Stopped by on my way through town to pick up a box of HP5 4x5. Bob was super friendly and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in his shop!

Photo Darkroom
Photo Darkroom at a glance
Reviewers highlight the shop’s expertise in film development, photo restoration, and camera repairs, noting friendly staff and fair pricing. Positive feedback often mentions the owner’s knowledge and helpful advice for both modern and antique equipment. However, several low-star reviews criticize the repair department for significant delays, lost equipment parts, and failed fixes, creating a pattern of dissatisfaction with service reliability.
- Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 64 reviews (86% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 64 Google reviews (48 with written comments, 1 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 8% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 9, 2026.
- Service: Photographer serving Escondido, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other photographers
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: replies to reviews.
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
64 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars5586%
- 4 stars46%
- 3 stars00%
- 2 stars00%
- 1 star58%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 48 written reviews
- Praise5088%
- Complaints712%
PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
- Great price133%
- Reasonable267%
- Overpriced00%
- Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude2340%
- Quality & results1425%
- Price & value712%
- Speed & response59%
- Would recommend47%
- Communication24%
- Honesty & trust24%
What customers talk about
We read 48 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Bob is friendly and a very knowledgable person to work with.”
“…lso he says development takes 2 weeks but it's closer to a month, was rude when I wanted to take my film elsewhere.…”
“Did a great job enlarging a very small old snapshot of my dad - circa 1940 - into an 8x10 - without losing detail.”
“I took my Canon DSLR here to get fixed and it was a beyond HORRIBLE experience.”
“…handled it promptly and extra charges for the required work were very reasonable.…”
“The team here transferred them quickly and without issue.”
“I would recommend them for all of your photography needs!”
“While the work was being completed the communications from the tech were thoughtful and clear.”
“By Bob and his team in advising and developing my film gives trust in my projects”
People customers mention
- Bob 6 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Stopped by on my way through town to pick up a box of HP5 4x5. Bob was super friendly and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in his shop!
Bob is friendly and a very knowledgable person to work with. I had a 6-10 rolls of film, some developed, some undeveloped, that was close to 30 years old, and wanted to know what pictures they held. Unfortunately, because the film was so old, a lot of pictures didn't turn out. But Bob delivered on his end and I paid…
I’ve used photo darkroom for all of my photo printing and film scanning needs, as well as beautifully done photo restoration. Bob is incredibly kind and knowledgeable. A local gem!
Bob is wonderful to work with. I had 2 disposable cameras developed here and I will definitely be back! The price is low and the quality of the prints is fabulous, and the return time was great too. Bob himself is very polite and friendly and obviously knows every bit about what he’s talking about. I had previously…
Doesn't have capabilities of uploading photos, also he says development takes 2 weeks but it's closer to a month, was rude when I wanted to take my film elsewhere. Photo quality was nothing special either
The quality of the work done. By Bob and his team in advising and developing my film gives trust in my projects
Photos
Customer reviews
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Bob is friendly and a very knowledgable person to work with. I had a 6-10 rolls of film, some developed, some undeveloped, that was close to 30 years old, and wanted to know what pictures they held. Unfortunately, because the film was so old, a lot of pictures didn't turn out. But Bob delivered on his end and I paid for the service he provided at my request. If I find more unknown rolls of film, I'll take it to the guys at Photo Darkroom.
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Family and group
I’ve used photo darkroom for all of my photo printing and film scanning needs, as well as beautifully done photo restoration. Bob is incredibly kind and knowledgeable. A local gem!
Bob is wonderful to work with. I had 2 disposable cameras developed here and I will definitely be back! The price is low and the quality of the prints is fabulous, and the return time was great too. Bob himself is very polite and friendly and obviously knows every bit about what he’s talking about. I had previously turned in 2 cameras at Walmart for processing, but only received about 20 pictures back out of 54 I was supposed to have, and most were just black squares, as well as the fact that I received no negatives or USB drives as well! With Bob, I received all 54 photos back with not a single one being bad or corrupted as well as the negatives, and he offered a digital service in addition to that! Bob is the way to go for any film camera needs. Thank you!!
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Product, Service not listed
Doesn't have capabilities of uploading photos, also he says development takes 2 weeks but it's closer to a month, was rude when I wanted to take my film elsewhere. Photo quality was nothing special either
Great service
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Corporate photography
The quality of the work done. By Bob and his team in advising and developing my film gives trust in my projects
The top local camera store for all your film needs. From in house film development to camera repairs to photo restoration the photo darkroom has it all. Not to mention super friendly service from Bob, the owner, who will offer his best advice with anything camera or life related.
It was pouring rain
I brought original family letters and photos to have them scanned. If you are looking for excellent quality, done with care, Photo Darkroom is the only place to go. My scanned copies are more crisp and clear than the original. So easy now to take on some research. Not knowing what I may need in the future, owners, Bob and Susan made sure my order was produced as I requested and added much more. The quality and service is the best!
Thank you Alexa for your glowing review! We're so glad you brought your family archives to us for scanning. We love what we do and are pleased to have such great customers such as yourself. Enjoy sharing your photos with your family. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Business details
- Address: 1102 Industrial Ave, Escondido, CA 92029
- Phone: (760) 741-0051
- Website: photo-darkroom.com
- Service area: Escondido, CA


