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March 2021 by Joseph C.
Attended a few free seminars before the Pandemic and I would consider the training if need certification for phase one cameras. The quality of pictures in macro is fantastic on a commercial for macro editing. If needed to rent a space with phase one equipment I would consider them. Big difference using high resolution picture to regular camera back in those days.
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March 2019 by Geoff B.
If you are a photog who needs/uses serious or rare gear (Phase One, Alpa, Bron, Linhof, Cambo, Arca Swiss) this is the only place. Jim and Karla bust their butts to satisfy your needs. Jim once drove a digital back down to Palo Alto on a Sunday to replace a failed unit for me. Knowledgeable is an understatement. What you are paying for vs the online guys is people who are absolutely there to support you, who won't steer you in to unnecessary purchases and who can offer advice that is based on 25+ years experience. You want to ask which step down ring for a Lee filter fits a Schneider 150mm ? Which is the correct sliding back graticule for a Linhof M679cs to format fit a Phase IQ4 digital back ? The best around. Can't say enough good things.
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January 2019 by joe m.
Update: Bear has closed the Palo Alto location
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July 2017 by Andrew M.
Came here to do some research, we got some help from a lady (forgot her name) but she took the time to get to know our needs, and then recommended all the equipment we need. Will be back when we need to buy the stuff!
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December 2015 by Andy S.
I thought this was a fantastic store and I spent in excess of $20K here putting together a digital view camera system and medium format DSLR. However, when I purchased a rather expensive digital back from another store back East, mostly because Bear Images wouldn't follow up with return phone calls, and I told them that, I got a prompt email from Bear Images telling me that I was no longer their customer and I would have to go elsewhere for photographic purchases. I paid premium prices in exchange for good advice and good service, but then I made one purchase elsewhere and Bear Images suddenly would, "no longer serve me", to paraphrase. It makes me wonder how much money I could have saved if I knew they could arbitrarily cut off business with me because I hurt their feelings. I thought we were all adults.
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January 2015 by Ken S.
They know how to treat professional photographers no matter the size of purchase. On several occasions they were able to provide solutions to problems when I didn't know exactly what I needed. Thanks and kudos to all the staff.
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October 2014 by Jonathan L.
A+ I've been to Bear Images a few time and just became an actual customer. Their service is amazing and the amount of time they take with customers is really something else. I took a few days to decide what I wanted to buy, but they got the package together for me very quickly. We'll definitely be doing business again.
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December 2012 by Bill K.
Positively delighted! Bear Imaging cheerfully defies the sad tendency of experts to become arrogant and communicate effectively only with other experts. I was a little ambivalent to stop in since I know precious little about photography, while just a little online homework shows this is a haven for professionals. Should I be more concerned about my dignity or the possibility I may be coerced into buying professional gear for my amateur application? I was right to expect experts. I was wrong to anticipate arrogance. I found Carla and Jim who listened to my need, then first cautioned me not to over-invest for the task (in this day of sales quotas and barracuda commercialism? Huh?). They patiently and courteously asked me some background questions, then set me up with gear well within the price range my homework suggested I could find if I really worked at it. I am so grateful to find the good people at Bear Imaging, and for the ability to put word out about what a fantastic store they run. And if you are an expert? Well you don't need to read this because you already know. A++ for Bear Imaging. Go here, but call 'em first - check before you trek. Their hours are limited.
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December 2012 by Robert H.
A great shop that's well suited to serious photogs. Strong orientation around medium format, but some good pro DSLR coverage as well. They're not snobbish, just very focused. Now, this is my opinion, and is not meant to reflect the opinion of the shop, but it's just not intended for the amateur shooter; if you're looking to buy a P&S, or entry-level DLR, there's some great stores to check out, but this isn't one of them. It's not your typical brick & mortar "retail electronics store". That said, they have a great selection of some very high quality gear. I don't shoot medium format, so I can't make any informed comments, on that front. That said, they have an abundance of top quality gear, and looked set up to do calibration. If you need some equipment on short notice, or are looking for a good shop to establish a long-term relationship with, this may well be the one for you.
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March 2012 by Gunnar R.
I'm a hardcore photo junkie making the switch from the 8x10 and darkroom to MF digital. I made the drive (3 hours) to visit the store on the recommendation of a friend. I was not disappointed. Not only did the owner agree to meet me after hours, but he spent a good 2 1/2 hours going over several different camera systems before helping me zero in on an Alpa 12STC and some lenses and a phase one back. I have done several more transactions with them and will continue to. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Their prices seem inline with the B&H's of the world. They have more product stuffed into that store than you can imagine. I would recommend this store especially to the serious photographer/professional.
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June 2011 by Fred N.
Just about the friendliest store of any kind I've ever visited. Although it was obvious from my small camera that I'm no pro, they treated me like one. Very easy to talk to, very knowledgeable about what they sell. Bought a Think Tank bag (which I went in to look at) and a Sun Sniper sling strap, whose benefits were explained to me clearly and with absolutely no pressure to buy. This store is every bit as professional as the equipment they sell--maybe more so.
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April 2011 by AT C.
Small little store... but carries some great stuff (ThinkTank products, Gitzo Tripods) although it is a bit pricey. Staff is friendly/mellow and helpful. I mainly buy my ThinkTank gear here because I can try it out a little before buying.
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February 2011 by Bateman, P.
I made the mistake of going to another shop that we'll just call 'Feeble & Duchat' on recommendation from a couple other shops. However, they didn't have my "rare and mystical" 52-55mm step-up ring. Bear on the other hand did, go figure! Must not be such a "rare" item after all... The employees I encountered today were fantastic. The customer service I received both on the phone and in person (despite my inexpensive purchase) was refreshing. If and when I need something else for my bag; Bear will be the first place I go.
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June 2010 by Old School G.
I'm glad to see Bear is still going. When I lived in the Bay Area, I'd often buy my darkroom supplies here since they always had I wanted. My friends worked here, and better yet they shopped here. I'm not sure how much of the wet side they feature these days, but I knew I could get my Jobo tanks or chemistry. I also remember from time to time, they would get a fixer shipment that wasn't so store shelf ready, so I'd get a free bottle of fix for being a good customer. That and their friendly demeanor kept me a Bear customer for a long time. Hope everyone is doing well.
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December 2009 by Cindy W.
They were very helpful to a DSLR newb like me. They were patient & friendly in answering my probably very stupid questions. Now the reason why I gave I didn't this place 5 stars is because it looked like a tornado passed through! I didn't know if I went to the right place because there were cardboard boxes and plastic blocking the entrance! And then inside I had to make sure not to knock anything over!! -1 for us clumsies! I can't imagine what a big person would have done. I'll definitely be back since there aren't that many places in the bay that carry camera equipment. Who knows maybe they were doing some winter cleaning?
