I always have an excellent experience with CSI Rentals. Blonde Studios rely on top tier gear and service. Their equipment is well maintained, and always ready when we need it. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and goes the extra mile to help us find exactly what we need especially on tight timelines. I recommend CSI to any creatives, photographers, or filmmakers looking for a professional, reliable rentals! Ask for Jacob! read more

CSI Rentals - Blonde Studios - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - New York, New York

Mario Rivas at CSI saved my photoshoot by helping me find the equipment I needed, and getting it to my shoot location in a hurry. Most importantly he had a great and friendly attitude which helped me calm down and take care of business! read more

Absolutely HORRIBLE customer service from the older gentleman at the front desk. They rented me a magliner jr. with deflated wheels. Their equipment is cheap & not well maintained. I will NEVER be working with them again. 1 star is for the apple boxes. read more

They need attitude adjustment at this place. I had a really simple rental which I felt scolded at bc online I was able to rent but in store it was out of stock. They expected me to know? Fix your website before throwing paying customers under the bus. Then they call me the day of the return to say they don't have the equipment and that I have to pay extra. Oops they realized later that the camera was already returned. You like that terrible customer service? Call these guys they are a match!! read more

I had a regrettably abysmal experience renting from CSI Rentals. I looked for a way to have a positive rental experience with this company, but I was unfortunately let down, though the company did at least make an (inadequate) effort to make things right. * Mar 18 - I completed a reservation for a Sony 100-400 and Sony 2x teleconverter, 3 weeks from when the gear was needed for the solar eclipse with rental date Apr 5. * Apr 2 - I was informed that a client decided to keep the 2x TC and it would not be available for my Apr 5 rental date, 3 days before my rental date. I was provided with an alternative of Canon gear with a Metabones adapter at a discount. I elected to not accept the alternative, and just rent the lens without the TC, which I had every reason to believe was available. * Apr 5 (day of rental) - I was informed 1 hour before my pickup time that not only had the other client decided to keep the 2x TC, but they had also decided to keep the Sony 100-400 as well. Because of a self-admitted mistake at CSI Rentals, I was only told the day of my rental that this was the case, when the client had actually made this decision on Apr 2, leaving me no time to formulate a back-up plan. I was sent alternative lens rental sites, but none provided any opportunity for me to get a lens with such an incredibly short turnaround time. I made a reservation 3 weeks in advance to guard against the exact situation that ended up happening. CSI's policy allowing a client to extend their rental period to cut into another client's rental period put me in an unfortunate position. Had I known that my reservation was subject to a decision another client could make that I had no influence over, I would not have rented from them for a photographic opportunity so important time sensitive. In the end, they offered me a 26-year-old Canon lens from 1998 (100-400 mark 1) as a 'replacement' at a discount, which I accepted having no other options. I give them 2 stars instead of 1 because they did at least try to rectify the issue, though the alternative gear they loaned me was not even close to a full replacement for the gear I had reserved. Their communication regrettably came at the 11th hour and created, on the whole, an awful rental experience and I do not plan to rent from them again. read more

I use CSI for everything. George is the owner and he is there everyday to help out and make adjustments and answer any questions. Running a business is tough and it's unfortunate that their star ratings don't reflect how hard they work to ensure you have everything you need for your shoot. George is old school and doesn't monitor Yelp much but is always available for a call. Don't believe me? Call him right now! They make the process so easy and take on so much risk running this business. If it wasn't for them, I would not be the film maker I am today. Just wanted to say thank you to their team and I hope they continue to grow and expand to different areas. read more

CSI is the worst rental house in NYC, and here's why: They don't have a digital inventory, so don't be surprised when you go to pick up and half your order is missing. I reserved 2 cameras, only one was available at pickup. They then tried to tell me I was mistaken and only ordered 1 camera. After showing them my order, they started scrambling to sub-rent, never apologizing for their mistake and trying to blame me. They loaded my rental with the WRONG batteries AND media. If I was in a rush and had to trust their "QC" I'd have been stuck without usable kit on my shoot. As if being incompetent wasn't bad enough, they're also very rude, particularly the old man running the counter in the manhattan location. On top of all this, they also ask a 50% replacement value hold on a CC, IN ADDITION to a COI. Not a hold for the COI deductible, but 50% of replacement value. They tried to tell me this is industry standard. It is not. This is scam like behavior, and I don't doubt CSI is the type of place that will hit you with bogus "damage fees" as a means to recoup their low rental prices. I ended up walking away from my order because I saw the writing on the wall for this place. I'd rather pay 20% more up front with a proper gear house than get hosed on return with bogus fees and who knows what else. This place is struggling and it shows. Places like Abel, handheld, keslow, panavision might be more expensive but I highly recommend going through any of those before CSI. Even Adorama has greatly improved in the last few years and are miles ahead of CSI. If your shoot is important, save yourself the headache and skip this place. I look forward to their going out of business sale in 6-12 months. read more

They rent out gear that doesn't work and has multiple issues. When its brought to their attention they don't care. So disappointed in this place never coming back. Save your money and time, theres better rental spots. read more

Just to make it clear. I was contacted by customer service rep who said they would reimburse me IF I TOOK DOWN MY REVIEW. Knowing this was just bad business i declined. I should have been refunded because they messed up my order multiple times, not because I gave them a truthful bad review. read more

Horrible customer service!! I have been searching for the past week for a camera rental company with affordable prices and CSI seemed to be the most reasonable considering I live only an hour north of NYC and shipping wouldn't be that bad. I called CSI this morning with one question the first time about shipping costs and a second time to inquire how I can apply the 25% first order discount. Both customer service reps who answered the phone were short, rude and seemed totally unwilling to let me even ask my question. I've been working directly with people for a long time and could totally read their tone (I sometimes use it, too, when I've had an especially rough day) but it's early in the morning! The day isn't even half over yet and you guys are acting like I'm the most annoying customer in the world? Not cool. I hate writing bad reviews but I feel that the two people I interacted with via phone at CSI have earned this one star for their huge lack of friendliness and patience. I will not be doing business with them. read more

I wanted to test out a more expensive lens on my Canon EOS R and found this place while I was visiting NYC. When I got there my rental was ready for me to pick up. I also forgot batteries so thank goodness they had the batteries that went with my camera. The service went fine. The guy at the desk was pretty easy going. I wouldn't say he was chirpy and overly welcoming but more stern, but that was fine with me. He wasn't rude and the service went well so that is all I cared for. When I brought back my lens, I forgot the end cap to the lens because it was still attached to my camera. The same guy allowed me to bring it the next day with out any extra charge so that was a relief. Will definitely rent from here again. read more

I just can't say enough great things about CSI Rentals. Complete selection of lighting and camera equipment for rental. Also can deliver to a location at very short notice. I've been a customer for over 5 years and as a professional photographer I can say that they've been incredibly helpful and always reachable to solve any problems. In fact I was just in there today, a fuse had blown on one of my flash heads and it would of taken one month to order one from Profoto. George very kindly sold it to me even though it was supposed to be kept aside for their own repairs. Highly recommend them! read more

Pros: Convenient online ordering, reasonable prices (especially for weekend rentals which are charged at a single day's rate), decent selection of lenses, friendly staff. My experiences with CSI have been generally pleasant. Only on one occasion was I not entirely satisfied, specifically because a lens I had rented required cleaning (due to dirt + residue on glass and sides). After cleaning it myself, I didn't have any problems. Suffice to say it was an atypical experience given the great condition of all the other lenses I've rented. That being said, I definitely recommend CSI to anyone looking for affordable rentals. read more

They give different prices for deposits to BIPOC. Have you ever rented any piece of equipment and had to give an $8000 deposit? What credit card company is even letting an $8000 purchase be cleared. Even the employee questioned the amount and asked if that was accurate because it seemed "too high". Not once was an email or phone call sent after I made the reservation stating that I would need an $8000 deposit. I reiterated that business practices for that amount should warrant an email or a phone call the statement that was made to me was "I would have to hire 10 people just for emails and phone calls to assist everybody with deposits". The owner was completely dismissive even after I explained to him that I'm a member of a studio which they have a contract with. He then stated, "We don't work with that studio." Then his own son who was sitting in the office closer to where I was speaking responded "yes we do". The owner then proceeded to state, that "the replacement fee is $15,000 and he's only charging me $8000. for the deposit." When I asked him to repeat himself, he came out of the office but did not say anything after looking at his father. The owner then stated that the studio itself didn't want to rent to me based on the fact that they themselves didn't put the contract in so they didn't want to be responsible. However, when my studio did reach out, it was explained that I myself would have to call seeing that I was the one picking up the order. The Manhattan store is really disrespectful. Their replacement price is inflated extremely for the items that I was planning to rent. Luckily, I do on my own items wanted to have some additional items on hand but never again. read more

CSI Rentals - Invoice that is supposed to result in an $8000. Deposit. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - New York, New York

I've been meaning to write a review for a while and was glad that their great customer service prompted me again. I've been using CSI for probably 4 years and have never ever once had a problem. For the record I never rent anything for thousands or even hundreds dollars at any given time but each and every time I have rented from CSI they have treated me with complete respect and patience. Whether it is a lens or microphone/sound recording system I can confidently say that I can call up or walk in, explain what I am trying to accomplish and their staff take the time to suggest the best solution. They even take the time to show you how to operate something if it's the first time you are using it. Customer service example : Just before Passover a few weeks ago I was in need of a lens as I had a new client and a very specific requirement. (Note : CSI closes for Jewish holidays for an extended period so plan ahead!). As luck would have it the lens I needed was not available but was meant to be returned literally hours before they closed for the holiday. Dolapo took the time explain to me that he would write my name down in the event the lens came back in time. I beat him to it by calling just as the lens had come back and he pleasantly greeted me on the phone to tell me it was there. We got cut off but he called me back several times to make sure I knew, then put the order in. I went to the lens and Carrie had it ready as soon as I walked in. This wasn't the first time they came to the rescue and are absolutely invaluable to my business. Leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. read more

I really wanted to like this place because of the good price/rates that they have, but I've had issues both of the times I've rented from them. Both of the times I rented a set of tungsten lights from them there were mechanical issues with the lights - one time a light drooped and wouldn't hold it's vertical tilt, and the other time the light didn't have a screw/bolt to lock it to a lightstand which made it a safety risk and unusable. They just seemed poorly maintained and not thoroughly tested. Those are issues that should be caught before loaning them out to customers. I got a refund both times (so that's a good thing) but I would have preferred being able to use the lights I rented. Also, the first time I rented, I walked in on a Thursday to place a pickup order for a Friday. Seemed fine, but when I went to pick up my order that next day they didn't have it ready. One of the managers scolded me and said I was supposed to pick it up Thursday (which doesn't make any sense since if I wanted it Thursday I would have just picked it up when I placed the order that day). Another manager came through and helped me figure it out and rolled his eyes at the first manager. The ladies at the front desk were very helpful and polite both times I went there, but the unreliable nature of those lighting rentals made me take my business elsewhere. This was in the summer of 2012 so I hope they got their act together. read more

I rented a Ronin from this place and it did NOT peform and held up my shoot. When I told them about the issues, I got a shrug and a "we'll look into it". There's plenty of other rental houses you can go to that actually cares about keeping your business. read more

Helpful staff, great service. A great alternative to Adorama and only about a block away...They also have regular specials during the holidays which can really make your rental worth it... read more

I've had several bad experiences here and finally leaned my lesson. First, their website allows you to add numbers of items that they do not even own. After you plan your shoot and place the order, they email and say they don't have it. This has happened several times. Today they charged me $107 for a broken battery charger that was not used and didn't leave the case during our shoot. Their response was that they would have checked before it went out and it's on me. Several years ago we tried to rent a portable speaker from them that we luckily realized did not work before we left. That too was supposedly QC'd. Save yourself the trouble and rent from somewhere else. read more

We had a big package here for 10 days and they gave us a very good deal, and they were very helpful and kind to us. The only thing I wish they had was a bigger space to test out and check through camera and lighting gear before checkout. We spent 3 hours checking through equipment in a small space with lots of people coming in and out. If they could improve on that that would be awesome! read more

I have made CSI a regular go-to rental house for my production needs. They have an easy to use online ordering system, a large rental catalog, and great prices on a lot of the gear. The staff is accommodating. They even made arrangements for me to pick up gear after closing time on a Friday, which was very much appreciated. No rental house is perfect. I have used them all and have positive and negative experiences everywhere. 95% of my CSI rentals have been great, so I keep coming back. read more

Really good customer service. I got a little discount even though I was a new costumer. I really appreciated it considering their prices are competitive. Over all experience was great, I will be back again. Staff is very well trained and know what they are talking about. They will present you with different options depending what you are shooting and will help you in any way. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely choose CSI over Adorama Rentals anytime. read more

DO NOT USE THEM. I rented a camera and they failed to include in the kit all of the items that I paid for (lens, computer adapter, etc.) which left me completely unable to use the camera. I called back and very calmly explained that there must have been a mix up because various items were missing from the kit that I paid for, and the INCREDIBLY RUDE manager Jacob refused to take responsibility and would not give me a refund. He yelled at me on the phone for a few minutes and then hung up. I was shocked, especially because I certainly didn't speak to him in an angry or accusatory way, I just assumed it was an error (which everyone makes!) and just asked them to correct it. But, apparently, that's not something they're interested in doing. The rest of the customer service people were very friendly, but just know, that as a whole, they're clearly dishonest, rude, and poorly organized. read more

Know that the inventory shown on the web site is a "wish list." Call BEFORE reserving! Apparently they're not in the age of computerized inventory. read more

Great selection of equipment and fantastic rental prices. Very happy with this place and I definitely recommend it!

It all started with my equipment reservation online. It's fast, simple, easy. But that's not what impressed me. I reserved two Canon 7Ds with lenses and two SD cards. If you know about the 7D, they hold Compact Cards for storage, NOT SD CARDS! So so far, I'm setting myself up for failure... :) You would think I was screwed... But no... I get a call like 5 mins after I placed my reservation and was informed that the SD cards I reserved weren't compatible with the 7D cameras. That saved a whole day's shoot right there. The lady kindly replaced the SD card reservation with the Compact Cards compatible with the 7D. Now THAT'S customer service! :) read more

for the most part, i like csi rentals - they open early, have wknd specials, and are reasonably priced. theyre also conveniently located off the 1 train. whenever they run out of lenses, they try hard to accommodate customer needs. one time (and there are always exceptions), however, i rented a 24mm 1.4 lens, and the lens was faulty! the left side of each image would always be blurry, but at least after they ran a test on the lens, they returned my money back ... but for the value/price and convenience, i will continue to be a customer! read more

Just got my first rental here and I am so glad I found this place. First , I reserved a lens and a flash over their website. Large selection and easy to navigate. Got there a few days later and picked them up. It's pretty much a big warehouse and close to several subway lines which made it easy for me to get to from both work and home. I had a few questions about the equipment and the girl who worked there was very helpful. As a new customer, the person I'm guessing is the owner gave me a nice discount as a new customer which was really appreciated considering their prices are competitive. Over all experience was great, I will be back again. I would definitely choose CSI over Adorama Rentals. read more

Very friendly, helpful and professional rental house. I like them better than Adorama Rentals because their staff is actually knowledgable and don't come off as arrogant film students with no real world experience. Prices are competitive with the best and equipment is in good condition. read more

Excellent customer service. I was going to rent the Panasonic Lumix GH5 but I wanted to wait until the firmware was updated. The update was posted a day before I was going to pick up the camera but they made sure to do the update. Carrie was especially helpful. read more

The morning of an important corporate event, our in-house video equipment failed. CSI Rentals to the rescue! These folks were super fast, efficient, helpful, and easy to work with--they literally delivered us the camera set-up we needed within an hour, and sent along a kind, very helpful expert to get the recording rolling exactly the way we needed it to be. We'll DEFINITELY be calling them again (next time with more advance notice) for our video needs! read more

CSI RENTALS is an amazing photography/videography rental house to get supplies for Photo and Video. They have everything The managers are very very polite and friendly.. they're very relaxed.. its very stress free. They are a company that must be experienced at least once in your life if you are in the industry. They have affordable weekend and holiday prices. They're open early which is always helpful, customer service is absolutely amazing. I cannot say enough good things about them . read more

I ordered a lens online for a shoot and received a confirmation email for pickup and billed my client. 45 minutes before I was to pick up the lens I received a call that they didn't have one in stock! This was an hour before my shoot. I asked if they had any alternative but they only had something that would be more than double in cost and they weren't even willing to negotiate a lower price or anything for their mistake. Very unreliable will never order from the again. read more

Great place to get camera equipment at cheap prices. They almost always have what I need in stock. I just can't afford to buy $2000 lenses, so I come to CSI and get them for less than $60 per day (I don't remember how much, I think I pay something like $35 or so for one day sense rental. The staff is very friendly. They have a sign in the window that shows that Danny Devito rents his cinematography equipment here. I believe it, they have lots of cool things, lighting stuff, lenses, external batteries, and professional cameras of every kind. I go here any time I have a photo shoot and need the best equipment for a day or weekend. read more

Great selection, very easy to order, they offer delivery and pickup, the staff is very knowledgeable about photo & video equipment, great prices. Love this place and use it on a regular basis. read more

I rented a Kessler 5 foot CineSlider from CSI last week. I tried setting it at various speeds. No matter whether it was set for fast or slow, the tracking shots were extremely shaky. I also tried using lighter and heavier cameras. Same problem. I complained to the technician who was unresponsive. I called the following week and was told that the unit works fine. I will not consider renting from CSI again. read more

DO NOT RENT FROM THESE GUYS!!!! I have used Yelp for 5 years now and have never been compelled to write a review, much less a negative one. However, the experience I had today with CSI RENTALS has given me the proper amount of motivation. I have 10 years of film production experience between Los Angeles and New York, and I can say without a doubt that the people who run CSI are the most unprofessional and discourteous I have ever run into. I just got off the phone with one of the "partners" who yelled at me for at least 5 minutes before I hung up. Here's what happened: I extended a $168 day rental for two days, then returned one day late. They did two things... they tweeted "Hi PLEASE CONTACT CSI ASAP Regarding gear due to return orders@csirentals.com" and then charged $3500 to my card. When I called today to ask why I was charged, they said it was because they billed me for the value of the lens I had rented, thinking I was not coming back. They did not inform me they were doing so or after the fact when I returned the gear. I had to find out at the ATM. When I expressed my concern that they would charge a customer's card $3500 (over 20 times the rental price!) and not inform that customer, they turned all the blame on me, said it was my problem and continued to berate me for another five minutes... all for being ONE DAY LATE; which with these guys apparently means they have the right to charge their customers thousands of dollars. And I was a return customer, this was something like my 5th rental. Unbelievable. What a business these guys run. I'm taking all my business to B&H in Manhattan. 9th Ave. & 34th St. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/), VER Rentals (http://www.verrents.com/locations/) or AbelCine (http://www.abelcine.com/store/home.php) ... and you should too!! And I hope they actually refund me the $3500 like they said they would. Although in reading Allison H.'s review, they might not do it unless I take down my review. Which I won't. read more

I asked CSI for a simple price match (to match Adorama's price) on a 5D Mark 3. They quoted me $40 more for the CSI 5D. In the end I offered to pay $10 more than Adorama but CSI flat out refused. They offered a $10 discount, no where near Adorama's price for the rental. This is not the way to bring a customer back and I do not think I will return to rent from them. read more

Excellent rental experience. Everything in my large order was available right on time and as requested. But more than that was the customer service - as friendly and accommodating as I've experienced (Mark in particular). And you can't beat the weekend rate. They now have a loyal customer. read more

Great place very friendly and no deposit needed!!! i keep coming back to them although there are many options around. Prices are low and again no deposit who does that nowdays! read more