AUBURN – After 60 years in business, Camera Service Center is closing its doors.

The longtime photo supply and processing service is calling it quits on July 22. Susan Mitchell, who co-owns the business with her brother Mike, said digital photography has lessened the need for film and print processing, and some general business trends such as increasing taxes have forced the business to close.

“Please know it was a tough decision for both Mike and I to arrive at, and to be quite frank with you, if we were not so emotionally involved with the business and our customers, we should have made this decision a year or so back,” Mitchell stated in a letter to her customers. The business was started in 1946 by their father, Frank.

The business had been operating exclusively at 192 Center St. after closing its Lisbon Street store in Lewiston in December 2004.

Mitchell said the family will be liquidating all its assets, including merchandise, equipment, displays and inventory. Sales are ongoing.

She and her brother will be looking for new careers, but the most difficult part of the closure is saying good-bye to the center’s many customers.

“We thank you all for your support … especially to our special customers who have been there during these trying times,” Mitchell said. “You could have gone other places for your processing and camera needs, but you stuck with us, even worrying about us, and we truly appreciate you all.”

– Carol Coultas