Glass Key Photo

This store is incredible - every review is either appropriately five stars, or a worthless review from an idiot that couldn’t be bothered to respect the safety and comfort of the store staff and wear a mask during the pandemic.

The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, the stock of lenses and cameras is staggering, as is the selection of film, developing materials and accessories. I’m glad I don’t live in the same neighborhood as Glass Key and that their store hours are limited, because if either of these things changed I would be bankrupt.

I bought a film camera in this store and there was a small malfunction in the camera. I took it back and asked the store. They were very patient to explain to me and then helped me fix the camera. I've never seen a camera shop that was so patient and unwilling to make me pay for the repair. Their knowledge of cameras and film is very professional. I highly recommend this store, they are a 10/10 in San Francisco.

This is an awesome store. The guys are super helpful. They have a great selection of gear, and prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend coming here for your film camera needs.

Wish I could give 6 stars. Glass Key is the best analog photography and film camera store I've ever been to. They have all kinds of Black and White paper as well as RA-4 Color paper. Wide range of chemicals including Rodinal, Ilford chems, Kodak chems, Cinestill chems, and even more rare ones. They have all kinds of mainstream film and a few rarer stocks. In most formats from 35mm to 8x10. Camera selection is incredible, from popular 35mm SLR and rangefinders to a wide variety of medium format options, and even a dozen large format bodies. Lenses for days.

The staff is extremely helpful and there were a few of them who are truly experienced and have expert level knowledge. I was able to walk in knowing close to nothing about medium format cameras and ended up with a nice Mamiya RB67 that they patiently taught me how to work. The store was also able to diagnose an issue with the camera over the phone easily and replaced it the same day.

Excellent shop and cannot recommend it more for all your film photography needs.

The staff member I spoke to was extremely helpful and friendly. I came in wanting to look at a certain film camera I was curious about. But then spent almost 30 minutes just asking their team member all sorts of questions I had about film. They were also kind enough to let me hold and look into all sorts of different film cameras so I could better understand all the different options.

As someone who is just getting into film, it was incredible to be able to ask all my questions and explore all the different model ranges.

I didn’t get a chance to buy anything but I would definitely come back if I lived here.

really great variety of 35mm film for sale, at reasonable prices! (about the same as what you would find online at places like b&h photo video).
their hours are tough, though, and it's very easy to walk past and miss the door - they have no signage or anything.

Great stock refurbished and sold with care. Impressive stock of medium format film on offer.

It's extremely dangerous to live within walking distance from Glass Key Photo.

They have everything you need for film photography, at every level. Want to get started? Come here, get a used beginner's camera. Want something really specific? Chances are, they've probably got it.

After losing a few eBay items in the mail, or receiving items which were not as described, I've made it a point to stop by and see if Glass Key has what I need. (They usually do)

You can also rent film cameras here, and pick up all types of film. As of Feb 2023, masks are still required, which is a huge plus, for someone like me who doesn't think Covid-19 is over, and prefers to do business with Covid-cautious businesses that look out for others, like this one.

Super friendly and helpful staff! Stopped by as I was looking to buy my first 35mm film camera. They had a good selection of affordable and more professional options. The staff helped me pick out a good beginner model, walked me through the basics, helped me pick out some film, and were very patient with all my questions. Would definitely recommend this place and personally will be going back!

The place looks amazing. It's small but cozy, it feels like you're in an apothecary shop. Service is good, friendly and knowledgeable. They have a fairly large selection of cameras for sale, three large fridges full of film, and they have all kinds of goodies all over the store. They also offer repair services which is a much needed service that we don't have enough of in the film photography world, unfortunately.

Amazing old-school analog photography shop. Vintage cameras, lenses, film, Polaroids, developing and darkroom supplies brought to you by helpful people who geek out on developing times not DPI.

World class analog photography store! The selection of film is unmatched in the Bay Area. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. 10/10 recommend to any photographer.

Best film camera shop I know in the world. Owners Matt and Gordon are super friendly, service oriented people who know more about cameras and how to shoot them than most. They have a huge selection of cameras, lenses and films to choose from with very competitive prices, and will gladly help you choose the best option for your needs. They also repair most cameras and will give you advice on how to maintain them. 5 stars business!

The inside is open again now 🙂, so customers can browse the old cameras and accessories again.

Their prices on film and chemistry are very reasonable. There's usually a good selection of papers, both dark room and inkjet.

They also have a drop off and pick-up service for Underdog developers which I use often.

As a photographer, I love this place. They have all kinds of film at fair prices, a good variety of film cameras for sale and darkroom goodies. You'll also find camera odds and ends, artwork for sale on the wall, and fun camera straps. (I found my vintage Mickey Mouse strap there.) They're full of advice on any question you might have, too. Love those guys!

Incredible store with a fantastic vibe! I first came upon Glass Key Photo during a visit to SFO for Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, and wish that I lived close enough to visit more often. In addition to a well-curated gear selection, fully stocked (reasonably priced!) film fridge and super helpful owners, there are all kinds of fun, vintage ephemera to take in. Gordon was kind, engaging and awesome to chat with. This place is the ultimate haven, whether you are a casual shooter or seasoned pro. My film photography heart warms just thinking about it.

Really friendly guys with a great place. It's a little corridor or a store racked with film, cameras and some more film.

There were two employees when I was there. One was super cold and didn't look at me much (I think he was distracted to be fair). The other was extremely friendly and happy and made up for it. All their prices were fair.

They have expired film as well in a jar. 35 & 120
They carry 110 Lomography film

They hang local photographers art on the walls and have a larger space downstairs for it all.

Amazing store, the best for film photography in SF. Can be a bit pricey but its worth it to shop local. There is just one thing I hate, they're closed on weekends and their limited hours during the week make it hard to find time to drop by.

Just bought a Mamiya 645 here this week. A wonderful store for any analog photographer. The 35mm, medium format, and 4x5 equipment I've bought or had repaired by them far exceeded my expectations in both quality and cost. Film, paper, and chemistry reasonably priced and thankfully available everyday.

Glass Key Photo is THE spot to buy film, film cameras, and darkroom supplies in SF. They carry used film cameras in excellent condition for GREAT prices and can back up all their wares with personal expertise in film photography. I go to them first for all my equipment needs now and have been incredibly happy with both their service and the friendliness of everyone in the space.

They also know about all the other film related stuff in the city, so hit them up for pointers or if you want to promote your club/event/whatever.