- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Adolph Gasser
Categories: Shopping Electronics Shopping Photography Stores & Services Electronics, Photography Stores & Services [Edit]
181 2nd St(between Howard St & Natoma St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 495-3852
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
With photographic prints, the old adage runs true: "You get what you pay for". There are countless bargain outlets plugging photo prints of all kinds… read more »
165 reviews for Adolph Gasser
Review Highlights
-
"The four stars goes to the stills rental department." In 13 reviews -
"These guys upstairs in video/film are decent, polite, and..." In 45 reviews -
"He was very helpful and not rude." In 9 reviews
Loading...
165 reviews in English
-
Review from Bruce R.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
In many ways I simple love places like Gasser. A few of the workers seem a little rough around the edges, slighty quirky and all about true photography experience. Think the staff from the movie High Fidelity, except for camera support.
In my most recent visit, the repair guy was great. He was honest about what he would need to do and the risk I would agree to take. I would def take my equipment there for repairs.
As for buying stuff, they are simply too high end for my needs and the selection is sparse to say the least. Seems as the best thing they offer is equipment rental and repair. -
Review from Zack H.
Novato, CA
2/15/2012
I've been here a few times for different reasons. First, I had to get some film developed and they are right by my office so I decided to give them a shot.
They quoted me a WEEK to process some normal 35mm film and scan it. When I got the scans they were out of order and some were upside down. WEAK.
I came back to get a lens cap before a trip much to my chagrin. They didnt have a 58mm (the most common size) lens cap in the whole store. Then I thought I could at least pick up some film there. They didnt have a single roll of 400 color. it was either 160 or 800 in color... wow. So, I walked down the street to walgreens where they had plenty of 400 color right there under the register. -
Review from Meesh K.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just some notes:
1) Do not feel intimidated coming here if you are a newbie. All you have to do is have a keen interest in taking beautiful pictures, and you're halfway there.
2) Talk to Richard. He is most awesome, quite knowledgable, and very willing to answer your questions about your camera. Especially matching up you're next lens purchase.
3) Rent stuff and BUY stuff here!
4) You can park across the street, but you'll feel better about backing INTO the lot from the driveway instead of simply pulling into a space. It is small and the stalls are facing a direction that makes it hard to back out of spaces properly.
Great experience, will be back! -
Review from Heidi S.
8/15/2011
I've walked past this place almost 100 times on my to and from work. On Thursday I decided to stop in and see if they carried a specific type of camera bag that I've been trying to find so I can see it in person.
Much to my surprise, I noticed that there is a rental department. Totally missed that on the signs every time I've walked by! I waited 15 minutes to chat with the guy behind the counter to figure out what the rental periods were and to figure out what I needed to do to rent a lens for the weekend. He got me signed up and answered all of my questions. He told me to call the next day at 2:30 and he'd prepare the lens I wanted and I could come in at 3:00 to pick it up for 40% off the regular price (the special).
So Friday I called at 2:30 all excited to hopefully rent the L series lens I so want to buy. The lady that helped me was unbelievably rude. Told me that I couldn't reserve a lens and still get the special price. I explained that I was told the day before that should call ahead to have the lens prepared for rental. They didn't have the lens I wanted but had another that would at least get me familiar with the feel of a 35mm, but just to confirm, I can't make a reservation over the phone and still get the special. Yeah. I got that the first time you said it.
30 minutes later, I walk down to actually rent. Walked in and out. Really no issues. The same guy I'd talked to the day before helped me, the chick chimed in with her snarky comments. But I let the excitement of a new toy override her attitude.
Come Saturday morning, I'm preparing for my photoshoot. Pull out the 35mm, attach it to my camera, flip on the auto focus and...nothing. Double check all the settings, double check the lens specs to make sure my focusing distance is acceptable. No auto focus. Take the UV filter off the lens (in my experience this has caused an issue before). Still no auto focus. I put my 50mm back on the camera. Works fine. Try the 35mm again. This time it works! I figured I was just an idiot and missed something.
Head out to my event, shooting away with my 50mm, 70-200, lensbaby. Ah, time for the 35mm. Pop it on my camera. Auto focus doesn't work. Try it again. Nothing. Double check all the settings. Doesn't work. Finish my shoot and head home. Pop the 35mm back on my camera, and wow, it works. Turn the camera off and on trying to figure out what is causing the auto focus to work or not. I played with it for 20 minutes and couldn't figure out what was causing it.
I go in this morning to return the lens and god forbid I'm charged for a product not working after I return it, I mention it to the guy. He and the chick both look at me like I'm crazy. They try it out on a Canon 7D. Hmm, works. Didn't even listen to what I was saying, that it works sometimes and not others. It must be me. I'm an idiot for not being able to get a lens to work. Oh really? You're not an idiot, it must be your camera. Why don't you bring it in and WE'LL take a look. Really? Seriously? I am a professional. I know how to work my camera, I know how to work my lenses and I also know how to use the settings on my camera.
The condescending, uppity, you're a total idiot attitude will definitely keep me from returning to this place. My experience here has taught me to appreciate Borrow Lenses even more. A place that talks to you on the same level, tests their equipment before rentals, cleans their equipment and treats their clients with respect and dignity. Because, respect and dignity goes a long way, especially in the photography industry. -
Review from Sally T.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know anything about fancy schancy cameras, let alone how to fix one. When one of the doctors I work with "accidently" shoved a battery into a D90...ehh...backwards, I needed it fixed ASAP. Before going to Gasser, we tried everything to get this stuck battery out--letter openers, scissors, small children...but that sucker was STUCK!
That same afternoon, I brought the camera to Gasser and they took care of it right away! Everyone tried to get that damn battery out (trust me, it was really stuck) but all were so determined to help. I was expecting to have to leave the camera overnight at the very least so they can perform surgery but 10 minutes later, the battery was freed!
This is the best part...I'm not sure if they do this all the time because they're awesome and decent human beings like everyone should be, or it was my winning smile (: but when I asked what the damage was, they said "nothing". Really???? Awww...want a hug?Listed in: in my neck of the woods
-
Review from moosedog i.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
I like this place because it has a very old school feel to it: nothing slick, no glitzy displays, and personal and very knowledgeable service. On service things, like routine camera cleanings, their turnaround is super fast (like less than a day). And something which I didn't know until recently, which is that they have an email photo processing service - which I like much more than, say, Shutterfly or Snapfish, because you can actually specify how you want your prints done, and at the end of the day there's always a human you can talk to in the event you're not happy how your prints came out.
-
Review from Patrick M.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/15/2011
I have been putting this off for months but finally came around to getting my Canon 40D's sensor cleaned. I had the pleasure of taking it to Scott in the repair department. I told him i needed it back in 2 days at most, and he replied..why don't you wait right here while i do it right now. so we take a look at the sensor and there are two dust specks. He uses the blower as well as the sensor pen method (no wet method and cleans the sensor to my liking). I 'm ready to pony up my $65 and he says no need! That completely made my day. Thanks again for the awesome service. Now i can use the money i saved to rent a few lenses for the weekend! Will definitely be a long term customer!
-
Review from Amy B.
7/27/2011
I had to get a few things for my camera before a big trip and happened to be in the area so stopped in despite the mediocre reviews. I had a completely different experience than many have reported.
The staff, particularly Richard (I think that's what his name was), were incredibly helpful! They didn't have the multi-coated filter I was looking for, but referred me to another camera shop. He was also really helpful in my selecting a camera bag, even testing it with equipment in the store to make sure it would fit.
If I need anything else for my D90, I'll definitely come back! -
Review from Allison D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/11/2010
Yeah. Was in a rush and needed some film process, and this was the only place open. When I picked up the film the woman at the counter spoke to me like I was a stupid child and acted like I was inconveniencing her by giving her business.
I gave AG a second chance, but I am never stepping foot in this place again. I recommend Photographer's Supply up a few blocks on Bryant. Their selection is AWESOME and always have what I need in stock. What's more, the guys there are sweet and helpful.
And even though it's out of the way, I've always had good experiences with Calumet.
Gasser's...ya blew it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/7/2010
Being a 4th year photo student at That Near-By Art School, I've frequented Gassers since my first… Read more »
-
-
Review from Erika C.
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Friendly staff. I rented a wide lens for my NYC trip, and borrowed some others from friends. These guys gave me an extra day for free! The rates seem very reasonable for the price of the equipment you're renting.
-
Review from JJ L.
Sacramento, CA
12/21/2010
Terrible place. I was coming from Sacramento through traffic and rain to buy a gh2. They wouldn't even stay open for me if I was late. I get there 5 minutes before closing. I get the final price price of the gh2 and 14-140mm and raw 16gb and it's $1756. The tax is huge and the sdhc card was $35 over priced. Total on b&h is $1618. This place is a total joke. The guy behind the counter didn't know a thing about anything digital either.
I highly highly recommend anywhere else but this place. -
Review from Martha M.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2010
Do not use their repair service. They "lost" my camera when I left it for repairs. Eventually they located the camera body but nothing else. I had stupidly left the camera in its nice leather case, thinking it would be protected in transit that way; one of the employees (obviously) stole the case which turned out to be impossible to replace. The people I dealt with were completely unapologetic and resisted even supplying the used replacement lens and (cheap) case and strap they eventually provided.
This happened several years ago. Since then, I've gone digital, and have spent thousands on new cameras and lenses. I hold grudges when service is criminally incompetent, so Gasser got none of this money. I have never and will never shop there again. -
Review from Erik A.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2011
I'm not sure where all these bad reviews are coming from, but I've been a customer on many levels for almost 25 years. I have always found friendly and helpful service. They are one of the few places that still stocks and supports darkroom photography.
I have become so frustrated at Calumet and Photo Supply that I can't go to either place anymore. Talk about being ignored or dealing with "pretentious" employees - try going to one of those two places. They don't know the meaning of good customer service. I have always been treated with respect at Gasser's.
If Gasser's doesn't have it I'll order it on line or wait for them to get it. Despite what some other people here are saying, they have excellent customer service, are very pro-active in supporting the local community, take responsibility for what they sell and repair, reliable maintenance and so much more.
There's a reason these guys have been around for so long. I love this place! -
Review from JEAN-MICHEL B.
Redwood City, CA
1/31/2011
I was looking for a Nikon accessory. I went there there during lunch time: bad idea! I was probably bothering the personnel who appeared more focussed on their reading magazines and talking with each other than helping out.
No worries: I won't come again and instead buy on-line. -
Review from carlos a.
7/14/2010
If you want to rent a lens that cost thousands of dollars for cheap, this is your place. If you rent on a friday afternoon you get it for the weekend. Woohoo!
The salespeople aren't the friendliest and the prices are nothing to brag about but it is close to my office and close to BART unlike the other places that do camera rentals in SF.
I rent the 16-35 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 IS for about $30-40 for the weekend. I think it's a deal for a $2,000 lens.
It's a great way to try something out a couple times before you decide to splurge. -
Review from Adrian S.
Pacifica, CA
9/3/2011
Used them a lot for rentals when the had a film/grip rental biz. That was great. Now I only use them when there is not time to get something from B&H. The prices stink, the stock is old, and the customer service is awful (it takes ages to get served and when they do it's like they're doing you a favor - at least upstairs in the video dept.)
And why oh why do business with a company that has such an offensive and insensitive name? -
Review from Joshua L.
9/10/2008
If there ever was a place with the most unfortunate name, it would have to be Adolph Gasser.
Really??
ADOLPH. GASSER.
It's right up there with Dahmer Meats or Salem Hangers... or like Queen-of-Hearts Beheadings or some other horrid, trauma-inducing name.
It makes one wonder who in their right mind chose to name a place after two words that should never be placed in near proximity to each other EVER except in text books and museum memorials. Was this place created before WWII? Even then, they should have did a Business Name-Change with the quickly, okay??
Anywayz, tragic, unfortunate, inappropriate name aside, Adolph Gasser is one of the semi-few places in San Francisco to rent projector equipment. It's pretty expensive, which kind of sucks, but I guess sort of understandable
As the A/V dude at my office, I was in charge of getting together all the technical aspects of this seminar my firm was putting on.
It was very exciting, mostly because there was going to be pretty high-end catered food and I would get to eat as much as I wanted for free. (This was in my former lifetime before my diet and bid for starvation had started)
Adolph Gasser offers a limited number of projectors and a few different sizes of screens for all your projecting needs. Rental costs run anywhere from $75-300 (depending on the lumens - which controls how bright the image will be in dim or bright or dark rooms and how far away the projector can be from the wall before the image becomes fuzzy and hard to read).
I rented three of their mid-ranged projectors, and they were sort of old and clunky, but with their charms (imagine the old Beetles vs. the new VW models of this millennium). Unfortunately, two of them had faulty wirings which interfered with the projection in a bad way, most likely due to people abusing rented equipment and thinking they can get away with it. Tsk tsk. Double unfortunately, we found this out the night before the all-day seminar. YIKES.
Anyway, once I complained to Adolph Gasser and informed them that I had to run out at the last minute and try to find some new in/out cables from like 18 different electronic stores, the A/V department guy was TOTALLY nice and understanding about it and gave me a refund for two of the projectors, even though he left me keep it for the whole weekend anyway.
So three things to keep in mind about Adolph Gasser: semi-limited selections, great customer service in the A/V Rental Department, and a SUPER unfortunate name.Listed in: I Want To Increase My "Great…
-
Review from Quinn S.
8/26/2007
I've only dealt with the rental department at AG so far, but but those guys were friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating and helpful. I had a top-notch experience renting a macro lens for my canon on Friday and I think I'll see if they can suggest another lens for shooting pics of the lunar eclipse when I bring the macro back Monday.
And the best thing: half price rentals after three on Fridays and you get to keep them until Monday at noon.
____
Update: 9/28/07
My Hawaiian rental guy at Gasser just predicted what I would need upon seeing me, chatted me up about photography and then gave me two free tickets to Indiefest, all while processing my measly $10 rental! I don't understand why people talk down about this place. The service is always top-notch. -
Review from Chris M.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2007
I've tried to shop in here a few times. Not sure what the problem is, but the vibe sent off by the staff just screams, "Get the f*** out unless you know exactly what you want!"
I went downstairs to ask the service department how much it would cost to clean a DSLR sensor. I waited for 5 minutes rather patiently behind the person the service tech was helping. After 5 minutes, the tech glared at me and looked like he was having an aneurysm. I forget the price he quoted because I just didn't feel like seeing a service tech jump over the counter and smash my head in with a tripod because I dared to wait quietly.
After that, I bought a blower to (hopefully) clean my DSLR sensor myself. I was able to find it fairly quickly, but then when i wanted to buy a hood, they were out. Oh well, they'll get more in next week.
The only redeeming quality of this place is that it does have a pretty extensive collection of rental equipment as far as I could tell. They also have some pretty old cameras (Film?! This day and age?). But maybe I'll just go to Calumet from now on for the smiles. -
Review from matt m.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2007
Gassers is my default spot for everything photographic; printing paper, film (yes I still shoot on film sometimes crazy as it may sound), cleaning stuff, lens caps, and ADVICE.
The staff here have always been wonderful with me, especially when I decided to make the switch to digital last year. They explained everything about Digital SLRs, even when they knew I was going to be purchasing my camera online.
My most recent visit to their store was because of a battery. With NO juice! I was going to purchase a new charger, and instead the staff offered to charge my battery for me & allowed me to pick it up before the store closed for the day.
I've seen other reviews about this place, and people seem to think they are getting bad customer service--I have never had this problem.
Minus one star because they are kinda expensive. -
Review from Javier O.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2009
I've been going to Adolph Gasser for almost 3 years and I never thought to give them a review on here. I was under the impression that the great service and personal attention I receive with each visit was universal and everyone felt the same way I did after each visit. I am always very happy and satisfied when I come here and rent my camera equipment.
When compared to Calumet and Pro Camera, the prices at Gassers are much more reasonable and and affordable. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful in answering all of their customer's questions. They are so nice, I have been compelled to bring Bearded Papa's, donuts and other goodies as a treat for the great job they do and the under appreciation they seem to receive by other Yelpers. -
Review from Evelyn B.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2006
Update: 4/10/06 Bump it!
This a very useful store for photographers at a great location. They offer many services and have a good selection of supplies at reasonable prices. -
Review from Alfonso E.
Oakland, CA
9/13/2006
One of the most unhelpful, slightly overpriced, holier-than-thou camera snob vendors I've ever had to share breathing air with. What a waste of time they are. Screw their 'tude. If all I needed was one measley roll of XP2, I'd WALK 5 miles OUT of my way to avoid this place.
If you're a satisfied B&H/Adorama loyalist like I am, you seriously need not bother with these losers.Listed in: The Dis List
-
Review from Vanessa N.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2009
"Do"s and "Don't"s for Adolph Gasser:
1. DON'T buy equipment here unless you are in a big hurry. You will be unhappily surprised by the prices. The selection tends to be less than impressive as well: unfamiliar brands, old technology.
2. DO rent equipment here. The selection, availability, and rental terms should suit most photographers. Rental staff is reasonable.
3. DO repair equipment here. Scott in the rental department is a pleasure to work with.
4. DON'T develop film here. It takes too long, and they "can't do" some things. Apparently they won't scan IR film, even though Photoworks will. Go to Photoworks; they'll handle your film in 2 days, standard (instead of Gasser's 4 days). -
Review from Terra T.
Foster City, CA
9/24/2007
Okay, so I am a professional photographer (I get paid basically, even though I just do it part time on the weekends), and I do frequent this place every single wedding I do, and will continue to do so.
Where did I get there name?
From another photographer of course. I rent expensive lenses not in my current artillery, and as far as I know they're the only ones locally that do this.
That's invaluable to me.
As far as people complaining about the prices? I have to say something here, when it comes to 90% of the specialty camera shops they are ALWAYS going to gouge you. ALWAYS. Why? I assume it's because they're not a national chain and thus do not get awesome discounts for purchasing bulk. Don't come here for a camera. Definitely always check with your cameras manufacturer first about repairs. Go to a specialty shop second. It's called price shopping.
The only thing I would purchase from a specialty shop are things chains, such as Best Buy, don't carry.
That said if you are not a professional photographer but still love playing around, definitely rent a lens or camera. It's an inexpensive way to play.
OH, I almost forgot, definitely make sure your lens is functioning by positioning it on your cameras body first. One of their zoom lens has a loose screw, I couldn't get it to lock into place during a wedding ceremony and I lost half my photos! It was so horrible! Then getting a refund was like pulling teeth. So frustrating. -
Review from e f.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2007
The people are knowledgable and pleasant . . . I enjoy speaking to the staff.
I try to support a local business, even if it cost me a little more. We all should help keep these brick and mortar businesses running! -
Review from Patrique R.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2010
The worst customer service. I'm pretty chill when it comes to someones bad attitude but this place has a few guys who are out of control. Who sells something to someone that is busted (an $800 Nikon) and literally 3 min later (before you even left the store) act like they have never seen you before and make the problem seem like it is your fault? THIS PLACE.
After asking numerous times for a simple exchange and them saying no, I finally demanded my money back and the guy just pointed at the no return sign.
I sorta flipped out and said I'd be back with the cops, yeah a little over the top, but it was then that they gave an exchange. Only after I sorta flipped out and people started asking why they wouldn't exchange a busted camera before i had even left the store.
I went in wanting to support a local camera store as opposed to the big box guys but Costco, Best Buy, Amazon and Ritz never sounded so good after what I went through with Adolph.
UPDATE: Regardless of what Gasser posted on the review, it did happen. It was about 3 years ago. Seems the atmosphere and some of the staff have not changed considering other reviews and word on the street. A customer service revamp could go a loooooooooong way. I'd go to the moon for supplies before I'd go back to this place.Comment from John G. of Adolph Gasser 1/22/2010
I contacted our sales staff and found that we have not had a… More » -
Review from Omid T.
12/22/2005
It's natural to expect some element of snobbishness at a camera store. Even more so at one of the many named after the owner, the ultimate sign of self-adoration. But with said snobbishness, you'd expect competence and expert advice. Well, not at Gasser's!
Sure they have a wide variety of stuff and can develop just about anything, and their hours are prtty decent at that. But please, PRETTY PLEASE, could you folks get some staff who have a tiny clue about what customer service is? Who know how to speak to people on the phone? Who might, by chance, get normal 1-minute tasks done in less than 15? And could someone explain to me HOW they sell stuff that normally retails for $15 at $35?
I can't technically give AGI zero stars, but they do earn that one star for doing pretty solid development work at reasonable prices, even if it takes forever and a day for them to find out if your film is ready.Listed in: The Door Did NOT Hit My Ass On…
-
Review from Richard T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2006
I came here with super low expectations as I heard and read some pretty horrific things about this place...
But when I came here to look for a tripod for my upcoming trip, they were actually helpful! I felt no pressure from a really nice sales guy who patiently answered all the questions I had about their inventory.
In the end, I found a tripod, but didn't buy it as I wanted to do a little research beforehand (you can't return stuff here, only exchange within 7 days.)
I'd be happy to come back here for future photography needsListed in: Photo Pimps.
-
Review from Holly B.
Portland, OR
3/19/2008
I brought in my very nice and very broken point & shoot digicam today and asked the repair desk if they thought it was worth paying to repair. To their credit, they said the repair would cost nearly as much as the camera (which is two years old anyway), but the guy went on to suggest that I market my totally broken camera as "slightly imperfect focus" on ebay and scam someone. If the people working here are suggesting that their customers rip off other people, you can only imagine what goes on in the repair shop...
On the other hand, when I was upstairs checking out replacements, the guy helping me out was friendly and knowledgeable. In the end, he suggested a camera that they don't carry but had no advice on where to find it (I want to actually play with the thing before I buy it discounted online.)
No sales pressure, no bogus repairs, but also no friendly referrals and no honesty in selling broken cameras. Hmm. -
Review from Dawn S.
Alameda, CA
2/27/2007
Its been a long time since I've been to Gassers. Had a number of pretty awful experiences with them when I was in film school but there was no other place to go in SF for motion picture stuff. Maybe that's why their attitude sucks - they know they've got the corner on the market and don't give a shit how they treat customers.
Really - you're working retail! Get over yourself. Its better to order online from LA than to deal with Gassers. Trust me! -
Review from Pat T.
Berkeley, CA
9/10/2007
I like Adolf Gasser's - I've bought simple accessories here when I needed them right away, and always had fine interactions with the sales staff.
However, stay away from the repair department in the basement - it's extremely slow. I brought in a damaged lens for repair on a Monday morning, and I had to wait for half an hour for someone to come to the counter (the sign said "back in a few minutes").
After taking the lens (a standard Canon zoom) they said it would be Friday before they could take a look at it and give me an estimate.
I should not be thinking "gee, it would have been cheaper *and faster* to have FedExed this somewhere."
UPDATE: They didn't call like they said they would. When I called nine days after dropping the lens off, they said they had outsourced the job and couldn't give me an estimate of when it would be ready, but "maybe in another week and a half." I feel unfair giving the entire store a one star rating for the service department, but my experience with the service department was terrible.
Dear Adolf Gasser service guy, if you say it's going to be a week, you've *got* to call when the week's up. And sending it to someone else without my OK is not OK.
UPDATE: Lens came back in good repair, and the repair price was acceptable. So the only problems were the initial delay and lack of communication - once the lens got to the outsourced repair guy, communication (with him) was efficient and the repair happened quickly. -
Review from Nico W.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2009
I started looking online to find a good camera shop where I could do some shopping while close enough to play hookey for a bit at work. When I searched for stores in fidi on google, I saw this store..."Adolph Gasser." As I say to myself - WTF!?!!? I promptly look it up on Yelp...no, it wasn't a joke...
"Adolph Gasser!?!" Honestly...OK I might beat this horse deader than Crookneck in Utah, but I don't care. I want my 5 minutes of blabber on "Adolph Gasser"!!! Why don't we just open a shop and call it "Stalin's Sandwhich Shack" or "Mugabe Miracle Motors"?!?!
Well, as an honorary Jewish kid my whole life and a NFTY member growing up, I had to visit this place and check out the scenery. Though I left my gas mask at work, I feared I would get raped by their prices from previous reviews here. When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone in there was very kind, no one was rude. The prices were VERY expensive however; I was looking for a camera bag and a filter kit but after looking at a few tags I knew I shouldn't hold my breath for a discount there...ha..ha..ha....
But I did look at a few frames; the lady helping me even opened 3 different frames. I picked only one out and bought it. It wasn't cheap, but hey it was convenient, good quality and people were friendly. I would come back again for sure! -
Review from Brian D.
Oakland, CA
6/9/2007
Adolph Gasser has nothing to do with concentration camps (ha!). It's a place to get film and still photography supplies, as well as rent gear.
Upstairs is my base- the place to rent all your film/video gear.
About the customer service- I'm not going to make excuses for Adolph Gasser. They could easily be as nice as the folks at JCX; there's no law that says they have to be like this. But if you are in a hurry and know what you want, Adolph Gasser can get you in and out real fast. I've talked shop with some of the counter guys there before, and they know their stuff.Listed in: Filmmakers Resource
-
Review from Mona B.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2007
I used to not like Gassers when I was in school only because they don't cater to photo students. I'm not in school anymore and I haven't bought anything there in a couple of years.
The four stars goes to the stills rental department. Leah and Mark are who've I've dealt with and they will bend over backward to get you what you need. Great service and friendly though during Friday pick-ups may get a little backed up. Good thing they have free parking across the street. -
Review from Marz W.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2007
I have this old camera that I knew nothing about but that it wasn't working. I took it here, it needed a battery and after that, the light meter didn't work properly.
I dropped it off and the man who took it wrote that I was a student on the estiamte slip so hopefully my estimate would be sooner than later. It was very prompt and very reasonable. The repairman called with the estimate and asked me when I need it by, I told him I have a project due at school. He said Tuesday, that it usually takes 2 weeks or more for repair. That was in 5 days. I was fine with that so I said no problem.
He called me 2 days later and said to pick it up. He had cleaned it, and fixed both of the light meter problems and the estimate never changed.
I then went upstairs to look at lenses and the salesman was very nice and helpful. I like this place. If I keep up the picture thing I will go here often. -
Review from dan s.
5/13/2008
I have never bought anything here, however, here's what I've observed from 3 visits to the store:
- I didn't see anything newer than 2 years old cameras on the shelf.
- Their used cameras are way overpriced and look beat to hell.
- A 8Gb SD card should cost at most $80, not $269 (oh, but he quickly offered to take 20% off that price).
With the cost of real estate in SF, how does a business like this survive? Are they doing that much printing where they are making enough money that they are happy to just wallet rape the occasional foreign tourist? -
Review from Vanessa R.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2007
I hate to do this, really I do.
They have reasonable prices, and always give me a student discount even though I dropped out of art school almost three years ago. Their counter folk are very knowledgeable. They do a good job with my film (well, they actually send it off to Oscars, but still).
But this place pisses me off more and more every time I go in. They're slow, and rude, and always out of what I'm looking for. I understand the short stock, they're right by an art school, I forgive them for that. But guys, some people are in a hurry and don't have time to wait for you to finish chit chatting with other patrons. Learn some customer service skills. Please. And I might start to like you again. -
Review from Keith B.
Denver, CO
1/12/2007
OK, I know this place isn't perfect, and I haven't been too impressed in the past, but today I rented some equipment at Gasser and the experience was pretty good.
The people were friendly and knowledgable and if you rent after 2PM on Fridays you get 50% off!
So I am not speaking for the rest of the people there, but there rental crew is pretty good. -
Review from Phillip M.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2008
I had a good experience with their film and digital service. I walked in, they had what I wanted, I purchased it for a reasonable price. I left happy. This review is not about that. This review is for their repair department.
I had a terrible experience with their repair department. Long story short. A simple 14-day quick turn around, turned into a 180-day fight.
I dropped off my backup camera, a Nikon N80 at the repair department. My camera is not a rare camera, nor is it an expensive camera. As a matter of fact, it is still in production. I dropped it off on March 4th. I signed the little form giving them 90 days to complete the repairs. They said they'd look at it, and give me call in a week with an estimate and time frame of completion. Next week came and went with no phone call. I gave them a few days and I called them. They said it wouldn't be problem to fix and I'd have it within 30 days. I thought it was a little long, but whatever, I have other cameras, and I like supporting my little independent camera shop.
I waited a month. I called, they stalled. I waited another month. I called, they shifted the blame. I went in after four months. Still no camera, and bit of yelling. It's now 30 days past my 90 days repair contract. I ended up talking to John Gasser, and having him waive all charges, except parts. My camera still wasn't fixed, and was off site. Finally after another few exchanges like this, I get a call on August 3rd, with them happily telling me my camera is at the store waiting to be picked up.
I waltz down there with my lunch money ($3.17) and plonk it on the counter. When the repair guy protested my underpayment, I showed him Mr. Gassers signature, and I asked him to calculate the difference between todays date and the drop-off date. He meekly replied 180 days.
Call Nikon directly, and they'll fix it in 2 weeks.
