Gene's Camera — Local services in South Bend

Buyer BEWARE WEBSITE inventory does not reflect ACTUAL INVENTORY. Ordered a camera late Tuesday night hoping to receive it by next week. I paid quite a bit in shipping, and became concerned after I hadn’t heard back from them in a few days. Called the store today only to find out the camera isn’t in stock and they won’t be getting any in soon.

As a filmmaker that travels and is consistently on the go this was a huge let down as I have a shoot that required that Camera next week. The owner did offer that I could rent one of a higher caliber off of him. However that’s not what is required for the shoot or the equipment we need to be able to take with us to the next location. I could see if minor things weren’t updated to the website, but when spending over $4000 I expect the website to reflect close to current stock. Or at least have some sort of banner or text stating that the CURRENT website inventory does not reflect their ACTUAL inventory.

I may later edit this review if I do end up having to rent the companies camera. I know it is very doubtful that I will find my own by next week. If I do end up renting I will update the review to let you know how that experience...

I came in an hour before closing on 2/3/2025, I was looking to trade in a Canon Camcorder for a different video camera. I was greeted by a man who was at the glass camera case, which he took a look at my Canon camcorder and was able to trade it in for money off my new purchase. Nicole came over and showed me the two camcorders of different models, one of the Panasonic Camcorders I asked about she charged up so I can view the quality of the zoom. Nicole and the man were very helpful & honest about all their products. The check out was a breeze, I did forget my ID there when they asked to scan it to verify. A few days later after I had left, I called Genes and asked if I left my ID there, and I said I would not be able to come back there immediately (I live over an hour away). I asked if they could mail it back which I got back on Monday thankfully! I always have recommended Genes Camera Store, it's one of the few remaining "brick and mortar" camera stores in Indiana, plus the most helpful advice is given when asked. This one and only store has a strong history of being in Historic South Bend, I hope this business continues to stay strong...

Edit:Increased to 5 stars from 2. Jack within hours contacted me to right any wrongs. Maybe my prior representative and my personality did not jive well. But working with Jack has kept me as a customer. He was very informative and was very pleasant to work with. I wish he had been the first person I’d made contact with from the get go. Jack really takes his business seriously. Thanks Jack.

Old review: I have purchased 3500$ from them at separate times, a Fuji X100F and a D850. The female salesman who seems to be the only one to help me is always pushing me towards something I don’t want. I’m very aware of mirrorless and it’s capability. She seems more salesman than photographer. I once called a separate time to ask what used film cameras are in stock, and she answered of course, and told me to “just coming in is better,” and did not tell me current stock of used Nikon film bodies. I live in Nappanee and this just isn’t feasible to just stop in real quick. I wanted to support local, but after that last encounter I turned to KEH, and Facebook...