Robi’s Camera Center, Labs & Custom Framing

Payment options need to be brought into this century. Unless I am missing something, I shouldn’t have to give you my phone number or any other personal information to make a purchase on a card… especially a $ 15 purchase. Or at least I have never had to do that at any other establishment in my life. Had to pay cash, which was fine. Said I wasn’t going to give my info and I was asked for my friend’s info instead (the person I was buying the gift for). I told him I couldn’t do that without her permission, of course. The gentleman was not rude or anything, but it wasn’t a great experience for me, sorry.

I went here today for the first time sort of worried after reading other reviews on Google and here at Unilocal.Well, there were at least 3 employees in store, nobody greeted me, but when I checked out, the younger employee was very nice and helpful, I ended up talking with him for a while after checkout.
Before checkout, there was an older employee who seemed like the owner or something, but he was assisting a customer on the basics of her new camera. Overhearing that they were talking about aperture, I asked if the employee would like to show the customer my lens as it has manual aperture control and you can see the changes. Normally people would be like thanks for offering but not thanks, but no… this employee had an attitude and sort of brushed me off.
I will not be returning to this store…

Once again I went in with questions and came out with exactly what I needed. They are always helpful. They asked me right away if they could help me. They answered every question I asked. I don’t understand how people have issues with them. I really don’t. Great job, Robi’s!

I had been warned by my friends, but I mean, how bad could it be? Avoid at all costs! I know I will.
In early November, I went in to pick up 2 off camera flash sensors for a shoot I had the next day, as I didn’t have enough receivers for my speedlights. The salesman was very helpful and directed me to the right place. The price were about 4 times more than Amazon, but because I needed them for a shoot on Sunday, so I had no choice. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of gear they have in stock, including the new Pentax Medium Format camera. I noticed they had a wide selection of used gear too, but the salesman told me they don’t list it on line because they want people to come into the store; I am sure it seemed logical to them, but given the amount of used gear I buy from Glazer’s and Kenmore Camera, it is a flawed concept (usually I will see what is in stock, head to the store, then end up buying the new version to get the warranty).
I purchased my 2 sensors (with a credit card) and left. The next day the shoot was canceled due to illness, so a few days later I tried returned the sensors. I walked in asking to return the sensors (I had the receipt, and I didn’t open the packages) and was told it was the salesman’s day off. I didn’t understand, why did that matter? Well I was told that returns aren’t allowed unless the salesman approves it. So the saleswoman went off to call the salesman on his day off (wtf?). I could tell this was going to be a long and drawn out process and I honestly didn’t want to deal with it, so I asked to buy a couple of batteries for my camera. Expecting to get the Canon version for around $ 60, I asked for 2; well, their cost was much more, but the knockoff’s were only $ 50 each. I just wanted to get out of there, so I agreed to purchase 2 of them. Turns out the knockoff’s weren’t bad, just double the price of Amazon or B&H. I left, wondering if Glazer’s or Kenmore Camera could open a store down in Tacoma, Lakewood or Olympia.
Here is the deal Robi’s, as a semi-​pro, I spend a fair amount of money at camera stores, close to $ 10k+ a year. Some purchases don’t work out for me, but most do. I don’t mind spending money in a local camera store if it is a positive experience. I know I will be taking all my future purchases of gear up to Seattle because going to Robi’s just isn’t worth the stress and hassle. You lost a customer for life Robi’s.

When I walked in, I was blown away. I thought, «Could it be? A little B&H heaven right here in Lakewood?». They do have lighting equipment (from obscure brands), cameras (old and new), lenses and accessories, as well as printing and framing services. Their selection is massive compared to the Best Buy photo department. However, they are overpriced. Some say that Best Buy is the place you go to test out something before buying it on Amazon. Well, Robi’s is the place you go if you want to feel great about how much money you’ll save buying it on Amazon. I was interested in buying a $ 50 flash diffuser, but after searching for it on my phone, I found it on several sites for $ 30. It also doesn’t seem like they change prizes to meet the market. Some of the stuff in there looks like it has been on the shelves since the 80s, but still costs an arm and a leg.
As for customer service, they were helpful, informed, and asked me several times if I had any questions. I would agree with other reviews on here, that they seem pretty self-​centered. It doesn’t seem like they want you to buy anything. When I asked about a $ 2100 Canon lens, they said that I should consider going with the $ 1200 Tamron one instead.
Positives:
They have rental equipment. They’re local (I can buy something if I need it that day and can’t wait for Amazon’s shipping). They have printing services (again, if I can’t wait for cheaper options to ship in the mail).

Oh Robis, so much for giving you the benefit of doubt you flushed that down the crapper in one visit! I came there to get some sensor cleaning swabs for my Canon EOS 60D. Since I’ve never bought them before, I wasn’t sure which ones I needed. I told two different people behind the counter what I had. They sold me the swabs that they said were for my camera, and of course when I got home and opened one up they were the wrong size. Called them back asking to exchange them for the right size, they said they would take that box back but would have to sell me the right ones at a discounted rate and they wouldn’t do a swap!!! REALLY, ARE YOU F-​ING KIDDING ME!!! WHO’S RUNNING THAT F-​ING CIRCUS!!! Robis… time for some self reflection and correction. Worst customer service I’ve ever had… DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!

Horrible, they ignore you when you come in, while talking to one another. you have to ask to be helped.
When I asked certain information about a current flash product I have, they didn’t even explain it, basically said there are great tutorials online I can find.
horrible return policy too!
I recommend Glazers over Robis, I rather drive 45 min a get great service than go here

I have been in this store twice. Twice in a little over a year. I first went in 2013 JAN and seriously wondered if they were all high or zombies. No one asked me if I needed help or what in the hell I was doing tin there. All I wanted was a tripod and some filters for my crappy canon.
I went back today for Flash Diffusers, since I’m photographing a wedding tomorrow and not one of the five employees present said hi or asked if I needed help, which I did. I spent 30 minutes in there, bought the friggin’ diffusers I think I’ll need (I’m not even close knowledgable) and got out fast because I was NOT driving to Seattle in rush hour traffic.
I asked about wide angle lenses, after seeing some relatively inexpensive ones in the used case, and got a retail, new lens answer. I’ll never go back except maybe to roast weenies over the burning carcass of this store during the zombie apocalypse.
Robi’s, you have lost a customer who was about to spend his hard earned $ 3,000 dollars he save up for a Canon Mark 5D Mark III. Not to mention all the accessories and lightweight tripods I need for Backwoods shooting. Your loss. I hope Amazon sinks your ship.Soon.

Horrible customer service. Had gone in a few time when I was new to photog. Was ignored (more than one time) by the sales people. One time after researching cameras I finally went in ready to buy a Nikon, Scott talked me out of it (for legit reasons) and suggested a Pentax. I wasn’t about to buy something I truly knew nothing about so I went home to do more research and he was right! But I found one cheaper online, so I bought it! I was excited about getting a lens now that I had this cool camera so I went in and he would not talk to me… Even though he is the guy to handle all Pentax questions … I did end up buying a used lens from them, another rude salesman helped me, I forget his name. The guy would pause in silence looking at me when I asked questions like «…duh…» I felt like scum walking out of there.
Then my sweet husband surprised me and bought me a flash from them, but I decided I didn’t want us to spend the money, so I went that day, with the receipt to take it back and that’s when they let me have it… Scott spoke so condescendingly to me in front of the customers saying «I remember you. I’ve seen you come in here. You just take our advice and don’t BUY anything!» They told me I could not return the flash. I left and called the manager Todd and he was worse! He belittled me, got irate and told me the same thing as Scott. I decided I would simply never go back. I was humiliated and they are so mean… And it smells.

I am looking for a new Nikon and spent considerable time talking with the employees who I found very helpful. I almost came back to purchase the camera but after reading the Unilocal reviews and looking on line — I changed my mind.
My experience with customer service was outstanding but with the percent of negative reviews — I was concerned about spending a few thousand dollars and not getting the support. Also there are no recent reviews — what does that mean — no one is still happy.
The other issue I had was they recommended the D7100 and stated that their prices were the lowest but 4 other places were selling it for $ 50.00 cheaper. I will give them that they did not verify the price and perhaps it actually was $ 50.00 less but then they had plenty of time to check the price. ALSO — COSTCO and another camera store have a package deal where they are including a decent lens, camera bag and other items for a reduced price if all purchased together — never mentioned.

The longer your in here, the more you will want to buy. Their selection is ginormous. And the staff are always eager to help you with anything.

Excellent resource for all things cameras and photography. I have sold used equipment and bought expensive camera/​equipment at Robi;s. I found them helpful and with high expertise. I was looking for a place where personal help was provided… and they did the job well.

So, now my camera has been returned to the store. I was quoted a price of $ 188.38. I have a copy of the invoice that shows exactly what Nikon charged to fix the camera which totals 117.38. Naturally, Todd the owner/​manager is not available. Family came to town or something like that. I wonder how many people they have over charged??? I also wonder how Todd is going to resolve this issue. I am still concerned. I also ask why wouldn’t they be up front if they were going to charge a handling fee over the $ 20 they say is all they charge you for shipping and handling???
ANOTHER UPDATE: Now the problem has been resolved. I took the receipt in that showed the charges from Nikon. The first salesman got a little salty with me and said they do mark up the price and it would be the cost if I’d sent it to Nikon myself. I said that’s odd, I have what Nikon said they charged, and he numbers are not the same. I said why would I go through them to be charged more??? Another rep came, then he called Todd, owner/​manager. Long story short, I was charged the price on the receipt I brought in. I’m glad it worked out in a positive manner. They still didn’t admit the markup, just that Nikon told them differently…
I’m ok, but I doubt I will take anything else there. I do want to say thanks to Todd for handling this as a manager should. Kuddos on that.

Brick and mortar photo shops are useful, and Robi’s is an asset to the community when you need face-​to-​face expertise. I’ve never heard them try to upsell to high-​end gear that a photographer doesn’t need; nor have I experienced condescending treatment.
I usually just need film or other incidental stuff. Sadly, Robi’s isn’t a very good place to stop in and grab that. They have a good selection, but (more than once) I’ve been ignored for 15 minutes at the counter or in the showroom while two salesmen are helping a single customer – they’ve looked right at me and never said a word. I don’t get that.
There’s nothing at Robi’s that you can’t get cheaper online, except real expertise, personal service, and the convenience of being able to pick up supplies when you need them. They’re great at the first, but for the second two, it’s not worth the trip through Lakewood for me.

Horrible customer service. Walking into the door, we were ignored by not one, but TWO of their employees! A very simple repair of the door for the battery compartment is expected to draw out for up to 3 months for the repair? They required a $ 20 «deposit» just for taking the camera in to be looked at. Then there is a week and half wait for the estimate to come back while they have our camera sent out to their repair shop! When we called on the phone, it was suggested that they perform the repairs in house, guess not! This will be the LAST time we go to this shop.

I had previously written a negative review on here about Robi’s, where I had complained about their prices and condescending service. I was contacted via email and telephone by the owner. He had asked me to take it down, and that the next time I was in the market for any camera gear to give them a chance again.
I was there yesterday, and nothing has changed. Their salesman are condescending, their prices are out of whack with reality.
Robi’s seems to ignore the fact that they are competing with a large camera store in Seattle and another one in Kenmore. Both of which have larger selections, nicer salesmen, more reasonable prices in line with online retailers, and if their prices are too higher, they are willing to work with the customer.
In today’s day and age of informed consumers, it’s insulting to deal with a store like this. I am not obligated to shop «local» and get screwed. Sorry, that’s not a good business model.
If you are going to shop «local,» spend an extra 30 minutes and drive to Seattle. You will have a better buying experience.

I’d give them zero stars too, if I could. I put this same review on Google, but thought I’d share it here, as well. Anything so people are forewarned on what to expect when walking into this place.
Horrible. Condescending customer service led by the manager, Tod. If Robis reads this, I hope they take into account that not everyone that walks into that store is an idiot or new to photography. They need to pull themselves off of their pedestal and stop talking down to people, who have money in hand and are ready to spend it, even at their inflated prices. When this brick and mortar store closes, their employes and prices will have earned it.

The camera shop is well supplied. Their strength is the quality of equipment and sales staff aimed for the serious am and pro.
Just upgraded to a new Nikon DSLR and the price was competitive to on-​line stores (E.g. B&H, Abes or Calumet) when you add what they do charge for shipping. The advantage then? Local service and technical support.
If you want to shop on line for the cheapest price, do it. However, you risk damage in shipping, off market substitutions and delays. Lack of service by active/​knowledgeable photographers also
They do snap shot printing as well as custom high quality enlargements. Prices competitive, quality superior to Walgreens, Kits etc. You are able to talk to the print technician so that image you took so long to creating comes out as you want it.

I bought my first DSLR here several years ago, and haven’t looked back. The sales people are extremely helpful and very accommodating to your budget.
I knocked off one star because the last few times I have gone here they haven’t had what I was looking for in stock (fisheye lens, wired remote release). You would think a camera center such as this would have a $ 25 Nikon remote release in stock, but oh well. They had an off brand $ 80 model, but it was wireless, so no sale for me.
If you want popular lenses this is the place to go. I love to browse the old manual lenses they have (very diverse selection).
I love how they let you try the gear out before you buy it. If you don’t know how to use it, they will gladly show you. I have never felt rushed to purchase anything here, which is very nice.
Their prices are higher than B&H and Amazon, but I don’t mind paying a little bit more for friendly service, and personal attention. Every time I buy something here, I walk out confident that I know how to use it, mainly because the sales people are eager to give tips.
Robi’s will always be the first place I look for photo gear.

If I could give them zero stars, I would. Their customer service is ridiculous. They are unresponsive, irresponsible with repairs, and argumentative. What should have been a simple process of having a lens repaired over a couple weeks has turned into a three month fiasco.