Meet Greg Montano of Dexter’s in Ventura

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Montano.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Greg. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Dexter’s started in 1960 and was founded by Dexter Halpert, and is currently one of the longest running businesses in Ventura County. Dexter’s has changed ownership a hand full of times over the years, and I became owner in 2005. I saw the decline in film sales and we did our best to adapt to the changing market. However, we continued to see our fellow camera stores closing one after another. A little over two years ago we decided to go back to our roots as a film camera store, in-part by the revived interest in film, chance, and love.

Everyone that works here loves to shoot film, not to say we don’t embrace digital cameras for their remarkable ease and usefulness. Half of our work revolves around digital: image printing, photo shoots, repairs, and sensor cleaning. I’m in the process for a patent for a sensor cleaning vacuum we invented here in the shop designed for mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Film has an aesthetic quality that many try to mimic in post, but it’s never quite the same. We kept seeing a growing number of people asking for film and film cameras: young people in their teens that like the fact they can only shoot so many and have to make them count, photographers that have always loved shooting their old Nikon, grandparents who just want some pictures. As more and more people came into the shop for film related reasons, our direction became clear.

We purchased our first humble film processing machine back in January 2015 and had no idea how to use it. The purchase was a great find and a bit of a selfish one: we were more excited to process film cheap and quick for ourselves and friends. For years we outsourced film and kept seeing prices rise and profit margins and sales go down. So we found a good tech to teach us all the ins and outs, and are passionate about learning (I was equally pleased that my chemistry degree was finally useful). We realized we could offer pro quality developing, printing and scanning at less than half the price of other labs. We continued acquiring more processing gear and offering more and more services. We have a good time at work, wear what we want, listen to what we want, and enjoy our kickback environment. So our business took off.

Dexter’s – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in everything photography, film, printing, and camera service. We are proud of our laid back environment, most excellent parties, and “doing our part to keep film alive while spreading the joy of photography.”

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
By serving others and spreading a positive vibe. Paying things forward and helping the community. When others are better off because of your help, you’ve succeeded. I’m not perfect, but I do my best and believe if more people tried to live that way, the world would be better for it.

Pricing:

• Develop most any roll of film $5
• Scan a roll of film $5
• Archival giclee printing $10 per sq/ft

Contact Info:

• Address: 5 N.Pacific
• Website: www.dexterscamera.com
• Phone: 8056432172
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: dexterscamera
• Facebook: dexterscamera
• Yelp: dexterscamera

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.