Vanbar Imaging

A pretty poor experience getting digital images printed.

Originally advised it would be a one business day turnaround. Over a week went by without word. The phone system seems designed to make it difficult to speak to someone and emails go unanswered.

After the second time visiting the store for an update it was ready.

Upon collection, there was a green dot which was not in the digital file.

To their credit, Vanbar did offer to reprint it.

However, when I resent the file, I never heard back, never received a new print.

On top of this is a $7.70 handling fee, even if collecting from the store.

Next time I’ll definitely go elsewhere for printing.

Very helpful staff! Michael was fantastic he helped us find exactly what we were looking for! He was very patent with all our questions! The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly!

This place is not what it used to be, that's for sure. Much better stores locally for most photographer needs.

I always come here for any film related needs. The customer service is very friendly and I always have a delightful experience

Not bad but not great. First of all, the staff at the store are very nice and helpful and I have nothing against them. I ordered a develop+scan+print of two rolls of film. The development and scans were fine but the prints were truely awful. I reccomend just getting scans done. I also got an additional two rolls of film processed and pre-paid for scans. I didn't realise the rolls were actually blank and expected to get my money back for the scanning part, given there was nothing to scan. I was told I could only get a credit, which would be fine except I had no plans to return to the store. After forty-five minutes of waiting, I finally got my money back. The boss of the store didn't even come out to talk to me about this and instead staff had to go back and forth acting as an intermediary. While I am very grateful for the kindess of the staff, I think the response of the manager leaves a lot to be desired.

What wonderful and knowledgeable customer service.

As an amateur photographer, it's always daunting walking into a shop full of experts but Vanbar were just amazing and down to earth.

I am really pleased with my tripod and remote purchase. Thanks Gary! The vanbar gang even took the time to talk to me about filters.

We will be back!

Amazing knowledge when it comes to developing and chemicals. Had an issue with my setup at home and though the first time discussing this with one of the workers wasnt helpful (the worker wouldnt listen to the actual issue I was having), the next time I went in, a different worker listened to what I was trying to explain and went and asked one of the technicians in the lab to see if she could figure out what I was doing wrong. She was extremely helpful.
The store has a huge range of darkroom equipment and aside from that one staff member who was a bit rude, everyone else there have been great each time I've visited. I'll be coming back for my darkroom needs!

Fast turn around times on film processing, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and they offer E-6 developing! I've been recommending Vanbar to just about anyone that shoots film, you won't find better service in Melbourne

The nicest people in the photography business. I have tried most film developing places in Melbourne, and Vanbar is hands down the quickest, most affordable and friendliest place of them all!

Disappointed with customer service.didn't seem like they cared about my question or knew much about it.

Purchased an instant camera as a present. There was a problem with the camera, used all the expensive film trying to sort it out, ended up bringing it in to be fixed. Jack was lovely, took the camera in to be repaired and followed up well. Picked up the camera, lovely staff member helped me work out all the over complicated parts. I requested a film to replace the expensive one I used up trying to fix the camera, the boss Peter refused to provide the wasted film on the broken camera sold to me free of charge. No good will at all for my inconvenience and wasted film. Good staff let down by a pathetic boss who even refused to come out from the back himself. It’s a good job his staff are lovely. The one star is for Peter.

Great service, very kind and friendly staff. A huge range of products, convenient location and they developed my photos way ahead of the time stated. The photos were amazing quality and easy to access online. I will always develop my film here. They are the best and very affordable too!

I visited to buy a tripod and received amazing service and assistance from Michael. He took the time to show me various options and how I could attach my gear for filming.
Am so grateful that a store with so much stock and staff with knowledge exists.
Highly recommend if you need camera/AV gear.

Awesome shop, so glad i found it, huge range of accessories and cameras and the gent who helped me was patient and passionate. My new go to shop

Highly recommend to shop in store, avoid shop online, specially if any hiccups with your order, can be complicated.

Staff were great. I was served my Harry who was super knowledgeable and patient in trying to explain an old film SLR that I had brought in, to someone who knows nothing about cameras. I have never written a review for a business before, but really felt the need to here.

The store has that kind of photography equipment that you won't find in another "well-known" stores in Melbourne.
Friendly and experienced staff.

Staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable with helping me to set up my home dark room. It was nice to have expert advice without feeling like someone was just out for a commission. Would definitely come again.

Excellent source of professional photography and film scanning equipment. Prices are very reasonable and competitive with superb sales and click and collect service. After placing my order online I was able to pick it up within hours with appropriate covid awareness processing.

I was even able to register online as a VIP member and be entitled to the free newsletter.

There is free parking for customers in the street and also offstreet parking in Leicester Street.

The site is open Saturday for click and collect.

I've been coming here to buy equipment and for film processing for over 10 years. Staff are knowledgeable and take time to explain all products and processes. Kind, easy going exceptional customer service. Well stocked. Best in the country.