Francis Camera is closing after 45 years in business.

The store, which was started in 1961 by former Hawaiian Pineapple Co. chemist Francis K.P. Lee, is scheduled to close April 22.

Scott Whiting, president of Francis Camera parent company Waterhouse Inc., said proliferation of volume dealers and discount houses changed the retail business to where it made sense to close the shop at 1409 Kapi'olani Blvd., next to Ala Moana Center.

"After 45 years of proudly serving the community, it's now time to say aloha," Whiting said in a statement. "We thank the community for its tremendous support, which allowed Francis Camera to stay in business for such a long time."

Waterhouse acquired Francis Camera in 1988 after Lee and his wife, Betty, retired.

Waterhouse, a company with more than 400 employees and annual sales around $25 million from golf courses, retail shops and other businesses in Hawai'i and on the Mainland, once had been a dominant player in Hawai'i's photo industry, with photo labs, wholesale operations and a chain of Island Camera & Gift Shops.

Francis Lee in the 1950s worked at another Waterhouse firm, Waterhouse Photo Co., but left to start Francis Camera at Ala Moana Center, where the business operated for more than 20 years.

Whiting said Francis Camera has seven employees, two of whom will transfer within Waterhouse. Other employees will receive separation packages.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.