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Category: Photography Stores & Services
430 8th Ave NMon-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Passionate camera people, full of knowledge and sound advice.
The worst part of about being a photographer is the sheer amount of goodies which are available. From lenses, camera bodies, and more accessories than you can imagine, to the staff here, who each know almost everything about these things, Glazers has been my end all, when it comes down to finding anything camera. If you need something camera, you have it, will have it, or can get it for you.
I have been here, many times... this particular occasion I came in to get missing plastic screw on cover for one of my cameras. I didn't have much hope after going to a few other places, but after talking to the sales person there, he knew in a few seconds what I was missing, and I had it in my hands shortly.
This place is a no nonsense shop. If you want something, just ask. If you don't know what you are looking for, just ask. They service all levels of photographer, which under some instances, the sales person may sound insensitive if you are a newbie, but rest assured, they have always had customers best intentions, and if you spend the time with the sales person, you will know everything about your camera, even before you checkout, if you ask. You might have to wait a moment to be helped; it's busy there most of the time. I think the rule here is; they service many professionals who don't need the detailed demo or explanation, so they don't offer it sometimes, however; If you ask for help, they will answer.
This place should be your absolute resource, when I want something, they have it, Camera stuff, lighting stuff, technology stuff, used camera stuff, pretty much anything photographic or video related, they have the stuff; and ready to try, before your buy, which is pretty much awesome.
I've bought accessories over the years at Glazers, and glad to still have a full service full stock camera store in Downtown Seattle as so many other specialty stores have disappeared.
Recently I went in, to check out a point and shoot camera I'd read a review of in the New York Times. I wasn't intending to buy. They were very busy, but i was able to get someone to show me the camera, and spend a lot of time with me on it. They were quite knowledgeable about it, and the differences between it and similar cameras of the same brand. The salesman was good about showing me alternate cameras.
Ultimately, I bought the camera after spending about an hour in the store. I spent about 20 minutes wiht the salesman. He was clearly very busy, and as to attitude, I think I may be one of those middle aged pot bellied photographers that another reviewer thinks gets treated better. I do know what features I want going in, even if i'm not familiar with the equipment itself. He didn't try to up sell me, but I hadn't come into the store intending to buy.
As to price-- I'm sure I could have found it cheaper somewhere else, but Fry's Electronics and BHPhoto had it for exactly the same price, and I would have saved about $1.50 off of $429 by buying it at amazon. Frankly even if I could have got it a little cheaper somewhere else the advantage of having the ability to check it out locally is worth it to me. I think they are doing a very good job of matching the prices of the big online retailers.
I give five stars instead of four simply because they are still here, and have a big stock on hand to demo, and are knowledgeable.
I've actually been into Glazer's twice now and have been very pleased with the service I've received both times.
This most recent time, I worked with a guy named Mark. He was extremely helpful. I've been trying to decide between a couple of Nikon lenses to buy and he was really great at showing me the differences in the couple that were available. I had all of my questions answered regarding the lenses and he even gave me his opinions on a couple of other items in the store that I was curious about. I didn't experience any of the attitude that people talk about whatsoever. He was extremely helpful. Perhaps Mark is an exception to most of the other staff working there - I'm not sure. But I can certainly vouch for him.
Glazer's got pretty much anything you could be looking for when it comes to photography. From software, to paper, to bags, tripods and of course - cameras and lenses. I was surprised to even find a large selection of Leica cameras. Something you don't find in a lot of camera shops. There's no way I could afford one of these cameras, but it definitely was cool to admire a selection of what we all consider to be the Rolls Royce of cameras. And overall, I found Glazer's cameras' prices to be pretty comparable to what you find online. At least with the reputable on-line shops.
Overall, a great Seattle resource for all things photography. I can see how it could be perceived as a little high-brow for folks who aren't as versed in the particulars of photography. Best advice, do your homework before stopping in here. I think the sales staff expects that most of the people shopping here know a thing or two about photography. If you don't, you'll probably find them to be a little high-brow. If you've done your homework on what you're interested in before you come in here - you'll find it to be an exceptional shop. Of course, there's always the possibility that you could get one of the rude salespeople, in which case, ask for Mark. ;-)
-1 for the poor attitude/service at times. I've bought items here (including a Leica M body), and at other times left in frustration and taken my money up to Kenmore Camera.
I like Glazer's, but the customer service needs to improve.
Tips for Glazer's:
* You will probably find what you're looking for in there. The price will be right too.
* Look like you know what you're doing. You're more likely to get help that way.
* With the exception of one or two good staff in the store, expect the kind of service you'd leave 0% tip for at a restaurant. Shoddy comes to mind. Appalling fits better.
* Take your time. No, seriously, take your time, because you'll have to wait for f*cking ages to pay. Or get service. Or do anything. Hope you didn't pay for parking.
I suspect it's hard to be in a business where lots of people come in for expert advice and then go home and shop online because they can save money there. Customer service is a two way street.
I have had annoying service at Glazers at times.
However, I think they are a fabulous establishment, with a knowledgable staff, providing the photographic community with a myriad of services, cameras, lenses, video, lighting, printing, rentals, computers...
Glazers sponsors, supports and coordinates many educational opportunites, camera clubs, photographic associations, and workshops.
They have worked very hard and do a great job supporting the professional photographer community, and the educational community of aspiring photographers and videographers.
Glazers is among the best in my book!!
I've totally experienced the Glazers cold shoulder and chalked it up to the fact that I'm not a middle-aged white man with a pot belly, khaki pants, and matching lens vest.
BUT! We seriously need Glazers to be here. There is no other professional photography store like it in the Seattle area any more. The professionals in the area must stand by Glazers. As a pro, you just can't always rely on mail order. Having a local store and rental resource is vital to your business.
Additionally, in Washington state we have this little thing called Use Tax. If you buy an item online, you still owe taxes on it. So, you are really not saving any money by ordering online. In fact buying locally might save you money on shipping and certainly saves you a headache and paperwork, AND ensures that vital businesses stay in business.
http://dor.wa.gov/cont...
Good:
* Amazing selection, one stop shopping. It's really the best camera store in the region.
* Prices seem in line with internet prices on most items.
Bad:
* They always seem too busy to ask you if you need help when you're clearly waiting. You need to be really agressive to get attention. Oh, and a lot of the stock like flash cables is only behind the counter.
* Have to cross the lake to get there from the Eastside. Rentals would be tough to return with traffic.
* Website is basically useless for used gear. Every time I've inquired (2-3 times), they've been sold out of whatever they have up there.
So this place really does have a pretty great inventory, but I was pretty blown away at how crappy the service was. Someone else mentioned in their review feeling like you're announcing to your neighbors that you're a sexual predator...and I think they're dead on. I approached the counter a couple of weekends ago to see if I could take a look at the a new Canon body, and the guy behind the counter acted like I was absolutely ruining his day.
I think the worst part about deciding to ask to check out the new camera was that this man could not answer any of my questions. He had to drag somebody else in to answer for every single inquiry I had, so the process was painful and took way too long. In fact, some of the best help I got was from a customer who had just bought the body I was looking at and was actually familiar with it. So, thank you, random lady who actually knew what she was talking about. :)
I don't know. It wasn't a terribly positive experience coming in here. Looking for an alternative store, but if all else fails, guess I'll begrudgingly head back to Glazer's.
Glazers' mass of employee knowledge is beyond compare. They also have wonderful deals on used equipment.
The first few times I visited I felt sort of unwelcome, but after working with a few of the employees on more than one occasion, I've decided this is my favorite camera store. Really solid knowledge of equipment and kindhearted people working behind the counter. I am glad I bought my last camera here and I'm certainly sending others their way.
Thanks, Glazers...I don't live in the area anymore but you can be certain I'll buy from you again!
ps. Some employees are more awesome than others. I've had great luck working with Dante and a tall, lanky brown-haired guy who remembers everybody's name (and of course I've now forgotten his). Nice folks!
Great resource for local photographers. Glazers staff is informative and helpful. They also have a great rental department.
Good *human* customer service , as I've said before, but I'm adding yet another update to say this: If you're looking at their website: *DO NOT* trust their system for items being in stock. Three times now it's listed items as being in stock and I've gone in, ordered online or called and they've been out of stock of that item.
So, moral of the story is, just call and ask... I guess.
Really. Really impressive customer service.
I got follow-up a call today -- the bag I wanted won't…
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I've bought 2 point-and-shoot cameras,and one SLR from these guys. The staff at Glazer's is always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Plus, they won't sell you what you don't need, which makes me a happy camper!
Yes, you can get a better price online, but I would rather support a local shop any day.
First off, I'm a total camera n00b. Along with this new frontier comes an endless wishlist chock-full of lenses, accessories, and doo-dads for my fancy new DSLR. A trip to Glazer's is like dangling a dime bag in front of an addict: there's enough gear in that place to keep me drooling all over the shiny stuff. (And if you're ever in there and there's a big slimy drool puddle over the case holding Canon lenses, you'll know I was just there.)
Prices for some items can be a little high compared to some online retailers, but you won't have to wait for shipping and you'll get that warm, fuzzy feeling you can only get from personal service. Finding someone to answer your questions can be tricky on busier days, but once you wrangle someone they're very helpful and friendly.
I've only dealt with their rental department, but they've consistently been super kind and helpful. The rental prices are not too bad, especially if you rent on Friday as you get to keep it for the weekend with no charge.
Never shopped here for anything camera-related. But they have a fine selection of Epson inkjet papers for printing your photos / graphics / artwork, and I got my color + black print cartridges for $12 cheaper than I would have at Office Max. The papers are pretty much standard listed price. If you need something in a hurry and don't have time to wait on a cheaper internet order to arrive, this is the place to go.
I love my new little baby, the Leica C-LUX 2!
Being a cameragirl, I'm a bit of a nutball when it comes to cameras. Very picky, which equals lots of questions and lots of time. I've been in and out of a few shops around town looking at the different choices, annoying everyone along the way, including myself for being indecisive. Glazer's is the only place that didn't make me feel like an a-hole for bugging them. (Which they shouldn't, I know. It's retail!) The woman answering my streaming questions did so with a smile and tons of knowledge. She even gave me a discount. Kissy kiss! I feel good about dropping my cash here, and I feel awesome about the choice I made, thanks to Glazer's.
Maybe I've just lucked out. But every time I've been here, I've received amazing service. Need to buy a lens? Staff shows me a variety of lenses at different price points. Camera lens broken? They'll exchange it and give me a loaner. I have dumb questions? They'll answer them in a non-condescending way.
The employees seem like they all have a great time working there, and like they truly care about the craft of photography. They don't say "you should do this, you freakin' beginner" or "you should buy that, ya clueless idiot." Even if I am a freakin' clueless beginner idiot.
Instead, the people I've dealt with asked thoughtful questions first about what I was trying to achieve, and then shared their personal experiences.
Glazer's has totally turned me into a lifelong fan, at least as long as they hire cool employees.
The people at Glazer's supply department were not super-friendly, but they were helpful, when we went in from some medium format (120) film yesterday. They were also helpful to us in suggesting where we might get it developed quickly on the Eastside, when we asked.
They didn't chase us around the store offering tons of assistance, but we didn't need it, either. We walked straight to the film fridges at the back, and as many other people who go in there, we knew what we wanted.
All in all, OK. Dude at the counter could have been friendlier, but they had everything we needed at reasonable prices. The film was actually cheaper than I expected.
I heard so many nightmares about Glazers I almost didn't want to go in, but I didn't know where else to go to check out digital SLRs, so I sucked it up and walked thru the door.
To my surprise, the staff was super cool and really helpful and even let me fondle the cameras of my choice.
Granted, I wound up buying my camera from B & H online, but I had a little help figuring out what I wanted to buy from Glazers.
I say ignore what people say and go there if you're just gonna graze the merchandise.
Snobs! I'd rather get violated by an online swindler than deal with this brick and mortar bunch of snobs. Customer service? I don't think so...
I got a new digital camera here and I love it!
I take way too many pictures of my kid. It's probably because she's the cutest thing in the whole damn world. So I got a little tired of my only Sony cybershot digital camera and begged the boy to help find a new one for me. He brought me here.
While some of the staff seem like arrogant douches, the women tend to be much friendlier and we ended up with a smart, sweet woman that helped us find the perfect camera.
She let us touch and play with everything. She told us pros and cons and let us take her picture a ton of times. The poor girl was probably blind the rest of the day! After considering all the pros and cons we went with a lovely Cannon powershot and we're still really happy with it. She recommend useful accessories that were not overpriced useless items.
And their store is filled with lots of other eye goodies too. I know I will be back to stock up on photo paper. And drool over real cameras.
If you enjoy being made feel like a dumbass and an idiot for asking questions then go ahead and stop by the digital photography department of Glazer's. The three men that worked there had some sort of weird superiority complex and sneered at my inquiries about digital work flow. I really wanted to kick all three of them in the nuts but my mother taught me better... Little did they know that I was ready to shell out cash that day to purchase a Canon digital SLR, two EF lenses plus whole bunch of other accessories. So out I walked like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman from that fru fru shop on Rodeo Drive.
At this time, I'd like a moment of silence and dedicate a virtual international sign of half peace to Glazer's.
The people in the film camera department are much nicer but it's too bad because I am NEVER going to spend any money there. Ever.
This isn't the place to get the cheapest gear. For that you go to the inter web tube nets. I've always found the staff here to be incredibly knowledgeable. I was just starting to get into photography and the staff have always given me great advice. They have a great selection of equipment from paper to tripods to camera bags to flash accessories. This is the place to go when you want to cop a feel of the latest equipment.
I've rented lens from Glazer's. It's always been a good experience. In a pinch, you can even have them courier the equipment to your office. If you rent the equipment on a Friday, you get the whole weekend for a day's price.
Glazer's current represents my standard for camera shops. It's only 4 stars just in case I run into a shop that I like more. I haven't.
You don't go to Glazer's because you want the best price (for that, you're going to shop online at a place like http://BHPhotoVideo.com). You go to Glazer's because you value exceptional service from a non-pushy (non-commission) sales staff that has more than just book knowledge about their products. Glazer's will bring out the product you are interested in, alongside a few similar options, let you play with the devices, provide real-world advice and remain patient while you take the time necessary to make a purchase decision.
In addition, by comparison to other local stores, Glazer's has by far the most extensive selection.
I find it difficult to justify paying the premiums needed to support the overhead of local retail establishments. The value provided by these organizations doesn't outweigh the cost of tax and the additional product costs (usually 10-20% higher). At Glazer's, though, I've never had any doubt about the value provided.
That said, as to be expected at any camera store, there are a couple arrogant pricks that work here; if you get one of these just ask them kindly to fuck off and move onto the next one. Perhaps next time I'm there I'll take photos of the nice sales people so other people don't have to waste time with the assholes.
I would urge all photographers to either boycott Glazer's or shop at another store. The staff is arrogant and patronizing. They charge a restocking fee if you return something after two weeks; they are unfriendly and only willing to talk with you if you are a professional or make it clear you will be dropping big bucks. I have spent way too much money there with way too few returns. Never again!
I frequently am forced to rent from Glazers as they are pretty much the only option. This is what you get when you essentially have a mini monopoly. Assholey service to the max. Everyone I've dealt with on the rental side has routinely been a complete ass.
Sadly I continue to rent from them...what other choice do I have?
Having a local shop where you can rent lighting equipment and sweet lenses and even cameras is a privilege that most Seatteites won't appreciate. I've lived in photographic wastelands where you'd be lucky to even find non-expired film for sale. So be happy you've got a shop that offers a wide array of equipment, developers, film and digital cameras, and accessories to make you feel like the most leet field photog to walk the green pastures.
For the record, I've never encountered snobby treatment here. Perhaps it's the beautiful Leica's which have lulled me into a stunned stupor, where words cannot form and my voice only wavers. The salespeople are content to let you meander, which I appreciate. They are obviously knowledgeable, if you are upfront about your level of technical know-how: if you don't know shit, admit it. It'll only hurt you if you don't. Seriously, put your pride aside.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, mostly due to the high prices. What put me over the edge is the used filter bin in the main shop. It may be a weird thing to love, but getting a polarizer filter for $12 versus the $32 they charge new is a nice touch.
I've always been on the Optech's side of the Optech's vs. Glazer's loyalty issue - they got me through school and beyond. The staff was very helpful but not invasive, and they always had everything I needed. However, as they've now gone digital only, I've had to switch over to Glazer's. My experience previously had been that, unless you were dropping $2,000 you could forget about any sort of service.
But since they now have the cameras/lenses/printers/bags/gadgets (never really my area of expertise) and the film/chemicals/paper in different stores, it's a much more pleasant experience. You can actually get to the film without having to elbow your way through a crowd, and the customer service has definitely gone up several notches.
I was super psyched to
A) Support a local business
B) Try out some lenses I had research online
C) Finally go into this famous camera shop
I accomplished C! Woo hoo.The D-bag behind the counter made it not worth my time to do A and B.
I was pretty sure I wanted to buy a cetain lens, so I rented it from Glazer's rental ( much nicer people that time ). I liked the lens, so I am going to pick it up, but not from Glazer's Sneer and Gear.
I am really glad that this store exists and will give it another try in a few months.
I love Glazer's. I am a professional pet photographer, work with digital, do my own giclee printing, and have made many purchases from Glazer's. OK- admittedly it's mainly ink, and much more often than I'd like (but that's an Epson printer for you), but I have dropped a good chunk of change there over time nonetheless.
When I first started my business several years ago I felt intimidated going in there, being a girl and all with no formal photography training outside of a darkroom film class in highschool.
It's funny, even though I never felt like a 'real photographer' it was the guys at Glazer's who helped me to realize that I really am one: after all- it's my fulltime job, I get paid for it- that kinda makes me a photographer.
Instead of becoming more intimidated over time, I have become more confident in my abilities, thanks to the careful hand-holding by the guys at Glazer's. Plus they have dog treats for my dog Fergie (rock on!). (She loves Glazer's too).
It turns out that ironically I did an art commission for Russ' dog Zoe, one of the great Glazer's employees, shortly before I started shopping there regularly.
Russ introduced me to Alan, and Alan has been incredibly helpful and friendly with me even when he knows I have no idea what he is talking about.
Alan set me up with the Canon EOS 5d (my first DSLR) such that I was out doing shoots for clients at Gasworks Park the very next day 'sans-problems'. FYI: aperture-priority, custom WB, evaluative metering, selective focus, etc, etc, I had down within hours, thanks to Alan's help. It completely changed my style, and my skillsets improved dramatically, I can't say enough good things about that shopping experience. I will see Alan and Russ forever and ever for my photographic needs.
This is one happy pet photographer. :-)
Ah- one request- they should have a 'buy 10 inks, get one free' program for their pros, lol.
UGH! Why does Glazer's have to be such a painful place to shop!? I really want them to be a great store with good service and competitive prices. (For this review I don't even consider the big box stores just comparable online and dedicated camera shops) . I stop by in a pinch for film and supplies but by planning ahead I usually buy everything I can through B&H photo.
Glazer's definitively has the most knowledgeable staff in Seattle and I appreciate they are, for the most part, paid a living wage.
I am not a lowest price shopper, and am willing to pay more for local and great service. I bought my first DSLR and flash from them racking up some moola and would love to spend more (and have through B&H and other retailers), but I just can't justify giving them any more of my money to be treated so poorly.
It seems that the issues is who is going to spend money or not. (I have heard this statement echoed in a lot of the negative reviews of Glazers and through talking with friends and colleagues) Is this the reason? I don't get it. Do they have an eye for people they think will spend money and ones that are not worth the trouble? Some people say they are great? What am I doing wrong?
I can't go into all of the detail of what makes me so mad, but simply, I feel that I am not worth their time. Why should any customer feel like this? I don't just shop at B&H because they typically have the lowest price, but they have excellent customer service. I have used their online, phone, and in store customer service and all of it has been exquisite.
I can't say everyone there is terrible. I have had great results with Mark, Kevin, Katie, and Lloyd. If you do need help, ask for one of them to help you out. They all have been really helpful in the past and very thorough. Unfortunately my overall experience of Glazers overshadows these good experiences to the point where I can't justify paying higher prices.
Glazer's isn't going anywhere as they are the best in Seattle ( well the only really) and do have some up-sides to note. I just hope they realize that they are loosing some important young customers and they won't be the only game in town forever.
Decent selection of film, which is the only reason I ever come in here. I do end up feeling like a dumb noob when asking questions. From now on I do my research ahead of time so I know what I want.
So yeah, boy do these people have some bad rap and rep to work off. And I can dig it. Sometimes I want to be a star. I'll pay more than usual to get some sweet clean customer service love. And I'll quit patronizing joints if'n they don't give the helpful kick down at some point in our relationship.
And if you are patient and don't flout some miasma of entitlement, tyro or expert the staff will spell it out for you. Even if you (like I) don't immediately know the difference between 18-200 mm and 52 mm dimensions for a lens, they will help ya.
So if you are looking for point and shoot, D/SLR, medium or large format camera needs, bing! Just be calm in the maelstrom of customers and someone will help you.
Glazers is good! The employees are a touch on the hipster nerdy side but not enough to drive you crazy! The selection is very good, they are a one stop shop! if you want to expand your prowess the rental dept will set you up with everything you need and then some! The prices are reasonable and the sales are great when they are on!!
They have it all, and their rental department is awesome. I wish the prices could be like BH or Adorama because I'd love to buy more stuff locally.
Glazer's is truly fantastic. I came in with two cameras, one of which is about sixty years old, and although they couldn't help me directly with that, they gave me many suggestions and resources. They were able to hook me up with some batteries for the other camera, though. Awesome place!
If you spend a hundred dollars and up or have a business/vendor relationship at Glazer's you'll get preferential treatment. Anything lower than that, they treat you like you're wasting their precious, valuable time. I've been to Glazer's several times and all but one time I've experienced the arrogance of a lot of their staff in the main shop. In their digital camera shop across the street, my wife and I couldn't help but overhear a dialog between and staff member an a customer ranting about a non-camera related subject and the staff member had a mouth like an auto mechanic, real professional! I'll never go there again and will recommend elsewhere to anyone I know/meet for equipment you can probably get cheaper online with free shipping. Do a Google search on Glazer's Camera and you'll find other people who have had the same experience not to mention other people I've talked to.
You might be able to find photography products cheaper elsewhere but you won't find it all in one place. Glazers has everything you could need and some things you just want. They have a rental department, new products, chemicals, papers, and plenty of people working to handle the constantly packed with customers store.
I've bought equipment and had good experiences in the Glazers camera store (the one that sells actual cameras) but this review is for Glazer's Camera Supply store across the street.
I've shopped at Glazer's Camera Supply four times now and only one of the people I've dealt with wasn't a rude jerk. I'm buying photography supplies and asking questions on how to photograph glass with an enclosure that they sell and they're short with their responses, give no advice and stand there looking at me like I'm an idiot. No need for attitude when I'm asking them what they recommend I buy from their store. No courtesy, no polite exchanges, just the "what else do you want from me?" look.
Find somewhere else to buy photo supplies.
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