Looking Glass Photographic Arts
Category: Photography Stores & Services [Edit]
Neighborhood: South Berkeley2848 Telegraph Avenue
(between Oregon St & Russell St)
Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 548-6888
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
16 reviews
Neighborhood: Grand Lake
"The talented and knowledgeable artists who work here have a subtle eye for what will look great and distinctive, no matter what you are…" read more »
52 Reviews for Looking Glass Photographic Arts
Great staff, very knowledgeable , prices are fair, people have to remember sure you can save a little online BUT, who is going to tell you about it, and if it's the wrong item?? well.. Give them a try , you wont be sorry.
I have to join the crowd... Seriously I went because of all the five stars on Yelp and I can say that they deserve it.
Who wants to subsidize UPS and some New Jersey mail order business when you can walk into Looking Glass and start asking all your questions and stating all your issues about your old camera vs. this new one, and then get out equipped to take pictures in no time, like tonight... You do need to charge the battery.
Overall a very positive experience. I will return for accessories, and then maybe one of their classes will help me become more of a photographer than just a guy who poses with a great camera...
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This place been around forever. I still remember the good old days when I was taking classes at Chabot me and my friends use to come here to get our supplies. That's like back in 1990 91, so it's not like you can "go online" and buy stuff.
The human touch in this type of business is what keeps them survive in the internet age. What better than walking into a store not knowing the differences between developer vs. fixer, multi grade paper vs. graded paper, and there's this physical human being there to explain it to you, mano a mano. And too bad nowadays not too many brick and mortar shop hire quality people who know their stuff (ie BB, CC).
This is the place where old school meets the new age. Digital point and shoot, DSLR, lens, B&W chemical, paper, old school film cameras, all under the same roof.
Digital photography is great, however the medium detracts the art value. No matter what people say about the future, or lack of future of film and silver gelatin print, they are not going to go away. (Didn't some people predicted we will do away with paper hard copies, or even books, once computer become widely accessible? Guess what, they are wrong.) Instead, their value will only go up, like oil paintings, sculptures, press prints. Art involves craftsmanship and of a medium that every print is unique.
So, if you are into photography, come take a look at this place. It might inspire you into taking your hobby to the next level.
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Friendly, helpful staff and great quality. Will answers your questions without making you feel stupid.
Fantastic! These guys provided good advice, excellent product, and we're super nice as well. After the attitude at a famous (and disappointing) shop in SF, this is a breath of fresh air!
this place seems to have everything you would need and they will help you without the attitude. i take a LOT of pictures but i am by no means a professional. i still get confused about what lens is the best for what focal length, which filter do i need, etc and they helped me here with no eye-rolling and even dug up some used filters for me to buy, saving me about 35 dollars which is pretty nice. good sense of humor too, i tend to buy little doodad things and not really know what they do. if i see some random used filter for 5 dollars i will likely buy it and see what it does to my photos. they dont seem to have anything against people who want to play around and you can also get a holga here for around 20 dollars. everyone was friendly and they had pretty much everything i came in for.
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Very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, always a pleasure going to the Looking Glass. I've been going here for several years for everything from film to random accessories and have been very satisfied.
Knowledgeable staff, great selection, great photography store.
I make a regular visit to looking glass to keep my camera and lenses nice and clean.
Great place if you are a newbie, novice, armature, or professional photographer.
This place is awesome! I saw a lens that I wanted online, and ended up going here to get it (because it was in stock). The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and were able to find exactly the same lens I wanted used for 70% of the price!
Only reason I took off 1 star is because their website and list of used lenses needs to be updated!
Living in the East Bay, there aren't very many photographic supply stores around, much less ones that still carry B&W chems and the like. Luckily, LG is 20 minutes away from me. Oh yeah!
This is THE place to do your photographic business. Sure there are alot of online retailers, but when you have to get it in person, or need to get another batch of fixer, this is the place. They carry the general stuff, D76, Ilfosol, and Photographer's Formulary stuff. And the great thing about it all...it's all freshly dated.
Extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable staff. And above all, they will offer you very valid advice, and advice that you can actually believe. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Yeah, that's right, they're photographers just like the rest of us, and not just sales people.
A great place for buying anything that you would need of course, and shelves and shelves of paper..and yes even properly refrigerated slide film. Mmmm, I'm going into convulsions right now thinking of it.
I love this place, and even have managed to visit it just because. Though it's getting expensive, because I seem to buy alot of stuff that I don't need..well at the moment.
I love you Looking Glass!
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The Looking Glass is a true Berkeley camera store - small, cramped with both character and goods, and staffed with knowledgeable salespeople. They have a surprisingly good selection of tripods and camera cases. I would find myself stopping by for the occasional can of compressed air or Pelican camera case; I even bought a tripod here once. The prices are very competitive for such a small, independent store.
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Most Helpful Camera Store in California.
No, I have not been to every camera store in this great state, but the people ate LG are by far the friendliest and most helpful. If you are looking to get into photography, or forgot how to do something on your camera, or need some tips - dont feel stupid they will help you out! They are not camera elitists like many stores tend to be (down south).
Good selection of BAGS and day to day accessories. Also, tons of film if you are a luddite.
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Climbing up the stairs into the lovely camera clutter I am refreshed; this is a true photography shop. No ties on the sales staff, real film in the cooler, and good old fashioned chemicals. It's a playground of potential.
This store is the kind of place we worry about when we bemoan large retailers driving out the little stores. Yes, it's more expensive than buying online, but the service is top-notch. I just bought my new camera body there at the end of 2007, even though I could have gotten it less expensively elsewhere. (I confess that I did end up buying my lens elsewhere -- the price difference was just too great at more than $300. I've partially made penance, however, by getting all my gear here.) I've also taken one of their classes, which I found quite helpful. All in all, a highly recommended store -- patronize them as much as you can so they don't get squeezed out.
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As a former local student at a small private school, without a lab whatsoever, we used to come to this place for our short-lived photography class. I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure they cut our school a sweet deal in letting us use their lab. I learned everything I know about B&W photography from within these fine, developer-splashed walls. Helpful folks. Reliable equipment. And, holy crap, this place still rocks, 10+ years later! This place out-lived my high school, so I imagine it isn't going anywhere for a while. Good to know.
Thanks for the fond memories of fumbling with spools in the pitch-black; and thanks for the do-it-yourself instructions on the walls. I'll be back when I find my camera!
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I accompanied my friends here who were there with the purpose of purchasing some Polaroid film and a Holga. They both got what they were looking for. I'm really glad places like this exist. My only wish is that there was something comparable in Los Angeles. The store was pretty busy on this Sunday afternoon. The staff were helpful but I almost felt like the process of getting in and out was unnecessarily long. Before my friends could complete their transaction, the guy behind the counter had to check to see if they were in the system yet, which they were not, so he had to enter all of their pertinent information, then he asked if they wanted to be put on the mailing list, etc. This is just a minor complaint, the place is still great, but I guess that's one small thing they could improve on in the future.
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i'm still drooling from caressing the Nikon D40 and Canon Rebel XTi. sigh...
great advice from friendly photography enthusiasts and pros.
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Once upon a time, I worked in a kite shop in Portland, OR. We sold some pretty high-end, very expensive sport kites. Sometimes a customer would come with one for repair and it would be obvious that they hadn't been taking super good care of it - sand in it, unpatched holes, bridles kind of messed up, that kind of thing.
So I'd sigh, and repair it, and clean it and polish it and lecture - in a nice way, I promise! - the customer about how they really ought to take better care of their nice things. And I'd fix it all up and get it ready to go and send it off with them, raising my eyes heavenwards and hoping that they'd do more to deserve the fine piece of tethered aviation they owned that I could never hope to afford.
SO ANYWAY, that exact same thing happened with us today at Looking Glass and it was awesome. We were getting a new filter for our Nikon D70 SLR, and the poor guy behind the counter was obviously appalled at the spots on the lens that needed cleaning, the dusty viewfinder, and the Burning Man playa bits ensconced in every crevice (even, um, inside the lens I KNOW I KNOW WE ARE BAD PEOPLE, but it's only the kit lens and we're getting some better ones soon and we'll take better care of them I promise!). He practically snatched it from us and cleaned every bit with a cloth and cleaner, checked on how much it would cost to have the inside cleaned, and generally made it quite clear that we ought to try harder to be worthy of our camera.
But it really was fantastic! He wasn't mean about it, or rude, or anything. At all times he spoke softly and kindly towards us, and treated the camera with the reverence it deserves. It's kind of hard to explain - he obviously had great love for a fine piece of equipment, and no desire to make us feel guilty. And it totally worked. He also answered all of our questions completely and left us feeling like we can be better camera owners now if we put our minds to it. =)
PLUS: They have a ton of lenses and accessories for rent, and you can apply your rental fee to the purchase of a new one. How awesome is that?
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A mecca for those who process their own film and develop their own photos and in general need of equipment and supplies. The people behind the counter aren't just working the register and processing orders; they know their stuff, and are a great resource. Nowadays I don't have as much time to do my own thing so I get film processing plus b+w contact sheets done here (for about $12 total) and they do them exactly the way I want them, and for less than at a place I used to go to in L.A. In addition to gear and supplies there's also a great selection of books to thumb through off to the side.
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I went into this store after reading good reviews here on Yelp. I was such a deer in the headlights the minute I walked in - obviously this was a place for advanced photographers who need all sorts of fancy equipment... and little old me just wanted a new point-and-shoot digicam...
I took a deep breath and walked up to the counter. And lo and behold, the guy that helped me was super nice, didn't mind my ignorance, asked me questions that were easy to answer about features I wanted, was honest about the products, and finally sold me on a great little camera at a price not particularly higher than Best Buy's.
I fear the fancy no more! I'll be going back here if I ever have another camera need. : )
Hands down the absolute best photo store...anywhere!
I have been going to Looking Glass forever and when I walk in, they always say 'Hi Baidra', even if I've been away for too long (gasp!).
While I lived in Oakland & the east bay, you could find me there on many ocassions. When I moved to Santa Cruz...I still drove my film to LG for processing (the only ones who seemed to understand D76 1:1 68 degrees 9 minutes) and to buy my supplies. Now I live on the Peninsula and I still go to LG whenever I need photographic supplies (Keeble & Shuchat is the antithesis of LG - just awful!! Attitude abounds and no helpful service). Oh, and I trust their knowledge. I know I don't have to give the staff a photo lesson when I am looking to buy supplies, what a treat! LG is hands down the best photo store. Period.
Film is not dead!
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they've got everything you could ever need for film photography, and the guy working guided me to all the stuff i couldn't find with a smile and shared with me his seemingly expert advice. A+
I stopped in to the Looking Glass in an emergency need for a light bulb! They have EVERYTHING and the people that work here are nothing but kind and helpful. This is such a GREAT store, I would recommend it to anyone.
Hands down the nicest people you'll ever meet behind a photo counter. I take all my film processing there and they'll give you the straight dope on what's cheap and what's good, they have a variety of labs that one can choose from. The staff is the most helpful around, and the prices are the best you'll find. I buy my stuff there because their advice is so helpful. Their expertise more than makes up for the tiny premium you pay for not receiving your stuff in the mail. It's a tiny store, but somehow manages to be filled with everything you'll ever need. If they don't have it, you probably don't need it. They'll even tell you what they really shoot with, even if it's a pinhole camera. Go there if you need a Holga, or a Lens Baby this is your place.
The folks at this shop on Telegraph Avenue are experts at every type of photography equipment. I needed display lighting for eBay shots and they found me the absolute best set up for what was surprisingly a good price. I was tempted to shop online for this, but we like supporting local business, so we bought the lights there.
OK, I feel like a total dick. I can't, for the life of me, remember the name of the guy who helped me yesterday. Ugh, dude, if you are reading this, I am really sorry, cause you kick all kinds of ass.... like a whole army of ass. whoa.
So yesterday I get out my old Holga that I actually bought from Looking Glass about 3 years ago. It is working great but I never shot a lot with it. So I figure I will go to Looking Glass after work and get some info and tips. This makes me nervous. I don't like pretentious arty assholes. I parked and put on my gameface.
I walked in prepared for scene battle.
"oh yeah... i have a few lomos but I really prefer..."
"wow, so you shoot in 35mm...?"
But there was none of that to be found! Maybe its because all of the customers were out of the shop! But I came to the counter and was asked if I needed help. I told him I did and he was really attentive and seemed to really care about my photos and me understanding it.
He guy that helped me was pretty tall and had red, long wavy hair. Hopefully he is the only one that works there with red hair. Anyway, that guy is awesome. He showed me a bunch of stuff and suggested a bunch of stuff too. But the best part is that he took his time and made sure that I got it.
So thanks to you Looking Glass and thanks to you Red. You are the awesome.
Boycott Digital people.. Bring back the film. Its the only way..
Sweet place and take home a new Holga.
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Their website reads: "We Speak Your Language!". 'Nuff said. These guys excel in every way that a photography resource can. No snobbery here just helpful advice when asked. Why go to a retail chain when you can simply come here and get better service. Support the arts. Damn skippy.
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THE East Bay resource for photo equipment and supplies. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great selection and reasonable prices. You can tell that they're doing it because they love it, not 'cause they're getting rich. You might be able to find it a bit cheaper online but you'll never get the same level of service and support. Plus you'd be sad if Looking Glass ever went out of business. *knocks on wood*
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I'm a professional photographer with 10 years experience and this is my favorite camera shop. The employees are knowledgeable, updated, and best of all, APPROACHABLE!
I also use Calumet and B&H but going to Looking Glass is kinda like going back to photo school--its a reminder of why I got in this in the first place. Yes, those other guys have higher-end pro stuff and sometimes lower prices, and yes they may know slightly more about their product lines and technical knowledge but LG just has way cooler folks.
They've got *real* gear, and excellent books. They offer classes and reasonable prices (unlike Gassers) No, you won't get mega high-end Profoto lights or grip equipment, but no bitter wanna-be pros either (unlike Gassers).
Outstanding.
Supporting the local photographic stores is a must. The big giant stores are often cheaper but what happens when you need to talk to someone? Looking Glass is really a to notch place.
I really enjoy the friendly and helpful staff.
I am a big fan of B&H photo in NYC and while living there always felt that the service was snobby and unfriendly.
Having moved to the bay area, I feel that Looking Glass may cost a bit more but they make up for it in the after care, service and support.
When I had a problem they tried extra hard to resolve it!
They also provided incredible value when I need to upgrade my pro equipment by giving me the pros and cons of what I was considering.
This is a valuable asset and a real gem to the photographic user in this area.
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Want some photographer's supplies? Like film and negative sleeves. Well they have a decent film selection. Negative sleeves...not that many options, but they do have some.
Want a photo bag? They have a few good ones. They have lenses and cameras also. One time I got a magnifying loupe at Looking Glass to look at negatives with and it came with a cord so you could wear it around your neck. It's a really high quality loupe and the price was super low.
One of my photojournalism classmates used to work at this store before she got married. If you are on Telegraph Ave. and you want a couple rolls of black and white and some pro film, they have it at Looking Class. Small store with a lot of stuff inside for photographers. Helpful, knowledgeable staff.
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I love this place because of the staff. They are super knowledgeable and friendly. No pretentious attitude if you ask stupid questions. I have relied on Looking Glass to figure out how to make projects happen. They are a great resource.
Wow,
I am impressed every time I come here. The people who work here are so unbelievably friendly, helpful, and all-knowing that I think I love them; like, I want to ask them if they'll hang out with me.
The way I feel about them is the same a child feels about a friend's cool older brother/sister.
From what mode I should be shooting in this situation, to why does this look like this at night, to use software X not software Y if you have this computer and this camera, I'll go in there with one question and seriously come out knowing like 5 things I didn't even intend to learn, but five useful things, you know?
As for the pricing, I've only bought a few things here...a mini tripod and some printer refills, photo paper etc. and they didn't really seem that expensive. Anyhow, I would imagine a small, local camera store in Berkeley would have to keep prices high to maintin what they do there.
awesome awesome awesome
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE Looking Glass ,http://www.lookingglas...
This place is like my good vibration. Anything and everything a photographer can find and have answered is all here....thought the Looking Glass.
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The only place I buy supplies in person. Also the only place I know of in the East Bay that even sells medium format gear anymore. Being able to lust over Hasselblads in the flesh makes it worth the premium for buying local.
For film processing though, they send film over to New Lab or Swan, both of which do a great job, but it takes forever. I've waited 5 days for develop-only processing, because of bad timing with their barely scheduled pick-ups and drop offs.
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I normally don't honor many 5 star ratings, but Looking Glass is one of my favorites places.. period. The staff has answered all my questions over many years with suggestons and troubleshooting for film and digital. They offer a spacious darkroom and area for developing with hourly rate which is totally affordable.. Plus, equipment, WIDE variaty of film, and paper. I have spent many hours in their darkroom and learned a few things here and there from nice photographers in the darkroom. Sometimes, there's a more classic appeal working with manual vs. digital. I'm a loyal customer here among many others, so never close your store please!!! :)
With the world already having moved towards the instant gratification of digital photography, it is easy to forget how magical it can be to develop your own roll of film. From the beginning stages - fumbling in the dark trying to get the undeveloped negatives on the spool - to the trial and error of time, light, and photo paper, to the final developing, fixing (what a great term), and drying of your own prints, the whole process calls to mind 17th-century alchemy, or a bad pulp novel. Three cheers to a shop that will allow you to experience this process inexpensively, and will guide you if you've forgotten that it is 1:30 min. developer, 30 sec. stop bath, 2 min. fix.
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Looking Glass is the kind of store that could only exist in Berkeley. Funky checkerboard tiles, industrial shelves with all sorts of darkroom supplies and equipment, giant refrigerators stocked with film, plus all the digital stuff like inkjet paper, cartridges, memory and of course, cameras. These guys sell all the usual digital wonders, but they also have a back room full of used film cameras from Nikon to Hasselblad to obscure stuff like Voightlanders. Best of all, the staff (students, artists and otherwise photo-obsessed people) know how to use this stuff, are super friendly and don't mind taking the time to help you. Hang around for a half hour, and meet somone you know. The perfect antidote to bibbox/internet impersonal homogenous retailing. Did I tell you I manage the store? Come on in, and see if I'm not telling the truth.
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Knowledgeable and helpful staff without the high pressure sale so often found in expensive camera stores. Sure it's not cheap, but you get an honest opinion instead of saving a few bucks.
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