Serving Norton Shores and Muskegon, Michigan since 1939.
The Camera Shop + The Print Refinery® is the only full-service camera store and professional photographic print labs in Norton Shores and Muskegon, Michigan.
OUR VISION
It is our vision to be the visual communications business that provides the highest quality products available combined with timely delivery, credibility and friendly, personalized service in an environment that promotes growth both personally and professionally.
OUR MISSION
We will achieve and maintain our reputation by successfully establishing, enforcing, and turning into habit our company procedures, policies and attitudes by regular training and instruction such that the company can operate effectively regardless of the personnel present.
WE’RE INDEPENDENT + LOCAL
What makes The Camera Shop + The Print Refinery® special is that we are part of a vibrant, local community that we love to support and connect with. Every customer or project that walks through our door is an opportunity to collaborate on a personal level. We are creative storytellers and educators, design experts and artistic consultants, and we have a knack for bringing your ideas to life. Local service for seeing equipment and processing photo and video digitizing is very important. Shipping issues are eliminated and your needs are more fully satisfied with personal interactions.
OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In 1939, Stanley Kufta launched a commercial photography and photo supply business on Peck Street in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Stanley, a skilled photographer, had built a steady business photographing Lake Michigan’s western coast and selling postcards throughout West Michigan.
His new enterprise, The Camera Shop, met with similar success. Within a decade, he moved to a larger building. This new location boasted ample parking, increased retail space, and a crucial second floor dedicated to film development. This facilitated processing over 1,000 daily film drops. Route drivers efficiently collected and delivered these across the state. The expansion ensured that Stanley’s commitment to customer service remained steadfast.
Additionally, Stanley expanded his reach by opening affiliate stores. Stanley recognized opportunities in northern communities. He established affiliate stores in Fremont, Cadillac, and Traverse City. This strategic move addressed the growing demand for photo services in these areas. Stanley’s entrepreneurial vision continued to drive The Camera Shop’s growth and success.
LEGACY SUCCESS CONTINUES
In 1975, Stanley relinquished day to day operations of The Camera Shop and its affiliates to his son, Craig Kufta. Since that time, Craig has successfully navigated The Camera Shop through major changes in the photo industry. In 1992, The Camera Shop moved to its current location at 2634 Henry Street, Muskegon.
Though film is still processed on-site at The Camera Shop, there is now a much greater emphasis on photo services including restoration and archiving. The sales staff is committed to helping customers sort through the wide array of photo products available and purchasing the right gear for their needs and budget. Times have changed, but our commitment to our customers remains the same. As Stanley Kufta was fond of saying, “We’re in the business of helping ordinary people take spectacular photos.”