How Rentals Work at Looking Glass Photo
Renting gear with us is simple, transparent, and designed to keep you focused on what matters most — creating great images. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a long-time customer, here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Step 1: Choose Your Gear
Browse our rental collection and select your start and return dates right on the product page. Your total price updates automatically — the longer you rent, the lower the per-day rate.
Step 2: Confirm & Pay
Add the item to your cart, check out online, and secure your rental with a valid credit card. We’ll send you a confirmation email with pickup details.
Step 3: Pick Up in Berkeley
Come to our store at 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA. We’ll have your gear cleaned, tested, and ready to go. Pickup hours: Monday–Saturday between 10am and 12pm (we’re closed Sundays).
Step 4: Create Something Amazing
Use your rental gear for your shoot, your trip, or your creative experiment. Need tips? Just ask — our team is happy to help.
Step 5: Return with Ease
Bring the gear back on your scheduled return date — between 10am and 12pm (noon). We’ll inspect and check it back in on the spot.
Why Rent from Looking Glass?
- 📅 Flexible rental periods — Daily, weekend, or longer
- 🛠 Apply Rental to Purchase — We'll credit 1/2 the rental fee to buying it new
- 💬 Local experts — Real photographers ready to guide you
Need help choosing?
Reach out before booking — we’ll match you with the right gear for your project.
Rent by Category
Rental FAQs
We recommend placing your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure availability, especially for popular gear or weekend rentals. Need something last-minute? Give us a call—we’ll do our best to help.
Our standard rental period is roughly one day: Pick up between 2:00pm and 5:00pm and return the following day between 10:00am and Noon. Multi-day rates and weekend rates are available—just select your dates when booking and the rental price will automatically update.
Pick up and drop off are at our store: 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. We’ll make pickups and returns quick and simple.
In most cases, we’ll make a photocopy of your valid photo ID and credit card in lieu of having to pay a deposit. These photocopies are given to you or destroyed by Looking Glass when the gear is returned on time and in good condition. From some rental items, a paid deposit may be required.
We know you're careful—but accidents can happen. If something is damaged, broken or is lost/stolen, please let us know right away. You are responsible for repair or replacement costs, depending on the situation. We're not here to shame—just to work together fairly.
We get it—life happens. And also know that often, someone else has rented the same gear for the same day you are scheduled to return it. They are counting on that gear, just as you were when you booked it. If you're running behind, just call us ASAP. Late fees will apply depending on the delay, but we’re always more flexible when you keep us in the loop.
Sometimes, yes! As long as the gear isn’t already reserved for someone else, we’re happy to extend your rental. Just call or email us well before your original return date and time so we can check availability.
Yes! Through our Try Before You Buy program, 50% of your rental fee can be applied toward the purchase of the same (or comparable) item within 14 days of your rental return. It’s a smart way to shop with confidence. Learn more about our Try Before You Buy option here.
Still have questions?
Please use the form below. We typically respond within 24 hours.
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