Camera stores in Chicago

[FA Limited]

Quick CC tip: don't take the asking price as gospel. Make a counteroffer.

i did ... they told me not to bother
it's like what some other posters said, doesn't even seem like they're trying to sell stuff

 

[NY_Dan]

Fotocare is great, really like the folks there, but it is so clean, and organized and well just too neat, a mini-B&H.

Olden was a camera store, Willoughby's was a camera store -- I like to see some food on the counters, be able to spend a hours in the back room after getting to know the owners. I did not end up with a dozen Nikon rangefinder body caps by shopping at places like Photocare.

Au contraire mon frere Fotocare is not a B&H at all. First off, you can speak to the owner, Jeff Hirsch, who's always behind the counter. I've known him since about 1979. He does have a huge cabinet of used gear -- top shelf many Leicas. The store has a neighboring pro rental operation. And Jeff knows more about vintage cameras than anyone I've ever met -- for instance he told me that leaving the synch lever to bulb on a Rolleiflex put more strain on the shutter. Who knows that? Olden a real camera store -- sure it was neat for it's time -- but the owners and many of the salesmen were creeps -- they ripped me off twice when I was 16. Fotocare also has great training and other events -- and there is food on the tables in the large back event room. By the way at B&H many of the people working there have no interest in photography -- they told me so. I have a childhood friend who works there who is very knowledgeable, but even he doesn't shoot.

You might be able to get one Nikon rangefinder body cap at Fotocare. But I doubt you could get one at Central because you already cleaned them out!

But seriously, I know what you mean -- the old school store -- all film -- Agfa #6 paper, Kodabromide -- made you happy just to be there.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I stumbled across Central Camera last October when my wife and I visited Chicago (from the UK) as we were about to embark on the Route 66 road trip. Unfortunately, it was Sunday and it was closed. However, it looked like a great little place and I'll definitely re-visit when we're next in Chicago - so please buy stuff and keep it going.

Incidentally, a few doors down Wabash is a great bar called "The Exchequer" which was named after Al Capone's money man. Food and beer excellent and highly recommended.

 

[jalLee2001]

I truly enjoy Don at Central Camera. He will have story or two about Vivian Meyer. They have always been very helpful to me.

I got my MBA 30 years ago at Depaul. At that time the MBA school was located just a block from the Central Camera-so yes I know "The Exchequer" well indeed. For me the old loop (older central part of the city) is the best part of Chicago.

 

[Ronald M]

The internet and non collection of sales tax is running the local stores into the ground.

Some go into the local to fondle and choose, then buy where they get it a bit cheaper. A store needs to become a sales point , not a demo location, to stay in business.

Also camera sales in general are way down, perhaps because of the economy, perhaps because of cell phone cameras.

La Grange Camera and video has a good stock of Canon and Nikon. Get off BNSF at La Grange Rd. You will fall into the store.

New people have opened the Calumet Store in Oakbrook. No other location.

PJ in Glen Ellyn is still there.

Central works because they sell to loop college students, Wabash and Jackson Blvd.

Tamarkin sells Leica at 300 West Superior, near North Side.

 

[CliveC]

Incidentally, a few doors down Wabash is a great bar called "The Exchequer" which was named after Al Capone's money man. Food and beer excellent and highly recommended.

Had my first Chicago deep dish pizza there. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in the city!