Campkins Cameras is one of Cambridge's longest-trading independent retailers, a fixture of King's Parade since 1952, now in its third generation under owner Owen Howell. The business specialises in new and second-hand cameras (modern and vintage), binoculars and telescopes, with a small but knowledgeable team carrying over 50 years of combined photography experience.
Their used inventory is curated rather than vast, leaning toward classic and modern interchangeable-lens cameras, vintage gear with provenance, and the kind of quality second-hand stock that suits both first-time buyers and collectors. Beyond sales, Campkins offers camera repairs, sensor cleaning, photo printing, film developing, photography lessons, and trade-ins, the kind of full-service offering that increasingly distinguishes independent retailers from online-only competitors.
Located on King's Parade in Cambridge, directly opposite King's College, Campkins is open seven days a week and is well-suited to walk-in customers who want hands-on advice before buying. For East Anglian photographers, or visitors to Cambridge looking for specialist support, it's the natural local choice.
Campkins occupies the established regional independent space alongside Cambrian Photography (North Wales), Carmarthen Cameras (West Wales), Mifsuds (Devon), and Harrison Cameras (Sheffield), long-trading family businesses with strong local reputations and full-service offerings. They're not aiming to compete with MPB or Camera Jungle on inventory volume; their value is in personal service, accumulated expertise, and being a real walk-in shop in a city where independents have largely disappeared.
For Cambridge-based or visiting photographers, Campkins is the practical choice for hands-on advice, repair work, and trade-ins. For high-volume online shopping, the bigger online dealers will have more inventory and tighter pricing. Their position on King's Parade also makes them a destination for visitors to Cambridge who need photography supplies or last-minute repairs.