San Diego’s oldest surviving camera shop is relocating from Little Italy to Point Loma.
After 60 years at 1909 India St., Nelson Photo Supplies is moving to 3625 Midway Drive in Point Loma Plaza.
Nelson’s owner, Larry Kuntz, anticipates opening soon in his new revamped retail space next door to the Malt Shop and Petco-Unleased.
“We are moving in late October and should be ready to open our doors to the new store location on Nov. 1,” said Kuntz.
Kuntz said there were two main goals in finding a new space for his 65-year-old company: to be within five miles of his previous location and to have improved parking.
Kuntz, a Point Loma resident, noted his new, 5,000-square-foot space is about the same size as his existing facility. But he added the parking situation is far better.
“We had to put parking on the roof because there was no parking down there,” said Kuntz of his current location. “It was always an issue. We now will have free, unlimited parking. Our customers have told us they’re just delighted with our new spot, though it’s an empty shell that we’re making tenant improvements to. That will take about four to six weeks.”
Locally owned and operated Nelson Photo has been the most recognized photo retailer in San Diego providing photographic products to several generations of photographers. Nelson has catered to everyone from amateurs to professionals as well as serving San Diego’s biggest businesses, municipalities and schools.
Starting in 1950, Al Nelson opened his Nelson Photo Supplies on Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego, then moved to India Street in the mid 1950s. His son Gary Nelson grew the shop into a larger industrial and retail business. He retired and sold the retail portion of the business to Nancy and Larry Kuntz in September of 2001.
Nelson Photo’s extensive product lines include the top-name brands in the photo business. Their products include film and digital cameras, digital video, lenses, filters, tripods, bags, printers, binoculars, books, frames, wedding albums, photo albums, photographic chemistry and paper, darkroom equipment and studio lighting.
Nelson sells used cameras and lenses, including all the latest action cameras and camera phone accessories. They also rent camera and lenses. They develop film and carry the largest stock of pro films in San Diego.
Nelson Photo is committed to serving the customer, which is reflected in the company slogan, “Where cameras, supplies and good service come together.”
“This store has always been about taking care of our customers,” said Kurtz. “It’s something that’s been kind of ingrained in our employees. We sell products – but we’re here to service you. We want to make sure that the camera people buy is the one they want.”
Nelson will celebrate its 65th year in business at its Little Italy shop Oct. 3. “Then we start the process of setting up and moving into the new store by the end of the month,” Kuntz said.
For more information, call (619) 234-6621 or visit nelsonphotosupplies.com.