Fast and economical shipping within Canada. I received the wrong film stock and they immediately rectified with sending the correct one at no charge. Great customer service, would recommend! read more

I've always, over the past 46 years(!), valued the expertise, low price guarantee, and ability to bring items in for service at McBain Camera. Plus the ability to drop into the shop and physically handle a wide selection of camera gear, really helps me finalize purchasing decisions. read more

I have a Sony digital camera that's about 2 years old. Somehow it was damaged in my briefcase and I saw that the screen was cracked. I took it to McBain for repair. They sent it to their repair shop and about a month or so later it came back with a new screen. Cost about $250.00 as per their estimate. So, all was good at that point. First time I tried to use it, I found that the shutter button was off. I took it back to McBain and they agreed to fix it under warranty. About a month later they said that it wasn't covered by warranty because it was new damage. I had never used the camera since I got it back. They offered to fix it for another $100.00. I refused for 2 reasons; 1st, the camera was only worth about $400.00 and paying $350.00 for repairs didn't make sense and 2nd, I have no confidence in them repairing it now considering the poor job that they did last time. Now I'm waiting for them to return it to me. No chance that I will ever go back to that store or recommend them to another unfortunate customer. read more

McBain is probably Edmonton's most established photography store. Now a chain, this is I think the original location. McBain sells mid to high end cameras, both digital and analog, along with supplies and photo developing services. The people who work here tend to know their stuff and stand behind their merchandise. You can probably get a good deal on high quality cameras and accessories here as there are sales on a regular basis. Most professional photographers and serious hobbyists set foot in here at least occasionally. read more

I had the great pleasure of using McBain Camera for our camera and flash needs for the last few years. The service is amazing! Recently, we had a problem with a professional flash and Bob ensured that I was taken care of and a new flash was provided to us even after the store return policy was expired. If you are considering a company to do business with, it will definitely be McBain Camera on 107 ave. read more

McBain is a great local business with very well trained staff on the photography business and all its accoutrement. I had been to a couple of their stores before purchasing my digital slr camera. I'm the type of person that does weeks of research before making any kind of large purchase. They provided me great information that helped me to make my decision. I ended up purchasing my camera at their once a year photography trade show at the Butterdome on the UofA campus. At this event they have numerous discounts and seminars and I think the ticket cost me about $12 for the whole thing. Its also a great opportunity to learn about different cameras because reps from all of the different companies - Sony, Pentax, Canon, Nikon, etc. are there. Back to the store, it is always clean and organized and there is always someone available to help you find what you are looking for. I would highly recommend visiting one of their stores rather then the big box stores. They will provide expert advice. read more

I have not had the opportunity to share any great experiences from this store. I have not bought my d300 or d700 a few years ago, for the obvious reason - their prices suck. I had to get mine from Toronto or the other side of town from their competitor. I still have a distaste in my mouth when they assured me of having a d300 backup for a wedding I was shooting. A phone call the previous day assured me of this also. SO thats 2 confirmations right? well the morning of, they Pretended they didnt have my reservation! Do i need this pressure on Shooting day? They gave me a d200 ROFLMAO. It wasnt til the Head Manager later that week found my confirmation and apologized. Did i mention that the staff were not friendly when I was in my dilemna like it was my fault? Maybe other Mcbains are better, but this photographer winces at this store! read more

Finally picked up my d850 which Tom had put away two weeks ago. We. had a very pleasant discussion on the way penguins stink, and the distance a llama can spit and the pros and cons of a few airports. Incidentally, we threw in a few words about cameras. An overall good experience, I would recommend McBain if you are just starting, or pro with too many years under the belt. Thank you Tom, five stars. read more

Their website is useless. Looking at the used products, doesn't get updated regularly, I work for a living, live no where close to the store, can't exactly stop by frequently to check stock. Email address on the website is not monitored apparently. I emailed them 3 days ago and still haven't received a response. Get into the 21st century. read more

Great to find a place that still believes in having people who can give expert advice on the products they are selling. Not only is the staff knowledgeable, I dealt with Bob at Edmonton main branch, and friendly, the prices are more than competitive even with the online only stores that offer no advice and no opportunity to handle the goods. I know online is all the craze but I sure hope these kinds of stores continue to prosper and grow, I truly value the service and expertise they offer. I will pay slightly more for the better shopping experience. read more

I bought a new printer on Boxing Day and was clueless about the type of paper to get in order to produce the quality prints I needed. The sales associate here was friendly and addressed the questions and concerns I had about finding the right printer paper (ex: costs, brightness of colors, durability, etc.). He was very knowledgeable and even shared his own experience with printmaking and the various papers he used. Feeling less anxious, I was able to purchase the right photo paper. I liked the customer service and I will come back again for my printer and scanner needs. read more

Just save yourself a headache and don't bother. I tried Mcbain because I try to support smaller businesses. I won't be surprised if they're no longer around in five years. read more

What is there to say about McBain Camera except that this store has a wonderful selection of digital cameras, video cameras, tripods, lenses, photo albums, and even binoculars. For me, walking into McBain Camera is a lot different than walking into Best Buy or Future Shop because McBain employees know so much about cameras that I can't help but feel a bit intimidated and fearful. My fears are unfounded since most employees are happy to help, and do so without the attitude. Prices at McBain camera are the same as at other electronics stores. Of course there are sales, but good digital cameras are not the kind of goods that get depreciated and can be bought dirt cheap. I have had an eye on a certain Nikon camera for over a year now - all thanks to McBain Camera's sales associate who walked me through this camera's features and even snapped several pictures. When knowledgeable people recommend something, it is hard not to follow their advice. McBain employees certainly know what they are talking about. read more

McBain Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

On Wednesday, I contacted the main McBain Camera Store regarding photo gloves that were listed on sale on their website. I was informed that the new shipment of gloves had arrived but had not been placed on display, and was told to call back in a couple of days (Friday). Which I did. The gloves I wanted would be sent out to their area stores, mine's in St. Albert, on Monday. I called their St. Albert Store, Monday afternoon, and was told that the photo gloves in question were old stock, not new; and they did not have that particular glove in stock. I then contacted the Main Store the following day and was told, by now, a third person. Yes the item listed on their webpage was indeed last year's item and was not readily available. No apologies given for "their" mixup. read more

The staff at McBains are very helpful. They take the time to explain the differences between models to make sure you get the camera you actually need. I was looking for a camera to take family pictures and was interested in the Canon 7D - but after spending some time with the sales person, I realized I didn't need to spend that much and the 60D was a better choice for me. They saved me money buy not buying too much camera, and they had the best price I could find. They told me they'd match anybody else's price even after I bought the camera, so that made me feel sure I wasn't overpaying. It's crazy to go to someplace like Best Buy where you get a kid who was working in the warehouse last week (and the profits go to some foreign corporation) when I can talk to an experienced photographer at McBain and still get the best price. read more

McBain downtown was awesome! I've shopped there numerous times and they go out of their way to help me find what I need. I would recommend McBain downtown to anyone and everyone! read more

My experience with McBain leaves me sorry I ever walked in the front door. I am talking of the main branch down town. The staff were hard to deal with. They knew it all, I didnt and needed answers. But they had little time for that. I did buy and found I needed a warranty. 10 months of back and forth dealing with them left me out in the cold. I will not deal with this company again. read more

The downtown store was probably the worst shopping experience I have ever had in my entire life. Not only did nobody acknowledge my existence as I browsed around the store for half an hour, but when I finally asked a question the man I asked behind the till gave me a blank look and treated me like he had no idea what I was talking about, gesturing around aimlessly at flash diffusers. Granted, I am an amateur, but I was looking to do my first home studio set-up - you'd think they'd at least have some advice or recommendations. Without even a 'thank you, have a nice day,' the man just walked away from me like I didn't even exist. The other people working, despite not having any customers to talk to themselves, didn't even make eye contact once. I was prepared to spend a couple thousand dollars that day, but instead I left with a thirty dollar extra cleaning kit for my camera. I ended up in tears in my car at how horribly I was treated. A thirty year old adult bawling over customer service - that's literally how awful these people were. Had the store not closed for the evening I would have ended up returning even my humble thirty dollar purchase. I've visited other locations and had no problems, people were pleasant and helpful. But I'll never, ever, go back here. read more

Placed an order for a Canon 5DSR at a great price online on Saturday, called and was told by the person I spoke with that it was available and would ship out on Monday. Got a cancellation notice today, saying they no longer have the item, with no offer for an alternate replacement. Feel like a big bait and switch. read more

An Edmonton institution for sure. I've always gotten great service and prices there. The people who work at McBain know photography and even if they don't have something (which isn't often) they'll find out where you can get it. This store is always my first stop whenever I need any photo equipment. read more

I am very happy with the service at Mcbain. I was able to tell them my needs for a camera and gave an amount for them to work with. The camera fits my hand extremely well and they came under budget. I also had a no hassle return the camera bag a week later and was able to purchase a new camera bag. Thanks Mcbain! read more

While I respect the sheer endurance of this long-standing chain, and I keep attempting to support it as locally owned, I have yet to have a positive shopping experience there. In fact, McBains is stressful. I managed a camera store for 8 years, so I can state definitively that most of the staff at McBains is poorly trained, both on the product and on how to relate to customers. The managers are particularly disappointing, as they seem to take a defensive, negative attitude towards returns and defective product problems. The people at the main store can be down right rude. I get the impression that they focus on catering to pros. The latest cameras are extremely sophisticated devices, prone to a myriad of potential defects, and the camera makers' QC is dodgy at times. From three personal experiences, I can tell you that McBains is a camera store that poorly supports customers when their brand-new gear is faulty. As well, three times I special-ordered something, but all three times they did not contact me when the items arrived. I'd recommend getting your camera and lens information online, and buying gear from a larger store/chain with up-to-date customer service. McBain Camera is an old dog that needs to be put to sleep. read more

Just bought a professional camera from them (their website) and got it pretty fast. After I placed the order, someone wrote me back an email telling me when they will ship the camera. The camera came on the next business day which is pretty good! Checked the camera, so far so good. Checked the shutter count, it's brand new. I am satisfy with my purchase. read more

With out a doubt , the best camera outlet in Edmonton. Staff are very helpful and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of photography. Their in store line of camera's and accessories is sizeable and they stock all that they display. I have been going there and sending friends for almost 15 years now, and have never had an issue that they would not easily solve to my satisfaction..... read more

The downtown store is brutal. I will never shop here again and i recommend that nobody does. They use high pressure sales to try to move their products and their sales people and managers are rude. I was lied to about the refund policy. When i tried to refund the product the sales person kept trying to convince me to NOT return the item. I got to the point where i was getting mad as all i wanted was a refund. Then this salesmen starts arguing with me. Neil McBain does not know how to run a business. I am astounded that he is still in business. I spent around $6000 at the store but they seem not to care or want my return business. They are doing so well that my $6000 means nothing to them and they told me so. The salesman along with his manager, Bryan, started arguing with me as i was trying to file a complaint. They both raised there voices and argued with me about my complaint even before i was finished. I have never seen anybody be so defensive without even hearing the entire story. Only people with no respect for others act in this manner. If you need to buy something from this store, Vistek will match it if not give you a better deal. With so many other stores similar to McBains i would advise all to avoid McBains unless you want to be treated like crap, even if you are a return client. When i brought these issues to Neil McBain, he did the same as his employees. Went straight into defensive mode and disregarded everything i said without listening to my side of the story. Poorly run business that i can`t see lasting long. I almost forgot, beware of the dogs!!! Yup they let dogs run loose in the store. It is especially nice when the dogs run in the wet snow and then come into the store. The smell is just disgusting. This is the most unprofessional establishment i have ever seen in my life. Save yourself the hassles and go to Vistek or Jon`s. read more

ordered leica x typ113 camera really great service it arrived in 2 days camera shots are breathtaking staff really know a lot about leica i live in nanaimo better service than either vancouver or victoria read more