Rental people were very condescending if you asking any questions about rentals equipment, "like duh you're suppose to know that already"

I've been going to Samys for years. I like the knowledgeable staff, but that can be hit or miss at times. Once in a while I come across some amazing staff. So... Why the 1 star? Because today was my last time at Samys. I returned a camera and was charged a restocking fee. Really!? With the Mount of money I sound there. The staff started lecturing me about fairness. Fairness!? I am nit here to discuss or consider business practice equities. Very simple, you can either make $35 from me one time or keep me coming back for much more. Seriously annoyed. So... If you do go, keep all above in mind. This has to be an example of seriously poor judgement in customer service. To Samys: enjoy the $35. read more

I enjoyed checking this place out as a photographer it came recommended from a few friends of mine who do photography and video. I was unaware of the huge deposit required to rent certain things from this store. This eliminated me from being able to get a lens and/or other accessories from this place. I was not too happy about this experience because I feel the only reason people rent in the first place is because they don't have the funds to purchase. Therefore, there should be some way photographers and videographers alike can get a hold of this equipment and the store secure insurance and charge a general fee of 50-100 dollars extra to cover products rented. However, they make you place the cost of the item you want to rent on a credit card plus the fee of that item. That's rediculous! I'll just continue to use www.borrowlenses.com to get my items. Nice try, but not for everyone. read more

Wanted to give a shout out to Mike Radcliffe. Our production team Is working on an international documentary and with production schedule in flux and we needed to put a camera package on hold asap. Mike was beyond helpful and courtesy in helping us. We ended up not needing the camera package, but we would without a doubt always go to Samy's first based on that service. Thanks again! read more

Just visited Samy's in Pasadena. The guy I spoke with knows his stuff but was snobby and patronized (talked down to) me. I guess only camera experts should shop there and the rest of us should go elsewhere. However, he did answer my technical question. Just made me leave feeling like I'm stupid and he's so smart. read more

Rachel was incredible. She was so helpful in our transaction and was incredibly knowledgeable of the camera and binoculars we purchased. There are no shortages of places to get a camera or equipment in LA, but I won't go to another place for those needs again. This is largely because of Rachel (seriously she is deserving of a raise), but going to Samy's was an easy and simple call. read more

Before coming here, you should check up on the prices of the item you want to buy. Many legit websites(B and H NY, Adorama, and Amazon.) beat their prices and don't charge tax. They claim to price match, but never do. Update: I took my Canon 6D here for a cleaning on a Thursday. I picked it up on the same day which i liked. On Saturday just 3 days later, there was still dust on my image.(Note that i didn't open or switch lens) Cynthia, the manager, is 100% useless. On the phone, she was going in circles telling me that its not their fault there was still dust. Someone needs to report this business to the BBB read more

Last month I was looking to buy the latest Fujifilm X100F camera everywhere. Due to it's demand I couldn't find the camera anywhere in stores or online. I just send an email to Samy's Camera (Pasadena Store)to check whether they have one in stock. To my surprise I received a response back within few minutes. Unfortunately they didn't have one in stock but they were willing to give it a try and get one for me from warehouse. The next day I received an email confirming that they would be able to get one for me. I received the camera within 24 hours after I sent them the first email. What a great service again. The sales person who helped me was Juan Gonzalez. Thank you Juan. read more

I go there on occasion, it saves me the trouble to order online. It is pricier than most places. Sometimes you will have to wait quite a while to get help. The staff here is very friendly for the most part. read more

I came in to do a trade in I showed Jeff my camera felt like he gave me a bullshit ass excuse and didn't even wanna bother with me I felt so rushed and tbh I'm not rude or anything read more

I have been shopping at Samys for years and the experience has always been great! The team at Smays is wonderful but I particularly enjoy working with Brian Labrada. Brian is an experienced professional photographer but he is also very patient and great at explaining how to use new camera/equipment. If you are a pro or just starting out in photography you'll find consulting with Brian very beneficial. read more

I have been told over and over again not go to Samy's. And I finally gave in because it was simply convenient. What a mistake. I paid twice as much for my supplies as I would have at Freestyle (no joke, literally, I looked it up -- twice the amount). They had a really small selection, so I had to settle with whatever was available. So not only did I not get exactly what I came there for, but I paid TWICE as much for it. And of course, per their reputation, they were rude and dismissive. read more

The sales staff in the camera department at this location are the reason why we need to support our local businesses and not lose them to the massive online retailers. These people are friendly and knowledgeable and will go that extra mile to get you a fair price on your trade-in or purchase of new equipment. The store is well stocked. On one occasion I went in with a list of equipment and they had everything.That's not what I expected, as many retailers have only what is on display, especially for pricier items. Even for a highly specialized lens, they were able to get it within a couple of days. There was one new camera that is still in high demand with waiting lists still into the weeks and even months at some places. I was able to pick the camera up in one week after ordering from Samy's. I was really surprised by that. Because of the support and service of the staff at this location, I have continued to make this my first choice for my equipment purchases rather than the major online retailers. read more

The level of service I have received here has been absolutely incredible. Everyone I have spoken with is knowledgeable and seems to have my best interest in mind and they have genuinely shared their opinions on what best suits what I'm looking for without ever being pushy to sell a particular brand/ product. I have literally never received such great retail service before. As a person who also works in customer service it's amazing to see their level of commitment to HELPING their customers. A big thank you to Jason, Juan, and Jeff for their impeccable service. I was not an easy customer to deal with considering all my questions, exchanges, and frequent visits. THANK YOU. Before, I never even heard of Samys til a friend recommended them and now I will never go to a different store for my camera needs... read more

Hmmmm....I do not know what everyone is talking about! The salespeople here are sooo friendly! It does help to know and research what you want before you go buy it so you do not sucked into buying something you do not need. The two salespeople I have dealt with were great. I'll definitely be back. read more

I came to Samy's today only knowing that I wanted either a 5d or 6d and a portrait lens. I was greeted by Juan who was an amazing help from the start. He spent almost two hours working with my budget, preferences, and needs to help put together the perfect set up and even threw in a discounted camera bag. He was totally transparent about pricing, policies, and all the details in between. It's rare to meet a sales person who doesn't pressure you into rushing to buy things or upselling you products. He was an amazing help, he even let me try out all the lenses I was curious about and told me all my buying options regarding new/ used/ beginner kits. I've been to other Samys locations before and I've never seen the level of customer service that I saw here. Everyone was offering help, advice, and just overall good vibes. Thank you Juan for being so patient with me and helping me get everything I need! I'm in love with my 6d Mark II and 50mm 1.8 lens read more

Samy's has a great selection of merchandise with friendly and knowledgeable employees! Andrew in particular was kind and helpful, going way above and beyond my expectations for customer service! He is an extremely valuable employee! Thank you Andrew! read more

*** review for their rental department only *** it was super easy to make a rental. got 3 lens and a flash meter. called them up at 1pm and told i'd be ready to get the items at 3pm. they have a huge selection and a good stock of them too!! flashes, medium format cameras, regular camera, video gear, all types of lens (even leica!) ...the list goes on. photographer's paradise. the awesome thing is that when you rent on friday after 3pm, they charge you the rental fee for one day only. so you keep the gear till monday at 11am for the price of one day! they put the full amount for the gear as deposit on your credit card, then they charge you the rental fee when you return it and the deposit fee is removed. the rental dept is not open on sundays, but you can return to their la location. simple, fast, and friendly. would do business with them again! i was in and out in 10 minutes. and maybe it's just me but having red vines out for customers definitely wins them points! i love red vines!!! only down side is it looks like parking is street parking only. read more

play me while you read: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi8VNLdJvlw A day where life was viewed through a lens, we found ourselves in a place where lens is a way of life. Just off the main strip of Old Town, you can spot Samy's blasé Pasadena location. A monochrome aesthetic. Very unassuming, where you could have passed it a million times till you need find yourself needing something that will you realize a place like this exists right underneath your nose. In this case, the thing we needed was a camera bag. Before we set on our excursion for Samy's Camera, being a typical guy, I didn't bother looking at a map and thought I knew exactly where it was in Old Town. After walking several blocks we finally pulled up our Yelp app and found out it was actually a couple blocks up the street from where we were. Fast forward to walking in and being in awe of all things photography. A shelf of camera bags from the floor to the ceiling. Lenses longer than the length of my arm. tripods and stands taller than me. Like a beehive, this place was buzzing with excitement. We left on our own as each employee was preoccupied with a customer or two to themselves. Would I be back? Yes, I could see myself coming back here. read more

Jacked up prices but best selection in the area. Better off buying online if you can wait though.

Phenomenal staff - kind, knowledgeable, and will spend the time with you. We especially appreciated Patrick who helped us pick out a new Nikon body and a new lens. We'll be back! read more

Ouch! Sorry I walked in. Was waited on by a guy who should not be in the customer service business. I bought a strobe kit at Samy's Fairfax and a camera at the one on Sepulveda - both experiences were WONDERFUL!. This place I would never go back to. read more

My girlfriend is going on a trip, and we were interested in a new camera and GoPro. We went on Saturday, June 20th and discussed our options with one of the salesman. Because we had a camera and lens already, we decided to come back with the old equipment to see what could be compatible with the new camera. When we returned, we worked with a different salesman and had the impression he was not so knowledgeable about the equipment. He also seemed to be confused about the Father's Day no sales tax promotion and what it applied to and when. While there, we overheard a different salesman, a bald guy, working with another customer who seemed to be thoughtful and knowledgeable. Given that it was toward the end of the day, we decided to come back the next day rather than making a hasty, uncomfortable purchase. Waiting until the next day turned out to be the right decision. The bald guy was working with another customer, but we asked him if we could work with him when he was available since our number had already been called. He said yes. This bald guy was Jason. Jason was awesome. We had two cameras that we had been considering and he immediately suggested going with the lower cost camera. He then compared and contrasted the two cameras and explained why he thought the lower cost camera was a better choice. When we decided to go with the lower cost camera, he then walked us through the basics on how to use it and then proceeded to help us gather together all the gear we would need for this camera (he even went to the warehouse to get a backpack not on the floor). He then helped us choose a GoPro and again gathered all of the accessories we needed. Finally, Jason offered a free photography class and to help with the camera or any questions any time in the future. Jason made this experience easy and will definitely make us want to return to Samy's if we ever need anything else. read more

Samy's Camera is one of the exceedingly few places that caters to the full-range of customers from amateurs and novices to working professionals. I have used their products while shooting over 1.2 million exposures over the years (compact, DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) and have nothing but good things to say about their staff. I've found them to each be knowledgeable within their speciality and honest about their limitations when giving advice outside of it. Their employee retention rate is also quite good - I see many of the same faces there now that I did in 2010 . The depiction of Samy's as a "pricey" location is really unfair. It depends entirely on what you are getting and sometimes they have the best price (as is often the case with camera bodies) - though it doesn't hurt to take a look around obviously and sometimes you can save a lot of money by finding reputable ads online and bringing them in to see if Samy's can match them: diligence pays off. The reason I don't price-check as often as I might with other locations is because of the role that Samy's plays that online locations can't. At Samy's I can walk in with a specific thing in mind, ask to try it out, talk to a knowledgable salesperson about how it compares to other products and air any considerations I might have before making a purchase. With an online store, at best I'm exchanging e-mails or phone calls, but there's no chance to try it out in person. And with big electronics stores like Best Buy, I've yet to encounter a single knowledgable salesperson in their camera department in around half a decade. In addition to camera, lighting and video sales, Samy's Camera also host classes, maintain a rental department and run a printing/developing/processing lab. So supporting the existence of a place like Samy's Camera is important, lest we see dedicated camera shops go the way of the bookstore. Just to clarify: when you talk about Samy's camera, you may be talking about one of two things, the chain or the specific location. My experience with the chain goes back what seems like decades to another location in Santa Barbara, but my experience with Samy's in Pasadena goes back to 2010, before they switched to there current location. EDIT: I forgot to mention something else very important - they really give you the time and space to check things out. My ex-gf (a studio artist that occasionally did some photography but wasn't into the tech. side) and I would sometimes go in there and spend over an hour trying out different cameras. They were never condescending to either one of us and responded equally well to some of my more esoteric questions (I'd helped develop custom firmware settings for the Panasonic GH2 so I would fairly in-depth) and some of her more basic ones. When we came in multiple times in a week without buying anything, they never acted frustrated or impatient and the sense of continuity in relationships with the sales staff helped to keep bringing us back. I just wanted to mention that because some people have (strongly) implied that you have to be pro-photo person or be looking at high prices items to get good service - something that is completely contrary to my own experience watching my ex get fantastic service as she agonized over competing compact cameras, trying out 3 or 4 in one session as she looked for one with a good burst mode buffer. How many other stores could say that? read more

I think your shopping experience in this store really depends on who serves you there. I am new to photography. At first, I was very happy about everything including the salesperson who is really friendly and knowledgeable. He explained patiently about lots of basic information that I should know before buying a camera. In short, I bought my first camera there. Excited, I came back again a few days later to buy an extra battery and memory card only to meet a very rude lady who looked very annoyed when I asked questions and opinions several times because I didnt understand what she said (I'm new to this whole thing so what can you expect from me?) read more

I hate this place with passion. I should have checked the reviews first. I hope they go out of business. Not worth your time and hard earned cash. The salespeople are completely useless. Moreover, they will try to con you. Stay away because: 1. Money talks, if you are going to drop some cash, otherwise why are you wasting my time attitude. 2. They will try to sell you the most expensive equipment. 3. Price haggling. "This cost this much, but I can give it you for this price". Is this practice even allowed? 4. Once sale is made, I am done with you, get out of my face attitude. WTF, I just wonder why this place is open for business. I guess it survives on first time only customer like myself. Do your research and shop elsewhere for better price and service. I would give negative stars if I could. read more

It's used to be good place. I had good experience there... But I will never come back again. Right now I'm in process of changing my camera/lenses system and I was looking for additional camera to carry around - Fuji X100s. Before buying stuff I usually rent or visit camera store to see if I will like it or not. At Pasadena they have both 100s and 100t at display - and I wanted to see if it suits me - so I asked salesperson about camera - and he said that at first I need to get "ticket" to make sure I will not be skipped (note - he was dealing at same area with credit card processing around 10-15!!! minutes) - Ok. I got ticket... And stayed at same corner where fuji/leica cameras located - checking if my number is called or not. (Note - guys was still staying at same area)... I was waited about 15-20 minutes waiting for my "number" - and whole time at same corner were three sales persons (one is dedicated leica guys and two others). I noticed that immediately after number "754" in line - next number popped out was 758 - and I said about it - that my number (755) was skipped - to same guy who suggested me to get ticket at first place... And he just accepted ticket number 758. I asked - how that possible - and that I should be next in line... But I was ignored and said that I will need wait more (even customer with 758 ticket said - that it's my turn I she would like to get me served first)... I waited another 10 minutes - and just left. I ordered camera online from other retailer 1 hour later. And I will never visit that store again and make sure - none of my friends will go there too. read more

Stopped by yesterday to see if my Nikon Coolpix S3000 rechargeable battery was dead or not. Jeff was able to charge it and voila--it wasn't dead. I ended up buying the charger for about $29, which wasn't too bad. Personable service and reasonable prices. I know where I'll go if I ever decide to upgrade to a nicer camera. read more

I brought in an old Bell and Howell film camera to see if it was still operable and whether they could refurbish it for me if it wasn't. I was helped by a super down to Earth dude named Andrew Sanchez. His customer service was outstanding. I am totally new to film photography and Andrew not only cleaned out the old camera and lens for free, but explained to me how the camera worked and how to load the film. He was super patient and had no air of condescension at all. He let me ask all the questions I had and explained basic film principles. Andrew took the time to teach me how to properly load the film into the camera and what settings to use to get a properly exposed shot. He also never tried to sell me anything throughout the entire conversation, something I really appreciated. He let me choose instead of insisting I needed this or that. I bought film and a battery for the light meter and he even helped explain what film would give me the look I wanted, etc. Overall this was some of the best customer service I've ever had. I'm am 1000% coming back! read more

I will never shop here, and will advise against others doing so as well because of their poor customer service. My friend and I came into the store the other day to purchase a travel-sized tripod for time exposure pictures for his new camera. There were about half a dozen customers in the store besides us - they weren't busy. We went to the back room where tripods were; three employees were here, and not one was attending to another customer. One man was looking at a computer, another was looking at something on the counter, and a woman held a phone to her ear, but was not speaking with anyone and stared directly at as. All three neglected to say anything - "hello... we'll be with you in a moment." My friend began to ask for assistance, and was quickly cut off with a, "hold on" and no eye contact. When the employee began to help us, he had the "you're lucky I'm even talking to you" attitude I expect from teens with no professionalism. We inquired about the tripod, and he left to go get one without asking the basics: what type of camera, how large it was, desired price and/or features. When he came back, and I asked about other options I had seen online he said, "I don't know if we have those" and made no attempt to confirm, just stood there. Seriously? My friend explained we were going on a day trip that to LA immediately after, would prefer a less expensive temporary tripod, and would come back to purchase a more durable one at a later date. He explained he was new to photography, just spent $1K on a new camera/gear (i.e. telling the guy he would guarantee him a good sale when he came back), and would appreciate advice. The guy just repeated to death that he wouldn't put his SLR on the cheaper tripod, and offered us no other options in between. Did I mention the woman on the phone continued to stare at us the entire time, still not saying anything? Weird, rude. We got the more expensive one because he had no other input, and wouldn't show us anything else. My friend later returned the item because of the service, and his photography teacher even said, "that place sucks" when the debacle was mentioned. Bottom line: customer service is king in retail, my friend said he was new to this, promised the guy another sale, and still the only person in there that was truly nice/helpful was the guy who sold me batteries. read more

I have to agree with all the others... bad customer service! I was renting some stands for a photographer I was working with from out of town. I had called and told them I needed the certain stands and whatever hookup I needed for the flash I was putting on it. When I showed up the guy thought I was crazy for getting the certain stands and argued with me about it. Then when I asked about the hookup for the flash, he was convinced I had asked for the flash itself. I also had asked for a hookup for both stands and they tried to give me just one. I had to argue, again, to get the second one. I was renting over the weekend and so I asked if I could return on Sunday instead of Monday. Both the sales person and the manager LAUGHED AT ME and told me it had to be Monday (no time specified). When I came back on Monday to return my rental, the same staff was there and just as rude. I was later then their weekend return time, which was never told to me when I asked. On the contract the time is supposedly 10am, but on their sign it says 11am. The contract is impossible to read and the sign is deep in the rental department and is difficult to see. If you expect customers to bring something back at a certain time, and they have asked you when they need to return something, BE SPECIFIC! Especially if they are new customers. After complaining to the (rude) manager, I luckily didn't have to pay any extra. Let's just say, I am not planning on ever renting from them again. Maybe another location, but never from Pasadena. read more

I want to thank Stephanie Timoteo for taking the time to look up, print and mail me the receipt for the Rode Video Mic Pro I purchased back in 2014. The chord finally broke and Rode required the receipt to cover it with their 10 year warrantee. I would have never received this kind of service from a chain store or e-commerece site. Thanks agin Stephanie. Dave read more

The print department at Samy's Camera Pasadena is the best! The service, quality of work, quickness of getting jobs completed is all top notch! Find Toby Munro - super helpful, knows what he is doing and will guide you in the right direction! read more

Customer service here sucks. Ive never been treated with such disregard in an establishment that NEEDS consumer $ to survive... The older people here seem to be camera/ photo snobs... ya'll work at a camera store obviously not doing so well as professional photographers, come back down to earth. I'll buy online from now on, hope this brick and mortar changes their act otherwise they won't be around for much longer. read more

i dont know why this Samy's has bad reviews, ive had only good experiences here the past few years. i came here to look at the canon dslrs and Brian LabBrada was working behind the counter. LaBrada was very patient and honest - no salesman bullsh*t. he also has a great sense of humor - my boyfriend and i were very happy with the service, and walked away with a good deal. other employees have also been very kind and very helpful - ill be back soon! read more

Everything u need or want...they also have sales often.. and helpful workers

At the new location on Colorado Ave. Samy's is finally in a position to show their products in a more professional way. Great selection of professional camera gear at reasonable prices. Plenty of very helpful and experienced staff around to help you make your choise. read more

i've got really mixed feelings about this place..... my first experience with samys was when i called to inquire about the nikon D50. i ended up being put on hold for 20 minutes. i understand that they're really busy most of the time....but come on? all i had was a simple question - "how much is the D50?" when i made my first purchase there (which was actually not the D50, but the lens for it), i didn't wait too long. i got what i wanted and paid for it and was out of there. i did not have much interaction with the staff on that occasion. they didn't seem like they weren't going to go out of their way to help. they weren't rude, but they weren't the frendliest, either. i stopped in last week to buy a new lens. the guy that i dealt with was actually really friendly, and willing to let me try the thing out before i bought it. bonus points because he gave me $10 off. sweet. so, i really don't know how i feel about this place. maybe next time i'll find out? read more

Decent selection, okay prices. Can be hard to get a sales person's attention.

Giving this a two star rating because their camera department has always been very helpful. However their video department cannot be bothered to help anybody. Brought in a Canon FX 100 asking how to use it as a WebCam. I had a vague idea but was looking for face-to-face specifics. The gentleman behind the counter had his hands in his pockets leaning away from me as if he just could not be bothered. I was asking which equipment he could suggest he kept telling me they don't have it in stock. Not the point. I was asking what equipment he would suggest. He simply kept telling me it's not in stock. Or I could ask about a rental. Either way he was extremely unhelpful and pretty much looked like he couldn't wait till I left. Will still use the location for my still camera needs but will never return for video ever. I hate to put anybody out over there by daring to ask questions. read more