Harry's Camera Revamps Store, But Keeps the Smile

At Ventura Boulevard and Carpenter Street in Studio City, has served the camera, audio and video needs of customers for more than 30 years, going by the motto: service with a smile.

Recently, the store has been revamped, but not the service; that's the same.

Along with two other partners, owner Dru’e Washington purchased Harry’s in 1985. Before that, Washington owned a video and audio store in Los Angeles, and was the general manager of Miko’s for 13 years. A couple of years after purchasing Harry’s, Washington’s partners left,  making him the sole proprietor of the establishment. 

Harry’s specializes in accessories and repairs for cameras, videos, films and audio. In addition, it provides video and audio transfers from tapes and VHS to CD and DVD format. The store also sells products for 35mm camera and film, which, according to Washington, is good for those who want to learn the basics of photography. It’s the only camera store around that still has Kodak trays.

Aside from getting about 10 to 12 customers a day, Harry’s gets its business from the nearby studios for film orders and audio transfers as well. Hotels in the area purchase chargers or video accessories from Harry’s too.

Washington attributes the business' longevity to the outstanding customer service he provides. A lot of his regular customers are walk-ins who need a quick camera fix, he said. 

“Being nice to be nice,” Washington said, “It doesn’t cost you a thing.”