Top 9 Film and Photo Equipment Rental Companies in San Francisco, CA
An inspiration to writers, filmmakers, singers, and photographers, San Francisco is truly a sight to behold. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and its red color popping out from the blue of the sea and sky to the zig-zag Lombard Street, the Fog City is full of things you can’t find anywhere else.
There are so many interesting museums that anyone can find what they like, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Exploratorium. Spending time outside has its perks, as the city is almost surrounded by water, both from the Pacific and San Francisco Bay, and its waterfront is lined with attractions such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, and San Francisco Zoo.
The Golden City's location and climate along with the surrounding natural spots make it a perfect location for both filming and photoshoots. Ready to start your search for film and photo equipment rental companies in San Francisco? Check out this list of some of the city's top talent to find the best match for your project.
First Camera
With almost four decades of experience with both production and video and audio equipment, First Camera is there for you whether you need to rent or buy high-quality filming and photo equipment.
From large and small format cameras and studio camera systems to different types of lenses, switchers, monitors, and lighting, there’s not much you can’t find in their extensive inventory. In addition to equipment, you can count on First Camera for recording, video processing – format conversion, live streaming, and much more – and audio services.
Studio B Films
If you want to collaborate with a team of professional video makers who rely on stage-of-the-art cameras and gear, Studio B Films might just be the right company for you.
Their primary focus is providing video crews for events of all sizes, but they also offer digital camera and support gear rentals. Arri Alexa Mini and Sony FX9 are some of the cameras you can rent, followed by Zeiss CP3 and Canon Cinema Zoom Lenses. Those who need support gear can find slider dollies, drones, gyro steadicam systems, and much more.
Avista Audio Visual
Whether you are organizing a private event, a corporate meeting, or a non-profit conference, you can count on Avista Audio Visual to provide everything from audio-visual rentals to production services.
Avista Audio Visual have been in business for more than 18 years and their mission is to make every meeting a success, no matter its size. You can rent just about anything that comes to mind when it comes to film and photo equipment, from projectors, screens, and displays to cameras, tripods, lighting, and meeting and staging gear.
BorrowLenses
As their name suggests, BorrowLenses is a team of photographers and videographers who work hard on selecting and delivering exactly the gear you need to rent (including, but not limited to lenses). You can have the equipment shipped to your door, and they also offer expert advice on how to best combine items to get what you want.
This studio's process starts with you selecting the dates for which you will need a camera or a lens. From there, you can pick it up or have it shipped in two days for your shoot. When you are done with the gear, just return it in the same box it arrived in.
Chater Camera
A full-service film and video rental company, Chater Camera is there for everyone in need of premium cameras, lenses, and accessories that go with them, and they have been in this business for more than two decades.
The list of gear you can rent is seemingly endless, and it contains high-speed and film cameras, prime and zoom lenses, accessories such as polarizers and diffusion filters, monitoring and support devices, and lighting and audio equipment. If you can think of it, Chater Camera probably has it.
NextArts
At NextArts, they not only rent, but they also install audio and video equipment for special events, weddings, trade shows, corporate functions, and many other types of events, so you can relax and let them do their work.
You can opt for video or audio rental, or a combination of the two and transform any location into a venue you have envisioned. In addition to audio-visual magic, NextArts provides lighting, stages and platforms, tables and chairs, and tents, so you can get everything you need to organize your event in one place.
Videofax
With 35 years of experience under their belt, Videofax is a team of videographers that has followed the changes in the video industry and managed to evolve into what they are today – a company that will cater to all your needs regarding the visual aspect of your project.
From cameras and lenses to accessories, digital readers, and support devices, they’ve got your back with their extensive inventory. There is always something new coming out in the video equipment industry, and Videofax always strives to deliver it to you.
Express Media
Nothing beats experience, especially when it comes to fields that are as demanding as film and photography are. Express Media has over 30 years of it in helping their customers fulfil all of their video equipment needs.
Their inventory of equipment for rental is vast and contains all you could ever need to finish your project, no matter its size. Whether you are in need of cameras and lenses, multicam flypacks, lighting, grip and audio equipment, or maybe you’re streaming – Express Media has got your back with their top-notch equipment.
Fog City Audio Visual
Fog City Audio Visual has been fueled by passion for helping its clients realize various events by getting them the best equipment possible. The company has been going strong for over a decade, and all of this experience allows them to always be prepared for the next event.
Some of the events they have helped realize in the past are press conferences, business meetings, live music events, and weddings. Fog City updates their equipment on a regular basis so you can rest assured you are getting the best of the best for your production.