Samy's Cameras

This camera shop is cater to "A" class people. If you were minority like me you will be less important to them. You will be the last priority or they're just don't talk to you at all. The way they stare at me makes me uncomfortable. They don't even smile or greet you. I'm not racist towards white people. I'm just saying is the way they treat other race/class. I think this people were not train how to be "wholesome" to other race. They have the best deals and equipment here. The only problem is this "people" working at the counter. Makes me sad. There's one good camera shop in hollywood called "Simon's Camera". Great stuff. They will treat you equal and valuable customer. more

Samy's is 3 floors Hollywood super market of camera equipment. I ask serious questions and was given reliable, credible and direct feedback. Professionals shop here because Samy's has it or they can get it. Some sales staff are better than others, find the seasoned staff that can answer questions or find what your looking for. I like shopping at family owned businesses versus huge corporate stores. It's unique! more

I understand why people are intimidated at Samy's by the employees. The fact is...they know a LOT more about any camera related topic than the average person that walks in and trying to explain things to the average Joe when it comes to complex topics of photography may appear condescending....but they are experts and really do have the experience every consumer wishes they had themselves to make educated decisions in a rough economy. I trust these people because they don't push me into making decisions but ask me the right questions to help me make the best decisions for myself. I found this letter that I'd like to share..... Dear Samy's Camera, There once was a girl who came to talk to you a thousand times to bug you about which camera to buy but could not make up her mind. Then one day that same girl got up the courage to shatter her piggy bank and came in to buy the coolest camera ever- Canon 7D and was helped by expert Scott who really really loves answering the phone. He didn't pressure her to make the purchase after the guy who helped her in printing convinced her that the Rebel T2i would be great for her. On her own she upped her purchase by double the amount and was so so so so excited to go use her new puppy....I mean camera. Then one day a month later a dirty gangster stole her car with her new camera and thanks to Scott and Mike and a great friend helped her cleanse the camera after recovering it from Satan in LA County Jail.....I'm pretty sure she will go to Samy's til the day she dies..... more

They are the best. The sales men are eduacted in the product. They will jump though hoop for the client. All of the newest items on the market. -Elizabeth C. more

The rental department at Samy's camera is the best. The staff really knows their stuff and they have more equipment then anyone else in the city. Mike Kampler the rental manager is great and if you have a problem with your rental he is by far the fairest person I have ever met. So go to Samy's camera and find out for yourselves. I can't say enough good things about them I rent from them all the time along with all my other colleagues. They have knowledge, service and selection more

I did Sammy's on Sepulveda and got instant, knowledgeable service, and I love my Cannon EOS D40. I was prepared to pay more to shop at a real service establishment like Sammy's, but I was in Costco just the other day and they had the same camera with a lesser lens at the same price I paid. Top quality products, service and price? You can't beat it. more

Sammys Camera is THE palec to shop for a camera. We went to Best Buy and waited for 30 minutes before anyone ever approached us, and even then they had very little in the way of kn9owledge and selection. Sammys support staff are incredibly knowledgable, not pushy at all, and could answer every question we had. We came back a few times before making our purchase, and not once did they try to pressure a sale. Prices are reasonable, you may find a better deal, but small savings arent worth the support youll get from Sammys. Even after purchase, we have gone back and theyve left the pemises with us to help us with the camera. -Chris W. more

This camera store is one of the best i have been to in Los Angeles. Not only do they have a wide selection of cameras, camera equipment, dark room supplies and literature on the subject, but their staff is so helpful and friendly. They are very approachable and patient with even the most amature photographer. Rental equipment here is great as well. The prices are reasonable and the equipment is always in good shape. Just be prepared to lay down a hefty deposit fee. more

We lost a lens on a shoot(basic 50mm 1.8), and I sent my assistant to the shop to rent a new one. Joe takes her id and credit card to "start her account", and comes back with a receipt.. for $250! It's a $75-$100 lens RETAIL! He didn't tell her what the deposit was, didn't ask if it was ok, didn't follow any of the requisite retail laws... Just went ahead and charged 2.5x the value of the lens. 2.5 times the replacement value of the lens in direct violation of their own written policies! When she told me.. I sent her back to return it. They tried to charge her a full day rental fee, and told her that they were unable to reverse the charges(complete bs.. any beginning cashier can complete this operation). Then.. Joe begins cursing about "f'ing stupid customers always f'ing returning stuff". When my assistant asked him to get a manager, he told her that she'd have to CALL the help line! She was IN the store! WTF? How are these people still in business? On a related note.. there was another customer in the shop renting about 2k worth of equipment.. he tried to charge her card for $6500, and got mad when she complained too. My assistant said she was there when she arrived, left, returned, and left again... still trying to resolve the issue with the store. I'm going to be filing a formal complaint in every forum available, but first.. I want to make sure nobody else has to deal with these aholes. BEWARE! My review: - Customer service: Horrible. - Basic common courtesy: Horrible. - Following their OWN guidelines: Horrible. - Following retail LAW: Horrible - Basic cashier knowledge: Horrible. Conclusion.. never, ever, ever shop there. more

You definately miss something when you go to Bestbuy to get a Digital Camera. Most people at box stores don't know anything. But these guys are serious about their cameras. I took my point and shoot that was broken and the guy told me straight up "you are screwed" It was going to cost $160 to fix, or I could buy a brand new camera with 10x as many features for $185. So I went for the new camera, and the guy walked me through all the questions I had. Great service, and the price was just as cheap as best buy! more

This is a we'll-meet-or-beat-any-price kind of place, with cameras, video equipment, lighting, and studio equipment, used wares, collectibles, rentals and repairs, and digital imaging services. But locals know the real reason to come back is the knowledgeable staff. Other branches are in Culver City and Pasadena. - Fodor more

This was a camera store that was tailor made for the professional photographer, but it isn't a bad place to go shopping (or at least educate yourself) if you're just a family photographer. You might get a better deal online or in a non-speciality store, but you won't get the same level of service you get at Samy's. - Chris H. more

I'm a working photographer in Los Angeles,I've been renting from Samy's Camera for more than 15 years. The reason that I've stayed that long is because of how MIke Kampler runs the rental dept.. His guys are knowledgeable, if they don't know something, they will find out and let you know. They have always been nice and courteous (no attitude), I get greeted with a hello when I walk in. My order is always ready. The equipment doesn't look like it's been abused. If I ever have a problem Mike takes care of it. I have recommended the rental dept. to several other photographers, (in the US and abroad) and I have never heard a single complaint before. So that's my experience with the rental dept. at Samy's Camera especially the one Fairfax. Pros: Knowledge,Friendly,extensive selection of rental equipment Cons: Nothing more

I've shopped cameras on the West Coast for 40 years. My favorite was Keeble & Shuchat, Palo Alto; they took care of me well for decades. Recently I moved to LA, and, having developed my (amateur) photography to a new, very high level, I have taken to shopping at Samy's. Samy's has a tremendous selection -- best on the West Coast -- I know, I've been everywhere. NOTHING COMPARES to Samy's selection, especially in their store at 431 Fairfax Ave., with four amazing stories of cameras and photo gear -- near Farmer's Market. Three years ago, I was put off by what I felt was 'arrogant service', but compared to Best Buy, Costco, Fry's etc., whose stores have NO service, any service now seems 'quaint and old fashioned'. I began watching Samy's sales people painstakingly explain minute camera and photography details for inexpensive cameras to totally clueless customers, and admired their perseverance. Samy's has some mediocre and some outstanding employees, but almost all respond well to customers who don't have a chip on their shoulder. Sometimes your experience is shaped by who you are; it can happen at Samy's which is full of humans. I was 'down and out' and had sold every camera and lens I owned except a body and a lousy lens, which promptly broke. Glum, I went into a branch store, where Richard, camera tech, then worked, and asked if I could get it fixed cheaply. Richard, unbidden, did a quick and dirty fix for free; several other times during that period he did similar 'favors'. I was living in my car; he knew it I think. I've recovered, have money, even have some minor worldwide photographic fame. I am a very experienced (and cheap) shopper, but I get the best prices out of Samy's, so I don't even want to shop at Amazon, B&H, etc. Samy's competes with the 'Big Boys', and even unbidden doesn't charge 'full list' to the unwary. I now buy all at Samy's, and I can buy anywhere. I want my purchases NOW, and tested by me. I'm a satisfied shopper. more

Samy's has a large selection of cameras, lenses and other photo items, which is great. I have been going to the store in Santa Ana since they first opened. BUT, what I don't like is the person who sits on a stool next to the front door and continuously stares at customers at the camera counter!! I noticed this about 3 months ago and have been in the store two more times after that visit and noticed the same annoying stare! He makes me feel as if I am in prison and he is the guard. I find this to be extremely uncomfortable as a customer and I no longer patronize this store because of it. Other camera stores in Orange County do not treat their customers as if they are criminals!! Oh, and yes, I am a professional photographer!! more

Over-priced, rude, moronic staff. No return policy, store credit? ha! try returning anything they have a reason your item does not qualify every-time! Buyer beware!! more

It's a great place to by photography supplies and I really recommend going there. If you have a question, everyone is willing to help you and they won't make you feel like an idiot. Plus, I don't think you cant find a place (other than online) that would beat Samy's camera. Sometimes they have sales on film, cameras, paper, etc. I only go here and you should, too more

Samy's Camera is a good place to go for photo supplies such as film. You should go to Samy's Camera if you are in need of photo supplies. I always buy all of my photo supplies from Samy's Camera and they can always supply me with what I need. I think that they are great. more