Samy’s Camera

I walked in with the intention of spending hundreds of dollars on a new DSLR camera. I stood at the counter for five minutes staring at cameras until someone finally passed by me asking if I had any questions.
She was helpful and cordial and showed me how to use the camera. So three stars meaning A-​OK. Samy’s would have got a beautiful five stars if I was greeted upon entrance.

I recommend spending your money else where. Why you ask? This particular location has horribleee customer service. A few days ago, I purchased a 53″ X 12 super white paper backdrop & background support kit and found an even better deal online so came in today to return it.
I can always handle my own, but these were two big pieces to carry In, so I walked in and asked for assistance. Immediately, the gentleman in the front directed me to the back (I was very confused as to why he couldn’t just help me), definitely rubbed me the wrong way. So, I start walking to the back & another gentleman, younger, asked if he could assist me. I asked if I could get assistance with my return from the car, and AGAIN, I’m directed to the back. He sees the frustration and I express to him, all I need is help getting the package from my car and everyone keeps pushing me to the back (where is chivalry when you need it?)
After that, he helps me and we get the package, and he even assists me with the return. He informs me that the paper that I purchased CAN NOT be returned, I asked why, he said he didn’t know so I asked to speak with the manager. SHE WOULDNT EVEN WALK OVER AND TALK TO ME. She proceeded to talk to him via the adjacent phone, while looking me dead in the eyes! (a short woman with shoulder length curly hair)
I don’t like the feeling that I had at that store. Felt like I was a burden.

Excellent service and advice from Jimmy Lugo.
Asked if he could price match a deal going on at Amazon and he more than matched it.
This was the second time he helped me out with a major purchase and I’m happy to say I’ll be a lifetime customer.

I’m a longtime customer of Samy’s, mostly because they are nearby and usually have what I need. I find their prices to be higher than most other places, and their unwillingness to match prices found elsewhere is really a turnoff.
With todays ease of online shopping, you’d think there’d be incentive to shop locally, in person, not the other way around. I needed to make some prints for my book today, and sure enough, I was low on ink. If I was willing to wait a day for Amazon prime, I’d have saved $ 33.
Amazon (and B&H, and Adorama!) sells this ink pack, directly from Canon, for $ 103, shipped to my door. Samy’s sells it for $ 124, plus sales tax in Culver city and we’re at $ 136. I asked kindly if they’d match the price online, or even come down some — nope. You’d think as a frequent customer your loyalty would be valued, but really, Samy’s couldn’t care less. They’d happily lose the sale, and if I didn’t have a shoot on Friday, I’d have taken my business elsewhere.
It’s no secret, photography is an expensive career, but this kind of markup and service really leaves much to be desired. It’d take desperation to bring my business back to Samy’s; it’s the little things like this that speak volumes about a company. Thanks for the 25% markup!

What I love the most about Samy’s is Jerry. He is so personable, knowledgable, and honest. He Never steers me wrong. He understands my needs with my photography and always knows what lenses I should invest in. The first time I came here I met Jerry and on 1 or 2 other occasions I worked with other people and did not have the same experience. So now I will only go when he’s in. He’s just as loyal to me as I am to him. I bought 2 lensbaby lenses and I’m so excited to put them to use. Only ask for Jerry when you go to the culver city location. He’s simply the best and I always have so much fun with him. Thanks Jerry!!!

If you do not mind
1.over priced goods
2.rude, sarcastic, uneducated staff
3. a very unfriendly customer service policy then this is your store!
Why they are still in business is a mystery, The staff are so rude and sarcastic unless you are a celebrity or spending $ 1000 of dollars you can get it all on line cheaper and without the horrible attitude of even the managers! they are chasing away customers by the bus load.
4.interesting that the Bus. manager does not address the unhappy 1 star reviewers on Unilocal,only the 5 star, obviously he does not care about losing customers.
5.Buyer beware! they do not accept returns.

I went to purchase a camera flash for my Canon D70 which I also purchased at Samy’s.
Jerry Salizar assisted me in finding a flash within my budget for this camera. He was professional and knowledgeable. I was very happy that I found a flash that fit into my budget.
Thank you.

I must say it not easy to find good service these days. I went into Samys last week to shop for a point and shoot camera. David was great. I didn’t feel rushed which can happen sometimes. We talked about my different options and the prices. I haven’t made up my mind yet but when I do I’m definitely going back here to buy it.

I know these guys get bad reviews from time to time but I had a nice experience thanks to Jerry Salinas– who went out of his way to help me out.

These guys have good camera stuff, but I really have a hard time with how unfriendly two different experiences have been in sales.
First time, I came in pre-​vacation ready to drop $ 1500 on a Leica point and shoot digital. One guy tried to help me for 30 mins and make a decision between a few different cameras. The whole time I could feel he was frustrated with my questions and bothered by my inquiries. I ended up leaving without it because I’m not cool with sales people annoyed by my product decisions.
The second, I came in to pick up a tripod and some film for another camera with 20 mins to close. The staff was rushing me out of the store.
I try to support the smaller businesses, especially for a hobby like photography. But for this kind of attitude, I’d rather go to Amazon and save the money.

I came here in desperation. I tend to shop online and dislike having to drive «over the hill on the 405.» But, I needed to get a specific macro lens for my camera, and had been told this was the place to go. Alisa helped me — she was very patient, answered my questions, showed me the best set-​up for what I needed and never made me feel like the idiot I probably am with my own camera. She really knows her stuff, and did not try to over-​sell me. She mentioned that they offered private lessons and I might just sign up for one after the great experience I had. I will drive on the 405 for this place.

Came here to sell a camera that I no longer needed. The service was very good and was quoted an amount that was way less than what I was expecting but since I knew I was never going to use it and it didn’t make sense to continue to hold on to it I figured I wouldn’t complain and accept the amount they offered cause I wanted cash instead of trading the camera in. After the guy put all my camera information into the computer he told that the store didn’t have that amount of cash which was only $ 230 in the store and a check would have to be mailed and it can take any where from 7 to 15 business days to receive. I was a little hesitate cause I really wanted the money right then and due to the upcoming holidays I will be waiting closer to the 15 days. This is the only reason that I gave 4 stars cause I feel prior to them inputting all my information into their system they should have told me I wasn’t going to get cash that day

Came in today and David was very helpful and informative. He went over and beyond to help and it was greatly knoticed.

I walked into the store instantly greeted by sales associates in a pleasant, non-​aggressive manner which most are unable to accomplish. James the associate who assisted me had patience with my irritated and crying toddler. He explained products in detail with knowledge. He made my purchase feel as though I received more than I had purchased. A smile, great attitude and patience made me want to come back.

I love the service at this place. I dropped by 5 minutes before closing time to take care of the paperwork and the employees were super helpful. They could’ve turned me away because they were closing but instead, they made sure to finish helping me. We ended up finishing 30 minutes after they closed.
Super happy customer here.

I can’t say I’ve ever really had a bad experience at Samy’s, but I’ve definitely never had a good one.
Sales: Eh, it’s ok. The sales reps know their stuff, but they speak to you with the arrogance that you don’t know anything about photography. It takes a lot for me to hold back from asking ‘if you know so much more than me, why I am in the field today and you’re behind the counter?‘
Lab: Slow, never a guaranteed date for B&W processing. They told me my film would be ready in a week. I showed up today, a week later at 1:00pm. They told me to come back at 6pm, I asked ‘what time do you close?’, they replied 6:30. Why not just tell me to come in Saturday morning in the first place?
Just use
, similar pricing, free mailers, great communication, and same turn around.
Rentals (Hollywood): Service is good, but they freeze your credit card the retail amount of what you’re renting. That’s a huge deposit! Enterprise only puts a $ 200 hold and that’s for a car!
Pro Photo in Irvine has an awesome rentals department. Super friendly, answers all questions, and without the crazy deposit.

YOOOO ASK FOR BOBBY HES THE BEST.
listen up cuz this shit is magic.
I was about to spend 2k here for a Basic ass camera and I didn’t know anything about anything. then bobby came in with the cleanest words of wisdom, essentially he was like ‘you could get THIS CAMERA. ORR’ and he opened up my world and my mind about cameras n shit. did you know they had a 128 gig memory card in an SD? and did you know that the canon 5d mark III is actually not for videos mainly. it’s a camera for photography with amazing video qualities. now I have a camera that I’m going to use for my vlogs and my skits. I got the proper lighting equipment and microphones and I’m so glad I stopped by. and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing service i got from bobby.
super happy with my purchase. 100% would recommend and ask for bobby.

Manny in repairs is such a doll. I am a camera numbskull and he patiently helped me with the most elementary functions. Nathan is also excellent in sales, he helped me find an affordable but appropriate lens for my camera. Thanks Samy’s camera

Don’t read this updated review, unless you have read my previous review, otherwise this review won’t help you much.
I had planned to return home and leave a 4 Stars after Boyd, the store manager, took his time, replied to my review, and messaged me.
So I called the store and spoke to Boyd. He was explaining that he had things going on while he was on the phone with me yesterday, and that he now has a better understanding of my situation. In addition, he mentioned that he told his employees to make sure to be «more specific» on their return policies.
Boyd let me know that he has already pulled up the transaction, and he also said that he spoke to Jared (I believe his name is Jared), the Sales Manager who helped me, and that he can also help me when I get in the store.
So I go to the store, and it was after 4:30 PM, Boyd the store manager was already gone. I get a ticket # for the line, go to the counter, and Jared is there to help me. As he got to the counter, I asked him if he remembered me and that Boyd told me that he spoke to him.
He immediately had a really bad attitude with me, saying that told me 15 days, and then he was saying things like «I help you, you help me», with which I honestly did not understand where he was going with. The situation became really uncomfortable and awkward, because I told him that that’s simply not true, because he told me 30 days.
Should I be lying, I don’t want to wake up tomorrow! I don’t understand why he even brought it up, because there was absolutely no benefit in making the situation awkward and a bit tense.
So he looked at the lens, zero scratches, perfect condition, and it took him about 15 minutes for the return, until a co-​worker helped him to do so.
As I got back home, my sister asked me why I looked irritated, and I explained to her the story. She replied to me that even she remembered that the Gentleman said 30 days, and in that moment I realized that YES, my sister was even there with me on the 28^th of March.
Anyhow, I am giving 2 Stars for Boyd, who is a caring store manager, but I won’t be shopping at Samy’s, because:
— online you have a better selection
— return policies are typically better
— you don’t have to deal with employees who let out their mood on you
I would have rated 4 Stars if I hadn’t have to deal with that really awkward situation, and I really would have gone back in the future to give Samy’s another try.
Again, this is probably the first time in many, many years that I decide to return a product, and it should have not been such a complicated situation.
And no, I am not a spoiled individual, who has never worked in his life and has no experience in the work force. In fact, I have worked several years in different areas of retail, and whether I’ve been right or wrong, I never let my mood out on someone.
When you are dealing with a customer, whether honest or dishonest, and they are 100% certain of what they are telling you, you just don’t argue with them, and specially not when your store manager has already given the «Yes» for you to be taken care of.
And again, I should not wake up tomorrow if I lied about what I was told as to what the return policy was.
PS: B&H Video is what I recommend if Amazon has not already helped you

Today I went to buy a camera tripod at Samy’s Culver City and had a great experience. Awesome place and very helpful staff. Thanks a lot.
Will definitely recommend it.