Bernie's Photo Center — Local services in Pittsburgh

I went to Bernie's as it has its roots in Pittsburgh history, and my dad used to go there when he was about my age. I am astounded at my negative experience here. It took 3 times longer to get my film and photos back than what was originally quoted to me; I ended up waiting over 2 months with no explanation as to why it was taking much longer than anticipated when I called twice to ask about the status of my order. The man on the phone simply said "any day now".

When I went into the store to give them my disposable cameras and film, I was not told of the prices of anything. Granted, I know now to ask ahead of time (even if I do have a ballpark understanding of how much a typical dev and print costs), but this was the first red flag.

Once I came back to retrieve my film and photos, I was simply given my photos and a price to pay- I was given no insight to how the development of my photos went, the result of the photos, nothing. It was only until I looked at the photos that I had major exposure issues (keep in mind, these were disposables) and every roll was missing 4-7 exposures each for the photos I had printed. I understand that film development mistakes happen, or something happened inside the cheap mechanisms inside the disposables ruin some exposures, but I was given NO insight into this when I was in the store... just a total to pay. Now I'm left wondering if I majorly misunderstood the disposable cameras, if there was a chemical issue at the lab, if another mysterious mistake happened...

It seems as if I was taken as a novice, a young person who doesn't know how film works, or someone the person working the store thought he could get a quick buck out of. I've worked with film for nearly a decade off and on, and the disposables were a simple and cost-effective way for a loved one and I to create memories together.

I'm extremely disappointed all around with my experience with Bernie's, so much so that I went to another film lab in the city to develop four rolls while waiting for Bernie's to call me- and I received my negatives back form that lab within a week. And, it was much cheaper. Safe to say I will be going to that place from now on, and leaving this experience with Bernie's as my...

I would never go back to Bernie's Photo Center. They were incredibly unhelpful and just plain rude. I needed a photography background for head shots, so I called ahead to inquire about their products. They lead me to believe that they had a plethora of backgrounds, however upon arrival I realized this was not the case. A gentleman pointed me in the direction of a clustered table of muslins. He showed me two backgrounds I was not crazy about, and then left it up to me to try and rummage through the unorganized mess. I found a sample pack of different colors and found a grey one I liked. I turned around to ask the gentleman if he had the full version of the sample to which he replied, "Well you are holding it in your hand aren't you?". He then realized it was a sample and decided to actually assist me. I told him I was not crazy about muslins and asked him if he had and other kinds of backgrounds to which he explained they have something called a paper background. I had never heard of this so I asked him what it was. He replied,"I don't know. I mean it's paper. I don't know how else to explain. I mean they are sitting right there (pointing to the backgrounds)...take a look." I tried to ask about the texture of the paper to which he again replied, "It's paper." I was looking for a little more information. For example, the texture, how it photographs, what the price was? The man was totally condescending. Finally, I asked if they had any vinyl backgrounds to which the man replied, "Did I say we had vinyl backgrounds on the phone?" As if this was my fault for not paying attention. I have never had a worse experience as a customer in my life. Worst service. Absolutely rude and condescending. Would not recommend this store to my...

Perfect shop and sales! I drove 1 1/2 hours to Pittsburgh with two Olympus MFT lenses that I wanted to see if I could get fixed. The fella at the store was very open and honest. He also explained that the MFT format was going to be discontinued very soon and what companies had already got out of MFT (anybody remember how long the APS film cameras were around?) We talked cameras (old and new) and the way technology was going. He DID NOT try to steer me away from MFT or getting my lenses repaired NOR did he try and pressure me into investing in a new system, but after probably an hour of him bringing models out of the case and going over different things I felt that my work horse of 10 years needed a rest, and I was not only able to get a new Cannon mirrorless camera and lens, but a spare battery as well as filter. He even hooked me up with a slim filter to eliminate vignetting. He did not force the sale of either, but thankfully had them available. Another great thing, is that he also let me know that Cannon was running a presidents day sale and that the camera that I was looking at was $100 off.

Thankfully, I actually drove to the store and came out with something better. Nothing against online stores, but if you have the opportunity to go to a brick and mortar store and get hands on experience with side by side comparison, do it. This store has roll film, cine film of several formats. You want a rangefinder camera? They got it, you need the latest and greatest, they've got it and everything in between. They also have camera related nick nacks. SUPER STORE! They give you the information and let YOU make the decision. ...