Sadly came across the WORST customer service in a gadget store, especially by Mr Sandeep, who doesn't have any knowledge about the products, doesn't show/check the product before selling it. They are totally unaware/untrained of how to deal with customers, because when I called to mention about the defective product Sandeep sold me, he refuses that he has sold a defective product without checking it and denies to provide with a logical solution. Further he hung-up on me twice in middle of the conversation. But when I called the third time, as per receptionist he started attending other customers. And she also hung-up immediately, like WOW, what kinda service are they providing ? Why is this store even open ? This is shear harassment. Please boycott them and prefer buying it from other sellers or online because you will definitely regret your purchase from here! And this 1 star rating is much higher! read more

Saneal Cameras - Defective tripod, they call it brand new - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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Horrible service. Took 5 weeks to get a refund on a $20 Pelican case because store managers have no power to refund anything. On top of that "Neal" from Se"neal" said they dont usually give refunds for anything they sell. Please buy from Vistek or The Camera store. Less than one star! read more

Saneal Cameras - Sunridge Mall store closed. - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Went to Saneal Camaras Market Mall to buy a polarizer filter and a SD card. The filter was $129.99 and the card was $179.99. Amazon sold the same products for $39.99 and $101.99 respectively. Tiffen the manufacturer of the filter sold at a price comparable to Amazon on their website. Went to the store and asked for a refund but was told that they do not do refunds. read more

If you're not up for making a trip to downtown Calgary to visit The Camera Store, then Saneal Cameras is a decent back up plan. They specialize in everything cameras (go figure) and they have a good selection of camera equipment and accessories on hand. The store itself isn't massive, but the good news is that it IS located in a mall, so if they don't have what you're looking for, there's also a Black's in the mall, as well as a slew of other stores that carry similar goods. Overall, a good store to have around. Not my first 'photo-shop' stop, but useful nonetheless. read more

I have bought from Saneal cameras three times, and definitely will again. I bought the body I have now from them, an Olympus E-620. Yes I know nobody shoots Olympus anymore, but I love the look and feel of the E series. If you do shoot Olympus, this is the place to come for sure. The Camera Store does not do business with Olympus, and Vistek only seems to sell micro four thirds DSLMs such as the EPL-1. I also bought a flash there a number of months ago, subsequently dropped and broke that flash and bought a new one just recently. I will buy my next body, the Olympus OM-D from there when I get the chance. They have an extensive product line and courteous, knowledgeable staff. I actually plan to buy any accessories there that I cannot find online, and that's only because everything's cheaper when it comes from China. I'm thinking about picking up a bunch of cheapos and a jar of vaseline for nice art shots every once in awhile, but I digress. The staff, particularly an older man are talkative, have a great deal of knowledge about photography that they are willing to impart, and are just outright fun to buy from. Whether you are a professional photographer who needs last minute gear for an important shoot, a high level amateur who insists on the best gear to yield shots to wow your friends, or an absolute beginner who wants to learn about the amazing world of photography, this is the store to go to. Having said that, Black's does offer courses for those who buy new cameras from them, but you can find good quality workshops for around $100, or sometimes free if you're lucky. The conclusion of this long, rambling, almost stream of consciousness review, is this should be your first stop for anything Olympus, and absolutely high on your list no matter what you shoot (or want to.) read more

I have a nice Minolta 35mm film camera with lots of lenses, filters and accessories. I went into another store and asked if they had a digital camera I could buy that would use the same lenses. The answer was, "No, you probably have to buy another Minolta." Of course, Minolta stopped making cameras 10 years ago, so his advice was bizarre and uninformed. I went to Saneal Cameras with the same question and the staff pointed me at their Sony Alphas and suggested I bring in my lenses and try them out first to make sure. Great service. A month later I brought in the one telephoto lens I wanted to keep, waited a bit for one of the two staff to free up (busy afternoon) and he knew which camera to try first. He was quite helpful and seemed to know the products well. He was juggling a few customers while I played with the A35 and eventually bought it. He didn't try and sell me an extended warranty, which makes up for not having a return policy (only exchanges). I went in with a budget and didn't get upsold. I felt I was being helped, not sold to. And the camera is real nice too. On the other hand, if he and I had more time maybe I would have tried out some cameras just a little bit better for a bit more money... read more

In my search for a new digital camera, as well as a new lense for my professional camera, I thought I would check out Saneal Cameras. The store was buzzing, all the staff were busy helping customers. They seemed very well stocked with all the camera accessories a person would need. They carry lighting kits, HD camcorders, tripods, memory cards. A guy that was unpacking something asked if I needed help. I told him I was looking for a larger zoom lense for my Canon. He mentioned that they had a couple options, one to 400mm and the other 500mm. The 500 was out of stock, but he asked if I wanted to see the 400 on the camera. I said sure and he got it out for me. The lense was just what I was looking for. At $1500 it was something I had to think about though. I asked if they carried the new samsung digital that I was after, but he said they don't carry any samsung products. He was helpful, not too pushy and seemed to know his stuff. Their prices seemed to be competitive with other camera stores I have been to. I would return to Saneal Cameras for future camera needs. It is definitely a place to check out if you are in search of a new camera or any accessories! read more

With all the bad reviews about these guys you would think people would stay away. They tried to burn me with there ridiculous return policy and now I advise everyone I know to go anywhere for their photo supplies but here. read more

Horrible experience, staff wasn't welcoming, manager was on the computer ignoring the questions that his sales rep was asking him, never acknowledged us, he eventually answered them, we where supposed to get a phone call back within 1 hour of taking some passport pictures. My wife went back to see if her pictures where ready and the sales clerk didn't look at her and answered NO! She asked for an explanation, she said that the software that uploads pictures is malfunctioning and she will try again in 2 hours, ask her to come back later, NICE! we wasted 1:30 of our time waiting, they could not refund our money without contacting the owner of the store so more time waisted waiting for a refund. Why did the sales associate not contact us with this issue? Why did she ignore my wife when she came back? How come the manager didn't get involved with an apology at least? Disappointing experience! read more

Went in looking for a specific microphone as mine broke right before a shoot and I needed it ASAP as I was travelling from out of town for this shoot. Called in advance asking for a lavalier mic. Specified again when I got to the store what I needed. He grabbed me one and I paid for it. Those who know lav mics know they clip onto a lapel. Although the picture on the box looks like a lav mic, it wasn't. I discovered after I opened it that it plugs directly into an iPhone. Kinda hard to hang an iPhone off someone's lapel discreetly. Went to return it after the shoot and the guy says 'you opened it, how am I supposed to sell it now' and got defensive. I said I specifically asked for a certain microphone and he gave me something entirely different. This mic was no use for me. After getting angry and coming up with a list of excuses, he tells me he is 'trying to help me.' Sure didn't seem like it. Rude and didn't know his product. Eventually he decided to allow the return after I made it clear it was his fault and I wouldn't accept anything else. I don't live in Calgary and did not want store credit. Giant hassle, untrained and rude staff. Spend your money elsewhere. read more

MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE !!!! My husband was always buying very expensive camera equipment from this store and suggested to go there for my passport photo. But my experience of the customer service I've got from South Centre store manager was the worst experience ever. When he took my payed upfront photo he wasn't even willing to show it to me. Then, when I wasn't happy with the print, with one of my eye being half closed, I was faced with his resistance of possibility of a retake. There was no way of getting the refund for it either! Basically at this place you will end-up short of $27 and useless passport photo. It's true, I have lost 27 dollars at this place and this place lost me as a customer... But they also lost my husbands $2000/3000 per year purchases. (Maybe the company will deduct that from the store manager salary) read more

This is a convenient location in the NW but prices are significantly higher than other camera stores in the city. Would definitely shop around. read more

Horrible return policy. They wouldn't let me return a defective Canon flash that was dead out of the box. I was lied to and told Canon doesn't let them return defective items. Funny how The Camera Store is able to do this but not them. Horrible customer service. read more

I just purchase a lens online and through email with Jack. The price was the best by far. Expecting there to be some kind of reason for such a good price I called Jack and asked if it was an open box/demo/etc. He was surprised at the question in a manner that convinced me it was new. ( Leica does not shrink wrap their products and I heard of other shops pulling fast ones claiming new when it wasn't) I have the lens and it is clearly new. Bottom line great price, good service what else do you want. Cheers read more

SANEAL Calgary SELLING DISCONTINUED/FAULTY CAMERAS ! I have purchased a Polaroid Solcialmatic instant camera from the SANEAL store (Market Mall - Calgary) in December 2015. Within 8 days, i had to return it as it was not holding charge. 6 months down the road, I realize the replacement camera displays the exact same issue (battery not holding charge). Decided to call Polaroid to inquire, and realized the model had actually been discontinued back in September 2015 for that exact same malfunction ! Called SANEAL head office in Calgary, explaining the entire matter, and expecting a proposal to resolve the issue, since as a distributor they did not advise me as a customer of the product defect (twice in my case !) I was then told that they did not consider there was any wrong doing ; that as far as they are concerned they are not liable for getting manufacturer information after release, nor passing them on to their customer ; and that all they could do was advise me to take the matter with Polaroid ! As far as i am aware, SANEAL is in fact still selling this model in store and on their website !? I fail to understand how a business even though acting as an approved distributor/reseller of a certain brand, does not accept the liabilities that should naturally derive from the fact that they are accepting the commercial transaction when selling the product. Furthermore, it has become obvious to me that SANEAL Calgary has no interest in defending its customer's interest ; and this experience has breached any confidence i would have in doing business with SANEAL Cameras in the future. read more

Horrible return policy. They do not accept returns, their policy is "the money stays in the store". I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a return policy. For example, the Olympus OM-D and the Panasonic 7-14 lens work perfectly fine with other components but together, they are essentially incompatable. The staff did not know this but would not allow a return. read more

Watch out for their horrible return policy!! I bought a brand new camera from them that I found to be defective right out of the box. I tried to return it a couple of days later(well within their posted 10 return policy) and now they are telling me I will have to wait three weeks at least while they send it in on warranty work to Nikon. I told them I wanted to exchange it for a new one and they denied me. Save yourself the hassles that I am going through and buy your gear somewhere else. read more

I have heard terrible things about Saneal Cameras, but I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. I asked if they had a certain camera but he then made a disgusted face and told me they didn't carry last years cameras. I then asked if they had a different product and he rudely asked me which one I needed. I told him I did not know and I wanted to see all of them if possible, but then he just sighed loudly and said "well they're all up there so I need a ladder so I kind of need to know". I asked the price point since I then just felt like a hassle and he sighed again and said " I don't know? Around over a 100 and up?" I then immediately turned around and left without saying anything. He didn't give me any other options for my first choice then I was a huge hassle for my second. I will NEVER go back to this store, the rumours are right. Pretty sure this was the manager/ owner whatever, he could have made a nice big sale, well now he can shove it in a nice place. read more

Typical low rent camera store . . . salesmen push expensive no-name brand accessories (such as filters) to make up for "lower" prices . . . which aren't the lowest in town anyways. Shopping experience is much better at The Camera Store (www.thecamerastore.com) at 8 Street and 11th Ave S.W. read more

Terrible non-return policy.Can only bring item back for exchange or store credit, which I wasn't told. Go to Vistek or The Camera Store instead, where the professional staff treats customers well. Beware if you buy a big ticket item. read more

Would never buy from this place. The sales people push things that you don't even want to buy. Then they don't even return defective products. The owners don't really care. read more

I hate to be first to post a negative review, but I've been there earlier today and had the worst customer service I have ever seen since moving to Calgary 3 years ago. I needed to take a new set of passport photos for myself and my 6 year old daughter. I decided to go there instead of walmart or shoppers for two reasons: 1) being an equipment retailer, I expected they would use better equipment or at least better lighting when taking the pictures; and 2) I prefer to support what seems to be a independent local shop than a big brand store whenever possible (I do appreciate having this kind of business around). I know a couple of passport photos is not a lot of money but thought it would help them at least. It turns out that I was disappointed regarding number 1, not better than anywhere else I've seen, but not worse either, so I decided to give it a pass. I would appreciate though if they used better lighting instead of the camera built in flash. (at least a small flash bouncing against the ceiling). The guy who helped me, J. (I will respect his privacy and not post his full name) asked for payment upfront. It sounded quite unusual but didn't raise a red flag at the time. (looking back, perhaps this should have raised a warning against their customer service). When taking my daughter picture, he was visibly impatient and unwilling to take a few extra shots to get it right. He then took my picture, and said it was done. He did not offer to let me see the pictures before printing, but I asked for it anyway. I was not happy with the picture he took of my daughter and asked for another one. He initially refused, saying he doesn't have time for this. I looked around and the store was empty, there was no one else there, just another clerk sitting still waiting. I pointed this out to him. He said it is not a photo studio, and kept repeating that. I said, you can either refund my money and I will go somewhere else, or you finish your job and get this right. He agreed reluctantly to take only one more picture, again repeating this is not a photo studio. I reminded him that I asked upfront if he can take a passport photo of both of us, and not only he agreed but he also already charged me for that. For the last time, I said you can refund me or you take as many shots as needed until we get the right picture. I pointed out that he is using a digital camera, it wouldn't cost him anything more to get a few extra shots, and would only take a minute or two. Luckily, the first shot went ok. I told him I was very disappointed and he came with other excuses. I am still disappointed and do not understand this attitude. It doesn't cost anything to take a few extra shots with a digital camera, so we can choose the best one and print. And it doesn't take much longer either. All that was needed was a little bit of patience. I don't think this is asking too much. He may provide good customer service if you're buying an expensive camera (he was clear in saying this an equipment retailer) but otherwise do not expect much, at least of this particular guy. While I prefer to support local firms, in this case I honestly regret. I hope this was an isolated incident and that the owner can talk to this person and rectify this. They already lost my business (and yes I do own expensive camera, lenses and other equipment but will not buy there) but perhaps they can keep others if they improve. read more

Very disappointed, in a store I have a history with. Merry Christmas Saneal family, Mr. Scrooge would be proud. I recommended this store to friends and family, who are now greatly dis-satisfied. Bought a Canon point and shoot for their daughter, and where "NEVER" advised of the return policy. The Daughter got a second camera from her husband, and wantedto keep that one. Saneal will not give a refund, AT CHRISTMAS", even though there was never a discussion of the policy. It is simply on the receipt....... I Guess they hope you don't read it. The clerk took the payment, and put the receipt in the bag, to which he "OF COURSE" Denies. This will be the last recommendation I give for them. read more

Would give this place 0 stars out of 5 if I could. These guys must have some sort of money laundering business going on here, the owner has absolutely no respect for his customers, and does not care to maintain a good relationship with potential customers, and when I asked if he would rather me recommend my friends to come here or leave a terrible review wherever I could, he chose the latter. When a business makes a mistake with their customers, its THEIR responsibility to fix it, which did not happen for us. I will NEVER come here again, and will go out of my way to tell people about this horrific business. If you're looking to make an investment in a camera or lens go to The Camera Store (downtown) instead! They are tremendously better, and much more helpful! As soon as we said "we just came from Saneal Cameras" they responded "say no more, we understand your pain." Save yourself the grief and time! DO NOT GO HERE!!! read more

DO NOT SHOP AT THIS STORE!! Worst service I have ever experienced. Bought a gift certificate for my daughter for Christmas and before I did this, I asked if they had a specific item in stock and I was told they did. When my daughter when into the store after Christmas to purchase this item, she was told they did not have this item in stock but they would find out and call her to let her know. After waiting 2 weeks for a phone call, she phoned back only to be told that she had to come into the store to order it. So, she did this and then was told that because it was after 5:00 they couldn't order this item for her. So, she had to come back again another day! She did this and she was told the item would take 5-10 business days. It has now been 19 days and no call from the store so she called and was told she had to call their Head office to find out where this item was!!! She had to call!?! If you want Customer Service, don't shop at this store! If you want to do everything yourself but pay the store for no service whatsoever....shop here. They are the store for you! read more