see something I want, so i go there in person just to find the item is available by order only. I have been to B and H a few times, and they literally carry everything in the store that’s on their website. But Hunts is still the Best!

Becoming a photographer is exciting and challenging. The staff at Hunt’s Photo in Melrose make the process so much easier. All of the employees are passionate about photography and want to help you understand what you are buying and how things work.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Scott Levine, their lighting specialist. When I purchased my equipment from another store, I was not shown how to properly set-​up my softbox and Speedlight. Scott was patient and help me understand the proper way to make it all work. I can’t wait to start photographing this way tonight.
A special thanks also to Don Toothaker, Ron Phillips and Paul Nelson; all who are fantastic instructors and mentors as well.
Feel like taking a scenic stroll while learning photography with experts? Then check out Hunt’s Photo Walks on Facebook and see the events that are continually being posted for our New England area.

Brick-​and-​mortar stores — especially for electronics — are going away, right? Well, there are exceptions. Photography is a natural exception due to the high costs and demands of the work.
I’m lucky in that I’m just an amateur that likes to take pictures on occasion; however, I can see why this store is still around. First of all, the service is pretty top notch. My sister (a photographer) came into the store not intending to purchase much, but ended up leaving with a lighter wallet and a bag full of gear.
You know that the employees love what they’re doing, love the gadgets and profession and will provide you with honest feedback. On top of this, they seemed pretty fair with their pricing even compared to online products. The best part is that here you get to try them out in person.

Thanks to Hunts for the Digital Days event this month. As always, I learned a lot from the free seminars I attended and also got great advice and help from sales people there — Gregg, Paul, Otha — on photography tips and about equipment. I’m really happy with the new Sony camera I bought during the sale. I do a lot of reading about equipment on various blogs to help me narrow down choices, but actually being able to talk to the people at Hunts and trying out cameras and lenses in the stores makes all the difference in what I finally purchase. I appreciate their time and expertise in considering what I’m using the gear for and the limits of my budget, when providing info on cost and quality. I’ve been extremely happy with every camera and lens, with the service, and with the educational opportunities at Hunts. It’s really taken my photography to a higher level.

If your looking to get into photography and need excellent advice on the right camera that fits your needs do not go to best buy or walmart but real photography experts go to Hunts. Great and knowledgable employees that would put you in the right direction.

I’m so glad this place exists! I was first told about this place by my media instructor and he advised that I check them out because they’ll be knowledgeable about video equipment unlike your big box stores, like Best Buy. Thank god I came here because I was in frantic mode as I just got my first videography gig last minute and I needed some extra equipment fast! I got helped by Chris G., who is the man! He has a film background so he knows his stuff and he helped me tremendously in figuring out what my best options are. It was such a relief to have him there to guide me through everything — his knowledge and service were amazing and I’ll definitely be a repeat customer!

Photographers have a lot of online options for buying camera equipment but a few days ago, I went to Hunts to purchase a second camera and two lenses. The service is soooo incredible. I asked them to unpack everything to check it out and make sure it was working properly. Not only did they oblige, but Jon did a lens test with both lenses. He spent a lot of time with me ensuring that the camera had the latest firmware update. Finally, I had the sensor cleaned of my first camera and Jon explained where he found dirt and that I actually needed to clean the lenses where they attached to the camera as that was the only area really in need of a good cleaning. Aside from the sensor, the whole camera was cleaned spotlessly.
I was there so long that one of the staff offered to get me a stool (which was more than courteous!)
I cannot recommend Hunt’s highly enough in terms of service and inventory. Great for Pro’s and amateurs.

I’ve only been here a handful of times but I find the employees to be very nice and helpful. I always ask for Peter when I’m looking to purchase something, he’s honest and very helpful.
I recently bought a Nikon DSLR from him and when I thought the camera/​lens might be malfunctioning, he told me to bring it in so he could take a look. Had he not found what I was doing wrong, and it had been the camera that was faulty, he would have replaced it then and there.
Hunts itself may be a bit pricey but I like being able to talk real time with someone who will do their best to get me the best deal.

Love this store. Knowledgeable staff friendly and helpful. They have a full inventory of everything you could need and are willing to show you the best way to use your equipment. I highly recommend this store

Love their inventory at this location. They have just about everything I need. The staff is well trained and never really had any bad experience. Only one time I did, but I was able to forgive and forget.

Wonderful people there! Service with a smile! I dropped my lens and broke the filter, they help me got it out, I expected to pay, but was told «no charge»

It’s exciting to still find a long standing store specializing in photography equipment with expert welcoming staff providing community for photographers and those who appreciate photography alike.

Friendly staff. There’s everything that you could think of for photography and editing!
Price for equipment and photo processing are on the less competitive side.
I know there are better deals for what you are looking for, with the convenience of online shopping. I hate to say it. I’m all for local businesses, and it is tough to keep head to head.
49 cents per print for 1 – 24 prints (4×6)
39 cents per print for 25 — 39…
They gradually get cheaper.
$ 2 per print for for 5x7s, also gets gradually cheaper as you buy more.
The quality for the instant prints are good. They aren’t professionally developed by hand. But, they do the job. Still, I was shocked by the cost per print, when the quality is just the same for CVS, Wal-​Mart, and Walgreens.

My wife is an avid photographer, and this is her favorite place to buy equipment. The selection is huge, the staff is knowledgeable, and they really seem to believe in and practice good customer service.

I have been here twice and also called for advice by phone and the customer service has been very good. I felt I needed to do some of my own homework online about what to buy just because I am naturally very thorough when making a large purchase, but what I learned confirmed what their staff told me, so now I trust them.
I do believe they are partial to Nikon as another reviewer said.
This is a large store with a lot of equipment and services. I want to remark especially that their prices are competitive with major online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy – I was not able to find what I wanted anywhere online for less.

Brian Holmes is an amazing guy — the manager there understands customer service — helping me from 3000 miles away. You want him on your team. I had an incredible experience!