Where to Rent Photography & Film Equipment in the Bay Area
- Brandon Whiteside
- Sep 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Finding the right equipment for a shoot in the Bay Area can be a logistical headache. Whether you are working on a commercial in San Francisco, an indie project in Oakland, or a corporate video in Silicon Valley, purchasing high-end production gear upfront rarely makes financial sense.
When it comes to renting, you need a rental house that is reliable, well-stocked, and easy to work with. While there are a few options across Northern California, CFG Rental Group (who recently teamed up with the long-standing DTC Lighting & Grip) has become one of the most trusted resources for local crews.
Here is a straightforward look at what they offer and why they are worth considering for your next project.
1. Depth of Inventory
The biggest issue with smaller rental houses is having to piece a package together from multiple vendors. CFG avoids this by maintaining a massive inventory that covers nearly every department, allowing you to source your entire equipment package from one place.
Their rental catalog includes:
Cameras & Support: Digital cinema cameras, mirrorless systems, monitors, and stabilization gear.
Lighting: A wide range of continuous LED panels (such as ARRI, Aputure, and Creamsource), strobe packages, and modifiers for both photo and video shoots.
Grip & Electric: Heavy-duty stands, hardware, power distribution, and generators.
Grip Trucks: For location shoots, they offer pre-loaded grip trucks and vans ranging from compact 1-Ton Sprinters to full-scale 10-Ton vehicles.
2. A Fully Stocked Retail Store (The DTC Studio Store)
A major advantage of working with CFG is their physical storefront in the East Bay. Located at 1280 65th Street in Emeryville, they operate the DTC Studio Store, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Instead of just being a pickup counter, it functions as a complete brick-and-mortar retail shop. If you run out of supplies mid-shoot or realize you forgot a crucial item, you can walk in and buy:
Expendables: Gaffer tape, gel sheets, diffusion rolls, and layout boards.
On-Set Tools: Hand tools, safety gear, and hardware.
Studio Supplies: Seamless background paper and grip accessories.
Having a physical shop attached to the rental warehouse makes it a highly convenient stop during prep days or on the way to set.
3. Knowledgeable, Experienced Staff
Production gear is complex, and compatibility issues can easily derail a shoot. The staff at CFG aren't just order-takers; they are industry veterans who have spent years working on actual film sets, commercials, and broadcast television projects.
When you submit a gear list or call with questions, the team can help you troubleshoot technical challenges, recommend the right rigging for difficult locations, and ensure your power distribution plan is safe and sufficient. Because they operate as a locally owned, family-first business, they provide the same level of thorough, attentive service to independent photographers as they do to major commercial production companies.
How to Work with CFG
If you want to build a gear package for an upcoming shoot, the process is straightforward:
Browse the Catalog: Check out their website to see their full range of available equipment.
Request a Quote: Email your gear list to SF@cfg.rentals or call them at 510-595-0770 to get a custom quote tailored to your shoot dates and budget.
Pick Up Local: Stop by the shop at 1280 65th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608 to check out the retail store, consult with the technicians, and load your gear.
By combining a deep inventory, an expert staff, and a convenient physical store, CFG Rental Group provides everything Bay Area creators need to keep their productions running smoothly.