Citizens Photo
Portland, OR 97214-2200
Phone: (503) 232-8501
User Reviews for Citizens Photo
02/12/2007 Posted by slim1357
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. The gentleman behind the counter told me "the chances of this item being sold broken is nil". While I myself have been known to be hyperbolic on occasion, this was completely over the top. I can only surmise that in the entire history of this store, they have never recieved and sold an item that was damaged in shipping. They have never had a customer buy an item, break it and return it as undamaged only to have it sold innocently to another customer. No, Citizens Photo examines each and every item that passes through their door with a microscope to ensure that it is in perfect order before it is sold. I regret that big box stores with enormous buying power who can operate safely on razor thin margins have made it harder for private retailers to do business. I would under most circumstances patronize these smaller businesses assuming they would do all they could to make me a return customer. I can assure you I have no intention of giving Citizens Photo my business if I can avoid it. I spend several months a year in Portland and I would rather wait for something to be shipped from B&H in NYC than deal with the nasty snotty attitude I was given at Citizens Photo. I'm sure they have polite, attentive serice staff but the person I dealt with was anything but.
Pros: They carry Pentax
Cons: Angry condescending hyperbolic staff
07/15/2005 Posted by classic_camera
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
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