Haque and Sons Camera Servicing Centre: How three generations built a business based on their love for cameras | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Tuesday
July 08, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
TUESDAY, JULY 08, 2025
Haque and Sons Camera Servicing Centre: How three generations built a business based on their love for cameras

Panorama

Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu
22 August, 2023, 01:25 pm
Last modified: 22 August, 2023, 04:34 pm

Related News

  • Polaroid Flip makes instant photography feel new again
  • Fujifilm X Half: A vintage soul in a digital shell
  • New Insta360 X5 comes with sharper and smoother recording
  • This is the most minimalist a mirrorless camera has ever been
  • Fujifilm introduces new instant camera with larger prints

Haque and Sons Camera Servicing Centre: How three generations built a business based on their love for cameras

From German Rolliflex to One Twenty cameras, Japan's Yasika Matte 124G, Kodak Disc 8000 Coca-Cola and so much more — all types of cameras can be found at Bangladesh's second-oldest camera servicing shop

Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu
22 August, 2023, 01:25 pm
Last modified: 22 August, 2023, 04:34 pm
The present custodian of the business is Shahedul Haque Shahed who has firmly held the reins of his father's business since 1991. PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu
The present custodian of the business is Shahedul Haque Shahed who has firmly held the reins of his father's business since 1991. PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu

The year was 1967. SM Siddique, a camera enthusiast, started a camera servicing shop at the Rathkhola intersection in Nawabpur. His passion for tinkering with cameras was already deeply ingrained — he learned the intricacies of the device from his father, Abdul Haque. 

For Siddique, transforming this passion into a profession was not difficult. To honour his father, he chose Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre as his shop's name, which, over time, became Bangladesh's second-oldest camera servicing shop. 

Before this, another shop named "Gani Repairing" started operating in Alubazar, Dhaka.

Fifty-six years have passed since the establishment of Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre. And even though SM Siddique is no longer with us, his shop continues to stand tall. 

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Haque and Son’s Camera Servicing Center: More than 50 years’ old

The present custodian of the business is his son Shahedul Haque Shahed, who has firmly held the reins of his father's business, expanding its reach as well, since 1991.  

In 1996, Shahed relocated the business to Stadium Market. From there, a new journey began.
A haven of vintage cameras 

PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu
PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu

If you walk in through Dhaka Stadium Market's Gate 3 or 4, you will see Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre on the second floor. Shop number 158 is small and uninspiring — the length and width of the shop will be no more than a few feet. 

But once you stand in front of it, a variety of cameras from the 1950s and 1960s, which are commonly known as "vintage" cameras, is sure to catch your eye. 

A wonderful collection of old and new stands in front of you. From cameras of the 1950s to cameras of the present day, it would not be wrong to call the shop a mini expo of cameras. The "vintage" items displayed at Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre cannot be bought with money but camera lovers can drop by for a glimpse of this impressive collection. 

"Many show interest in buying vintage cameras. But I have kept them to display my father's memories, [it's] not for sale," Shahedul Haque Shahed, the current owner, told The Business Standard.

From German Rolliflex to One Twenty cameras, small format One Ten cameras, Japan's Yasika Matte 124G, China's Seagull 120, Polaroid, Kodak Disc 8000 and Coca-Cola — all types of cameras can be found here.

It runs in the family

The love for cameras was passed down through generations at the Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre. Founder SM Siddique's father, Abdul Haque, was a skilled mechanic who studied at the Mechanics Department of BUET. 

Shahedul Haque said, "My grandfather had no formal education or training in this field. He had a talent for cameras — it was a natural gift. He also had a very good understanding of camera mechanisms. He used to repair cameras at home. 

Photo: Archive
Photo: Archive

"When my grandfather worked, my father would sit beside him and watch. Over time, my father also learned the trade," he added.

During the 1960s, there was no organised system for importing camera parts to the country. Technical books or manuals to learn camera repair were not available either. 

The experience, skill and education he inherited from his father became the foundation for SM Siddique's initiative to establish the business. 

Apart from repairing cameras, SM Siddique also had a passion for collecting cameras and was also interested in photography. 
Shahedul said, "I have tried my best to preserve my father's camera collection. However, maintaining it is quite challenging."
Regarding how the cameras were collected, Shahedul said, "During my father's time, the German-made One-Twenty cameras were most commonly used. He had connections with many people. They used to bring cameras from around the world to him." 

Abdul Haque repaired the Duke of Edinburgh's camera

During SM Siddique's tenure, many legendary photographers frequented Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre. Siddique maintained a friendly relationship with everyone, including Prime Minister's photographers and prominent photojournalists.

Shahedul Haque's memory also involves the famous photographer Rashid Talukder, who captured the history of the Liberation War. Shahedul was introduced to Talukder by his father. 

PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu
PHOTO: Sushmita Chakraborty Mishu

Shahedul also shared about his grandfather Abdul Haque's exceptional skills in camera servicing. According to him, Abdul Haque once repaired the Duke of Edinburgh's camera.

Shahedul recalled, "I heard from my father that Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, came to Dhaka. During that trip, the Duke's camera got damaged. They visited many places in the city to repair the camera and finally ended up with my grandfather. He repaired the camera within a short time."

The mechanics of the shop 

Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre has over 100 cameras in its possession, where different types of lenses can also be found. Among these, around 20 to 25 cameras have been collected from the 1950s onwards.

The younger generation is the primary customer of Haque & Sons Camera Servicing Centre. Model and wedding photographers tend to frequent this place more often. The camera shops of Baitul Mukarram also get services from Haque & Sons if they fail to solve any problems at their shops.

The mechanics first try to understand the issues and then diligently work to solve any customer's problem. 

The service charge starts from Tk500.

Shahedul said they struggle to keep up with the changing times due to a lack of proper training. "Technology is advancing fast, but we do not get adequate training, which makes the trade very difficult," he explained.

In 1990, an exhibition of the cameras collected by SM Siddique was organised at the Alliance Française to commemorate 150 years of photography. The then Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Moniruzzaman Mia, the then Ambassador of France and the Director of the France Cultural Centre were present at that exhibition. The exhibition was held from 28 January to 10 February 1990. 

Shahedul Haque Shahid intends to hold an exhibition again with his father's camera collection.

Features / Top News

camera / servicing / Cameras

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • US President Donald Trump points a finger as he departs for Canada to attend the G7 Leaders' Summit, from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, June 15, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
    Trump sends letter to Yunus imposing 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products
  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and US President-Elect Donald Trump. Photos: Collected
    What Trump wrote in his letter to Yunus imposing 35% tariff
  • Representational image. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
    Stocks open lower amid Trump’s tariff move on Bangladesh

MOST VIEWED

  • The Mitsubishi Xpander is built with families in mind, ready to handle the daily carpool, grocery runs, weekend getaways, and everything in between. PHOTO: Akif Hamid
    Now made-in-Bangladesh: 2025 Mitsubishi Xpander
  • Illustration: Ashrafun Naher Ananna/TBS Creative
    World’s largest container shipping companies
  • Representational image
    Dhaka gets relief as Trump pushes tariff deadline to 1 Aug
  • A quieter scene at Dhaka University’s central library on 29 June, with seats still unfilled—unlike earlier this year, when the space was overwhelmed by crowds of job aspirants preparing for competitive exams. Photo: Tahmidul Alam Jaeef
    No more long queues at DU Central Library. What changed?
  • Illustration: Duniya Jahan/TBS Creative
    Inflation drops below 9% after 27 months
  • Illustration: Duniya Jahan/TBS Creative
    Young population believe BNP to get 39% of votes, Jamaat 21%, NCP 16% in national polls: Sanem survey

Related News

  • Polaroid Flip makes instant photography feel new again
  • Fujifilm X Half: A vintage soul in a digital shell
  • New Insta360 X5 comes with sharper and smoother recording
  • This is the most minimalist a mirrorless camera has ever been
  • Fujifilm introduces new instant camera with larger prints

Features

Thousands gather to form Bangla Blockade in mass show of support. Photo: TBS

Rebranding rebellion: Why ‘Bangla Blockade’ struck a chord

16h | Panorama
The Mitsubishi Xpander is built with families in mind, ready to handle the daily carpool, grocery runs, weekend getaways, and everything in between. PHOTO: Akif Hamid

Now made-in-Bangladesh: 2025 Mitsubishi Xpander

1d | Wheels
Students of different institutions protest demanding the reinstatement of the 2018 circular cancelling quotas in recruitment in government jobs. Photo: Mehedi Hasan

5 July 2024: Students announce class boycott amid growing protests

3d | Panorama
Contrary to long-held assumptions, Gen Z isn’t politically clueless — they understand both local and global politics well. Photo: TBS

A misreading of Gen Z’s ‘political disconnect’ set the stage for Hasina’s ouster

3d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Trump imposes 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products

Trump imposes 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products

19m | TBS World
Much of Iran’s Military Capacities Still Unutilized, General Warns Israel

Much of Iran’s Military Capacities Still Unutilized, General Warns Israel

13h | TBS World
How Trump's tariff chaos could reshape Asia's businesses

How Trump's tariff chaos could reshape Asia's businesses

3h | Others
How will Europe stop Russia's Shadow Fleet?

How will Europe stop Russia's Shadow Fleet?

13h | Others
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net