Roberts

If I could put 0 stars I would I have been going to Roberts a very long time because of there photo center but sadly my last two orders have taken for ever and when I call they have given bad attitude and really bad attention towards customer

I’ve loved camera stores since I was a kid. As photographic retail outlets become fewer and fewer, it’s pretty obvious that the age of the internet has taken its toll. There are only a few big ones out there now — namely B&H in Chicago and Adorama in New York. These places have both brick and mortar and a huge «mail-​order» catalogue of products. I’ve been a Roberts customer for probably a couple of decades. In that time I’ve bought entire systems of cameras and lenses for personal use along with lots of products and supplies for work. Over the years I’ve bought most of my equipment from Roberts as a way to show support for the now only brick and mortar camera shop in Indianapolis.
No more. I’m done with Roberts.
I had such a rotten experience in the used equipment department last week that I’ll never go back. I had a massive fleck of something on the inside of a recently purchased lens. My question was about how to approach Sony regarding the problem with the lens. Most of the conversation had to do with the strong supposition on the part of the Roberts guy that I simply had a dirty sensor (I did not). The interaction, which took about 60 seconds could be described as: not helpful, disinterested, irritating, insulting, pompous and most of all — dismissive. I won’t waste another second on this review, nor will I ever set foot in Roberts again. There is nothing there that I can’t get through the internet, just as fast, at the same or better price and with an infinitely better customer experience.

I have no business buying a camera and, yet, here I am trying to buy a (low end, used) camera to see if I can really pick this hobby up and play around with things I’ve only been reading about. I came to Roberts not knowing anything and with a lot of questions. Tim spent a fair amount of time answering my newbie questions, not rushing me, and seemed happy to show me things I wouldn’t have even known to ask. I thought I knew what I wanted, but after getting my price point and goals, he made recommendations that I’m looking forward to getting & think I’ll be much happier with. I’m also looking forward to taking a class here once I do buy that camera!

I have shopped here a couple of times with questions and let me say… asking these people questions was like asking why wont there mother get a sex change or something on that point.
they get bent out of shape for my questions.
one time I brought in a Sony Alfa serious with 3 different lenses and said I was interested in a trade in upgrade understanding I may have to pay more. Salesman rolled his eyes blindly reached in the case grabbed the first camera his hand touched without looking and said «here» I asked about a lens he said its extra. I replied «im really sorry that I bothered you with my questions and willing to buy, have a nice day» his response was «whatever» and rolled his eyes.
I returned a couple months later and asked about lenses and said 500 was my budget what does he do… shows me a 2500 dollar lens, I asked about used and he pointed to the used section and didnt say a word… how rude
I decided to buy a part from him besides to buy online yesterday, when I said I wanted to look around he refused to give me the part thinking I was going to steal it!
Im NOT kidding! these guys are so rude BUT im sure if I was able to afford there items my experience would be so different or if my knowledge was more vast I would have had a different experience

I keep trying to like Roberts, but in the end I just can’t. The store still smells weird and it’s been open for a couple of years. The customer service is very hit and miss. I was in on Saturday trying to find a better zoom lens only to be shown lenses that were more than double what I was willing to pay. I’m an amateur photographer that shoots for fun. Are my pictures good enough for people to pay for them? Yes, I choose not to charge. After arriving home, I find that there were options in my price range and at Roberts, but they just didn’t feel like showing them to me. The guy that helped us was very condescending. My daughter wanted to look at some lower end cameras. He acted like it was the worst thing he was going to have to do that day. So, we left without buying anything.
After researching and finding a lens that would work and within my price range, I went back to Roberts to buy it. I want to support the local business. Same jerk was working at the Canon counter. I turned-​around and left and ordered it online.

Found a D800 body they were selling on eBay. Called in to ask more about it. After deciding to buy they pulled it off eBay since i was going to come in later that day. They worked me me a little on the price, They also looked through all of their used inventory to help me find a lens that matched the body and was what i was looking for. I also got a little money off the lens for purchasing both together. The staff in the used department was a pleasure to work with. They have a 2 week return policy for all used gear and also a 6 month warranty so if something breaks or isn’t working correctly they will honor the warranty. I love this! you can only get that from a few places.
The location is contently located on the north side of downtown, a couple blocks off 65.
I haven’t bought anything from them in the new department, i haven’t used any other services of this location but i have in the carmel office and all my experiences were great.

The salesman that assisted me made me feel so much better about being a beginner. I had no idea what type of lens I needed and if I was going to be able to buy it because of the expense, but he helped me find it, explained it, and even offered a first time customer discount.
Now that I understand it and am feeling more familiar with camera lens and equipment, I will definitely be going back for more great buys and also rentals.

Purchased a pre-​owned camera in «very good» condition, paid a very fair competitive price (well over $ 1500). I received the camera and checked the shutter count, it had a 719,000 count! I returned it (after they apologized profusely) and was offered a better camera in «excellent» condition for $ 150 more. I took the chance. Received the second camera and the hot shoe was completely crushed and inoperable, sent back for a full refund. Not sure who is rating their pre-​owned products but I do not recommend purchasing ANYTHING from this company. How do they not see the obvious damage? It took me 30 seconds to notice.

It’s important to mention that I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever entered Roberts, and that includes their previous location. This isn’t for lack of wanting, but instead because I didn’t have the money for all the shiny, new toys I wanted; I’ve been a frequent renter of lenses for years, and had found much cheaper means online.
The day finally came where my finances were in order and I had a decision to make: do I rent a lens that I know I love 2 – 3 times within the next two months, or do I finally purchase it outright? At this point, I’ve put about half of the total cost into renting already.
The result? #treatyoself
As the lens was the same price on Amazon as in-​store, it didn’t make any sense to purchase via Prime and wait two days to have it shipped (with mandatory signature-​upon-​delivery), so I immediately headed to Roberts after work.
It was difficult, to say the least, not to crane my neck in every direction and talk myself into buying even more fun toys and gear (which, don’t get me wrong — I’ll probably be doing later this month).
I found my pretty lens in the glass display case and was helped, after gazing for a few minutes, by Phil. Phil asked if I had any interest in taking a longer look at/​testing out the lens before purchasing. No thank you, Phil, I have rented this lens several times. I’m a woman who knows what she wants!
While Phil disappeared into the back, I stood staring at the rack of filters, trying to find the polarizing filter I’d added to my Amazon wish list, without any luck. It looked like the circumference I needed was sold out.
Phil reappeared to try and help me find the filter I was looking for and instead suggested an upgrade that was about $ 50 more than I had planned to spend on that piece of glass. Granted, I was already spending a boatload of money on this lens and $ 50 shouldn’t matter much at all at that point, but my heart still sank a little.
«Well, how much did you see this filter for online?» I told him. A couple of quick keystrokes in the system, and Phil confirmed that he could sell me the filter for the same price as I had seen on Amazon — for nicer glass. I was floored!
I used my new lens for an event that same night and have been obsessing over it ever since. It was Phil’s efficiency and awesome customer service that have me looking forward to my next purchase with Robert’s!

I’ve bought several film camera bodies and lens through their ebay store and directly through their Used Photo Pro site. Shipping has always been fast. Their grading scale is very accurate and prices are generally lower than KEH. Can’t comment on the physical store since i live in CA, but i’m happy to continue to purchase from them.

First, let me point out that I am FAR from a good photographer — I take snapshots, while trying to improve my photography skills through the classes offerred by Roberts. I have shopped at Roberts for years — for photofinishing and for cameras and accessories. I feel as though I am visting «family who I like». I have purchased a film camera, four digital cameras, various lenses, bags, and accessories. I have been very pleased with the way I am greeted in the stores (downtown and Northside), the way my interactions with the staff flow, the pricing, the service, and the advice I am given. More times than not, I have been advised that the product I am considering more than meets my needs and that I need not spend more money for something with marginally more features. Last week, my daughter (who lives in San Francisco) called me ask about a Canon camera she was considering from a Groupon offer. I advised her to contact Roberts, she contacted them, and she received a better price for a camera with two lenses and more accessories than she would have paid the Groupon supplier for the camera and one lens alone. I can not recommend a camera store (or any store, for that matter), more highly than I recommend Roberts. Thanks for all of the help you have given me!

My go-​to camera place. The people are incredibly knowledgable and willing to talk any camera equipment with you no matter your level. I’ve rented from here quite a few times and always appreciated the quality of equipment. Plus they have a great weekend rate!

In no way am I a professional photographer, but I am working on the skills and building needed equipment to reach my digital content creation goals. I bought my first DSLR at Roberts and worked with Ken, one of their sales reps. To this day, I still keep my eye out for him. I know that he understands the developing «camera vocabulary» and understands what I am really asking for, even though I might be saying something completely different.
Then there was the day I walked in to buy an upgraded lens and Ken was not there. Another sales rep assisted in asking the questions to identify what exactly I was looking for in a lens. It has become one of my favorite lenses.
Shopping local is always a bonus, but when shopping local is actually useful is even better. Roberts is my go-​to spot for all camera needs and questions.
FYI, there refurbished shop is a fantastic resource.

I’m quite disappointed that the new store, though larger and shinier, decided to retire developing color 120 film. They only process color 35 mm film now (though at a very reasonable price). It does not seem that they are pressed for resources, so I don’t understand why they would get rid of 120 unless they plan to fully phase out film developing entirely… which would be more than unfortunate.
Though others have pointed out that the staff can be stand-​offish or apathetic, I was met with enthusiasm when I came in to drop off my film. There was a peppy receptionist who offered to point me in the right direction and a few people on the floor asking if I needed any help. Their film selection is nice considering they have a film selection at all. They do carry film developing equipment (which I’m going to have to start learning…) and 4×5 film.
All in all, however, I really regret that they have stopped developing 120 film. I have gone to Robert’s regularly to have my film processed since I first moved here and it was the main reason I went to Robert’s at all. I now have to send all of my rolls out, which is becoming very costly and inconvenient.

Never seen so many stoned, bored salesmen so uninterested in selling their product. Maybe they’re sick of your terrible wedding and dog pics. Maybe they’re sick of the chronic fakeness that passes for so much digital photography. But it looks like they just have constipation.
As of September 2014, when I have just made my last visit to Roberts, they do carry film in various formats (even that elusive 4×5 and 120 film, though at extortionate prices). But if you’re a film customer, it’s pretty obvious that your business isn’t wanted here. The salesmen seem reluctant to even make eye-​contact, and I don’t think it’s a personal thing. Peace Camera in Raleigh, hell’s other backdoor, is the same way. Why they bother to stock film and darkroom products if it’s such a pain in the ass to sell it to customers with wallets and credit cards, I don’t understand.
I’ve shopped here off and on for 5 or 6 years. But if they went out of business tomorrow, honestly no loss. In the immortal words of Carl Sandburg, «Shovel ‘em under and let me work. I am the grass.»
And their parking lot. Designed by and for leprechauns. Adiós.

Eh. Meh. Hrumph.
Roberts, Roberts, Roberts. I want to like you. So much.
I like your building. I like the fact that you actually have free parking downtown.
I like getting my weird format film developed. I like buying locally.
I like visiting your little cramped section of South Meridian.
But… I don’t like you. The store layout is weird. The customer service and ALL interactions I’ve had with staff have me feeling uncomfortable for hours. It’s hard to describe. It’s a kind of disingenuous, no I don’t make small talk, you’re a dumb ass kinda vibe. It’s like the DMV of camera shops. You’d think a business invested in such a niche market would work a little harder in terms of customer relations. Even phone interactions leave me cold. Even the time a guy actually helped me was all wrong.
Unfortunately, no other local options exist. Guess I’m stuck with you. :(

I like this place! Went there earlier today, glad they have their own parking lot off to the side of the building, but anyways the people working here knows their stuff and are very helpful! Prices on some of the accessories for your camera aren’t too shabby and there’s a lot to choose from! If you love photography then give this place a try!

I primarily shop at Roberts for their Online Photo Lab/​Photo Printing. I really enjoy the ease of uploading my prints from home and being able to swing by the next day to pick up my order. The quality of the prints are better than your Walgreens or Walmart, plus you support a local business! Orders rarely take more than 24 hours to process. The prices are affordable and comparable to most other printers.
I’ve had to get prints made on archival quality paper and Roberts gets the job done. Although it is downtown, their parking lot makes getting in and out of the store a breeze.

Roberts employees are never helpful, and are generally upset when you walk into their place of business to spend money.
In 12 years, I have never had a good experience here. When you walk in the store, most employees will not look up. You will generally stand at a counter waiting for help while two employees talk to each other at a different counter for several minutes before reluctantly coming to ask you what the hell you need.
The attitude of the employees there (which are mostly middle aged males) is so rude and loathsome, that is is actually quite comical. I feel like I’m in Ed Debevic’s or something. I once asked for a replacement bulb and pointed at one behind the counter as reference. The employee responded, «That one is not for sale.» (He may as well have put «dumbass» on the end of this statement)… I said «Yes, I would just like one that size.» He rolled his eyes!!! and then reluctantly took one step, turned, and pulled a bulb that size from the shelf behind him.
The employees at the Carmel location aren’t any better. The employees of Cord Camera aren’t any better. Many people share my wish for a camera shop in Indy where one can be treated with decency. To quote a friend, «It’s an unwritten camera shop rule to be a dick.»

When I enter a photography store, I expect cynicism, snarky remarks, and brand fanatics. I didn’t really get that when I entered Roberts. Odd.
It was raining quite powerfully and the area was being prepared for the Super Bowl. I haven’t been downtown that much ever, so it was a bit confusing, so getting to the parking lot was somewhat difficult and required more turns than desired. The parking lot is just next to the building on the south side and it’s a bit cramped.
As I had been drenched, the person at the door was joking about what a lovely day it was and since it wasn’t snowing, he was correct. I believe his name was Bruce, and we discussed why I was there and he showed me the Olympus E-​5 body. He made no remarks about how it couldn’t possibly be the equipment for me, and he was the owner of a Canon 5D Mk II and a Canon 7D. This kind of behaviour was amazing to me, as I had been berated at a store in the Orlando area by a brand fanatic working there.
What’s more, the price was $ 200 below the typical price whether online or in stores. As we finished with my purchase of that, I was able to check some other equipment and he gave me suggestions on tripod sets.
Update: Roberts and Olympus sponsored a photo walk with new equipment, including two samples of a lens that won’t be available until late November, and everyone involved was quite helpful without anything being sold. Earlier in the day, I bought my first tripod after nearly 40 years and it was fairly simple. The salesperson asked what price range, found something that not only suited my needs but was quite a bit less without sacrificing quality or switching to a cheaper brand. It was even $ 0.11 cheaper than Adorama.
I’m still surprised that I had a positive experience buying photographic equipment.
To those who have negative experiences: I feel bad for you because I believe everyone should be treated well. I’ve been berated in photography stores other than Roberts and I know that it’s not pleasant. I sold equipment in the 1970s, and I know how frustrating it can be to be asked time and again for advice and have someone return to tell me that they bought the suggested equipment somewhere for less. If you’re buying a camera body under $ 1000, there isn’t much in it for the store, unfortunately. They should not treat you differently because of what you’re buying, though.