You’re walking down Piner Street, maybe just leaving Mi Casita with a stomach full of tacos, and you see it. It’s a repurposed drive-thru building. It’s small. It has a mural that screams "old school." This is Denton Camera Exchange, and honestly, it shouldn’t exist in a world of Amazon Prime and 48-megapixel smartphones. But it does.
And it’s thriving.
In a digital-first era, a shop dedicated to the mechanical "thwack" of a shutter and the smell of darkroom chemicals feels like a glitch in the matrix. Yet, for photographers in North Texas, this place is basically hallowed ground. If you’ve ever wondered why people still lug around ten-pound Mamiya RB67s or hunt for obscure Minolta glass, you’ll find the answer inside these cramped, gear-packed walls.
The Man Behind the Glass: Armand Kohandani
Most people just call him Armand. He’s the heart of the operation. He didn't go to some corporate "retail management" school to learn how to run this place. He grew up in his family’s restaurant nearby, learning that business is mostly about helping people.
Armand is a self-taught tinkerer. He’s the kind of guy who isn't afraid to crack open a jammed Leica just to see if he can breathe life back into it.
Back in 2013, he opened the shop because he saw a void. Denton is a town of artists, musicians, and UNT students who are constantly pushing creative boundaries. They needed a place that spoke their language. They needed a place where you could trade a dusty Nikon you found in your grandad's attic for something you’ll actually use.
It’s Not Just a Store; It’s a Museum You Can Buy
Walking into Denton Camera Exchange is a trip. Seriously.
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The shelves are a chaotic, beautiful mess of history. You’ve got:
- Vintage 35mm SLRs (the Canon AE-1 is a staple here).
- Medium format beasts that look like they belong on a 1950s film set.
- Rare lenses that produce "bokeh" modern digital glass can’t replicate.
- Vinyl records and even some restored vintage furniture, because why not?
The shop specializes in the "tangible." While the big-box retailers in Dallas are pushing the newest mirrorless bodies with Eye-AF tracking, Armand is often talking to a kid about why shooting B&W film will make them a better photographer.
What People Get Wrong About This Place
Some folks think it’s just a "hipster" haunt.
That’s a total misconception. Sure, you’ll see the art students, but you’ll also see grizzled professionals who have been shooting for forty years. They come in for the repairs. They come because they know Armand won't give them a corporate script.
And no, it’s not just for film. While the soul of the shop is analog, they handle plenty of digital gear. If you need a specific adapter to mount an old Takumar lens onto your Sony A7IV, this is where you go. They bridge the gap between "then" and "now" better than anywhere else in the DFW metroplex.
The Community Factor
Denton has this weird, wonderful gravity.
The shop has spawned its own subculture. Armand is a board member of the Instant Film Society, and the store is a hub for events like PolaCon. It’s about more than just a transaction. It’s about the "PolaWalks" and the "This Is Denton" photo books.
In 2023, Mike Ferreira released a book featuring over a hundred photos of Denton shot on Mamiya cameras. That’s the kind of stuff that happens when a local shop actually cares about the local scene. It turns a hobby into a legacy.
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Repairs and the "Black Arts" of Film
Let’s talk about the grit.
Denton Camera Exchange offers repair services that are becoming a lost art. Most modern electronics are designed to be thrown away. Old cameras were designed to be serviced.
If your shutter is dragging or your light seals have turned to goo, Armand is usually your first (and best) line of defense.
A Quick Tip on Film: While they are experts on all things film, keep in mind they primarily focus on Black and White development in-house. If you're looking for color C-41 processing, they can point you in the right direction, but their heart is in the silver halide of a B&W roll.
Why You Should Actually Go There
Honestly, because it’s fun.
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Shopping for gear online is a sterile experience. You read a spec sheet, you click "add to cart," and you hope the shipping doesn't ruin it. At Denton Camera Exchange, you get to hold the gear. You get to feel the weight. You get to look through the viewfinder and see if that specific grain of the focusing screen speaks to you.
Plus, the advice is free. You can walk in with a broken camera and a "how do I fix this" look on your face, and you won't be laughed at.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to head down to 117 Piner St, here’s how to do it right:
- Bring Your "Junk": Have an old camera sitting in a closet? Bring it. Even if it’s not worth a fortune, Armand might be able to use it for parts or give you a bit of store credit toward something that actually works.
- Check the Hours: They aren't open 24/7. Usually, it's 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, and noon to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. They’re closed Sundays, so don't waste the gas.
- Ask Questions: Don't be intimidated. If you don't know the difference between a rangefinder and an SLR, just ask. The vibe is "helpful enthusiast," not "gatekeeping pro."
- Look for the Van: There’s often a van parked nearby with a camera mural. It’s a landmark. If you see it, you’re in the right spot.
- Park and Walk: The shop is tucked behind Midway Mart. Parking can be a bit tight right in front, so don't be afraid to park a block away and enjoy the Denton Square atmosphere.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or just someone who wants to try shooting a roll of Tri-X for the first time, Denton Camera Exchange is one of those rare places that makes the world feel a little bit smaller and a lot more creative. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the old way of doing things wasn’t just "good for its time"—it was just plain better.