Looking Glass Photo & Camera

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jen to gear up before a trip of a lifetime photographic safari to Kenya.

I can't say enough positive things about Jen. I'm located in Colorado, and have never stepped foot in Looking Glass (although next time I'm in the Bay Area I will!). Jen was patient, knowledgeable, and happy to educate me to the level I was comfortable at on any day during our discussions! She initially set up a Zoom with me to get to know more about me and what I was looking for, both in what I wanted to get out of the safari photos and what my current skill level is (we spent time going into more depth on certain subjects, and on others, such as protective filters, Jen gave me a quick instruction in the basics - e.g., why UV filters aren't necessary for mirrorless cameras).
We had numerous email exchanges as I continued to ask questions, and Jen patiently answered them (while also trying to make sure she guided me but didn't influence me into something that wouldn't be what I wanted). She made it possible for me to get a lens, in time for the trip, that I'm excited about using and that I hope will provide me with the opportunity to achieve the kind of photos I aspire to take. She provided advice about some decisions based on her own experiences (such as...accidents happen, and electronics fail. Have backups for everything possible.) She also appreciated my attempts to minimize my impact on the environment, both by trying to help me find a photography backpack that was designed and built with environmental concerns in mind (we were both bummed that we failed with this...while there are a couple of pack companies out there that at least mention how they are trying to be environmentally responsible, the packs they offered just didn't meet the specs I needed for my gear) and also working with me to minimize shipping to help reduce environmental footprint. Yes, I realize that traveling around the world to take photos has a high carbon footprint, but I would like to do my best to reduce this everywhere I can, particularly when I'm going to see animals that are so impacted by climate change.

To sum everything up, Jen set up multiple Zooms with me (I've seen parts of the inside of Looking Glass via Zoom as she showed me packs and even tried them on to show me how they would fit her), had multiple phone calls with me, and multiple email exchanges. She was always cheerful and wanted to make sure I was happy with what I wound up purchasing! She put in a lot of effort to help research what would work for me, as well as spending time with me educating me and helping me make my decisions. She is an expert in her field, having hands on experience with the gear and she was happy to teach me about the technical aspects while helping me decide.

I hope to have some amazing photos to share with her in about a month!

I really enjoyed this visit to the store. They are very knowledgeable and they have patience with you. While you take your time and explore the tools really well, worth a visit and you should buy some of their product

Incredibly well stocked photography store with very kind people to help you. They no longer do passport photos and apparently the tech behemoths that run these review sites require extortion level payments from the biz to make any update to that effect. So that’s why I am here telling you to get your passport photos from a ups store, and the patronize Looking Glass for all your camera and photo printing needs. We gotta support and treasure these local businesses because we’re lucky to have them! Free parking behind the store, just past osh entrance.

4-4-2023- I went into the store early this morning. I have a digital camera and was looking for a strap as well as a desk pole mount so I can use my camera for making videos as well as a webcam. I spoke to Bill. He was GREAT! He took his time with me and helped to explain what all my choices (and limitations) would be for what I want to do and I was able to ultimately find what I was looking for. While I was there I also looked at a bit larger bag than the onle I have, but at the time of the writing of this review it was simply out of my budget. I felt like Bill treated me with my smaller purchase just the same as if I was spending $2,000.

Finally, with the prices, I did not feel like I was being way over charged just because it was a camera store. In fact, the camera mount was $10 cheaper than the one I was planning on buying online!

So, I highly recommend These folks because you will get great service and merchandise for a fair price!

The Staff here are fantastic and knowledgeable about the products. The person I met at the door, Cha, helped me through the whole transaction and made sure that I was ready to take a photo with the camera I just bought before I walked out the door. The POS system made some kind of doubling up Error on the insurance I purchased but Darcy was able to help fix it immediately. I have not yet taken a picture with my new camera and I'm already very satisfied with the customer service I received and with 5 years of accident insurance on my camera I'm sure I will be back if anything happens (or if I need another toy).

I don't think there's any other camera shops like this around... helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. I'm usually an online shopper but I also like to put my hands on things before I buy them "IF" I can find a place that carries them. So I did a search for nearby camera shops and found the Looking Glass... My first visit was to find a 50mm lens for my Canon 5D Mark 4. Even though I was leaning towards the f1.2, I went with the f1.4 as was recommended by weighing out the pros and cons. My next visit was to look for a new video mic. My Rode video mic was causing noise when using the Wi-Fi on the Mark 4. So I was looking to get the Rode videomic pro plus which they had in stock, but the guy helping me wanted to make sure it was the mic before he sold me a new one. We tested another go mic and it still made noise. Then we test the pro plus on my camera and the noise was gone. I've been back a few other times to buy batteries, a new tripod, and every time I get the same ol' thing... great customer service.

Jen and team are amazing! I ordered a lens online to be shipped to me. The staff were so communicative about my order, it arrived very quickly. Jen provided really helpful guidance as well about choosing a filter to protect the lens. Looking forward to purchasing from The Looking Glass again in the future.

Been coming here for a few years as a total newbie to film photography as I’m picking it up as a hobby. Everyone I’ve interacted with has been so helpful in answering my questions, helping my troubleshoot, and getting me the film and supplies I need. Really amazing business! Love going in.

I really enjoyed speaking to the folks who work here. With their insights, not only do I feel confident about the gear they recommended, they also gave me tips for low light shooting and exposure. Highly recommend. (NOTE: you need to go to the big parking lot for this plaza - there is no entrance on the Ashby Ave side of the store)

Great store. One of the few that still offer masks for customers if needed. Really kind staff, tho i wish they carried more Fuji

I was pleasantly surprised by the good customer service at the camera store. I'd stopped by a few other camera stores and received mediocre customer service and didn't end up purchasing the new camera I was seeking . I was initially put off by the mask requirement, but it's their store so they can do what they want and they provided a free mask

Shea (sp?) was an absolute delight. She was very patient and took the time to show me many different camera options. She asked about what I was looking for, my experience and price point. I believe she truly wanted me to get a camera that suits my needs. She even called me back post sale to let me know the screen protector I had wanted was back in stock. When I came in for the screen protector Shea took the time to install it for me. Couldn't be happier!

Such a warm and pleasant experience just being at the store. The staff is very friendly and the ambience of the store is welcoming. There's a great variety of products to shop and try out, and there are experts helping you make the best purchasing decisions. I even had a jammed SD card in my camera, and they helped me get it out free of charge! I love this store

Such a great family-owned shop! They have an awesome product selection, tons of services (e.g., repair shop, classes, rentals), and simply delightful staff! For everything I checked, their prices are the same as what you would get at Best Buy or on Amazon... But they offer way better assistance with product selection and ongoing support than you'll ever get at a big box store. Please make sure to give these folks your business. They deserve it!

Not only a photographer's store, Looking Glass Photo is a great place for people who want to take better pictures. The staff is very helpful and does a terrific job of coaching their customers into getting better results from their equipment. Their prices are very competitive and when you factor in the value of the expertise, shopping here becomes an obvious choice when compared to buying online.

If you need equipment and want to buy it from people who really understand how to use it, come here.

The atmosphere was largely nitrogen with about 20 percent oxygen and a smattering of other gases. Any more inane suggested review topics from Google's automated review query system?

Actually this is one of the last great camera shops in the Bay area. They are well stocked with a large variety of photography equipment and have a very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Lots of classes and other events. Get on their mailing list if you have any interest in photography. Buy stuff here so they stay in business. It won't cost more than online and they have manufacturers events that offer lower prices unavailable anywhere else. This is a good place.

I'm new to film and wanted to support a local shop (screw Amazon.) Found these guys by simply Googling and bought me a pack of reasonably priced Portra 400's. The Gent at the counter was super helpful and despite not being able to browse the store, made me feel welcomed. We need to support shops like this. I cannot wait to browse at their location when this nightmare is over. Stay strong fellas. The analog community needs you!

UPDATE: Added some photos I developed from the film purchased.

I've been looking for a rental darkroom place in the bay since the one I used to go to in SF closed, this place is great! The staff are really friendly and helpful and they have good rates for the rental darkroom/film processing. It is a large store with all kind of photo equipment, but I especially appreciate their large in-store selection of film, photo paper, and darkroom equipment that I haven't seen in any other store. I will definitely be back!

I have been living in the Bay for about 6 months, and in that time I have visited this store quite a bit. At first to get a feel for the place and the staff before I purchased anything. A few things I have noticed about Looking Glass.

1. None of the staff is every pushy to make a sale, and even they don't "close" the sale they haven't ever given me the impression that they had better things to do or dismissed me.

2. They know their gear! None of that Best Buy i'll read the description of the product to you and hope that is enough to get you to buy it. They actually use the gear they sell. I dislike when sales people try to sell me something they do not use, or have no clue about. These guys shoot photos.

3. It's like going to that friends house who had all the cool toys for you to check out and sometimes play with.

All in all if you are in Oakland, want to meet other photographers, need a new camera or repairs, I personally urge you to check this place out.

Needed last minute disposables and grabbed two from them no problem! Brought them back and they were able scan onto a CD (they can do flashdrive too, I just forgot mine lol) and give my my negatives intact and neatly 'filed'. Quick service and friendly staff, v responsive over e-mail.

I cannot say enough positive about Looking Glass’s very knowledgeable and helpful staff.

I had a memory card failure. They recovered 300+ images that I thought might be lost forever. My thanks for their help and professionalism!

Also, their prices are the same as online! Why on earth would you buy anywhere else?

I also attended a class there. Excellent and very helpful.