Robi's Camera, Framing Shop: Quality Customer Service Under Cabin Roof

Its architecture reminds you of a cabin lodge in Leavenworth's Alpine Bavarian village--the ceiling inside stretches 40 feet high--but this is no tourist attraction.

Traditional wood pillars keep the structure intact. It was built in the 1970s originally as a mortgage escrow company, a clothing shop and more.

But for the last decade, has filled the 2,000-square-foot wooden space. It's the fifth location in Lakewood and the last of a dying breed. No other shop within driving distance does what they do, says co-owner Tod Wolf.

A large loft on the second floor holds a huge inventory, including 10,000 pounds of cameras on sturdy shelves. Much of what remains upstairs is a direct result of a shrinking camera industry, Wolf said. Robi's has purchased items from more than a dozen camera businesses that have gone under, he said.

When businesses liquidate their products before closing, Robi's has picked up and resold the merchandise. Much of it clutters the office space upstairs, and other camera parts are sold or traded.

To the left of the store is Robi's custom framing. There are wide ranges of aesthetically pleasing frames that can decorate your walls, from mirror framing to multiple openings.

Their prices aren't as cheap as ready-made frames from a discount store, but properly finished custom frames are the union of artwork, mats, molding and other elements to create a presentation that is unique, that complement your personality, and enhances your home or office, according to its Web site.

On the other side is a diverse range of cameras, from thousand-dollar photography equipment to point-and-shoots. There is also a huge selection of tripods, accessories, lenses and even telescopes.

Wolf said the difference between coming here or to chain stores isn't prices, adding that they are comparable to a Best Buy or Wal-Mart. It's the service provided by one of his 13 employees.

"You get quality information here because they like to do it," Wolf said.

Robi's is the only full-service imaging headquarters. They offer classes and will host "Photo Essentials — Family Class" on Wednesday and Thursday. Discounts on the classes and other educational programs are given to those who purchase cameras from Robi's.

Who: Robi's Camera Center, Labs and Custom Framing

What: Robi's led the way into digital imaging and computer layout printing in the early '90s with custom scanning and restoration. They perform all of this in-house. Their staff and management members are all geared up and educated in digital, ready to help with the ever-changing needs this technology brings to the marketplace.

Where: 10015 Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W., Lakewood, WA 98499

Contact information: 253-584-0210 or www.robis.com

Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday.