anitasanger
Well-known
While in Chicago last week, I got the chance to stop by Central Camera thanks to advice given by members of this forum. (Thanks MISH and Mudman!) Allow me to say that this was a top notch establishment with enough charm to fill lake Michigan. Unfortunately I got there just as they were closing. They went ahead and let me in, but I didn't get to do as much browsing as I'd hoped.
I was waited on by a very friendly gentleman who happily handed me a 10 pack brick of tri-x. It was very refreshing to ask for film and not get an odd look of amusement. The man simply grabbed a brick from one of the shelves stocking a large variety of film as if I'd asked for a Coke at McDonalds. Even though they had locked the doors and were closed, he still wanted to chat. "I can see that this film will be going into a very nice camera," the man said while smiling at the MP draped around my neck. I thanked him and told him that he was correct.
He then proceeded to tell me that they sold a man his second M9 today and that money was no object with this certain customer. I told him that I would love an M9, but it took me 3 years to save for the MP. He got a kick out of this. We chatted for a few more minutes and he volunteered to tell me that the very beginning of Route 66 was just down the block and that I should go take a photo of the sign. He also informed me of a few photographic points of interest and even drew me a map! What a guy!
The best piece of advice he gave me was stopping by the Chicago Cultural Center (old library building) to check out the Vivian Maier street photography exhibit. Her name instantly rang a bell and I soon remembered reading about her on this board! He told me that it was a must see for any Leica fan and that she had been a regular at Central Camera. He said she'd been buying film from them as far back as he could remember. (Impressions on the exhibit below)
On the way out, while he was unlocking the door for me, I happened to see the Leica case behind the counter. I saw probably 10 or more classic chrome Ms. I didn't want to be a bother since it was past closing time. I desperately wanted to handle an M3, but I guess it wasn't in the cards. There's always next time!
So again, thank you very much MISH and Mudman for suggesting Central Camera in Chicago. On all my future trips to the Second City, I will be purposefully arriving with no film. It's a refreshing old school gem in a world that's changed.
Chicago Cultural Center Impressions
While at the CCC, my wife and I had the pleasure of viewing two photography exhibits, both which were free of charge. The first exhibit was Chicago and the Diana, Toy Camera Images by Dan Zamudio. This was a very impressive exhibit. The images were very creative and all displayed on silver gelatin prints. He was apparently pretty good in the dark room because almost all of his images really popped. Many of the pieces were mosaic-like accumulations of photos depicting one large subject. Many times, these were simply displayed on a contact sheet, the photos obviously were taken in sequential order. This was really cool. There were also some rather compelling multiple exposure frames of old Chicago neon signs very reminiscent of film-noir. The exhibit was a nice reminder that the photographer and the principles thereof are always more important than the camera.
The next exhibit was of course: Finding Vivian Maier: Street Photographer. My wife and I were really quite taken by this exhibit. It is mind blowing to see the body of work she created with no one really ever being aware it. I couldn't help but get the feeling that she lived a sad, lonely life. However, she had the chance to freely create art and it is finally able to be appreciated. Her street shots were astounding. She was apparently pretty brave in her often close, subject aware compositions. My wife really appreciated the body of work from the 1950s, they were truly iconic images displaying quintessentially dressed mid-century New Yorkers going about their day-to day affairs. Maier's images were among the most impressive street shots I've ever seen.
Most of the work displayed was medium format. I was somewhat disappointed to see that all of the photos displayed were digital ink-jet prints. Having just walked over from a silver gelatin print exhibit, the difference was quite remarkable. The prints definitely lacked that distinctive wow factor that is so apparent with silver prints. Nonetheless, they were still astounding. The handout said that Vivian was never a fan of the printing process and very few silver prints were found with her monolithic volume of film.
Perhaps the coolest part of the display (for me) was a glass case exhibiting many rolls of Vivian's undeveloped film, her medium format camera, an old SLR of some sort and her old Leica. I was able to snap a quick iphone photo for you guys and was in the process of getting one of the lens before I was reprimanded by a security guard. There were no signs stating no photos and several people were there with SLRs snapping away. Nonetheless, I obliged. You can't tell in the photo, but her chrome Leica was heavily pitted with some type of brown corrosion. These areas were basically all over the camera where the chrome was. It was rather strange and I'd never seen this before. There was no brassing that I could detect. I don't know what the corrosion was or how it happened? Maybe it was exposed to salty air while stored after her death? I don't know.
Anyway, we had a really great time in Chicago and the experience was made even better thanks to the kind forum members here. Central Camera is a great place and were it not for their friendly staff, I would have totally missed Vivian Maier who's work was just a few blocks away! I shot about 8 rolls of Tri-X with my MP and will post a few images after I develop them. (Side note: While walking all around Chicago, 3 people noticed my camera - all with DSLRs around their neck. 2 thought it was an M9 and the other guy simply told me that I had a really nice camera. It's always cool when people see a Leica and recognize it. Most people think it's an antiquated relic.)
Luke
IMG_9269 by saveamerika, on Flickr
I was waited on by a very friendly gentleman who happily handed me a 10 pack brick of tri-x. It was very refreshing to ask for film and not get an odd look of amusement. The man simply grabbed a brick from one of the shelves stocking a large variety of film as if I'd asked for a Coke at McDonalds. Even though they had locked the doors and were closed, he still wanted to chat. "I can see that this film will be going into a very nice camera," the man said while smiling at the MP draped around my neck. I thanked him and told him that he was correct.
He then proceeded to tell me that they sold a man his second M9 today and that money was no object with this certain customer. I told him that I would love an M9, but it took me 3 years to save for the MP. He got a kick out of this. We chatted for a few more minutes and he volunteered to tell me that the very beginning of Route 66 was just down the block and that I should go take a photo of the sign. He also informed me of a few photographic points of interest and even drew me a map! What a guy!
The best piece of advice he gave me was stopping by the Chicago Cultural Center (old library building) to check out the Vivian Maier street photography exhibit. Her name instantly rang a bell and I soon remembered reading about her on this board! He told me that it was a must see for any Leica fan and that she had been a regular at Central Camera. He said she'd been buying film from them as far back as he could remember. (Impressions on the exhibit below)
On the way out, while he was unlocking the door for me, I happened to see the Leica case behind the counter. I saw probably 10 or more classic chrome Ms. I didn't want to be a bother since it was past closing time. I desperately wanted to handle an M3, but I guess it wasn't in the cards. There's always next time!
So again, thank you very much MISH and Mudman for suggesting Central Camera in Chicago. On all my future trips to the Second City, I will be purposefully arriving with no film. It's a refreshing old school gem in a world that's changed.
Chicago Cultural Center Impressions
While at the CCC, my wife and I had the pleasure of viewing two photography exhibits, both which were free of charge. The first exhibit was Chicago and the Diana, Toy Camera Images by Dan Zamudio. This was a very impressive exhibit. The images were very creative and all displayed on silver gelatin prints. He was apparently pretty good in the dark room because almost all of his images really popped. Many of the pieces were mosaic-like accumulations of photos depicting one large subject. Many times, these were simply displayed on a contact sheet, the photos obviously were taken in sequential order. This was really cool. There were also some rather compelling multiple exposure frames of old Chicago neon signs very reminiscent of film-noir. The exhibit was a nice reminder that the photographer and the principles thereof are always more important than the camera.
The next exhibit was of course: Finding Vivian Maier: Street Photographer. My wife and I were really quite taken by this exhibit. It is mind blowing to see the body of work she created with no one really ever being aware it. I couldn't help but get the feeling that she lived a sad, lonely life. However, she had the chance to freely create art and it is finally able to be appreciated. Her street shots were astounding. She was apparently pretty brave in her often close, subject aware compositions. My wife really appreciated the body of work from the 1950s, they were truly iconic images displaying quintessentially dressed mid-century New Yorkers going about their day-to day affairs. Maier's images were among the most impressive street shots I've ever seen.
Most of the work displayed was medium format. I was somewhat disappointed to see that all of the photos displayed were digital ink-jet prints. Having just walked over from a silver gelatin print exhibit, the difference was quite remarkable. The prints definitely lacked that distinctive wow factor that is so apparent with silver prints. Nonetheless, they were still astounding. The handout said that Vivian was never a fan of the printing process and very few silver prints were found with her monolithic volume of film.
Perhaps the coolest part of the display (for me) was a glass case exhibiting many rolls of Vivian's undeveloped film, her medium format camera, an old SLR of some sort and her old Leica. I was able to snap a quick iphone photo for you guys and was in the process of getting one of the lens before I was reprimanded by a security guard. There were no signs stating no photos and several people were there with SLRs snapping away. Nonetheless, I obliged. You can't tell in the photo, but her chrome Leica was heavily pitted with some type of brown corrosion. These areas were basically all over the camera where the chrome was. It was rather strange and I'd never seen this before. There was no brassing that I could detect. I don't know what the corrosion was or how it happened? Maybe it was exposed to salty air while stored after her death? I don't know.
Anyway, we had a really great time in Chicago and the experience was made even better thanks to the kind forum members here. Central Camera is a great place and were it not for their friendly staff, I would have totally missed Vivian Maier who's work was just a few blocks away! I shot about 8 rolls of Tri-X with my MP and will post a few images after I develop them. (Side note: While walking all around Chicago, 3 people noticed my camera - all with DSLRs around their neck. 2 thought it was an M9 and the other guy simply told me that I had a really nice camera. It's always cool when people see a Leica and recognize it. Most people think it's an antiquated relic.)
Luke
IMG_9269 by saveamerika, on Flickr
Thank you for the great story, Luke! Your visit to Chicago was a rich experience, plainly. What treasures lie unseen on the film... The old SLR is an Exacta, made in Dresden East Germany.
anitasanger
Well-known
Thanks Doug! Keen eye on thr Exacta. I'd ne'er heard of them. It's funny how we fret over camera intrusiveness with steer photography. Most of Vivian's shots I saw were taken with that big old workhorse of a medium format camera! I was inspired by thr shots she made with that thing!
MISH
Well-known
the Vivian Maier show ends april 3rd, anyone that has a chance should defiantly go see it
Mudman
Well-known
glad you enjoyed the trip. Central camera definitely is a fun place. I looked at a few M lenses while I was there, but I hadn't gotten comfortable enough with my M yet to bring it with me on that trip.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Central Camera still caters to film users, and there's a small legion of film fans among the staff. They're very patient with customers, and I always make some type of symbolic purchase when I go there and ask them to hand me all types of things. Their used items are on the overpriced side, but then, you need to know that they offer a 1-year warranty (one full year) on their used gear.
I got my first, one and only medium format camera from them. It was a Mamiya C220 and an 80mm lens. The lens had a problem with the shutter, which I found within 48 hours. When I called about it, the sales person was actually embarrased and told me to ship the camera right away. Ten days later I got it back... and the shutter never failed again.
As for V. Maier, there's a blog with even better images than the ones shown in the exhibit. Take a peek at it HERE and enjoy!
I got my first, one and only medium format camera from them. It was a Mamiya C220 and an 80mm lens. The lens had a problem with the shutter, which I found within 48 hours. When I called about it, the sales person was actually embarrased and told me to ship the camera right away. Ten days later I got it back... and the shutter never failed again.
As for V. Maier, there's a blog with even better images than the ones shown in the exhibit. Take a peek at it HERE and enjoy!
andredossantos
Well-known
Kewl. Thanks for the trip report! Great read
As a Rolleiflex fanatic, Id love to know what model(s) Vivian used. The one in the case looks like a 3.5F.
As a Rolleiflex fanatic, Id love to know what model(s) Vivian used. The one in the case looks like a 3.5F.
MISH
Well-known
I love going to Central Camera and I try and support them as much as possible. It is kind of a throwback to the kind of camera stores I always loved, not a sterile pristine modern environment but a place that has been there for a long time and has a lot of character. As mentioned above they have a great film selection and enthusiastic sales help that never get tired of getting something out to show you.
I am also a big Rollei fan and the camera in the case is a Rolleiflex T (if you look close at the picture you can see the tip of the sideways shutter release) The guy that bought the contents of her storage locker certainly got the bargain of the century
I am also a big Rollei fan and the camera in the case is a Rolleiflex T (if you look close at the picture you can see the tip of the sideways shutter release) The guy that bought the contents of her storage locker certainly got the bargain of the century
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johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Great story!
I wish I had a shop around here that still would sell film without twitching. My local photography shop owner has bought an M3 and lenses from one of his customers who came in for a new DSLR, but he's already considering selling it again without even shooting it, and although I have told him at least five times he still tries to fire it after a single stroke while it's a double stroke camera... Guess it wasn't supposed to be his in the first place!
That Leica is a IIIc and the first batches after WWII had bad chrome, Leica at the time apparently had trouble getting factory chrome baths clean enough for good chroming.
Great shots in the Maier exhibit, your remark on the inkjet prints makes me question my process...
I wish I had a shop around here that still would sell film without twitching. My local photography shop owner has bought an M3 and lenses from one of his customers who came in for a new DSLR, but he's already considering selling it again without even shooting it, and although I have told him at least five times he still tries to fire it after a single stroke while it's a double stroke camera... Guess it wasn't supposed to be his in the first place!
That Leica is a IIIc and the first batches after WWII had bad chrome, Leica at the time apparently had trouble getting factory chrome baths clean enough for good chroming.
Great shots in the Maier exhibit, your remark on the inkjet prints makes me question my process...
andredossantos
Well-known
Mish, thanks!
I saw the meter, the smaller lens (vis a vis the 2.8 models), and the way the top opens and guessed it was a 3.5F.
The T is one of the models I've never had the pleasure of using but have always been intrigued by. While the Planar/Xenotar optics can't be beat, my first Rollei had a Xenar and I still love how the simpler designs render images.
Next time I'm in Chicage I will definitely visit Central Camera and hopefully the exhibit will still be running as well!
I saw the meter, the smaller lens (vis a vis the 2.8 models), and the way the top opens and guessed it was a 3.5F.
The T is one of the models I've never had the pleasure of using but have always been intrigued by. While the Planar/Xenotar optics can't be beat, my first Rollei had a Xenar and I still love how the simpler designs render images.
Next time I'm in Chicage I will definitely visit Central Camera and hopefully the exhibit will still be running as well!
anitasanger
Well-known
Thanks guys!
Yeah Central Camera truly is an old-guard time capsule. I too wish I had a local store this cool. I live in Tulsa and the past 3 times I've been to the local stores, they've either laughed me out of town or been out of stock.
Nice to know about the bad batch of chromed early Leica's. I'd never seen anything like it before. It's amazing the info a person can discover on this board! Everyone here seems to be so knowledgeable. I developed 8 rolls tonight and will try to get them scanned and posted before too long!
In regards to the inkjet prints. They were jot bad, not by any stretch. And if not displayed in the same venue displaying silver prints, it probably wouldn't have been that noticeable. But when compared, there sure is a difference!
Yeah Central Camera truly is an old-guard time capsule. I too wish I had a local store this cool. I live in Tulsa and the past 3 times I've been to the local stores, they've either laughed me out of town or been out of stock.
Nice to know about the bad batch of chromed early Leica's. I'd never seen anything like it before. It's amazing the info a person can discover on this board! Everyone here seems to be so knowledgeable. I developed 8 rolls tonight and will try to get them scanned and posted before too long!
In regards to the inkjet prints. They were jot bad, not by any stretch. And if not displayed in the same venue displaying silver prints, it probably wouldn't have been that noticeable. But when compared, there sure is a difference!
anitasanger
Well-known
Thank you for thr Vivian link. Her work is SO inspiring! I truly think she is my favorite street photographer. Her images seem unobtrusive and natural. I just love them! I'm beginning to wonder if street shots would be easier with a MF like hers since focusing is done at the waist? Hmmm.