Cambridge's High Street Favourite Since 1952
For over 70 years, Campkins Cameras has built its reputation from our historic Cambridge location, combining deep technical expertise with genuine personal service. As a family-run independent business, we offer something truly unique: conversations with passionate photographers who understand your creative vision, backed by generations of hands-on experience and knowledge.
Whether you visit our store or connect with us online, you’ll experience the expertise and personal service that’s made us a trusted name in photography nationwide.
Official dealer of camera brands*
Our Journey Through Time
1800's
The Origins (Early 1800s)
The Campkins story begins with a chemist shop in the early 1800s, established by the original Campkin family. The shop's historical ledgers, still preserved today, contain fascinating records of the era, including detailed lists of what were then called "poisons" - the medications of the day.
Â
1930's
The Photography Evolution (1930s-1940s)
The transformation from chemist to photography specialist began when Tom Howell, Owen's grandfather, joined the business in the 1930s. With a passionate interest in photography, he established a darkroom in the attic of the Rose Crescent shop, marking the beginning of Campkins' photographic journey.
1970's
The Expansion Years (1970s)
Under Tom Howell's leadership, Campkins experienced remarkable growth. The business expanded beyond Cambridge, opening shops across East Anglia, Lincoln, and even reaching London's prestigious Bond Street. The company's reach extended internationally when Barry Howell, Tom's son, established a presence in Ireland - a move that would lead to him meeting his future wife.
2020's
Present Day
Today, Campkins Cameras proudly operates from our King's Parade location in the heart of Cambridge. While we've moved from our original Rose Crescent home, our current position offers what owner Owen Howell describes as "a pretty good view" of Cambridge's historic center.
A Vision for Today
Owen Howell
Leading Campkins into its next chapter, Owen combines the values of a historic family business with an exciting vision for photography's future. Under his guidance, Campkins has introduced the Cambridge Photography Show, embraced both digital innovation and the resurgence of film, and continues to foster a community where every photographer feels at home.
"What excites me most is seeing different generations of photographers coming together in our shop," Owen reflects. "We might have someone buying their first digital camera standing next to someone getting back into film, and that's what makes Campkins special - we're here for every step of your photographic journey, just as we have been for the past 70 years."
A Family Legacy
For over seventy years, the Howell family has been at the heart of Campkins Cameras. Each generation has shaped the business while preserving the values and personal service that make Campkins unique in today's retail world.
Tom Howell
Tom’s story began in the 1930s when he joined the original Campkins chemist shop, equipped with nothing but enthusiasm and a passion for photography. His innovation of establishing a darkroom in the Rose Crescent shop’s attic marked the beginning of our photographic journey. Through determination and entrepreneurial spirit, Tom transformed Campkins from a local chemist into a thriving photography business. Under his leadership in the 1970s, Campkins expanded across East Anglia, reaching as far as London’s prestigious Bond Street.
Barry Howell
Following in his father’s footsteps, Barry brought new energy to the family business. His journey took him to Ireland to establish a new branch – a venture that not only expanded the business but led to him meeting his future wife. Barry’s dedication to maintaining personal customer relationships while growing the business helped cement Campkins’ reputation for excellence, ensuring our values weren’t lost as the company grew.
Owen Howell
Photography runs in Owen’s blood. From handling his first camera at age four to selling films at air shows as a young boy, Owen has lived and breathed photography his entire life. After learning the trade in Dublin as a teenager, he returned to Cambridge to join the family business. Rising from shop floor to ownership, Owen combines respect for Campkins’ heritage with a vision for its future. Now leading the business from our King’s Parade location, he continues to build on his family’s legacy while adapting to the ever-changing world of photography.
What Sets Us Apart
Come Visit Us
Find us in the heart of Cambridge at 12 King's Parade, where our expert team is ready to help with your photographic journey. Whether you're looking for equipment, or advice, or want to talk photography, our door is always open.
Our Location
12A Kings Parade, CBP 1SJ
Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:00
Sunday 11:00-16:00