We had the good fortune of connecting with Riley Ansa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My work is a fraction of what is really needed in the world, However I am forever grateful to have a local community that supports and appreciates what I do: Repairing vintage film cameras.

While there are select few companies that still produces quality film cameras, they are out of reach to most people who are interested in this century old medium of art. So the only way we can keep this community going for now is to keep repairing and using cameras from the past.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I feel that I’m far from being able to call myself successful in the grand-scheme of things, but it still baffles me to this day that I’m more or less the only person who repairs film cameras in Houston. So I suppose I’m fairly proud of that title.

Apart from that, it always puts a smile on my face when a customer leaves my shop happy after they come in with a problem, and I solve it in a few minutes while we talk across the counter.

Professionally, again, I have a long way to go. But I am at where I am through sheer trial and error as well as mechanical aptitude from my previous experiences. It’s not a path everyone can take, but it’s the one I took.

I hope the world can know that an honest shop / repair person still exists in the world. It would be nice to have a little more in my pocket, sure. But at the end of the day, I care most that my customers are happy with their repair or purchase.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m being completely honest here. I think I’d be the wrong person to ask that question. I rarely go outside of my apartment because I’m flooded with work.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
hmm, Jessi Bowman of Flats Film Lab maybe. She’s organized a fair share of community oriented events and services for the local analog photography scene.

Instagram: @Rileys.Camera

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.