I live in Houston, TX. My daughter needed a lens urgently in Chicago. She had to work until the event and did not have time to run around. She told me specifically what she needed and I called and talked to Tyler. He made it happen! She is going over on her break to get it! Problem solved, and mom is a hero! LOL Thanks Tyler! read more

I have purchased several items at Dodds. Most recently I purchased a camera and lens and had a problem with the battery. I tried multiple tires to contact Dodd via email which is where their site directs you. I never received any reply. Conclusion- their return and exchange policy are non-existent. They don't provide any customer service at all. You're stuck with non-working gear if you purchase from Dodd. read more

Guy over charged me for a quick release plate said $15 at the store when I got home and checked receipt he charged me $20 Double check your receipts or see what they're charging u for when getting rung up! don't appreciate getting ripped off by a small camera shop won't be back just order on Amazon read more

Dodd Camera - Make sure you double check your receipts and see what your paying for when getting ringed out guy over charged me for a quick release sold - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent local camera shop with friendly staff. I walked in and Daniel helped me out and I purchased my Fujifilm camera and lens on the spot. If you purchase a camera from Dodd, you can call back and schedule a one-on-one camera 101 session to go over the camera you purchased. I've also called the store with questions related to gear, and the staff are always great at answering my inquiries. read more

Incredibly helpful crew, fantastic selection of items for rent at a reasonable price point, decent selection of products in store, and a huge rental studio. Can't wait to rent and try the space out. read more

I can't thank Dodd Camera and Matt enough for their amazing service. I reached out hoping to find a camera for an upcoming trip, and not only did they respond quickly, but they went above and beyond to secure one for me. The communication was personal and kind, and they truly care about their customers. It's rare to find a camera shop that takes the time to understand your situation and help you without hassle. The entire process was smooth, and I'm so excited to start using my new camera. Highly recommend Dodd Camera to anyone looking for a trustworthy, caring, and professional camera store. I will definitely be coming back for all future photography needs. Thank you so much, Matt and the Dodd team, for making this happen. Support from Florida! read more

Kind, creative staff. Lots to learn. Great knowledge. Must return soon. Parking lot is a big plus! read more

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I went to Dodd camera three times while making a very nervewracking new camera purchase. Every single time I went in, someone helped me with understanding what I was looking for and did so excitedly. The first two times I went in and didn't end up buying anything, people were still eager to talk camera and never made me feel stupid or like a novice. In the end I felt extremely good making a very expensive purchase that I'd been thinking about for ages. I would highly recommend this store to anyone, any skill range, to come in and poke around, ask questions, etc... Mathew and Alex were great park rangers on my journey to buying a new camera. read more

This is to praise the store for the cooperation they give the photography community. I live in Maryland and they are in Chicago that Italked to. So obviously I don't go into their store very often. We're having a contest here in Maryland and I wanted help with publicity for it and they offered to put a sign up in their store in Chicago. I thought that was very helpful and very cooperative, something that could keep the photography community going. Great cooperation. That tells me that these are the people I want to buy from, and on my next purchase, I'm going to call them and have them ship whatever I buy to me so that I can repay their kindness. They don't just sell cameras and equipment, they are also supportive and knowledgeable about photography and its community. read more

Went in there and they have a lot of cool stuff. I'm old school and went in looking for a tape, the employee told me everything I needed to know and best look online. Still glad I went. read more

Extreme helpful staff. I came in to buy film for the first time and they gave me plenty of options to choose from. Since I'll be back to develop and buy more film, I joined the annual membership which gives you a lot of value if you are a regular. read more

DO NOT GO FOR ANY REPAIRS...HORRIBLE COMMUNICATION, I was told the wrong thing by multiple employees and left without my device for over a month and without ever having been called and informed of the price for my repair, item was never repaired and even after a month I still need it fixed... DO NOT GO HERE, make it the last option there are better places to go to in chicago read more

We were visiting Chicago for our 3rd sailor and needed a different camera lens! Found this one on the maps Ana they beat the prices of my local camera store and had what I needed! read more

I stopped in Dodd to purchase my first camera today. Logan greeted me immediately, listened to what I was looking for, and talked me through my options with expertise and care. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

I had to fly in from Texas to watch my son graduate boot camp. Realized my camera backpack was too big. So looked them up online and made the trip. I was not disappointed, my salesman Q did a great job making sure I found what I needed and answer all my questions. Prices were great and the selection was good. I would go back anytime I am up here. read more

Excellent variety of products and fantastic, patient and knowledgeable staff. This is my go to place for all photo and video needs. Highly recommend. read more

I am new to the photog world, so I ad lots of questions. Daniel took his time to explain the pros/cons for each of the cameras I was looking into purchasing as well as giving me tips. He also pointed me in the direction of the accessories I would need to start with, while letting me know what I could return to purchase later so that I stayed within my budget. Dood Camera has a customer for life and I will recommend this shop to anyone looking to buy or rent camera equipment new and used. read more

I had a great experience at Dodd Camera. Everyone who works here is extremely friendly and helpful, and I felt extremely comfortable asking questions and for advice. Q was very helpful in advising on a vintage camera that a friend and I brought in, and even helped us research more when the answers were hard to find. The store is quite sizable and they carry a wide range of products: things for digital photography, film photography, videography, etc. A great one-stop shop. If you're still not sure, I'd recommend calling -- they are very helpful over the phone too. The in-store prices are a little higher than I'm used to, but I think that's fair for a local business in the city. I would definitely return for any future camera-related needs. read more

I'm not entirely sure why I have never stopped at Dodd's for the almost 6 years I've lived in the neighborhood, considering I'm a photographer and shoot a lot of digital and film. I finally gave this place a chance and I am so glad I did. Every time I stop by for a stock up of film or other necessities the staff is super friendly and make kind small talk. I was a bit apprehensive coming originally because of some of the negative reviews about the staff originally but every time I've called to make sure stock availability before running in, and also in store, I've never had a bad experience. This place is great. Stop by when you can. read more

Even with the rise in popularity of film photography there are still very few places to purchase film and have it developed. One of the few places in Chicago to buy film and it developed is Dodd Camera. The main positive is that they sell a few used film cameras and they sell film. Their prices are fault and they a little bit if variety. This shop has mostly digital cameras, and it has a lot of different camera accessories. If you need film or a camera this your place. Avoid big box stories like Best Buy or Target as you cannot find the the expert advice and variety of cameras at those types of places. There are some downsides. First, they do not always notify you when your film is ready. They tell you they will contact you once your film is back from the lab. However, you sometimes have to call them to check if your film is ready or just drop by. Second, some times the staff can be standoffish and not always too helpful. The last time was 8 was there the staff at Dodd came through in a big way. They messed up my wife's development request. She brought in two rolls. For both rolls, she wanted negative developed and scans. For one roll, they got it right. However, on the second roll, they developed negatives only even though scans were clearly circled on the envelope. When my wife realized that, we went back to Dodd to asked them if she could have her negatives scanned as she has originally requested. We spoke to a staff member, and then a manager. At first, the manger stated that it would cost $25 to scan the 36 frames. So, before we left the store, we went back to the same manager and pointed out that my wife requested both negatives and scans in the first place and we only receive negatives. At that point, the manager related and volunteered to do scans for free. The mark of good customer service is not being perfect as everyone makes mistakes from time to time, it is fixing problems when they arise. Big thanks to Dood to making things right. read more

Dodd Camera - Interior - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place runs hot and cold in their customer service and attitude. It's known among professionals that you can stand there for 20 minutes while they calmly explain how to turn on a camera to someone who has never held one before while they ignore you. Today was one of those days. Lately, I felt their service has been getting a bit better, but today proved me wrong. YesterdayPM, I called to make an appointment for a sensor cleaning on my camera. As a professional, having your main camera back quickly is of utmost importance. Serviceman 'A' on the phone told me it would take 2-3 days or I could pay $100 extra for one day service, and that I didn't need an appointment. I said that didn't work, and he said 'ok, bye." I said wait please clarify, and it turned out it was $100 total for RUSH service. I brought the camera in this morning and stood and waited for several minutes as service people jawed near the back and no one helped me. Finally, a redhead female came out of the back went behind the counter and looked at me. Eventually she asked "Is there something I can help you with?" I told her what I needed it was clear she had no idea what she was doing or how to write up an order. I asked serviceperson 'D' who was helping another customer, how long the sensor cleaning would take as she struggled to bring up the order. 3-5 days was his answer when he said "Saturday or Monday". When I told him that wasn't what I was told over the phone on timing, and that wouldn't work for me he replied "Ok." That this shop couldn't have cared less about my needs has been duly noted. They shouldn't be surprised when Chicago professionals continue to spend $$ on purchases at B&H, while getting better service 700 miles away. As I packed up my camera and left, "D" showed the inexperienced service person how to enter the code for sensor cleaning on an invoice, which was apparently more important than helping the customer who was walking out the door. It is also duly noted that the store manager stood nearby and offered no concern or assistance as this unfolded. It's funny, as I was waiting, I was thinking "maybe I should buy my $400 think tank camera bag I am about to purchase there", instead of B&H, but their lack of customer care gives me zero incentive to do this. It's a shame, because there are only a couple of camera stores left in Chicago. Are you listening Cleveland headquarters? read more

I have always loved this place. The staff there are not only very well-informed about photography, but always extremely helpful. Today, Q was the one who really went the extra mile. He pointed me to the perfect, reasonably priced lens I would need for shooting an event. He knew everything about the flash I would need -- and was just great to deal with. Dodd's staff adds so much value, it's so worth the trip. read more

After being a fairly regular customer at Dodd for the past 5 years, I would be remiss if I didn't share just how awesome this store is. For one, I have never walked out of Dodd feeling like I didn't get excellent customer service. Whether it is sales or rental, both departments consistently knock it out of the park. Secondly, while they don't quite have the inventory that I was used to at Calumet in Cambridge MA, they more than make up for it in their desire to find a solution that works. And finally, Dodd truly understands what it takes to deliver the full package. They listen to their customers, they're creative, and very, very genuine people. Shop here for a range of photo and video needs. Not just because they really are the only show in town in their class, but also because it'll make you happy. -new(ish) brewery and breadsmith next door is an extra added bonus after a long shoot day. read more

Love this place. They have literally anything and everything you could ever need if you're into cameras! Go here for anything you may ever encounter! read more

I'm visiting from California and brought my fave lil film camera with me along w some extra rolls of film. I'm the process of switching rolls out, something didn't feel right and I was nervous to proceed and mess up w my film. I called Dodd and was told to come in for some help. Jerry (gerry? Didn't get the spelling oops) was such an amazing associate and incredibly helpful. They were able to get my film seated right, shared some insight as to why that happened and how to prevent it in the future, and even helped me replace my beat up case. Sadly we couldn't find a new lens cap for my old baby, but I left more than satisfied by their kind expertise. I only wish I lived locally so I could frequent this shop more!! read more

Seriously, will NOT recommend, these people here have no value for customer service. Went there for a trade-in. The dude had already given me a sales order, which was valid. He realized his co-worker had made a mistake so he just canceled a valid sales order. -- Well if you have people who are generating inaccurate sales orders, maybe you need better salesmen! These are the kinds of privileged neo-hipsters because of which people refrain from buying at local shops -- and they blame the Internet for "taking away their business"! read more

Dodd Camera is the best. They just helped me selecting the right camera for me. They really know cameras.Very professional and easy to talk with. No pressure and I would go back again to buy. I wanted a good point and shoot with a good ,zoom and a larger sensor. Something better than my cell phone. I bought a Lumix zs200.Great camera!!! THANKS read more

UPDATE: Painful customer service. A bunch of privileged nerds. No one here is looking to sell anything or help anyone who walks through their doors. Honestly no idea why anyone would go here. Oh wait! I know!!!?? To get $10 worth of film processed!!!! That's what got serviced before me (I was waiting longer) after the person behind the counter was done with their 10min phone call, and the other idiot who emerged from the back room for a screw driver brushed me off and referred me to a $400!!!!!! USED I have know idea what; but he said he'd be back to explain. I ended up buying a $100 "stock" shoulder brace, that the kid behind the counter said was great. It is completely unusable!!!! I SHOULD HAVE JUST GONE ONLINE! Don't bother unless you are renting. Previous Review: I could have bought my $1000.00 camera package from Best Buy, or Walmart for the same exact price but chose Dodd to support a local neighborhood business. I probably should have just gone with Best Buy. Instead of Best Buy's free camera bag with my $1000.00 purchase I was offered a free 1 hour lesson at Dodd. I was stood up for the camera lesson, told no one else in the store could accommodate my appointment and never followed up with for a reschedule. I would have rather had the camera bag. read more

What a great experience on had on Friday 7/3. I'm a total beginner and bought a Nikon D3500 at Target (mistake) in April for birding. Had no idea what I was doing. Went into Dodd and had a bunch of novice questions. Issac(?) could not have been better...answered all my I have no idea what I'm doing questions. Set me up with a great new lens that was perfect with what I'm using the camera for and really worked to help stay in my budget. Great work and awesome customer service! Keep it up and I will back..I'm getting hooked on this photography stuff. read more

Dodd Camera - Egret!! - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My experience at Dodd Camera was wholly positive, even though I'd read some reviews that were less than that. Highly recommend. After two+ decades away from photography, I'm making the leap from 1980s-era analog Nikon and manual-focus lenses, skipping entirely the DSLR decades, going straight into a new mirrorless Nikon Z6 II with interchangeable lenses. I needed some add-on equipment and some information. I received both from Dodd Camera. It was quiet when I arrived mid-afternoon. Unlike most big box stores I was not accosted by a sales person saying, "Can I help you?" when I came in. Sort of refreshing. I could only see one person, who was working quietly at the rental counter. No one at the sales desk, but voices in back. However, after walking the store for a few minutes to get the layout, I walked back to the counter. Now there were about five people chatting and two of them worked for Dodd. Sales person Taylor was ready immediately to answer my questions and provide advice, based on her knowledge as a photographer, and with recommendations I found helpful. I ended up with the equipment I needed, including a much-longed for new tripod; I got advice on repairing my old analog camera; I got a ready smile and good-natured attitude that befits a sales person at a small retail outfit. I will definitely go back if I need more equipment. read more

Kenwood location in Cincinnati, had great service from Kelton. Took his time to explain options, pros and cons of different lenses, Ended up with a very nice used lens a a fair price, along with some accessories. Thanks Kelton, will certainly be back for more purchases. read more

No thanks. Want to support local (wouldve been central camera, but everyone knows what happened there), and get a roll of 35mm film processed and scanned. However, these guys make it just about as hard as you can make it. I will say some of the employees are friendly and knowledgeable, but others are completely aloof and couldnt care less. Anyway, back to my roll of 35mm. Just called today after not hearing anything for two weeks. The girl told me that there is a 2-3 week delay on all film processing. GREAT. Wouldve been nice if they had called and told me instead of me calling them and having to find out. So i am looking at potentially 5-6 weeks turnaround time for a roll of film to be developed. What a joke. Also, for some unknown reason the lab is unable to upload the scans to a free ftp like We transfer, and forced me to buy a $12 usb drive. Will never come back here. read more

I chose to have my camera cleaned here based on a commercial that states they clean in house. Upon arrival the person who was to help me said he needed to send it to the factory to be cleaned. This is my first time cleaning my camera and did not question the person's judgement. Nikon refused to clean the camera so I ended up paying $57.42 to be without my camera for 5 weeks. With so many other shops in the area, do yourself a favor and chose someone who cares enough to ask the right questions read more

They make it really hard to want to support small business. I purchased a camera strap I didn't need it so I returned it and was charged $12 restocking fee because the top of the packaging was ripped. Dodd receipts are extremely basic and don't have return or exchange information. Dodd is over priced, sometimes 2X the price you see on amazon and I still purchased from them because I like shopping local. Dodd you can learn a thing or two from Amazon starting with Customer service. read more

Immensely helpful staff. Logan was amazing over the phone, helping me understand the range of used options and patiently walking me through various explanations. What a wonderful resource. read more

This is probably the only Pro-Photography shop in the city, so keep that in mind as you read my review. I've read some reviews that bash on this place for it's horrible customer service. I'm not sure if the customers were just mad they didn't get what they wanted, but I must say, the Dodd Camera staff is really good. Yes, they're hipsters and can come off as unfriendly, but once you ask for help, they will bend over backwards to get you what you need. Prices are pretty standard for lens rentals and Pro-Gear, but they're certainly not the best, which is why I downgraded 1 star.. They have parking on the side, which is a huge win! read more

Went in Dodd today wanting to purchase a camera for my upcoming travels. I do not have experience with photography or knowledge on the differences between cameras. Thankfully, the guys behind the counter helped me make my decision and purchase easier! They asked what I was looking for, explained each camera and their functionality. There was also a rep there from Lumis that really helped as well! Couldn't be happier. I will be back for accessories. read more

I was in about a week ago to rent a camera. The salesman helping me was Michael Gomez. He was extremely inappropriate and demeaning to my female friend and I. Two women walking into a camera store shouldn't have to worry about sleazy hungover men helping us out. The reason I know about him being hungover is because he told us first thing when we got to the counter in a "showing off" kind of manner. I was extremely uncomfortable and by the end of the visit. I was so desperate to get out of there that I didn't realize he hadn't given me the best product for my needs. I ended up returning the item and told a new salesman about it. He didn't seemed surprised so unfortunately it seems like a recurring instance. I want this company to know that Michael Gomez is not someone to have as a face of your company because it seems like a great camera store and everyone else seems nice. But he is not a good man. Period. read more

Arrived in to town from Los Angeles for a shoot the next morning. I looked on google for rental houses and called 3 different places. They all recommended Dodd Camera, which happens to be open MUCH later than anyone else I could find in the city. I spoke to Graham the rentals manager and he set me up with everything I needed, which included jumping through some hoops to get the payment and company info on file. (You know how it goes when you don't have a field producer handling logs) I must say though that the best thing was setting up the return. I had a 6am flight out of o'hare and he helped me setup a courier to pick equipment up from my hotel and deliver back to them on-time. Will definitely be renting from Dodd again next time I'm in town! read more

Unexpectedly I needed to rent a camera and lens on December 2nd due to the fact my camera was being cleaned. I have taken a few photography classes over the last year and by no means am I a professional. I walked in the store and I was like a kid in a candy store. I explained what the I needed the camera for and the staff was extremely knowledgeable. The explained the various options at different price points. I took one of their suggestions and I have to say the photos were phenomenal! Thanks! Will definitely be a repeat customer and recommend this shop! read more