Cardinal Camera & Video

Picture perfect.
By Kerri Penno

While Cardinal Camera and Video stocks all the hottest brands, the highest quality cameras and the latest videography technology; the store’s real appeal is in its rich tradition and knowledgeable staff. Now one of the largest volume camera stores in the United States, Cardinal Camera began when George H. Seelig opened a portrait studio, specializing in weddings and families, in 1937. A photographer by trade, Seelig photographed immigrants from Europe in the 1920s so they could send the photos back to their families. In the 1940s and 50s, the store transitioned into a mom and pop style camera store offering overnight black and white processing with a pickup and delivery service, then called the Seelig Camera Shop.

The business evolved into a high volume seller of conventional and video cameras, lenses and related products, and passed into the hands of George K. Seelig in 1969, when the name was changed to Cardinal Camera Center. The store was moved twice over the years, into newer, larger buildings, until it occupied its current location at 810 West Second Street in Lansdale.

After years of working in the business, George H. Seelig’s grandson, Kurt, became the manager and driving force behind the future expansions in the 1990s, when digital cameras and digital products were added. The store became Cardinal Camera and Video Center, and modern, in-home processing was once again added. New growth was accelerated by a complete renovation and enlargement of the store in 1994 and 2001.

Today, in its 6000 square-foot location, Cardinal Camera features the most modern on-site processing of prints, enlargements and digital products, including digital cameras and camcorders, filters, lenses, lens converters, memory media, battery packs, bags and cases, accessories and photo software. The store even offers photography classes, taught by a professional, where you can hone your skills.

Cardinal offers a complete state-of-the-art film and digital imaging processing lab, providing photographs from wallet size all the way up to poster size prints. The store can also burn pictures to CDs. Cardinal uses high-quality photo paper, and the technicians will optimize results by adjusting the color, the brightness and even cropping photos if necessary. You can just drop off your memory device, or, if you use film, your 35 mm, APS or 120/220 film and the technicians will do all the work. Or, if you prefer, you can use one of the store’s self-service kiosks to add creative touches or perform easy editing fixes, like reducing red eyes or cropping. The lab can even process E-6 slides or produce Ilfochrome/CibaCopy prints from slides.

And Seelig isn’t the only experienced person at the store. One employee has more than 40 years of experience with cameras, and another has 25 years with the company. Many are professional photographers themselves, shooting weddings and other events on the side. “It’s like going to the hardware store and getting a plumber in the plumbing department,” Seelig noted. The experienced staff is able to work with customers, from seasoned photographers looking for the latest products, to beginners who just want to be able to capture their child’s little league game. “We have people who will work with the customer to make sure they get what they need,” Seelig said.

Unlike a major chain, where employees are encouraged to push the product of the week, Cardinal Camera’s staff will take the time to have a conversation with you to help you select the perfect product to help you preserve your personal milestones, travels and memories.

Another benefit to shopping at Cardinal–they use a local repairman, so if your camera gets damaged, you won’t need to ship it across the country for a simple repair. And the company stands behind its products. If you purchase a camera, and decide it’s not working for you, you can bring it back and they will work with you to find a replacement. “We’re a third-generation company that’s been in Lansdale for more than 80 years,” Seelig said.

Cardinal Camera and Video is located at 810 West Second Street, in Lansdale. For more information, call (215) 855-4818 or visit www.cardinalcamera.com.

Kerri Penno is a Conshohocken-based freelance writer (kpenno@gmail.com).