• Outfitting Photographers with Gear, Guidance & Community Since 1971.

Camera, Lens & Lighting Rentals in Berkeley & the San Francisco Bay Area — How It Works


Looking for camera, lens, or lighting rentals near you? Pick up pro-tested gear in West Berkeley with simple pricing and friendly support. We serve Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, Albany and the wider San Francisco Bay Area. Start your reservation online—your kit will be cleaned, checked, and ready to shoot when you arrive.


What We Rent

From digital mirrorless, compact and film cameras to a full range of lenses, flashes, LEDs, stands and modifiers, our rental fleet covers travel, events, portraits, products and video work. Everything is maintained in-house, sensor/optics checked, and packed with the essentials you need for a smooth shoot.

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent a Camera

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent Lighting

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent a Lens

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent Accessories

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent a Tripod

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Rent a Film Camera

How It Works

Step 1: Reserve Online

Select your start and return dates on the product page—multi-day and weekend rates calculate automatically.

Step 2: Confirm & Pay

Check out securely. You’ll receive an email confirmation with pickup details and any notes from our team.

Step 3: Pick Up in Berkeley

Come to 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA. We’ll have your gear cleaned, tested, and packed. Pickup window: 2pm–5pm. Need earlier pickup? Often possible with advance request.

Step 4: Create Something Amazing

Shoot your project with confidence. Need guidance? Ask—our local photo coaches are happy to help.

Step 5: Return with Ease

Return window: 10am–12pm (noon). Need a later return? Sometimes we can accommodate—contact us ahead of time.


Good to Know

  • 🧰 Ready-to-use: your rentals will be waiting and ready to go for your arrival.

  • 🪪 Bring ID & card: a valid government photo ID and the card used at checkout are required; some items may need a refundable deposit.

  • ⏰ Weekends & holidays: popular dates book fast—reserve early. Same-day requests are often possible; call for availability.

  • 💵 Try-Before-You-Buy: we’ll credit ½ of your rental fee toward buying the same or comparable item within 7 days.

Ready to Book?

Start here: Camera Rentals · Lens Rentals · Lighting Rentals · Contact Us

Rental FAQs

Click a question to expand the answer.

How far in advance should I reserve my rental?
We recommend reserving as early as possible—especially for weekends and popular items. Need something last-minute? Give us a call and we’ll do our best.
What’s the standard rental period?
Pick up is 2:00pm–5:00pm on your start date (earlier pickup is often possible with advance request). Returns are 10:00am–12:00pm (noon) on your return date (later return can sometimes be accommodated with prior approval). Multi-day and weekend rates calculate automatically when you select your dates.
Where do I pick up and return the gear?
At our store: 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. We keep pickups and returns quick and simple.
Do you require a deposit?
In most cases, we take a copy of your valid photo ID and the card used at checkout instead of a paid deposit. For some high-value items, a refundable deposit may be required.
What happens if the gear gets damaged?
Tell us right away. You’re responsible for repair or replacement depending on the situation, and we’ll work with you fairly to resolve it.
What if I return something late?
Please call us as soon as you know you’re running behind. Late fees may apply, and we’re always more flexible when you keep us in the loop—often someone else is counting on the same gear after you.
Can I extend my rental while I have the gear?
Sometimes, yes—if the item isn’t already booked next. Contact us before your return window so we can check availability and update your reservation.
Can I apply my rental fee toward a purchase?
Yes—through Try-Before-You-Buy we credit ½ of your rental fee toward the same or comparable item when you purchase within 7 days of return.

Quick links

Connect with us

We’re real people, here to help you with your photography journey.

Phone: + 1 510-548-6888

Address: 2239 Fifth Street, Berkeley CA, 94710

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm PT

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Try Now for 5 Days
Pay Only 10% Today
Your selected item has been added to the Cart and reflects the full price of the item. The "amount due" will update to 10% of the item's full price when you reach Checkout. Upon completion of checkout, you will only be charged the "Try Now" fee of 10% of the retail price. The remaining balance will be set as a temporary authorization hold on your card and will only be applied to the order if you decide to keep the item.
Try Now Period
Your "Try Now" period of 5 days starts when you have taken delivery of the item, usually within 1-2 weeks of placing your "Try Now" order.
Love it and Keep it; Still not sure, Return it.
Pay for what you keep
If you love your "Try Now" item, simply keep it and we'll charge the remaining balance for the item that we had on temporary hold. Don't love it? Simply return it. (Note: By placing a Try Before You Buy order with Looking Glass, you are responsible for returning any unwanted items. For store drop-offs, the item must be returned no later than one day after your 5-day "Try" ends. If you're shipping the item back, it must be sent with tracking information sent to us no later than one day after your 5-day "Try" ends and are responsible for the Return Shipping fee.
*During an authorization the money is still in your account
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