I usually love Roberts to take care of all my professional camera needs. Their video classes have been amazing and the service in the Carmel location is wonderful, but this review is specifically about the downtown location. I wanted to rent a camera for work for a couple days. I called ahead and the gentleman over the phone informed me that I could rent it online - great! My coworker who handles finances did the paperwork and thought she paid for the rental amount of $120. I went to pick up the camera. When I arrived, I was directed to the rental area. I stood by the desk for a few minutes while a woman sat behind a computer. After more waiting, another employee informed her I was waiting to be helped. She said "just a minute" and continued what she was doing. Cool, I'm in no rush. She comes over and asks for my rental information then goes to grab the camera. She then realizes the wrong equipment is in the bag and proceeds to swap it out - thank goodness she caught it before handing it off to me! That would've been $1000 id be responsible for paying. After double checking everything she comes back and informs me that as a first time renter I'd need to pay a deposit of over $1000. I knew a deposit would be involved but rarely have I ever seen a deposit be more than the full cost of the item brand new... Because I was renting on behalf of my workplace, I asked the employee if I could have the person who handles finances cover that over the phone and she said yes, then went and sat back down. I called my coworker to get things squared away and a man was now at the desk. When I went to have them speak to each other, the man says "we can't take care information over the phone." How continent of this to be mentioned now! I asked him how it could be done, and he mentioned a form needing to be emailed. I gave him the email address of my coworker and he went and sat down behind the computer, not conformation that the form was sent, no further information about next steps in the process. After a few minutes of waiting, I asked my coworker if she received the form and she replied yes and that she'd already sent it back. The woman comes back to the counter and I told her the form was sent back. She replies "to where?" ....the same place it came from?? Then she and the man fumble around and find the form and finally complete the process of checking me out. It was quite the run around to get this done. I say all this to say, processes should be more smooth for the customer. I understand the deposit is probably a policy and I don't mean to complain about the price of it or the existence of it, but the process to pay it should be more clearly stated, the price of the deposit should be clearly stated, and alternatives to paying in person should be considered for company rentals. read more

Attended the free Canon beginners class on a Monday evening. Really enjoyed the class and although I've had my camera since October 2017 there were still items and options I was unaware of regarding my camera. What was the leader and did a great job walking every feature. Will definitely sign up for the fundamentals class, 4 one hour classes totaling $125. While waiting on the class to start I took the time to look at all their equipment. I like that they have a new and used section. Will definitely be looking at the used items for a future purchase. read more

I worked with Giovanni, & he was amazing, made my purchase smooth! Will go back for sure!

I have worked with Used Photo Pro for years. Scott Morison is honest, fair and very responsive when you are trading in gear. Highly recommend! read more

I bought a used lens for my Cannon and the gentleman that helped me was very helpful. He answered all my questions and let me test a couple lens's. I will definitely be back. read more

Best camera store in town. They are super helpful and have tons of great products to choose from. Any camera equipment you need they sell. They also have a rental department and a film development center. Also check out used photo pro for their used equipment that ranges from barley used to vintage. Another bonus is they offer a range of photography classes. It's definitely a one stop shop! read more

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I was looking for a used zoom lens for my SLR camera-- but am a very ignorant photographer, so I thought "I'll just admit my stupidity and hope they'll have mercy on me!" So I did, and Jake in used sales was AMAZING. I interrupted some clearly high-end technical repair he was doing and I thought "oh man he's going to totally resent working with me"....but instead, he enthusiastically helped me and after looking at my camera and asking just two questions went in the back and got me exactly, spot-on what I needed, at a great price. I've used it for a week now for sports photos and had to go back and leave a review because it was just as perfect an experience as I could have hoped for. THANK YOU!! read more

I had a fall photo shoot and the client wanted a darker fall background. I ordered on line and later decided I wanted something different. When I went to get my order they changed it out no questions asked and the service was great. I like the convenience too. read more

My first visit to this location. Wow! A lot of product! But I was stunned that every employee I saw didn't seem to want to make eye contact, much less greet me. No, it wasn't because they were so busy. Disappointing. read more

(In the words of Sophia Petrillo) Picture it... Six years ago I bought a lower end camera that did not have capability for remote shutter control. I took it to a small camera shop in Seattle and after much trial and error the staff were able to jerry-rig an adapter, receiver and remote set up that allowed me to take pictures wirelessly. I run a small fashion blog, so taking pictures of myself wirelessly is essential. So when I came home and realized that my bored Scottish Terrier had turned my remote set into a chew toy I worried that there was no way another shop could replicate this awkward system with now archaic equipment. One quick check on Yelp and I was speeding toward Roberts. I was greeted by a friendly welcome at the door and was helped within seconds of entering the door. The man helping me, Bruce (who i later found out is the owner) spent time with me going over what happened and trying to help me. He popped a few remotes off the shelf, opened them and tried to make them work. Due to the weird set up and the age of my camera, it was looking like I wouldn't find a solution. However, after a little digging another staff member was able to find the EXACT SAME EQUIPMENT buried somewhere in their stockroom. It had been purchased from another shop when it was going out of business and hadn't been sold in all these years. It was such a relief to find that they not only had what I needed to get my camera remote working again, but the exact same pieces that I had been using for years. I hope Bruce reads this because he turned a bad day into an awesome one by saving my littler jerry-rigged camera operation. You can bet that when the time comes for me to finally upgrade my camera I'll head down to Roberts for my purchase. Thank you Bruce! read more

This camera shop is huge and they have a large inventory of new and used cameras and lenses. Not to mention accessories and anything you'd need for photography related stuff. Parking is a bit of an issue but it's safe and the staff are very welcoming informative. read more

There is still a great need for one on one service and expert advice trumps online shopping. Thank you Justin for helping me with my next camera and lens upgrade. read more

Great comprehensive camera and accessory connection/store. They have basically anything you are looking for, are very knowledgeable, and also helpful in answering questions. They sell new and gently used equipment. I love the fact that they offer photography classes. I am a novice photographer, and the basic starter course assisted me in getting out of the gate. The classes are held at the store, but are also held and offered at various locations around the city for proximity / convenience. *** (Thanks again to my instructor - Walt)! ;o) If you want an all around photography/camera dealer, Robert's is as good as it gets around these parts. read more

I found Roberts Camera because I was looking for a very specific lighting kit. I placed my order Sunday evening and my package was delivered by Wednesday (and I hadn't even paid for expedited shipping!) I also received a courtesy call to verify my shipping address was correct. I am very happy with my order and the hands on customer care. I'll be looking to Roberts Camera before other retailers for all my future photography needs. read more

I've loved camera stores since I was a kid. As photographic retail outlets become fewer and fewer, it's pretty obvious that the age of the internet has taken its toll. There are only a few big ones out there now - namely B&H and Adorama in New York. These places have both brick and mortar and a huge "mail-order" catalogue of products. I've been a Roberts customer for probably a couple of decades. In that time I've bought entire systems of cameras and lenses for personal use along with lots of products and supplies for work. Over the years I've bought most of my equipment from Roberts as a way to show support for the now only brick and mortar camera shop in Indianapolis. No more. I'm done with Roberts. I had such a rotten experience in the used equipment department last week that I'll never go back. I had a massive fleck of something on the inside of a recently purchased lens. My question was about how to approach Sony regarding the problem with the lens. Most of the conversation had to do with the strong supposition on the part of the Roberts guy that I simply had a dirty sensor (I did not). The interaction, which took about 60 seconds could be described as: not helpful, disinterested, irritating, insulting, pompous and most of all - dismissive. I won't waste another second on this review, nor will I ever set foot in Roberts again. There is nothing there that I can't get through the internet, just as fast, at the same or better price and with an infinitely better customer experience. read more

Eh. Meh. Hrumph. Roberts, Roberts, Roberts. I want to like you. So much. I like your building. I like the fact that you actually have free parking downtown. I like getting my weird format film developed. I like buying locally. I like visiting your little cramped section of South Meridian. But... I don't like you. The store layout is weird. The customer service and ALL interactions I've had with staff have me feeling uncomfortable for hours. It's hard to describe. It's a kind of disingenuous, no I don't make small talk, you're a dumb ass kinda vibe. It's like the DMV of camera shops. You'd think a business invested in such a niche market would work a little harder in terms of customer relations. Even phone interactions leave me cold. Even the time a guy actually helped me was all wrong. Unfortunately, no other local options exist. Guess I'm stuck with you. :( read more

Okay, I know Roberts is supposed to be awesome. Everyone I know who is into photography loves this place. The staff is supposed to be incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and the selection of equipment is huge and the prices are good. I know all that, but it just wasn't my experience. I went in a bought an entry level DSLR (Cannon T1i) along with the accompanying bits and pieces for a photo class at IUPUI. The sales guy was useless. I asked if he had recommendations for entry level DSLR options. He basically just said "no" and then stared at me. He wouldn't answer any questions or give any advice. Additionally, given that I was buying the cheap tripod recommended for my class, I had to deal with condescending B.S. about that too. I went with the Cannon since I already owned an EOS Elan II (film) and was happy with that. I wouldn't have given them the business if I didn't need the camera. I appreciate that at the end of the day I was only spending about $800.00, and that's probably not much for them so I wasn't important. But it was A LOT of money for ME to be spending even if it wasn't the kind of cash they like to see. Maybe I just got them on a bad day (I hear a lot of good reviews about them) but they won't get any more of my money. If you're not an pro or semi-pro who can really "talk shop" I'd have to say stay away. read more

Contrary to popular belief, I am not Alfred Stieglitz. It's great when stores recognize that not all of their customers are professionals, and try to bring it down to a level that is easier to understand. Know your customer. Roberts is not one of those stores. If you are an amateur, do your research before heading here because they won't be much help with the "lower end" stuff. We were flat out told by a salesperson that he "would not buy either of those cameras" because he shoots with rigs that are in the $3,000 range. As if he IS Alfred Stieglitz and just happens to work in a retail camera store for the hell of it. They also don't service cameras. After waiting in the store for a few minutes, a lady acknowledged me just to simply tell me to send it in to Canon to be serviced. No other discussion about what the problem might be or what they might even be able to sell me as a replacement. read more

It's important to mention that I could count on one hand the number of times I've ever entered Roberts, and that includes their previous location. This isn't for lack of wanting, but instead because I didn't have the money for all the shiny, new toys I wanted; I've been a frequent renter of lenses for years, and had found much cheaper means online. The day finally came where my finances were in order and I had a decision to make: do I rent a lens that I know I love 2-3 times within the next two months, or do I finally purchase it outright? At this point, I've put about half of the total cost into renting already. The result? #treatyoself As the lens was the same price on Amazon as in-store, it didn't make any sense to purchase via Prime and wait two days to have it shipped (with mandatory signature-upon-delivery), so I immediately headed to Roberts after work. It was difficult, to say the least, not to crane my neck in every direction and talk myself into buying even more fun toys and gear (which, don't get me wrong - I'll probably be doing later this month). I found my pretty lens in the glass display case and was helped, after gazing for a few minutes, by Phil. Phil asked if I had any interest in taking a longer look at/testing out the lens before purchasing. No thank you, Phil, I have rented this lens several times. I'm a woman who knows what she wants! While Phil disappeared into the back, I stood staring at the rack of filters, trying to find the polarizing filter I'd added to my Amazon wish list, without any luck. It looked like the circumference I needed was sold out. Phil reappeared to try and help me find the filter I was looking for and instead suggested an upgrade that was about $50 more than I had planned to spend on that piece of glass. Granted, I was already spending a boatload of money on this lens and $50 shouldn't matter much at all at that point, but my heart still sank a little. "Well, how much did you see this filter for online?" I told him. A couple of quick keystrokes in the system, and Phil confirmed that he could sell me the filter for the same price as I had seen on Amazon - for nicer glass. I was floored! I used my new lens for an event that same night and have been obsessing over it ever since. It was Phil's efficiency and awesome customer service that have me looking forward to my next purchase with Robert's! read more

I count on this store, and almost always have a good experience; they have a knowledgable staff who are willing to help. The classes have helped me, also. read more

My experience with Roberts has been all over the map. One time I went in and it was absolutely packed with people. The layout of the store is kind of overwhelming when you walk in- and when you put more than a couple of people in there at the front, it becomes hectic. During that experience I was looking at some lighting equipment, and the man I was talking to tried to *completely* oversell me, and while trying to do so he showed me some "example" photos he had taken using the set up...but he had used the pop-up flash on the camera, and it looked incredibly unimpressive for the price he was trying to get me to pay. With the hectic atmosphere, the over-selling clerk, and the terrible "example photos" I decided to walk away and do some more research. A couple of weeks later I needed some rental equipment, so I headed back to the store. My experience this time was far better. There was hardly anyone in the store, and I was able to find a place in their (ridiculously TINY) lot quite easily. The man who helped me was very kind and directed me to the other small items I needed to pick up (it's a relatively scattered store). Overall, great experience this time around. Overall, I don't dislike Roberts- but it's not a store I'm excited to go to. I would absolutely go to them again for Rental equipment, but if I was making a large/involved purchase, I'm not sure I would choose them first. Their parking is a *major* pain- totally hit or miss. Their lot is ridiculously small, with maybe 10 parking spots, and you have to drive through a back-alley to get out...which wasn't so bad during the day, but as a young female, I wouldn't feel overly comfortable driving through it as it was getting dark. read more

My go-to camera store in Indy. I don't recall buying anything from them that wasn't in stock when I wanted it. Friendly staff and always helpful. In addition, the photo lab is great to work with. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Never seen so many stoned, bored salesmen so uninterested in selling their product. Maybe they're sick of your terrible wedding and dog pics. Maybe they're sick of the chronic fakeness that passes for so much digital photography. But it looks like they just have constipation. As of September 2014, when I have just made my last visit to Roberts, they do carry film in various formats (even that elusive 4x5 and 120 film, though at extortionate prices). But if you're a film customer, it's pretty obvious that your business isn't wanted here. The salesmen seem reluctant to even make eye-contact, and I don't think it's a personal thing. Peace Camera in Raleigh, hell's other backdoor, is the same way. Why they bother to stock film and darkroom products if it's such a pain in the ass to sell it to customers with wallets and credit cards, I don't understand. I've shopped here off and on for 5 or 6 years. But if they went out of business tomorrow, honestly no loss. In the immortal words of Carl Sandburg, "Shovel 'em under and let me work. I am the grass." And their parking lot. Designed by and for leprechauns. Adios. read more

I live in Virginia. The pro-level photography store in the area went bankrupt they're closing their stores. The major pro-level photography store in NYC didn't have what I wanted in stock. I e-mailed Roberts and received a reply in less than an hour. IMPRESSIVE! I called Roberts because the item I wanted wasn't on their website but I was told (via e-mail) that it was in stock. I told them I wanted to place an order. My order was handled professionally. I received my order exactly when promised and, did I mention that there happens to be some big sporting event in Indianapolis right now? Thank you Roberts! :) read more

Roberts is located downtown by Hollywood Bar and Filmworks. Somehow I found this place and thank goodness I did. If you are a Herron student or an art student for the matter, it is important to know where this place is if you are taking a Photography class -great prices on photo paper and film (which is expensive). Kinda hard to find parking so expect that. Has other great stuff inside besides just cameras, film and paper -also printers, jewerly and more! read more

Roberts Camera - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Found a D800 body they were selling on eBay. Called in to ask more about it. After deciding to buy they pulled it off eBay since i was going to come in later that day. They worked me me a little on the price, They also looked through all of their used inventory to help me find a lens that matched the body and was what i was looking for. I also got a little money off the lens for purchasing both together. The staff in the used department was a pleasure to work with. They have a 2 week return policy for all used gear and also a 6 month warranty so if something breaks or isn't working correctly they will honor the warranty. I love this!! you can only get that from a few places. The location is contently located on the north side of downtown, a couple blocks off 65. I haven't bought anything from them in the new department, i haven't used any other services of this location but i have in the carmel office and all my experiences were great. read more

In no way am I a professional photographer, but I am working on the skills and building needed equipment to reach my digital content creation goals. I bought my first DSLR at Roberts and worked with Ken, one of their sales reps. To this day, I still keep my eye out for him. I know that he understands the developing "camera vocabulary" and understands what I am really asking for, even though I might be saying something completely different. Then there was the day I walked in to buy an upgraded lens and Ken was not there. Another sales rep assisted in asking the questions to identify what exactly I was looking for in a lens. It has become one of my favorite lenses. Shopping local is always a bonus, but when shopping local is actually useful is even better. Roberts is my go-to spot for all camera needs and questions. FYI, there refurbished shop is a fantastic resource. read more

The staff here is great. They are very knowledgeable and go out of the way to help you. I am a professional photographer who travels all the time. They helped me in ways that were above and beyond their duties when I had some equipment malfunction. read more

I would like Roberts. It's nice to be able to walk into a national store and purchase something. They have all sorts of new and used equipment as well as printing services. The only drawback to Roberts is that some of their items are bit overpriced as compared to purchasing online. However, if you have any questions and you want them answered, Roberts can do that while Amazon cannot. The only other thing I am not happy with about Roberts is that some items, such as filters, they do not always carry in stock. Also, a lot of things that are sitting out on the floor, or not properly tagged with a price tag. So if you look up the item, it's difficult to determine how much it actually costs. Updated my review. I recently ordered a print from their photo lab. It arrived on time, but the cut to trim the border was ragged and one of the corners was creased. When I get a print from a place like Walmart or cvs I kinda expect that. When I pay a much higher price, expecting better quality and I get mediocre result, it's disappointing. Unfortunately for Roberts, there are plenty of online photo labs to choose from. I'll be looking g elsewhere for my future prints. read more

I love this store. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff are always willing to help and educate. The only downside is the limited selection of new and used professional video cameras. read more

I primarily shop at Roberts for their Online Photo Lab/Photo Printing. I really enjoy the ease of uploading my prints from home and being able to swing by the next day to pick up my order. The quality of the prints are better than your Walgreens or Walmart, plus you support a local business! Orders rarely take more than 24 hours to process. The prices are affordable and comparable to most other printers. I've had to get prints made on archival quality paper and Roberts gets the job done. Although it is downtown, their parking lot makes getting in and out of the store a breeze. read more

Edit: I always try to steer people towards Roberts when they're looking to buy a camera. They're knowledgeable of camera systems and will be able to help customers find the right fit. I've rented lenses from them before and they're very helpful in hooking you up. Prev review: I'm quite disappointed that the new store, though larger and shinier, decided to retire developing color 120 film. They only process color 35mm film now (though at a very reasonable price). It does not seem that they are pressed for resources, so I don't understand why they would get rid of 120 unless they plan to fully phase out film developing entirely... which would be more than unfortunate. Though others have pointed out that the staff can be stand-offish or apathetic, I was met with enthusiasm when I came in to drop off my film. There was a peppy receptionist who offered to point me in the right direction and a few people on the floor asking if I needed any help. Their film selection is nice considering they have a film selection at all. They do carry film developing equipment (which I'm going to have to start learning...) and 4x5 film. All in all, however, I really regret that they have stopped developing 120 film. I have gone to Robert's regularly to have my film processed since I first moved here and it was the main reason I went to Robert's at all. I now have to send all of my rolls out, which is becoming very costly and inconvenient. read more

My company outfitted our video studio at Roberts' downtown Indianapolis store; the service before, during and especially after the sale was outstanding. It was the kind of service that seems from a different era, when vendors truly cared about the long-term relationship with their customers. In particular, Sr. Sales Associate James Willis was a superstar throughout - he went above & beyond to make sure we were 100% satisfied. Courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, attentive, patient & understanding ...thank you, Roberts (& James), you've got a customer for life. read more

The salesman that assisted me made me feel so much better about being a beginner. I had no idea what type of lens I needed and if I was going to be able to buy it because of the expense, but he helped me find it, explained it, and even offered a first time customer discount. Now that I understand it and am feeling more familiar with camera lens and equipment, I will definitely be going back for more great buys and also rentals. read more

I live in Southern Indiana and drove to Roberts Camera to trade in some gear. The service was awesome and the prices for the trade-ins were better than I expected. I recently switched from Canon system to Nikon and left the store with a used 500 f/4 and a new 200-500 zoom. Great service all around. I'll be back - thanks read more

I'm in California and have literally ordered almost $10k worth of camera gear from Roberts and they have always been great to work with. Responsive, friendly, and good prices and selection. They have a good used department as well. read more

Went to Roberts yesterday to look at cameras. Madison was awesome! She helped steer me toward the type of camera that worked best for my travel needs. Better yet, I was sold before I walked into the store on a particular brand but ended up buying a different brand that was $200 cheaper based on her recommendation. I was able to look up reviews online while I was there and she steered me in the right direction. Knowledgable and friendly staff. read more

This is one of the best camera shops I have ever visited. Staff was beyond helpful and friendly and gave me a discount on a camera cleaning that they were going to run the upcoming weekend. I am not from Indy and would be gone before then, but they still gave me the discounted price. Can't say enough good things about this place. Go here if you are looking to buy, get repairs or cleanings. They also have and legit inventory of bodies, lenses, bags, filters, etc. read more

Love this place! If I could buy stock in this place, I would. They have all of your camera needs. They are very knowledgeable and courteous. They have both a new camera section and a used camera section. You can trade in your old camera towards a new one! Their hours are a little wonky, in my opinion. Closing at 5:30 barely gives a person a chance to get there after work. That's the only negative I can think of. read more

Roberts kicks butt. There's no other way to say it. Being a photography enthusiast, I've been to several different types of camera stores in my day. Roberts wins best all-around shop in Indy for sure. While shopping last month for a new digital SLR camera, the folks at the downtown location were more than helpful--even steering me away from a camera that was more expensive than the Nikon D40 I ended up getting. Another great perk--aside from their honesty and knowledge about everything in the store: They offer free photography classes for anyone who purchased a camera at their store. I'm signing up! read more