They are stealing from there customers!!!!! The store charged me for a lens $1,344.72 on 9/3/2019 On 9/26/2019 I brought in the lens to return because it did not have the functionality of ISO 2.8. They offered me a maximum refund of $400 because they claim 1 mark shown in the picture. They said they would have to sell it at $750 and they "need to make money." I'm a finance professional and they are telling me they want to make $1000 dollars off of an item they will re-sell for $750!!!!! This is STEALING! Robbery!!! That's complete BS. This lens was used for 3 pictures and was put right back in the box. They just want to make another profit off of my return. Unethical practices! They do not care about their customers. This store will go out of business treating customers with terrible attitudes (Gary Faye) and lying to customers (saying "wow its really beat up.") the manager (Ben Carpenter) has no other reason but this 1 mark That is barely noticeable to the naked eye. So small it could have been sold to me with the mark. I'm not sure. I will be taking them to court. read more

The best Camera Store ever!!! Very knowledgeable group of gentleman. I bought a used Leica M8, leather body case, and 50mm f2 Leica in a excellent condition these guys are truly pros. You can definitely tell they pride themselves in costumer service they are awesome! I highly recommend this place!!!!! Master Sergeant Robert Brown U.S. Marine Corps Marine Forces Reserves Combat Camera read more

When entering Camera West on Highway 111, one is impressed with its plush surroundings and high-end photography gear. On the walls are stunning landscapes, in glass cases are state-of-the-art cameras. Don't be fooled by the attractiveness of the store nestled in the wealthy enclave of Rancho Mirage. The staff and management are not forthright in their photography knowledge, as they have an agenda, which is subtly cast upon one, existing in reality, but outweighed by the store's beauty. My experience there was one of turmoil and frustration. I came in with professional gear--a Canon 5D Mark II, a Canon L Series lens, a telephoto/wide angle lens in hopes of trading it in with the best small professional camera that is known to exist. My criteria was to buy a small camera with a large sensor so I could sell my photos to microstock agencies. This is where my transactional all went wrong. First, I did not do my research, so that, instead of having a model in mind about which I knew the details, I had in mind only the a camera's specs in mind. The staff--cool and pretentious--first showed me a suitable model in which I had no interest because of its size. Then I asked them about small professional cameras. A staff member brought me to their Leica Room, an impressive gallery of fine art equipment in a spotless environment. None of the cameras met my specifications. As I walked around the store with the staff member, I spotted a Hassleblad Stellar camera, which is met my criteria, containing a one-inch sensor, much larger than the tiny one on most point-and-shoot cameras. . I knew Hassleblad made superior cameras, but did not know It was out of the business of smaller point-and-shoot cameras. I then relinquished my own equipment (several thousand dollars worth) in a trade for the Hassleblad ($1800 price tag). The staff of Camera West not only took all of my gear, but also added a $600 charge for the Stellar, a terribly gone-wrong trade in which my exuberance overruled my common sense. Two months later, I went out into the desert to photograph. The windy day brought sand into the air, and before I knew it the Stellar's protective lens doors would not open or close. I went back to Camera West, and they offered to send it to Hassleblad. They informed me they would call me with an estimate to repair the camera. I had informed the staff at Camera West, that I didn't think I should pay any more for the camera, so they took the camera and sent it into Hassleblad. Two months later, the camera was still not returned to me. I phoned several times and the staff said they would call me back shortly with the status of the camera to see what went wrong. I did not hear from them and called several days later, being informed that they didn't know where the camera was. Finally, they divulged that the camera had to be sent to Sweden to be fixed. Of course I declined and insisted I get the camera back. Later, after not receiving my camera back after a week, I wrote an email to the owner of Camera West (and the new Leica store in San Francisco). He promptly returned my email, saying he'd check into where my camera was. Later, he wrote back, saying that the camera couldn't be repaired in the United States, that it had to be sent to Sweden. I immediately got the camera returned to me, which took a few days. After a week, I went to the store to get the camera (which still functioned, with the lens cover damaged). The owner of the store said he tried to work with Hassleblad to get the camera repaired, but failed to get a resolution in the United States. He made no effort to offer to take the camera back, as "sand damaged" items cannot be returned. Today, four months later, I'm in London. I stop at Camera City near the British Museum, asking if they could fix my camera. They said they could and then they did. In two hours I had my camera back--fully functioning and an additional 89 pounds ($120) in the hole. This sounds like a happy ending, but it is not, as I traded in several thousand dollars worth of gear for a camera that I found out had an identical model made by Sony (RX 100) upon which it was based for one-third the price of the Stellar (about $600). The staff knew the entire time about the Stellar being the same as the Sony, and after buying the Stellar and researching it, I knew the truth-not only had Camera West obtained all of my gear for a small point-and-shoot with a large sensor, but also left me camerless for several months and $720 poorer. Matthew Bamberg Author: "Digital Art Photography for Dummies" and 10 other books about photography read more

Do not send your mother in here for a camera. They will take advantage of any nice person who does not know much about photography. They sell (Demo) cameras without telling the customer. These cameras might look like they work for a day or two but then fail tremendously. Camera West's prices are ridiculously high priced. They had the same hasselblad I own for sale but for triple the price that I payed online. Avoid making purchases at this rip off of a camera store. read more

I have shopped at Camerawest in the desert and the service has been exceptional. Sean, Gary, and the rest of the crew is very knowledgeable on Leica and other equipment brands, as well as photography in general. There is never any pressure to buy and they try to help you make the best choice. Once my camera charger was not working when I was on a trip in Hawaii and they figured out a way to get me a replacement ASAP. True exceptional service. RON N. read more

Bought my Leica DLux in this store two years ago. The experience was very enjoyable when I purchased my camera. The staff were professional,friendly and very knowledgable. I came across a trouble shooting issue today. Decided to give them a call just to see if they could get me in touch with the head company Leica but instead they ended up solving the issue for me over the phone themselves. I was not only very grateful but also impressed with their knowledge of the cameras they sell and their willingness to help an old customer. They reassured me that if I had a larger issue that I could go through them and they have a great relationship with the Leica main office for repairs etc. Finally, I was very happy to find out that they ship world wide so I will be continuing my loyalty as a customer and looking to buy camera accessories though Camera West in the near future. Thank you very much. read more

Ben, Shawn and Adam really rose to the challenge of handling a defective D750. Kudos for being my advocate with Nikon and getting me a new D750 body! Happy Customer here! read more

This is the worst camera shop ever. They never help you with anything and are completely disrespectful on every level, especially if you are below 40 yrs old. They are always rude on many levels. It all goes downhill right when you walk through the door. Everything is overpriced over retail as well. DO NOT shop here or give them your money!!! read more

Typical high society snobby camera store. I don't recommend them to anyone. If you have questions, good luck getting an answer. The staff is jaded and rude. I wish I had four hands so I could give them four thumbs down. read more

I am a fourth generation professional photographer. I grew up with a studio in the house, a black and white darkroom for my Mom and a color darkroom for my Dad. My earliest memories are from being with my Mom, when she would print photographs in her darkroom. The sounds, the smells and the images are so clear. I have become a bit of a photo gadget snob. When I go looking for equipment, I want to talk to somebody who knows more than I do. I want somebody who not only knows what a Hasselblad is, but how to make it do magic. I was so impressed at their breadth of knowledge, as well as their product offerings. I really appreciated that there were no hard sell tactics. When it comes to tens of thousands of dollars of camera equipment, I want to do my homework, after looking at the store. They never pressured me to buy that day, on my first visit. When the COVID insanity is over, I will return and make the purchases I need. If we don't support local stores, the whole world will end up working for Amazon and Starbucks. read more

Great camera shop - good to find folks to talk to about equipment. Nice staff & prices about the same as online, so you can actually put your hands on equipment you're interested in. read more

Great Of course 5 stars for me i went there they were very kind and not a HUGE selection of cameras but nice quality it had everything is wanted there was a camera that I wanted that was $1000 somewhere else here $359 with lens, battery, charger everything. I recommend this to people who know what they are looking for and want it for good quality and a fair price read more

I Needed a small item, called in advance. They had the item and the salesperson (Victor) really went out of his way to show me options on the item, and then some additional things as well. Well informed. Helpful. I'd go back there anytime I was in the area read more

OK, I have been in photography since the 70's and I have seen the evolution of the photographic world and the demise local camera shops. Clearly the internet and the Walmart mentality has taken it's toll. Camera West is a brand new store with a TON of inventory. The sales staff is friendly and informed. They are Nikon, Canon and Leica dealers and have a large stock of Gitzo tripods. They also have a ton of medium format equipment. Everything is first class. Prices are VERY fair. They also have a very large stock of immaculate used cameras. Again, the prices are equal to anything I see from private party sales. In other words, excellent pricing. As far as Leica goes, if you are a Leica aficionado this is the place for you. In addition to a significant inventory of current models, they have a staggering number of used Leicas and accessories. They also sell film and some studio equipment. This is every bit the equal of a Big City camera shop with just excellent pricing. No, they do not seem to have a rental service ( they may I just don't know) but in almost every other regard it will make the day of the photo enthusiast and pro. read more

A while back my photography gear was stolen. I e-mailed every area and online used camera equipment dealer I could find to notify them and ask them to keep an eye out. Ultimately, I found my gear on Craig's List and someone is now in jail BUT of all the companies I contacted, Camera West was one of the few that responded back acknowledging my loss and confirming that they would keep an eye out should anyone bring the gear in for sale. I know it's not good for business for someone to purchase equipment that was unbenounced to them stolen, but just the simple act of acknowledging my situation meant a lot to me and demonstrates what a professional and caring staff they have. read more

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Had to stop here on a photo safari after a series of unfortunate mishaps and John and Gary went above and beyond in customer service, offering several options on purchases, rental possibilities that would have taken our business elsewhere, as well as giving up some tips on local places to shoot and times when the light is good. When you drive for 7 hours out to the desert and forget your film and someone else drops their camera on day one, only to find this place, it turns out the best it can. This is a CLASSIC camera store. They have all the necessities. Only one thing, call ahead. They have summer hours which means not open on weekends. read more

Sold me a Used Gitzo tripod that's more expensive than a new one. Without the dust bag, wrench, and of course manufacturer's warranty that comes along with the New purchase of the said tripod. And their return policy is nothing worth mentioning about either. After only 4 months of light use, one of the tripod leg broke off. I fell like I've been duped and cheated! As much as I like to support local, and Brick & Mortar stores, this experience will definitely make me avoid this store. Consumers, do your research first and don't be so impulsive in purchasing something in this store. read more

I had a broken lens that I took here to see if I could have it repaired and they had to ship it off for an estimate. About 11 days later they called and told me the repair would be about the same as the lens costed so I declined. When I went to pick it up there was a $25 shipping fee. 1. I feel they should have told me that there would be a $25 shipping fee before hand. 2. isn't $25 a little steep? They were polite and have a very nice store, I'm sure they are a good company. However, I much prefer to be told about any charges before I agree. read more

Sitting at the store now and listening to the amazing customer service going on! My mother broke her camera and came in to see if they could possibly fix it. David, an employee of Camera West, spent an hour trying to fix it and then researching online to see if there was any great deal he could offer her. He answered all of her questions and was not just after a sale. She is now happily walking out with a camera that will last her a very long time and she is more knowledgeable of the equipment because of the time they spent with her answering all of her questions! I would highly recommend this place! read more

Went to Camera West based on the rave reviews from Yelp...needed my Nikon DSL cleaned...had a couple of spots showing up on my photos...young kid behind the counter said they charge $50 and it would take 10 minutes...went ahead and had it cleaned because I wasn't in San Diego where my second home is located...asked the kid about a 20-70mm lens for my Nikon...wandered around the store a few minutes before saying they were out of stock...won't be buying any equipment here and won't ever go back...$50 for a 10 minute clean is ridiculous...will have my camera serviced in San Diego from now on...don't waste your time unless you are in a pickle... read more

If I were to sit down and write what the perfect camera store would look like to me and couldn't have included all the features Camera West offers! Seriously! I've used them three or four times now and each time my experience is better. I bought a great tripod and head from them. I specifically asked for used equipment as the carbon footprint is less and, of course, so is the price. Sean, the owner, asked me several questions as to the type of photography I did, then promptly lead me to the perfect used tripod which I've used ever since. When I had problems with it a while down the trail and took it back for repair, it was repaired on the spot with no charge. Since then they have sent one camera into Nikon for me for repair, and helped me with it again just yesterday. This time they were able to fix it on the spot, again with no charge, but they could have easily told me it would have to be 'sent in' and pocketed my money. These guys have integrity! With the money I saved on camera repairs I bought a new camera bag from them. When I quipped the only thing more I needed from them would be a cup of coffee they produced that, too, lol! As someone else commented, 5 stars hardly seems adequate for this place. read more

I found this store on Yelp and felt confident that I was going to the right place. Yesterday, I brought in a group of vintage cameras/ equipment to sell. These guys were friendly and knowledgeable. They looked over each item thoroughly, made me a fair offer and cut me a check. Easy to deal with, no hassles. read more

Camera West lost a costumer for life today. Went in to look at the used Nikon lens' and decided to purchase a 200mm -500mm lens for $1100. The man helping me allowed me to attach it to my camera to see how it measured up. Once I decided it is what I wanted a different worker comes up and tells me that the lens I choose is already spoken for and they are holding it for someone else. If it being held for someone else why is it on the shelf and why does it still have a price. I won't be shopping there anymore and they just lost $1399.00 to Best Buy. read more

Wonderful help! I had 2 old 35mm camera's that had film and the old camera store in the mall is gone! Took them to Camera West and they were able to help me get the film without damaging it. Thank you! read more

I came in to inquire and shop at their Leica boutique, so I cannot speak for the rest of the gear they buy/sell/trade in the store. But as far as dealing with Leica product, I very much enjoyed my time and money spent at Camera West. They helped me out with my issues/concerns and were able to work out a deal on a great used body/lens set. That was after spending lots of time in seeing if I was best suited for a brand new camera/lens or to wait a bit for something used to come in. I chose to wait and was notified w/in a week of a camera body and lens in my ballpark. Knowledgeable, trustworthy, dedicated and competitive in regards to everything Leica. So happy I stumbled upon Camera West! read more

Great selection of accessories and cameras!!! Customer service was excellent! I love my portrait lens!!!!

TOP NOTCH service !!!!! Thank you for being the Nordstrom of camera stores. I will forever be loyal because I appreciate that you appreciate your customers. read more

The team at Camera West is unbelievable. I have never had a camera purchasing experience like this before. Simply amazing. I was on the search for a certain Leica model that no one else seemed to have. The selection and attention to detail is incredible. The Leica Boutique that was designed by the Leica architects from Germany is amazingly organized & thoughtful. Gary helped me out with my purchase and I was blown away by his knowledge and field experience. Just speaking with him was a privilege. I love this store and will make a stop in here every time I come to Palm Springs even if it's just to say hello. Thank you for being in business. read more

While visiting Palm Springs I had need of a real camera store and found Camera West. I was very impressed with how professional and neat the store was, and the employee found me exactly what I needed in about 60 seconds, a camera specific brand name accessory. I continued to browse and also found a couple of other useful items I needed. I would highly recommend this venue for top quality equipment and accessories. read more

Wouldn't take a charger back after ONE DAY, and we had the receipt. The guy behind the counter took HALF AN HOUR to even get the one he sold us to WORK when we took it back. They must prey off tourists is all I can say. Find a good camera store, there are actually many that do better than this place! read more

Unfriendly service and unhelpful. So, I came to look for a new camera, but the man didn't seem interested in my business. I won't go back to buy my new camera here. I was told that what I wanted was coming in, but was never asked for my contact information to let me know when it would come into the store. He could have cared less that I was there looking. read more

I discovered Camera West when the store was still in Monterey, CA back in the 1990's and made many purchases large and small from Sean. Since then I've been a steady customer looking for new and used Leica and Nikon gear and have never been disappointed. I have traded in equipment, purchased new equipment, and used equipment both in person in the store and using the online site and have always found them to be fair and honest. read more

These people who rate Camera West with one star have no idea what they're talking about. The employees in the store are either professional photographers or they have been selling photography products for several years. All are willing to help, friendly and knowledgable. All Employees know their subject and can answer questions regardless of manufacturer, service or process. I personally have purchased two DSLR cameras and several lenses from them, new as well as used. The store is well-stocked with Leica, Canon, Nikon products. . . tripods, cases, filters, magazines, flashes, ball heads, etc. their prices match the same at B&H, Adorama and other internet sites. If you are looking for a store the size of B&H, you have the drive to New York City. There is no comparable photography store locally, unless you drive to Samys, or Bel Air Camera or some other big photography store in LA. Give these super guys a try. If you don't like the store, get in the car! read more

Camera West is fantastic I would highly recommend him I have bought several products from them

My camera sensor needed a good cleaning, was getting tired of editing out every single image due to dust spots. Called Camera West and they cleaned it while I waited. Great customer service and lots of ways to spend a lot of money on gear! Thank you Camera West, you're the best and I'll be back! read more

OhEmmGee!!! Camera West totally rocks... Stop in. If they don't have it, they can get it..... Knowledge base = incredible... Friendly = also incredible... (might want to wear a bib if you're like me - their camera stock made me drool) read more

My husband and I stopped in on our way cross country to buy a lens cap, some film and an extra camera battery. The professionalism of the gentleman Gary Faye who helped us was amazing. He showed us the new showroom, helped us with our purchases and was a wealth of knowledge and patience and expertise that is just NOT found anywhere in retail sales today. He has been a professional photographer his entire life, and is so humble about it, and this camera store has a beautiful and accomplished asset. While we were there looking around after our purchase, we noticed he assisted a cinematographer needing a lens, and a retired woman just getting into photography. He was equally gracious to both and i really marveled that he had helped us the same way, with our little purchases as he did with the other people. Full disclosure, I have known of his work and that is one of the reasons we stopped by this store. I will make my purchases online from here, and stop in again next time we are passing thru I-10 heading east. I think the 5 star rating is because the level of professionalism shows. And the selection of used lenses is crazy! I don't know what the other reviewer is talking about. read more

John Warden at Camera West spent 3 hours until closing time with my husband and I showing us the various options with lighting systems from reflectors to softboxes to pocket wizards. He made the world of flash photography seem less daunting to us as we venture into using more flash lighting with my pet photography and other types of photography. Camera West is fortunate to have an experienced and approachable photographer like John on board! read more

As a professional photographer based in Palm Springs I couldn't be happier that we have one of the premiere photography store right here in the Coachella Valley. The helpful staff is always willing to spend time with customers as they work with them to choose the best equipment for their needs. I have been extremely satisfied with all of the purchases I've made and with the customer service offered even when I needed to exchange a piece of equipment that was bought in error. You can't get any better than this place...anywhere. read more

Amazing, kind, informative, and well trained staff. You cannot go wrong coming here. They offer a wide range of brands, cameras, and equipment both new and used. I am frequently trading, buying and selling with various equipment needs and every staff member is always efficient and is incredibly helpful. Everyone is extremely knowledgeable having worked as professionals in some capacity in the film or photography business. Highly recommend! read more