After 50 years a Covina classic is finally closing its doors for good.
The Covina downtown area has always been home to many different small businesses and while many have come and gone almost none other has the reputation of Powell Camera.
The shop has been providing photography expertise to 3 generations of photographers of all types. Serving as a one stop shop for everything photography, from film development to assisting with your gear, the shop could help you at whatever level of photography you were at.
Many people are disappointed at the fact that the shop closed.
The initial announcement post has climbed to more than 700 likes and 100 comments from the community. Many share the same disappointment that their favorite photography store is closing for business.
One commenter stated that “l’ve been there a handful of times, but every time I did Mark was always so nice and full of information. I have always suggested this place every time someone asked.”
The public support that Powell Camera received online showcases the impact the establishment had on the community and the surrounding area.
Another commenter wrote “In junior college, my photography and mass communications professors both sent us here for supplies, so I became a regular early on. Little did I know how beautifully this iconic, community staple would weave itself into my life.”
Powell Camera has a deep and rich history that connects to
“Going over the quick history, the shop started as a portrait studio in the early 1900s run by a man named C.W. Tucker, he would take photos of covina as it first started out and developed.” the final shop owner Frankie Barron said. “He employed a man by the name of Art Powell where the shop got its name. The shop was passed down through families until our closing today.”
Seeing as most of the documentation of early Covina fell onto the original owner of the store, it’s almost as if Covina is losing a historical landmark.
It’s unfortunately not too uncommon to see many different stores close within the downtown Covina area. However with how long the store has been in the area people have questions as to why the shop is closing.
“While people are coming back to spend money on film and development, that is only one small part of this business and not enough to keep us around. On top of that people aren’t as willing to spend more for quality bags or camera accessories when they can spend less and purchase from Amazon. Same goes for camera sets.The average starting cost of a professional camera is anywhere from $600 to $700 and our average clientele were usually spending around $2000. A lot of people aren’t as willing to purchase this type of gear as they used to.”
Powell Camera officially closed on April 16, 2026.
