Josh Blum

I bought all the equipment for my podcast room from Samy's Camera, and the experience was amazing. They had everything I needed in stock, and their customer service was top notch. The staff was super helpful they gathered everything for me, brought it out, and loaded it into my car. On top of that, they gave me a great price and even threw in an extra discount. Same day pickup, great selection, and outstanding service highly recommend!

Tiffany Mortensen

Always my go-to for gear and repairs! Richard is fantastic—super helpful and always willing to give my camera a quick clean during my visit. I really value his advice when it comes to my gear. I recently bought a new flash there. Samy’s considers Godox flashes essentially disposable because there's no support from the Chinese company, which can be frustrating. That said, they’re still a solid choice compared to much more expensive brands that aren’t always more reliable.

Michael Bezman

I’m so glad I found Samy’s Camera after moving to Park La Brea. It’s just a short walk away, and finally—I have a proper photo lab nearby! I recently dropped by to develop some film rolls, and Richard helped me out. He’s been working there for over 10 years, managing the department, and is one of the friendliest, most knowledgeable people I’ve met in any camera store. He walked me through the process, helped me set up my account on their system, and even gave me a 10% discount on my order. Film was dropped off and ready within 24 hours—super fast and efficient. This place is a gem. Honestly, it might be the last true photography store of its kind in California. So if you’re thinking of buying camera gear, film, accessories—whatever—get it here instead of Amazon. Support the local legends keeping film and photography alive. Highly recommend!

Evan Guston

Just picked up my new RF 85 1.2 mm lens. Upgraded for my old one. Scott Bloom at Samy‘s helped me again! I’ve been dealing with him forever. He’s super helpful. Can’t wait to use the new upgrade… Picked up an another canon R6 body. This one is the Mark II, supposed to be greater than the R6 which I already love! Can’t air to try it!!

+4

World Traveler - Jaime Lim

I needed to get something quick and fast. The representative or salesman was very knowledgeable and friendly. Sammy’s Camera is a one stop shop for all your camera accessories and equipment. Come by and check it out. They are a bit expensive so ask first before buying a name brand item. They also have used items for sale. Overall Sammy’s is the place to go..!

+11

They didn't have what I was looking for but, as Michael Ellis pointed out, a well laid out shop. Spent extra time browsing the camera museum and photos on the walls. Staff was helpful, even if I walked away empty handed. Definitely keeping them in mind for future needs.

Michael Ellis

I recently visited Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles and was impressed by the facility itself. It is a really nice space that is thoughtfully organized across multiple floors to cater to different creative needs. Whether you are looking for lighting, video equipment, or traditional still photography gear, the layout makes sense and the product displays are well put together and easy to browse. The buying process for new gear is efficient. The staff members I spoke with were helpful and clearly knowledgeable about the items in stock, which made the experience smooth. It is definitely a great place to stop by if you want to get your hands on the latest equipment. However, I did have one notable downside regarding their trade-in process. Their valuation for used gear is not competitive compared to other major name-brand companies. In my case, their offer fell short by about $300 to $400 (which was not used retail). When I showed an associate the legitimate competitive offer I had received elsewhere, they simply dismissed it and told me to just go with the other company. It was disappointing to see a lack of willingness to work with a customer who had a documented, better offer. Aside from the trade-in experience, it’s a solid shop with a great selection. I would recommend it for new purchases, but you might want to look elsewhere if you are trying to get top dollar for your used equipment.

silverperzon

Just stopped here the other day. Friendly folk on all floors. The gentleman on the 3rd floor by the Fujifilm and Panasonic counter went through the trouble of tracking down a kit within the store that I was after and got everything I requested. Smooth transactions! Also happy to learn that some of the staff on the 3rd floor was bilingual, so that may be of aid to other potential customers. The only downside and reason for my 4 stars was the lack of visible pricing on most items and low inventory... You'd either have to find pricing on their online site or ask the staff, which kinda slows down the purchasing process. Watching old videos of the store, it was packed to the gills with inventory, nowadays you can see all 4 walls unobstructed with only glass cases around the room containing select models of cameras/items. Plenty of film stock, but not many film cameras to choose from aside from the 2 Canon AE-1 models, disposable cameras and some modern Polaroids, that were visible. Good experience, just wish the inventory wasn't so sparse. However, if I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely stop by!

Ángela S

Richard seemed so uninterested in helping me with a camera repair. My dad had shopped here years ago and he recommended going here for a repair. When it was my turn he just gave me a stare and said nothing until I went up and handed him my camera. I explained what was wrong with my camera and he looked at it and said “just buy a new one” with no explanation. Not sure if he doesn’t like working with younger customers, because the girl in front of me was also around my age (20s) and every time she talked he looked at her annoyed. Giving two stars because everyone on the first floor was nice and at least looked like they wanted to be there. I ended up fixing my camera somewhere else.

Jens Tulio

I don’t normally write negative reviews, but my experience at this store with their associate Manny, on the 3rd floor, left a sour taste in my mouth. I was prepared to purchase a different camera and gear after getting my Sony a6400 appraised and sold. I didn’t realize the battery in the camera had completely died prior to bringing it in. Manny didn’t hide the annoyance on his face and even chuckled, likening me bringing in the camera to “trying to sell a car with a dead battery.” I explained that I didn’t realize it was dead and that the battery was fine (it still is.) He then took the camera without another word to plug it in, then came back, immediately got on the computer, and didn’t say another word until, “it’s $400.” I kindly let him know that I would be taking this business elsewhere because I didn’t appreciate the attitude, and he got the final word in with “make sure it’s charged for the next person.” I left completely turned off and surprised by this interaction. Until today, I would recommend this store to friends and associates - I will not be coming back for a long time, nor recommend that anyone do business here for the foreseeable future, because of this experience.

jordano leal

Been here multiple times bought, lenses, equipment and accessories. But recently, i went to sell a digital camera with a few lenses i no longer use. The guy on the 3rd floor (who im not going to name) was very unprofessional and unkind; Awkward and with a judgmental facial expression as as if he weren't interested in helping me with the process. Perhaps he was too entertained with a conversation he was having with a coworker of his, that it bothered him that i was asking for a service. The process was unsettling and left kinda confused/ perplexed on how he could've been more polite and attentive. Overall, I will continue to purchase from this store online and in person, but not taking my stuff to sell here. Just felt awkward.

Honestly wish I could say something good about Samy’s Camera. I’m all for supporting local/small businesses but I really hope online shopping puts these guys out of business. This place is great as it offers a variety with one of the biggest inventories in LA. It is also a great place if you want to feel discriminated against or if you want to feel like dealing with high nose people. I’m Asian, and I am not one to be offended easily but I was there to buy myself a Fuji GFX100RF along with some other goodies for my Dad while he was visiting town. It wasn’t busy but I was waiting patiently to get some help while one of the workers was helping out a fellow worker on something and as soon as a white gentleman came up next to me, I was told that “someone will be right with me” and proceeded to help the other gentleman… One redeeming thing about this place is that there are some cool and really nice people working at this place but I’ve had more bad experiences than good.

UPDATE : DO NOT BUY FROM SAMY’S CAMERA 🚨 Thank you for responding here, apparently faster on Google Reviews than by email. During a purchase attempt in the store, $2,950 (≈ €2,500) were reserved from my account while the transaction appears as “declined” in Samy’s system. The money left my account, yet the store claims they never received it. It has now been over two weeks trying to resolve this situation. My bank has officially confirmed that the funds were authorized and transmitted. The issue is not on my bank’s side. The transaction is blocked at the acquirer / payment processor level (the system that manages the store’s card terminals). To trace the transaction, my bank provided an ARN code, which allows the merchant’s payment processor to locate the payment and release the funds. The only action required is for Samy’s accounting team to contact their payment processor and trace the ARN. Unfortunately, I never received a reply to my detailed emails, and my bank also attempted to contact Duk from their accounting department without success. After more than two weeks, I am still trying to recover $2,950 with no real progress.

Truth Hurts

NOT GOOD. We bought several D batteries from Samys and they were all old and none worked. We rented an important camera lens for our shoot and it was defective. We used to love renting from this place, but unfortunately it's gone down hill. There are other camera places. Avoid Sharegrid too.

Matt Curaming

This location is unbelievable and disappointing. I was trying to get a product that explicitly stated a 2 item limit on the website so I drive to the Fairfax location trying to get the product. When I get there, I get this nonsense “in-store specific policy” that they can only sell 1 item as a limit. It was not really a store policy and apparently it’s at manager’s discretion and they might be able to sell 2 with verbal approval. Lo and behold with my luck, per the employee selling me the product, the manager recently stepped away for a coffee or something. Now I’m stuck getting no approval. I ended up getting 1 item since this “policy” prevented me from getting 2. I give the employee my information so that they can get back to me to see if it’s possible to buy that additional one. I get a call a few hours later with an exuberance in my voice that it was approved by the manager. I tell the employee that I am picking it up a few hours later in the afternoon because I was occupied at the time of the call. I figured, hey, he literally has a piece of paper with my full name and number on it so he’s going to place a hold on it after saying I will swing by (which they do state in the website you can reserve to place on hold). They also cannot take the payment over the phone so I’m trusting this guy. That was my biggest mistake. Also, side note…. what a miracle that a non-written “policy” was lifted. Anyway, it took me about 20 minutes to drive to the store, gleeful and thankful, that I was going to get it. GUESS WHAT?! The employee, in fact, did NOT hold the item and I drove there for naught. I am at my last straw with this location, it’s so sad because the actual company is overall great, it’s just that this branch is not. I’ve purchased & picked up for people in this location and it always bugged me that some employees didn’t seem like they want to be there and some were even snobby when I was inquiring info about film cameras. I let these instances go because I figured all establishments have those going on and no one/no place is perfect but this most recent experience is again the last straw. Employee at the LA location stared at me and that’s it. I am all out of luck, I guess… good luck on the drive back home EMPTY-HANDED and your tail between your legs. Didn’t even call the manager out or anything. Not really expecting compensation, but an apology and mistake being acknowledged with the ridiculous “policy” would’ve been great at the time. Now I am just filled with resentment. I do not care if you’re a local and love this location, I advise you to go to the Pasadena or Santa Ana location because guess what?!?! There is a PART 2 to this story! I called the Pasadena location, they can reserve TWO items AS STATED IN THEIR WEBSITE BECAUSE THAT IS THE ACTUAL WRITTEN POLICY. Thank goodness for the chill and helpful employees at the Pasadena location. I hope they thrive in success and continue to provide excellent service. Samy’s Pasadena is lucky to have them. I’m just one person and it won’t make a difference, I guess, but I am incredibly disappointed at the level of service at the Fairfax location and will not be a returning customer here. Ending this saga got me thinking, IT IS SO HARD TO FIND AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE THESE DAYS.

Victor Dombrovskiy

Purchased a Phase One digital back from Samy’s Camera. The unit failed within their stated 30-day return/repair window. Despite multiple emails and follow-ups, Samy’s Camera ignored my requests and did not honor their own policy. Very disappointing support for such an expensive, professional product. I would be cautious purchasing high-end equipment here.