STUDIO CITY, Calif. – Dru’e Washington prides himself on customer service. It’s part of what’s kept him in business since he bought Harry’s Camera with two business partners in 1985.  

"Everybody in the industry knows me as Harry," he said.

But the real Harry started the Valley business more than 50 years ago and has since passed away. 

Back then, it was on Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevard near the old Bookstar Theater in Studio City, now a front for Barnes and Noble.

"Harry’s Camera was the biggest store in the Valley at one time," Washington said.

But it’s no secret a lot has changed in the camera business since then besides Washington himself.

"Where did all my hair go?" he laughed.

In the late 90s, he downsized to a 900 square foot store in a strip mall down the street from the original location.

"I’ve been on this corner for about 22 years," he said.

 "A customer came in, and I remember her two little daughters when they were born," said Washington. "They’ve gotten married."

Washington, now the sole owner, only sells used cameras. He says 35mm point-and-shoot cameras are flying off the shelves, especially among the younger generations at music festivals.

"When you go to those concerts, if you’ve got a digital camera, five minutes after the performance, it’s on the internet. Film cameras, they can’t put it on the Internet," he said. Other customers are taking photography classes.  

Isadora Freixo was visiting from Brazil, where she’s studying film and visual arts. She wanted an old film camera.

"I think it’s more unique, you know..more personal," Freixo said.

She found Harry’s Camera online and decided to swing by and pick up a Canon A-1.

"Everybody say it’s the best camera to beginners, like it’s easier to learn and it’s really quick," she said.

She was surprised Washington took the time to show her how the camera works and explain what accessories she might need.

"I was afraid that like he was just selling it and say 'hey,' but he’s perfect," said Freixo.

Washington says he’s not scared of the digital revolution. It’s just changed his focus.  

"We tell people, go on eBay, check the prices, and then come and see me," he said.

Accessories now make up the largest portion of his business…everything from batteries and microphones to lights and lenses. He also handles repairs through a third party. 

"One of our biggest business is transferring tape," Washington said.

And if you’ve got a box of VHS tapes lying around, he can convert those to any format, but despite knowing his way around a camera, he’s fairly candid about not using one.  

"The last time I used a camera, a niece of mine had a wedding and that’s about 10 years ago," Washington said. "The only time I mess with a camera is somebody’s having a problem with it."

He promises a personal experience in a place where customers have become friends.

"A camera store like me, we inform them more than anything. On the Internet, you can just push a button and buy a camera," he said.

"We know what we’re speaking about."

He's become a true fixture in the community at a time when similar shops are gone…in a flash.

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