About Retro Cameras Ireland

Cameras, Film, Digitisation & Analogue Photography in Ireland

Retro Cameras Ireland is an independent photography business based in Athy, Co. Kildare, serving customers throughout Ireland.

We specialise in film cameras, vintage digital cameras, retro photography equipment, film photography and the digitisation of old media.

From helping someone choose their first film camera to recovering decades-old family recordings, the business is built around four simple ideas:

Create. Reuse. Rediscover. Relive.

Hands-On Experience

Retro Cameras Ireland is not simply about reselling cameras and equipment.

We actually use, test and work with the cameras, film formats, video equipment, scanners and processing systems that form part of the business.

We work with:

Film and vintage digital cameras
Video tapes and camcorder formats
8mm and Super 8 cine film
Photographic film, slides and negatives
Film developing and scanning equipment
Photo and video digitisation equipment

This practical experience means we can give advice based on actually working with the equipment and formats involved.

Used Cameras – Tested & Prepared Before Dispatch

Every used camera is tested and inspected before it is offered for sale. We check its main functions, condition and operation so that we know what we are selling.

Once an order is placed, the camera goes through a final inspection and preparation before dispatch. Depending on the camera, this may include:

Final functional testing
Replacing light seals where required
Minor servicing or adjustment if needed

This final stage is important to us. We would rather spend a little extra time checking and preparing a camera properly than simply take it from the shelf and put it in a box.

Because of this, used cameras may take up to 3 working days to dispatch after an order is placed, depending on our workload and any preparation the camera requires.

Every used camera includes a 30-day warranty. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Our aim is to send you a camera that has been properly checked and prepared and is ready to be used — not simply taken from a shelf and put into a box.

Digitisation & Preserving Old Media

A major part of Retro Cameras Ireland is helping people preserve photographs and recordings that may otherwise deteriorate or become difficult to access.

We digitise media including:

VHS and other video tapes
VHS-C and camcorder tapes
Video8, Hi8 and Digital8
MiniDV and other DV formats
Betamax
8mm and Super 8 cine film
Printed photographs
35mm slides
Photographic negatives and transparencies
35mm, 110, 126 and 120 photographic film
Kodak Disc film
Large-format photographic film
Glass plate negatives and photographic plates

All digitisation work is carried out by Retro Cameras Ireland in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Customers throughout Ireland can send their media to us by post, while local handover may also be arranged where suitable.

Mouldy, Damaged & Difficult Media

Old media does not always arrive in perfect condition.

Video tapes can develop mould, cine film can become brittle or broken, photographic film can become stuck or damaged, and items stored for decades may require additional work before they can be safely digitised.

Many digitisation companies will not accept mouldy, damaged or difficult media. We are willing to assess it.

Where possible, we can clean, repair or recover damaged media before digitisation.

Any additional recovery work is discussed with you before we proceed, so there is no obligation to accept additional charges.

Not everything can be saved, but if there is a realistic chance of recovering it, we will do what we can.

Film Developing & Scanning

We also provide film developing and scanning services for photographers who still enjoy shooting analogue photography.

Whether you are shooting newly manufactured film or have discovered an older roll that needs specialist attention, we can advise on the best approach before processing.

Our interest is not only in keeping older cameras working, but in keeping film photography itself alive and accessible.

Wedding On Film

Retro Cameras Ireland also offers a Wedding On Film service for couples who want something different from disposable cameras and phone photography.

Reusable half-frame film cameras are supplied for guests to use throughout the wedding, capturing informal moments from their own perspective on real film.

After the wedding, the cameras are returned to us and the film is developed and scanned.

A five-camera package can produce up to approximately 360 photographs, creating a large collection of candid images to complement professional wedding photography.

Film, Equipment & Accessories

Alongside cameras, we stock film, photography accessories and equipment for people who want to shoot, develop and scan film themselves.

We also occasionally stock expired film.

Because the results from expired film depend heavily on its age and previous storage conditions, expired film is sold without a performance warranty.

Camp Snap Cameras

Retro Cameras Ireland also stocks Camp Snap screen-free digital cameras.

Camp Snap cameras are designed to bring back a simpler style of photography — take the photograph, move on, and look at the images later instead of constantly checking a screen.

They are reusable digital cameras with built-in filters and a simple point-and-shoot design, making them suitable for everyday photography, travel, parties, events and anyone who wants a more relaxed alternative to phone photography.

We stock Camp Snap cameras in a range of colours and supply them to customers throughout Ireland.

AGO Film Processor – Official Irish Distributor

Retro Cameras Ireland is the official AGO Film Processor distributor in Ireland.

AGO is an automated film-processing system designed to make home and small-lab film developing more consistent and controlled.

We use AGO equipment ourselves, so customers can receive practical advice based on real experience with the system rather than simply receiving a box and an instruction manual.

AGO Film Processors supplied by us include a 2-year warranty.

Learn Analogue Photography

Retro Cameras Ireland is also about helping people understand photography beyond simply pressing a button on a phone.

Our photography workshops introduce people to analogue photography through practical experience, including shooting film, developing it and turning the finished negatives into digital photographs.

We can also help with:

Choosing a suitable camera
Understanding different film formats
Identifying unusual cameras, film or old media
Learning how film is developed
Choosing equipment for developing and scanning at home

Based in Athy – Serving Ireland Nationwide

Retro Cameras Ireland is based in Athy, Co. Kildare, but our customers come from across Ireland.

Cameras, film and equipment can be ordered online, while tapes, cine film, photographs and other media can be sent to us for digitisation from anywhere in the country.

Whether you are buying your first film camera, rediscovering a camera you used years ago, learning analogue photography or trying to preserve family recordings that have been sitting in a box for decades, the aim is the same: