I visited this shop for suspected problem with auto focus in my DSLR. It was a pleasant experience to say the least. I met Greg who first ensured that there is nothing wrong with the camera. Then he took the time to explain me different settings as it applies to auto focusing in my brand of camera and why I might be facing issues with auto focus. He was patient enough to answer all my questions. I was not charged for any of these. I would highly recommend visiting this place for all needs related to camera and accessories. read more

I had been researching getting a new DSLR for months for shooting video and pretty much knew that the Canon 60D was what I wanted. Went to Foto Forum to see how prices were and was surprised to find that they were selling the 60D for $100 less than BH and Amazon. Also Greg the salesman took an hour to talk with me about various cameras and lenses. He has decades of photography experience and was great at giving me feedback on what I was reading online. I bought the 60D with the 18-135 kit lens and a number of other items that will help me get started with getting serious about taking pictures and video. I hope they are around for years to come. read more

This store needs to get with the 21st century. No online ability to take money. Won't take credit cards over the phone. Won't take American Express. Cutting themselves out of a big market. For local purchases with better customer service and convenience I prefer Tempe Camera Repair. They at least choose to accomodate customers. Don't know how this store stays in business. read more

I rated this location poorly because of the manner the store employees processed my return. I walked in at 5:45 PM and purchased a data card reader and battery charger for my Sony camera [universal]. I returned the next morning to return both items as my camera was stolen. I was told the store did not accept returns on battery chargers. I was told the policy existed because of people like me [who were from out of town]. I was told these people forgot their chargers at home and would buy the item, use it, and return it. I felt as if my integrity was being questioned. I felt my integrity being quesstioned. While I undertsand the compelxities of owning ande running a private camera shop, I felt the store did nothing to make amends. While I try to support private business, this situation maes me want to go to one of the "big chain" stores with a more "liberal" return policy. The packages were unopened and factory sealed! What could have made this experience better was being told about the return policy when I purchased the items. I lost $40 on a $70 purchase. Rather than being told beforehand about the policy, I was told after the fact "You should have read the return policy". I do not know anyone who stops to read the return policy before making a purchase. I learned my lesson. I will always ask about a store's return policy before making a purchase. I strongly caution you to read their policies before buying anything. Cameras must be returned within 7 days and most items are non-returnable. read more

They claim to have the lowest prices... They don't. I needed to buy some supplies. I checked pricing at Photo Forum and Tempe Camera. Tempe Camera was cheaper, yet the guy at Photo Forum declined to price match. No one asked if I needed help when I came in. My experience was not pleasant. I like Tempe Camera better. They are always soo helpful and they have WAY more stuff. Not to mention they aren't smug or pretentious. Can't say the same for this place. read more

This shop takes the time to explain the equipment the sell you. The were quick to help and friendly. They made sure my equipment was ready to use and that the lenses were protected with filters. Bill was really helpful. read more

Foto Forum - Salesman Mike helping me with my purchase of camer equipment. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I had SUCH a great experience at this store. I'm glad that I didn't let the existing reviews cloud my decision to try this place out. I got a new DSLR for Christmas and needed a cover for my lens. The salesmanship as knowledgeable, sweet, and even answered some questions I had about my new camera. Overall, A+ experience. This place deserves more stars. read more

Came in today looking for a monopod and ballhead. I knew what I wanted and didn't really expect them to have what I wanted/was after. That being said, I was helped out and found part of what I was after at a reasonable price. (Found a monopod. Will need to go online to get the ballhead) The employees were nice and I would/will return Thanks! read more

Called Foto Forum and a sale-man answered the phone quickly, which was a plus, unfortunately, that's where the customer service ended. I asked if they purchase used camera equipment and he quickly responded with "No, no one does anymore. Try Craigs List or just give it away." Maybe I'm just overly sensitive but he had an almost condescending tone as if I asked a stupid question. Guess when he says no one buys used equipment, he's not referring to Adorama, B&H Photo, or Tempe Camera etc. Tempe Camera isn't really into the market of buying used equipment, but the Sales man was at least willing to help to see if we could make a deal. Now that's awesome customer service. read more

So, what is customer service? Is it taking care of a existing or a future customer? In my case they took care of a future customer. I stopped by with questions about a fish eye lens. The gentleman that took care of me took his time to answer all and every stupid question I had, without hesitation. In my opinion and my opinion only, this place deserves my business and the business of everyone that thinks the same way I do. Let's take care of the little guy and not the big box stores. These people deserve our support. read more

I took in some negatives that are over 100 years old. I was just hoping to be able to see something of the images. Bill did a most outstanding job. I was close to tears looking at my pictures. They are beautiful and clear. I would give this business more than 5 stars if I could. The price was reasonable and the while staff in the store are awesome. read more

Methinks so. I have gone to Foto Forum three times. Once with a problem with my Canon EF....sorry we can't help you. Next with my Canon T-90....sorry we can't help you...both of these times they referred me to Tempe Camera. The third time was yesterday with my Swarovski binoculars....sorry we can't help you, contact Swarovski. Not sure what Foto Forum does but without customer service, the big box stores and on-line shopping, unlikely they will be around much longer. Their counter guys are nearly useless. There will not be a fourth visit....I'll just go to Tempe Camera. read more

I know NOTHING about good cameras and only a tiny bit about cheap point and shoots. The salesman took a lot of time with me showing me options, finding the right camera for me, and assisting me every step of the way without pressuring me or trying to convince me to buy something I didn't want. I chose a camera and it was the same price as online. The store has everything you need and more! So much knowledge and great service in one place. I won't go anywhere else. read more

Nice guys, clean store, and my go to if I need any photography or lighting equipment.

I visited Foto Forum because their website was advertising a camera I wanted for $100 less than anywhere else and I wanted to see if I could get the same deal in-store. When I inquired about the camera I was quoted the same price as other stores and websites. I asked about the pricing on the Foto Forum website. They admitted that the price on the website was a mistake but they would honor it for me. Dave and his manager did this without all the grumbling I would have expected and for that I was grateful. They didn't have the camera in stock at that moment but it was coming in shipment later in the day. Once it arrived Dave gave me a call to let me know. My entire experience at Foto Forum was extremely positive from the warm welcome I received upon walking in the door to the genuine thanks I was given upon completing my purchase. read more

Foto Forum is my go-to camera store. These folks are friendly, very knowledgeable and honest. I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of cameras, lenses, tripods, batteries, and lighting at Foto Forum over the past nine years, and also a used lens. Great customer service. They have replaced a few defective items no problem, along the way. I always compare prices. If they charge a bit more than B&H and others, I am happy to pay it, as there is no waiting for delivery. Support local. read more

Really likes this store. Had great customer service, very knowledgeable. Unfortunately I don't recommend speaking with a Greg because if you want to return something you are made to feel like a criminal, or that your the worst person alive. It doesn't matter that they have a 7 day return policy that covers your I believe the words were. "Why are you doing this to us." Not to mention I asked if they matched prices or if the price was a standard price and after being told it's a standard price across the board and purchasing the lens I found it on Amazon for a 200 dollars savings. That's significant. Therefore I returned it unopened not touched or used but I was treated horribly specifically Greg. The others were very kind though. read more

While on a road trip, I'd be looking for a sigma lens for my sony alpha camera. These guys had the lens at market price and lots of knowledge to share about it. They helped clean up my sensor (road trip artifact dirt) while chatting about drones, camera tech etc. read more

I emailed this letter to the store; Hello: Yesterday afternoon I found myself in the unfortunate position of being 350 miles from my studio without a piece of equipment. While I was driving into Phoenix from Los Angeles,I realized we had left a posing stool. We called ahead to your store and inquired if you had one. We were told yes. We then set a course to come to your store immediately. Unfortunately, coming from CA we didn't realize you we're 1 hour aead of us. We called once the realization hit. We had 75 minutes to travel 60 miles. We made every effort to arrive by 6:00, as we were told rather rudely, that the store was closing at 6 sharp. At 5:55, from about 4 blocks away, we called again and asked if they could ready our purchase, that we would run in and buy. We were told NO, that we better arrive before 6, that "You have 4 minutes". I cannot begin to express the frustration and anger that your store couldn't accommodate a simple request, and was completely unsympathetic to the fact that we were driving straight from LA to you. In fact, I arrived at 6:00 on the dot, as Randy I believe was locking the door. He could have cared less. While part of me says, "the people who run this store don't care about anything, why write this email", as a business owner and potential customer, you deserve to know why I will make it my personal mission on every review site, website etc to let other potential customers know, just how much you value our business. I have never been treated like that by any company or vendor, and as a fellow business owner, I'm appalled by the blatant attitude and disrespect. I don't know any other company who wouldn't have gladly tried to help us or offered a solution acceptable to both. I wish your business luck for the future. If you continue to treat customers like you did me, you won't have much of a business left. Respectfully! read more

After sending my 2 yr old Canon to the factory for a focusing problem, it was returned with the appraisal that said they couldn't find any problem (but I was charged for the "diagnostic). A trip to Phoenix and 5 minutes with Randy & my problem was solved. Stores like these are disappearing (thanks to Amazon & other online sources). I will show my support now by buying any equipment I need in the future from Foto Forum! read more

I stopped into Phoenix for one night on my road trip cross country. Upon realizing my film camera wasn't working I looked up photo stores in the area and this one was closest. I'm so glad I came here- they gave me honest answers and didn't try to sell me things I didn't need. They were really nice and helpful to me and my friend who was also having camera problems. My camera is still working great. read more

Full disclosure, I'm pretty cheap and incredibly indecisive when it comes to purchasing video/ photography equipment. I'm also a tactile consumer and like to touch before I buy.... online. Camera stores can be the worst for people like me because sales people don't want to waste time with lots of questions and no happy ending. Foto Forum is one of the very few place where I don't feel like I'm a douche bag for checking things out before I buy. I've interacted with John, Mike, and Greg and each time and they have been incredibly helpful, patient and never over eager to make me purchase something I don't need. The service has lead me to actually purchase there anyway rather than saving a few dollars online. If you want to build a relationship with a store, this is definitely a good one to do that. read more

I was very pleased with the service I got from Mike at this business. I had a need for a reader for my memory stick into my iMac apple computer. I tried to get help from Best Buy and Apple and nobody could help me. Although the first reader was not functioning correctly, Mike had all the patience in the world to test several ones with both of my memory cards until the right one was found. Then he patiently helped me recover my pics in one of the cards as somehow they were lost from the day before. His customer skills were great and I am happy I have found this business in town. We appreciate small business with American Express too! read more

We stopped in here with friends who are professional photographers that were looking for a lightweight camera to take with them while they backpacked the Grand Canyon. The person who helped us was incredibly knowledgable (without coming across as arrogant) and helped them select a great mirrorless camera. They also had a TON of equipment for professional and amateur photographers. Great shop! read more

Randy was amazingly helpful and found a way to bring humor and light to an unpleasant experience. Here's the lesson: don't let a coworker borrow your camera without explicit instructions on caring for it. Thank you Randy! I'll send pics from both the retribution and the trip! read more

I went here to try out a tripod before I buy. I also wanted to support a local business and not use them as a showroom for a cheaper online purchase. After some very helpful advice I did buy a tripod and a pan head. After looking online I did get a competitive price for the model that I purchased, maybe a little higher, but I did get some great advice and service. read more

I chose this place because it was a locally owned place,and after the man on the phone was so helpful, I'm really gladiator went there. I had some old photos digitized and thought the price of $39.95 for 100 photos was a good deal. I haven't gotten them back, but will update soon. read more

Always the best staff. As a student, they have the best advise and quality product. I will be frequenting Photo Form for many years to come. Keep up the amazing work you do and skill you provide to students. read more

I called pretty much all the ACE Hardware stores and Home Depots in the valley and nobody had what I needed! I finally called this place and they had it! They had the beloved gaffers tape! Excellent! They put it on hold for me, I went in, picked it up, and went my way! Excellent service! read more

The best camera shop in town! Greg was extremely helpful, patient and informative. I highly suggest visiting this location for all your photo needs. read more

I recommend that all my students do business here. These guys are smart, friendly, and provide invaluable information. They not only have what I need but often suggest better, smarter alternatives. I'm very grateful to them. They've helped me a great deal with regard to professional development. Cost the same or less than internet sites. read more

I had gone here from Goodyear to pick up a couple of batteries for my Nikon D80 on my way out to shoot the mustangs. While there, I decided to check out the D610 FX camera to upgrade too. After looking at it and handling it...I was pretty much sold that it was exactly what I wanted in a camera upgrade. Randy checked and only had 1 camera, lens and battery/grip kit in stock, and because I was on a schedule I told him I'd call in the morning to make sure it was still there. The next morning, I'd decided I was going to make the move and called...they still had it so I drove over there to pick it up. He checked to make sure everything was there and had a UV filter there to protect the lens and we did the deal. The pricing was essentially the same as if I'd purchased it on the internet, except for the sales tax. With that being the only difference I figured I could live with it. When I walked in, I had the two batteries I'd purchased the day before to return....as that camera was going to now be a backup, I could get by keeping a set of Alkaline batteries on hand much cheaper. The service was very good, no one talked down to me and there was no resistance offered on the battery return. The pricing was very fair....so the whole experience was very satisfying. read more

I guess I have been coming into Foto Forum for five years now. Usually making a small purchase here and there. Greg has always treated me like I was spending tens of thousands of dollars. I bought a nice used lens tonight, and once again, he was all smiles and encouragement. For a novice photographer, it is amazing to be treated this way. read more

Only spoke with Randy on the phone so far and he was super nice and helpful. I will have see when I get down there on Monday if they can really help me with my camera. I really hope so. read more

Great camera store. Employees are very knowledgeable and take the time to answer your questions. Highly recommend!

I had initially gone in to the store for a microphone for a friend's camera. I called first to see if they had the types of microphones that were required, and they said that they did. So I drove down there and ended up buying a microphone however due to the distance on the microphone that I needed it didn't work as planned however the store took it back without question. No hassle and still were very helpful so I'm very happy with them. read more

Went there today at 10am (Monday - the day after Christmas) hoping they would be open. Pleasantly surprised by the wonderful service provided by Randy. Even though I needed only a few items (totaling less than $40) prior to leaving town with little time to spare, Randy was a total professional & helped as though we were spending $1,000. What a great store & team to carry so much merchandise in stock. I prefer to try / examine things before buying them & appreciate getting expert advice, so stores like Foto Forum will always beat internet shopping for me. read more

The Good: I went to Foto Forum recently because, quite frankly, they have what the big box stores don't. I was in a pinch and really needed a good set of filters before taking a trip to the Grand Canyon. As I knew I'd only be in Arizona a few more days I really didn't have time to order equipment online as I would usually. I made two visits to the store and the first was great and the gentleman behind the sales counter was very helpful with getting the UV/Polarizer/ND filters I needed. The Bad: The second time I had to return because I realized that I might need a graduated ND filter. This is where things didn't quite go as well as I'd hoped. First, a different man helped me this time than my first visit. I have to say that he did not seem very knowledgeable about landscape photography. I told him that I needed a graduated ND filter and he started to explain to me that I could get either a neutral density filter that could be used like a polarizer or a "gradiated" ND filter. Despite his obvious error, I continued... I asked specifically if he had screw in grads (I know for a fact that B+W makes such a filter) and he said no and that there's no such thing as a screw in grad filter and that if there was, I wouldn't want to use it anyway. I was put off by this and ended up buying the traditional square type grad and holder that he hawked on me. The Ugly: The "Promaster" equipment that FF sales kinda' sucks! If I weren't in a pinch and needed new stuff, I would have rather stuck to Hoya, B+W, or even Tiffen. But with much of my camera gear being recently stolen, I didn't have much of a choice. The polarizer I bought gave the clouds in many of my photos a weird green hue, the same with the ND filter. The cheap plastic grad was of poor quality and ruined all if the images I attempted to use it with. To boot, I'd paid top dollar for the filters and was expecting "pro" quality. This especially left a sour taste in my mouth...thanks, but next time I'll go to Adorama or Amazon before I dare buy anything from an overpriced locally-owned store! read more

Very knowledgeable staff. While looking for info on my canon camera flash I was walked through the different models and how they worked, including that I did not need an RF remote to control my 600EX-RT. He showed me how to CORRECTLY setup the camera to use the internal flash to control the remote. Just got the emails that there will soon be classes available at their newly remodeled facility. Should be helpful. read more

This place was recommended by a girl at my office. I asked her where I can to shop for lenses since I want to learn more and maybe buy a couple or my new camera. The first time I went in there one of the guys was nice and showed me a few lenses, gave me some "homework" to read up on at home then come back. I learned all about what he had told me and my boyfriend went in there to buy me a lens and said they were very rude to him and not helpful at all. Sure enough when I got the lens it's not quite the one I wanted so I brought it in to see if I could exchange it. The same guy that had helped me before didn't remember me from a couple weeks ago even when I told him how he had helped me. Well after doing. After my homework I was thinking of upgrading to another camera too. Nothing but condescending attitude. He called another guy over who was nicer but still I left there feeling like I never wanted to step foot in there again. They are rude and and seemed annoyed that I was asking for help. I left without buying a new lens or a new camera. read more