Camera Bar's 70th Anniversary: Still Capturing Memories

0:00Camera bar in downtown Hartford just hit its 70th anniversary, still slinging top-notch camera gear at 75 asylum street. They've got everything from tripods and flashes to lenses, film processing, and even darkroom supplies, both new and used. Founded back in 1956 by Irwin Gansen and Roman Luftglas, this spot's been a photography hub through all the changes. Dick Goldenthal, a 72-year-old West Hartford resident, jumped in back in 1981 and took ownership in 1996 from. Luftglas, a Holocaust survivor who mentored him, they've stuck to asylum street the whole time, expanding the store from 1500 to 2300 square feet about 18 years ago. That customer first bived guiding folks to the right gear has kept them alive for seven decades. Fast forward and it's a full family operation now. Rick's wife Judy handles the books, and their 36-year-old son, Aaron's vice president after joining 15 years back post-college.

1:01They process film on site, stop digital cameras, mics, filters, frames. You name it. Cellphones got everyone snapping pics, but folks still hit them up for pro prints, sports lenses, or just real advice in this tech heavy game. These days, they're one of the last standalone camera shops in Connecticut, serving generations of Hartford families and even shipping to ex-residents, Nate and Wide. They've evolved with digital trends, adding printing services instead of fighting the shift, matching big box prices while offering that deep. Knowledge big stores can touch. Swing by Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for their anniversary bash free classes from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Tamron, plus prizes. With their track record, expect camera bar to keep capturing memories for decades more. Stay informed with Hartford News today, AI-powered updates, I'm Corey with The Story.