Amazing photography store here in San Francisco! The staff were helpful and genuinely cared about finding the right gear for me. Excellent customer service and top-quality products--definitely my new go-to spot! read more

it's been quite the journey for camera shops in the bay area. there aren't many left, but i'm so happy that jcx is still standing! came to grab a backdrop before a shoot and the staff was so helpful and kind. really impressed by their selection of backdrops in store. will definitely be back! read more

Really enjoyed my experience here, super nice store, everything was super organized, and someone approached me within 3 seconds, which is the golden standard as far as retail customer service goes. Great selection for av equipment, would definitely recommend coming here read more

JCX Expendables - Super organized store - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - San Francisco, California

Yep, what else is there to say except these are good folks and Janet, the owner is a good soul. This is one of those local shops that you should support because, first, they can use it. Second, you don't get that kind of service, care and concern from just anyone. They gave me help when I started my business back in 1992 and I still send the guys from my company over because they earned my business from the beginning. Thanks JCX, the video and film community in San Francisco is so much better off because you're around. Kudos to you if you know what JCX, the acronym, stands for. read more

I'm not a photographer but I run cabling wires. I go here for Gaffers tape which I can't find anywhere else. They got multiple sizes and colors. Customer service is very nice here. read more

A compact mecca of goodies and practical necessities for your inner grip head. In an era of Amazon, it warms the heart to know that you can still have a brick and mortar shop that harkens back to a different, more venerable time in film making. Kind and thoughtful staff will take the time to assist you with your needs and help you assemble the right gear, no matter how large or small your production may be. More than a place to get your gaff tape and your gels and clamps, this place is something of a ritual. It subtly welcomes you into a community of fellow film makers: it makes the process wonderfully tangible and tactile. Come here and soak it in. This is the material stuff of which we fashion our dreams. read more

I received a call from the Operations Manager who works at the school which I'll soon be attending. She gave me a list of supplies I will need before the first day and pointed me in the direction of JCX Expendables to make my purchase. Here is the list: - 1 6-inch flashlight. -1 pair leather gloves. -1 Carabiner -1 Notepad -1 roll of Gaffer's Tape. Not only did they have everything I required but they told me where I could get a couple of the items for cheaper! The staff was awesome and I can't wait to come back and spend some hard-earned bills here. Pop Quiz Hotshot: Judging from my list of back-to-school supplies, can you guess what my new trade will be? A. Burglar. B. Fluffer. C. Arsonist D. Serial Killer The first three people to answer correctly will win a late night home invasion courtesy of yours truly once I graduate!! Good Luck! read more

So I don't do film/photo stuff, but I did theater in another life and there's a lot of industry crossover. Mostly I'm here for the tape (gaff, spike, glow). But no matter what, they are always so friendly! Every time I come in, the staff are curious about what I'm working on, if I've used what I'm about to buy before, etc. Only gripe is I wish they had longer hours-- I had to take time off work to come in this week to pick up materials for a side gig and even 1 hour later would've helped a lot. read more

Ok Im a film guy friend and neighbor. But these guys really are the best source for buying expendables like tape, c-47s, blackwrap, light bulbs, layout board, Gel and Seamless paper. They have a huge inventory on hand and it doesn't hurt that the people are nice and knowledgeable about lighting gripping. YES this PLACE HAS WHAT YOU NEED! YUP I love them! read more

I heart JCX. It's sort of out of the way for me, but well worth it- stocked to the brim with all my gels to make my lighting just right. Tons of grip gear I need to buy, as soon as I get money to do so... Well-stocked and very tolerant of stupid questions, JCX is a great place for film students and indies. I need to light a chroma background where the guy is wearing a rainbow shirt. Bingo- they have a "Chroma Green Minus" gel for backlighting. I need some chroma green tape to fix the screen- they have that too. I need someone to commiserate with how rotten the rental place across town was to me- yep, they are like the filmmaker's bartender. It's like buying supplies from your mom. read more

Love JCX. I have been a client for years. Great customer service and awesome store layout read more

JCX is the main source for most independent filmmakers here in San Francisco. With an extra friendly & knowledgeable staff and an abundant list of supplies in stock, you really can't beat'em. I ran in there last week just as they were locking up, and they were nice enough to let me get in and find what I needed for my shoot the next morning. I was ever grateful for their kindness in this situation...I doubt Gasser would have let me do that. Their website is kinda lo-fi, but it has a general list of what they carry. As always though, it's better to just drop by and check out the stuff. read more

JCX has an awesome staff that provides excellent support and customer service for grip and lighting gear to both filmmakers and photographers. This is definitely my first stop when I need supplies for photo shoots. PS... JCX has moved to the old paint store warehouse on 23rd St. and Treat. They even have a few parking spots now. Awesome. read more

Great Customer Service every time I go here. Everyone is so helpful in working with you to find what you need. If you are new to the game and don't have all the film knowledge or terminology down, don't sweat it. These guys work with you to find what you need. They open early, have a good selection, have their own parking lot, student discounts and they are a block away from Humphry Slocombe. Definitely my go to expendables shop. read more

No other place n the Bay area treats both novices and professional filmmakers with this level or service! And the icing on the cake they are better priced than most places too! http://www.scarycow.com Make Films and Be Scary! read more

Why didn't any of you jerks tell me about this place earlier? They have EVERYTHING I need to do what I do. Literally everything. They have every single Superior Seamless color except one (Arctic White, but you probably wouldn't need this one anyways...). Just so you know, it's on the east side of Harrison between 20th and 21st. There's a huge sign outside, but it kinda looks like a secret store with a hidden door and when you walk in, it's like finding treasure. Well, at least to me it is. Stop stomping on my dreams y'all. They have a great staff and their prices are pretty competitive so check them out! read more

I have been using JCX for over 15 years. the staff is wonderful, helpful and if they don't have it they always seem to be able to find it or get it. They have helped me out on studio movies to indy movies, commercials and everything thing else. If you are new to town or a student, or just in town for a show this is the place to get your expendables. read more

They've got a lot here. They'll spend all their time with you and give you plenty of options. Zach is knowledgable and friendly and every now and then he'll flash you a smile (zach, you look good with a smile, show it more often!) I'm basically creating a filming studio with 0 knowledge. I've got Kino Flos that Zach kindly put the bulbs in for me, and other spot lights that he also assembled for me so I don't have to get confused when I'm back at the studio with lots of different parts. Everyone else here is awesome too, but I haven't worked with them as much so I don't know their names. I do know that their halloween candy bucket was pretty premium. KitKats, Hi-Chews .. I think I had almost 10 pieces all together. I spent enough tho not to feel bad. It's close to Humphrey's so get some icecream afterwards. Don't leave your expensive equipment in the car in front of the store tho, especially if the shop is closed- apparently people target these cars, knowing there's pricey filming equipment. WIsh they were open on Sundays, but other than that they're helpful, have quite a bit of equipment, and have ample parking right in front. read more

Just called and placed a order to be shipped to me from 'JVX Expendables'-the woman taking the order was very short, abrupt and annoyed sounding...I doubt I will order anything from them again.... After all, expendable is a fitting name for them! Next! read more

One does not go into an expendables shop to receive therapy, one goes there to fulfill their production equipment needs, and be handled by knowledgeable staff. Even though I had to wait a bit to be helped, I was acknowledged, and when I was helped, Zach helped me thoroughly. He could have just sold me a part for my Arri light and told me to beat it. Instead, he took it in back, pulled out a drill and worked away to install the part. He actually came back with sweat on his brow, expecting nothing but a satisfied customer, which I am beyond! Thanks Zach, I really appreciate the extra effort to help me out! Love the selection, the helpful folk, and the beautiful location (avec parking!!) read more

I love JCX and Janet. She is always accommodating. When I want to buy gear, I always check her first.

Best resource for lighting film and grip accessories and tools in the Bay Area hands down. Zack was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I am so grateful that this store exists amidst the Amazon era of Disappearing brick-and-mortar stores. Thanks so much guys! read more

Somebody really ought to help them with their website... But then again, if you're looking at the website, you probably know what your need for your shoot. They will have it at a fair price. And if you don't know what you need for your shoot, they will tell you what you're looking for. I only wish they were open later. read more

My love for JCX Expendables caused me to create a Yelp account. I go to JCX for all of my camera assistant needs. They have everything I need and are always warm, welcoming, and happy to assist! Definitely a candy store for filmmakers. read more

I'm a stills photographer who began shopping at JCX at the old location... it must be almost 30 years ago. Janet is absolutely the best at taking care of her customers and creating a space where you feel at home. I've told Janet many times that someone should do a documentary about her and the shop. You would have testimonials from everybody who has ever made a film in San Francisco, praising this place and the amazing, generous woman who runs it. read more

These guys are AMAZING. Bob and Jen helped me do the impossible - get two 4x8 sheets of foam core tied to my little car - so i could get them home - and it worked ; ) Not only was Bob totally technically savvy - both Jen and Bob were really nice about the whole thing. I highly recommend these fine folks and their awesome supplies/tools/materials. read more

somehow i haven't reviewed jcx despite them being one of my favorite sf vendors! jcx is AWESOME!!! they're super nice and know everything there is to know about grip/expendables/lighting/shoots, etc. i can't stress enough how NICE they are! they're just a regular delight of people who truly care about their customers. jcx is geared toward film but they're ideal for photography too. you can park in their driveway if someone isn't already parked there and you will inevitably walk out with more stuff than you came for because "ohhh you have that thing too!? i've been looking for one of those!". my favorite part is their wall-o-tape - they have every color of gaff, paper, metallic, cloth, reflective, glowing, and painters tape that you could ever want! read more

Walked in with a list of stuff I needed for my location lighting class,the staff was very helpful great customer service!!!! Walked out with everything I needed to do the first assignment!! read more

AWESOME!!! JCX is the place to go if you're a student filmmaker or just trying to get that cheap film done well. Always willing to answer questions or direct you in the proper direction. I would always buy from you JCX , but too bad my bike got jacked; it's a little out of the way. read more

Yes! This place is as good as it gets. Everything I always need, friendly service, and off street parking. Trifecta!

Wow. I didn't know people like this still existed in San Francisco! Everyone was incredibly helpful. The woman who's owned the place since forever took me under her wing and gave me a mini-lesson on lighting, then walked me through the back explaining various bits of equipment I may or may not need in the future. She even steered me away from several potentially expensive mistakes and toward lower cost items that would serve my immediate needs. Gracious and friendly, these are the kind of people who rekindle your hope for humanity. read more

As a video producer, this has been my go-to-get-er-done place in San Francisco since I moved here a few years ago. Now that they've expanded to their new location, everything you want is easy to see, be touched, and purchased in quantity on the spot. Just walking into a store like this that stocks production expendables and a good amount of equipment makes me feel great. I love geeking out over things like gaffer's tape. But it doesn't stop there. The crew of characters at JCX are the most informative, nicest, accommodating folks I've met anywhere in the world in a long long time. Thanks JCX! read more

Janet and her crew are the best. Been doing business with them for over 20 years and I would give them 10 stars if I could. Great space, very knowledgeable and supportive. Always my first choice for expendables and grip. read more

This place ROCKS! A veritable goldmine for anyone into photo/cine lighting and grip equipment. The staff is super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. On several occasions they saved me $$$ by suggesting a cheaper solution to my problem. I'd give them 10 stars if it were possible. read more

Any day that I can spend my money at JCX is a great day. The staff are amongst the finest human beings walking the planet. J to the C to the X! read more

Wonderful locally owned business... and Janet is an absolute delight to chat with. Might I add that she's made her JCX Expendables business 100% solar-powered? Shop local, go green! read more

I love, love, love this place! Candyland for me seriously, and the biggest weakness in my pocketbook. The service is great here, and knowledgeable. I go here over anyone else in town here any day. read more

I had a product shoot to do recently and needed some last minute stuff . I guess I missed the memo that Calumet was closed since March(where have I been ..deeer) , so I scrambled to find anywhere BUT Gassers to go to for my stuff. Using Yelp I found this place , and was happy they were also very close by where I live in the Mission , but have awesome hours (such as opening quite early if need be!). Lots of equipment and accessories for sale, kinda bummed they aren't a rental house such as Calumet was , and it may have been there but I did not see any digital printing papers for sale , but all in all this is a great resource if you are a Photographer or Director . Very attentive and polite staff read more

Excellent service and a wide variety of gear makes this an invaluable resource for anyone involved in production. I was able to get exactly what I needed, in no time at all. read more

This is a review long overdue but all I can say is that when I came to Janet as a student film maker I was given the respect of a professional filmmaker and expert help for my expendable needs. My film was completed and many years later I still have not forgotten the help that I received from JCX. When someone does a good deed for you like these people, all you can do is pay it forward to someone else when they are in need. read more