Citizens Photo

My first tirip to Citizen's Photo was great... I had $1300 to burn on a brand new digital Nikon SLR and all of my questions were answered and the staff was pleasant, though I did seem to feel just a touch of arrogance in the air. Now, I know I am an amateur photographer at best, but it is my goal to eventually become pro. Obviously, I am going to have a lot of questions and will need a lot of guidance along the way. I am working hard to pay for my equipment and trying to learn a lot of things all at once. I've returned to Citizen's Photo twice since my big purchase to pick up small things... My second experience there was fine, not terrible, though the attitude I felt was that I could have been there, or I could have not. It didn't seem to matter since I was only spending under $20. No one was especially helpful or friendly, though I did get what I came for. My third experience was terrible. The same man who helped me with the first big purchase was flustered and annoyed at my inexperience. I felt as though I was in junior high and asking the mean teacher dumb questions. When I stammered when asked about the size of my lens (I needed a new lens cap), he just told me that he couldn't help if I wasn't sure and rung me up for my other item without anymore dialog. I realize it is very amateur and... ok... LAME of me to have forgotten the size of my lens, but why should any employee make someone feel more amateur and lame than they might already feel? Isn't the point of running a photography supply shop to help people become better photographers and help people become comfortable with photography by being kind and helpful and selling your products by doing so? Locally owned businesses are not doing themselves any favor in the race against corporations when they employ people with chips on their shoulders. I just bought a new $500 flash from B&H online today and I couldn't be happier. I will not return to Citizen's Photo. Pros: Close in SE, tons of lighting equipment, cool old building Cons: bad parking, apathetic employee, prices much higher than pro photo or b&h more

I recieved a flash unit for xmas from a parent and discovered the second time I was going to use it that it had a serious fracture at the base where it attaches to the hot shoe. I knew I was going to be in Portland shortly so I brought the unit home for my visit, got the receipt and went to the store to try and negotiate a return or exchange. I have never been treated so rudely and bizarrely by a business as I was by Citizens Photo. Pros: They carry Pentax Cons: Angry condescending hyperbolic staff more

I am an experienced fine art photographer, a regular photographic hobbies, and a professional camera repair technical. Each employee at Citizens has worked as a professional photographer or is a professional photographer. Any time I have a question about how to shoot a type of picture, what kind of film to purchase, or how to use a particular piece of equipment, Andrea, Bryan, Jim, or Max, give me a concise accurate answer, without being arrogant, snooty, or seeming put out. At first the digital processing technology was completely inadequate, but the owners insisted the makers of the processing machine rectify the problems, and they are now well above average. I have also found that Rachael at the film counter goes way beyond the call of duty, with each customer; sure this creates a line sometimes but it not because she is rushing or ignoring customers, that's for sure. Pros: Selection, Service, Location Cons: Parking, hours, Parking more

I dont like digital prints, and I shot medium format for the crisp clarity of the format. So I stopped going there when they started doing digital prints without telling anyone. I pointed out, and a woman at the photo counter, with considerable attitude said that it would now be custom print prices if I didn't want digital proofs for each frame. Excuse me? It's a nightmare to park down there, there's always a line, and there are some pleasent enough folks, but there's some real lameos working the film counter too. But this analog digital trickery is unnacceptable, if I wanted crappy photos I'd drop them off at Kmart. Gouging the customer without telling him, that is the new American way. Pros: Do process 120, Close in Cons: , Intermittent service, Lousy parking more