Samy’s Camera

I’ve been shopping at Samy’s for years — both in Culver City and on Fairfax. The service has been good with knowledgeable salespeople. But, I was recently at the Fairfax store buying a printer and the service was exceptional and worthy of note. I had been given a price for a Canon printer at an earlier visit and when I returned to buy it, the price had gone up by $ 200. However, the salesman (Eddie Flores) successfully appealed to the manager to honor the earlier price. Eddie was also very smart and knew the strengths and weaknesses of all the printers. I left a very pleased customer with a heavy box and lighter wallet.

A great camera store. Not sure about their other locations because I know they have several more but this one has 4 floors of merchandise to sell and lots of staff. They have a Rental Dept, a Repair Dept, a Drone Dept AND even a Photo Lab, which is awesome! They serve your needs in all things film and photo. They also have a really pretty Leica booth on the 3^rd floor I suggest checking out.

It would be EXTREMELY helpful if the 4^th floor were open on Sunday or if you had more than one person who could assist with pro gear.

I called rentals and spoke to Nate Hope. I asked him for a recommendation for a lighting setup. I ended up renting the lights he recommended and it was perfect for our shoot. Incredibly happy with my experience, thank you!

The first time my husband and I came in we were helped by this really nice and knowledgeable associate. She was amazing. Went above and beyond.
The second time however, not so amazing.
We came with our kids and they behaved a lot better than I expected. We went to the fourth level because my husband wanted to take a look at some lights he wanted for work. I walked around with my kids and these two older white gentleman associates gave me the dirtiest looks. Why is beyond me but I can only think it was because either 1) I was there with my kids or 2) I am Latina.
We went to check out and we were waiting in line and this guy in flannel shirt cut in front and asked the cashier a question and then she proceeded to ring him up. I gave her a look like what the hell we were next and she just ignored me.
I wanted to leave as fast as possible I was very upset with just everything that I had experiences. I’m Latina and I’ve never felt racially profiled in a store until now.
Thanks a lot Samy’s associates for leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Never will i go back to this ill mannered stored.
The only positive was the sweet security guard. He called me miss.

Everyone is patient and helpful especially the people at the camcorder desk most specifically Carlos and the bald gentleman whose name I didn’t get. They are straight shooters and don’t try to upsell you any unnecessary products. Very knowledgeable and good at understanding the needs of the customer.

My camera gear and loyalty to this store just got a major upgrade!
Just had a pleasurable experience making some much-​needed camera gear purchases while being in the comforting and insanely knowledgable hands of Rebecca J. at the counter of the camera sales department (3^rd floor). Look her up if you are ever headed over there. She not only answered every question I had, but also gave me some fresh perspective-​pointers that gave me even more confidence in the purchase choices I made. Thanks again, Rebecca, and thank you Samy’s!

I’ve had two experiences with Samy’s Camera, both being very pleasant and helpful. Ostensibly, you will save money buying at Samy’s as they have demo models of select cameras that you can «road test.» You can read all the reviews on the ‘net you want that might help you dial-​in your choices. However, until you actually get the device in your hands and really play with the controls, look through the viewfinder or at the LCD screen, feel the ergonomics, assess the speed and responsiveness of the AF, try the image stabilization and video capabilities and other utilities, you won’t be close to fully informed.
I’d like to give a «shout-​out» to both April and Mike «the water housing guy» Nelson at the Fairfax store for their excellent customer service and insight. Admittedly, some of the questions I posed were esoteric and, therefore, not easy to answer. I also appreciated their attentiveness to details of the inquiries. The fact that they seemed only to have my interests in mind, without regard to making a sale, made me feel valued as a consumer. I can not speak about other salespersons at Samy’s as I have only worked with April and Mike. If you talk with them, I am confident you will have a good, productive encounter, as well.

My one stop solution for those typical last minute film production related nightmares. If you need any help, touch base with PJ or Carlos at the video dept. They are just phenomenal– always helpful, nice and knowledgeable.

I went in to Samy’s L.A. to buy a couple of SLR camera bodies and while waiting to be served, one of their staff apparently mistook me for someone else and started berating me, loudly and in front of every customer ahead of and behind me, for «coming back to return more stuff.» Never mind that I wasn’t even carrying any goods, almost never shop there, and have never returned any of the few things I’ve ever bought there.
I was so shocked and embarrassed I didn’t even think to protest or defend myself. Even worse, like a dumb robot, when it was my turn I still bought the two cameras I came for, when what I really should have done was flip off the asshole and walk out the door.
Thanks for reminding me why it’s better to just shop online from B&H/Adorama and put up with the cross-​country shipping time. Prices lower than Samy’s, no-​fuss customer service, and no tax either. I’d sooner gouge out my own eyeballs with a hot poker, rendering me photographically useless, than ever set foot in Samy’s ever again.

Carlos in sound is great, helped me a lot. Awesome store, everyone is incredibly helpful. Highly recommend for your camera needs.

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.

All you want and more.
If you’re in the industry or you just don’t want to get choppy answers from the teenagers that work at Best Buy, come here. These guys know their stuff. It was my first time at this location and I was impressed by the size and variety they offer.
It’s the go-​to place for camera & video equipment!

I don’t normally post reviews of places, but I wanted to share a common experience I’ve had with Samy’s in LA. This isn’t to complain about their product selection or prices, but their customer service. And I don’t mean to lump all their employees together.
I’ve been a photographer for many years as both a pro and hobbyist. Most of my gear purchasing and research I do online, just to avoid places like Samy’s. Recently I have been looking at getting into Medium Format cameras and am finding there are a lot of options. After reading a million opinions online, I went to Samy’s to see hands on some cameras.
I went to their upstairs pro department. A sales guy immediately came up to offer help, which was nice. I told him of my query in medium format and his sharp immediate response, «medium format starts at $ 10,000,» and stopped. I don’t know if it was my lack of fancy clothes or not knowing the secret handshake, but my question hinted nothing about price, but wanting advice on options. How does the Pentax compare to a Hasselblad? «Pentax starts at $ 7,000. The Hasselblad starts at $ 10,000, and you’ll need a lens.» Ok, what about image quality? Control… why Hasselblad? Again, he met me with price answers. In other words, I felt like he was using his BS detector to tell me that I wasn’t a serious customer and that he won’t get a commission from me.
All this to say, I like to think I’m a serious customer and if I’m to shell out $ 10,000 there, I’d like to think they will show me more than the price tag. Occasionally I meet sales guys that actually take the time to tell me about the camera beyond it’s price, but more often than not… I get the attitude guy who tells me the price as a way of telling me to scram.
Samy’s, you’re part of the last stand in brick and mortar stores. Earn your keep by respecting people coming in…

I have been going to Samy’s for years. I have always had a good experience with their Rental Department. But today I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca in Sales. Not only was she friendly, her experience and insight helped me find the perfect camera for my needs. I never felt like she was ‘selling’ me anything. On the contrary, her only interest was making sure I left with the proper gear. I would highly recommend Samy’s to anyone in need of good photo equipment and even better advice.
Thank you!
JF

I wrote the below review. I was contacted by Mike Kempler the Rental Manager from Samy’s. He was apologetic and said he would speak with the associate about the trouble I had. He also offered to help make things right. It is nice to know that Samy’s cares enough to resolve issues. Thank you, Mike, I can now feel better about working with my local camera store and not have to hump it to the Valley. I’m looking forward to me next visit and giving Samy’s a higher rating.
Why is it that when you rent from Samy’s you are made to feel belittled. After pointing out that the deposit exceeded the cost of a new camera by double they reduced the deposit, reluctantly. I asked if I could check the camera to make sure it was working, the rental agent said sure, as if I were holding the line behind me. I guess they can’t deal with two customers at once? Then the contract they wanted me to sign was wrong. They reluctantly fixed the mistake and at that point my rental agent was pissed at me. It’s a shame the they have such a poor attitude. Samy’s, yeah, it’s a last resort.

Samys Rentals is a classic example of a company that has gotten so big they forget to upgrade or pay attention to customer service. That’s why as a producer who’s always renting gear for shoots they are the LAST option.
You’re basically paying way more for s***y service. There’s nothing can-​do about these guys. Everything takes ages and often w surly attitude.
In contrast to a place like Line 204 whose costumer service is off the charts and they’re prices super reasonable.
It’s a small thing but it shows their lack of detail… the perforated receipts they still use. Besides being a waste of paper, they are impossible to read and decipher. Six years ago I asked about them and they said they are redoing the system. It’s now late 2015 and the same terrible pink receipts.

This was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had when purchasing camera gear. This was my very first time coming to Samy’s Camera. My dad told me to visit after he saw an ad from them-​so I did. Right when I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by general staff members and told to go the the 3^rd floor to get the D810. And I want to just say that this place is a SANCTUARY for anyone interested in photography. If you are looking to buy a camera or any accessories in the camera department, make sure you go see Mike Dionne!!!
He is the most friendly and caring worker that I have had the pleasure in meeting and was more than willing in helping me find the right gear for the right price. He spent over an hour with me just to consult me on the D810 and recommended several portrait lenses that I didn’t even think of! He even let me try out the 135 mm and 105 mm lens to compare the difference between the two.
On top of that, he helped me pick out a camera bag, tripod, memory cards, and even set-​up my camera right away after the purchase. If you are a newcomer to photography or even a seasoned veteran, I highly, highly recommend that you go see Mike Dionne.
He was simply amazing.

I have been a customer of Samy’s Camera for 25 years, but honestly I was going to go online to buy the new camera equipment for my next documentary project and was only going to Samy’s to test out a lens first to see if I liked it. So I went to Samy’s today with the intention of testing out the equipment only, then planned to go home and buy it online from a competitor to save on tax, get the best price, etc.
What I didn’t count into that equation was that I would walk in and be greeted by the ULTRA-​FRIENDLY and INCREDIBLY-​KNOWLEDGEABLE Kelly Bonsack. Her INTUITIVENESS and SKILL at guiding me in the right direction for what I was looking for, as well as spending nearly 2 HOURS with me made all the difference in the world. After the first 5 minutes spent with Kelly, I knew that I had to reward her efforts by purchasing the package from Samy’s. I was thrilled to see that Samy’s prices were the same as the online competitor, but what I received, more than anything, was the personal knowledge and strategizing that Kelly provided, that I would never have received if I had purchased the package online. From now on, whenever I need anything camera-​related, I’m going to Kelly Bonsack at Samy’s!

The only reason why I’m giving this place a 5 stars is because of CARLOS and Cat.
Carlos was Very helpful and knowledgable in his department (3^rd floor) he was ready to help us out in any way possible! And I ended up buying the perfect gift for my Dad.
Cat on the other hand was very knowledgable with pro cameras such as the PHASEONE, which was a cool experience to have her take us upstairs and actually have us look at the $ 35 000 camera without being judgmental.
Thank you guys for being such great sales person!
Made our day very interesting.
I hope those two get taken care of by their employers.

Dank des (momentan) günstigen Dollarkurses lohnt es sich in den USA mal nach Foto-​Equipment zu kaufen. Die Preise liegen deutlich unter denen in Europa. Teilweise so weit, dass sich die Verzollung nach Deutschland lohnt. Einer der größten Läden in L.A. ist Samys, die mehrere Läden haben. Aber der in der Fairfax ist mit Abstand der größte. Auf drei Etagen bekommt man alles, was das Herz begehrt. Von kleinen Knipsen bis zu riesigen Mittelformatkameras. Man kann auch Equipment leihen. Wer also mal zwei 500er Lampen mit Travel Pack braucht, wird hier schnell fündig. Eigentlich ist der Laden ein kleiner Traum — wenn da nicht zwei Dinge wären:
1. Die exorbitant hohen Preise
2. Die sagenhaft unfreundlichen Verkäufer, deren schlecher Ruf schon fast legendär ist, wenn man den Bewertungseiten in den USA glauben mag.
Meine Erfahrungen mit Samys sind auch sehr gemischt. Bei meinem ersten Besuch nahm man sich Zeit, erklärte mir ein paar Dinge, aber der Verkäufer wurde auch leicht ungeduldig, als ich mich nicht so recht entscheiden konnte. Der zweite Besuch war eine Katastrophe. Der Verkäufer redete nicht mir sondern knallte mir die Objektive, die ich mir anschauen wollte, einfach auf den Tisch. Dann ging er weg. Preise nannte er erst nach mehrfacher Nachfrage und sichtlich genervt. Das hat mich dann vom Kauf abgehalten. Wenn man allerdings genau weiß, was man haben will, und wenn es Equipment ist, was man eher selten bekommt, dann ist man bei Samys richtig. Nur die hohen Preise muss man halt schlucken.