Kaimuki Camera

I was very happy to find this camera store in Honolulu. I searched everywhere online for a Canon 60D and finally discovered one at Kaimuki Camera. I called them twice before visiting the store and they had it waiting for me and spent over 30 minutes helping me test and set it up. I appreciate the extra mile they went to accommodate my needs.…

Worst customer service experience ever!!. I went into Kaimuki Camera to look at a lens for my camera. I was helped by the wife of the owner. When she found out I was an amateur her whole attitude changed. She told me my camera was for high school kids who are just learning and that buying a lens for the camera would be a waste for me. I told her I still wanted to get the lens. She told me I should take home a brochure and maybe take some classes before I purchase anything. I thought it was extremely rude. There was a customer who walked in while I was talking to her. It seemed like she was trying to get me to leave instead of taking time to answer my questions in fear of losing a potential non-amateur customer. The customer ended up walking out of the store. While in mid conversation with the owners wife she darted out the door, and chased the woman down to see if she needed anything. I could hear the woman tell her that she was just browsing. Very rude, very unprofessional. I was there to give them business. I went in to buy something. After she came back in I looked around for a bit and walked out without saying anything else. I was so disgusted with the way she teated me because I was not a professional.

I will never set foot in their store again and advise anyone who has yet to visit their store to do the same. I wish I could give them less than one star.…

id buy from kaimuki camera. i got there just before 9am which is when they open. someone was already waiting for them to open to get their pics developed. when that customer looked at the pics they just got, she said "way better then longs."

i then first spoke to the wife. i told her i wanted to see what was available for someone like me who wants to get something better then point and shoot. she began showing me a few cameras. i told her i couldnt afford the high end so she suggested a lower model and informed me of rebates. i asked alot of questions and she was very patient and answered all of them to my satisfaction. she gave me a price quote and brochure. the prices were as good if not better then online stores.

as i was getting my questions answered the owner "neil" was helping another customer. he took the time to show him diff filters and demoed them. the customer seemed very happy for the demo and bought one of them.

the wife began helping someone else as i browsed. i had another question so i asked neil. he was happy to answer my amateurish questions.

being that i do not know the owners and was treated very well as a noob photographer, i would definately consider buying from them.

the only thing i will check into further is the return policy, as someone stated below in a different review. this is why i only gave 4 stars rather then 5…

Lacks Customer Service & Equal Treatment. I am a professional photographer and it is hard to find a store that sells pro camera and lighting equipment on the island. That said, Kaimuki Camera is still NOT the best place to go. I'm a long time customer here but will provide the public with an honest review.

I find the owners (the only ones who work there) impatient and unwilling to assist their customers. (They will size you up when you walk in the door, trust me). On one occassion the owner bent over the counter and told me a secret--they "can't waste their time helping ameteurs and non-regulars" I was told. (How's that for customer service?). Also keep in mind that they only go out of their way to place orders on lens, bodies, etc for "only our regulars" they said. (but what is everyone else, chopped liver?).

Try it--go in and ask for help, assistance or information about any of the products. Neil, the owner, in particular won't give you the time of day. His wife is kinder but both will give you very limited information on an item and very poor service. IF YOU ARE NOT IMPORTANT TO THEM they will ignore you or at best not treat you with the same respect and equality they give to others. It's sad to say, but you may be better off ordering online.

If you look at all the reviews on this site: half give one star, and half give five starts (mainly their friends and "regulars" (myself not included). Know who to believe.

On the upside, their prices are similar to that of Amazon. They know this is their competition. (Kaimuki Camera also often closes the store without warning so do call before you go to make sure someone is there). If you need equipment right away you are limited to this, Lighthaus and Ritz Camea.…