Chicago Leica Resources

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Greetings All. I am going to Chcago this Labor Day weekend. The 1st through the 4th. Does anyone have any suggestions on camera stores or galleries I should try and see/visit while I am there? I've heard of Central Camera. I'm always on the lookout for good small shops with a nice selection of lenses and cameras to fondle..err I mean think about buying in my dreams. Any suggestions are apprectiated! Thanks!
 
Central Camera is interesting but watch the prices. Lots of used cameras, but as far as leicas go, I can't tell you much. Calumet Camera on Cherry Street and Helix Camera (main store) on Racine have the best selections. Both carry leica but not alot.

Check for exhibitions at the Art Institue of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Be sure to walk along the lake. It is beautiful this time of year.:)
 
I can't promise that they would have more than a one or two (used) Leica lenses (I'm not sure about new), but Calumet Photo wouldn't be a bad bet.

They've got an online catalog somewhere, I can't seem find it right now...
 
There is a Jeff Wall show up at the Art Institute right now.. I'm not a huge fan of his work, but I'm glad I saw them in person, rather than just in books - makes a real difference as the presentation and scale is a big factor.

The MCA has a show with some Lynn Davis, Brett Weston and Toshio Shibatta prints up.

Catherine Edelman in River North (300 W. Superior) usually has a good selection up. I don't know their current show. i know they just ran a Parke-Harrison exhibit recently that was stellar.

Central Camera is great to see just for its very existance. I'm convinced some pieces have been on those shelves since they were introduced.
Good repair service if you bust anything.

All thses are in easy walking distance of each other, with plenty of photo ops between.
 
I bought a very good condition M4 and 35mm Summicron from Central Camera. I didn't lose any money when I sold them later.

Of course this was about 5 years ago so the resale prices might not be rising.

Chad
 
actually just visited central and calumet today..

Walked around downtown Chicago with RFF member Riccis and played around with some sweet Leica IIIc's at central camera. Lots of RFs there both new and old.

Helix is no good, and it's hike to go out there to the middle of no where, unless of course you happen to be in greek town in which case it's only abt a mile away
 
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The museums definitely are your best bet this time of year. Don't miss the Art Institute, of course. Not just for the Wall exhibit, but for everything else. Plus it's next to Millenium Park.

Catherine Edelman Gallery and Stephen Daiter Gallery are across the street from each other in River North, but I am pretty sure that both are between exhibits right now, so I'd call first.

If you aren't tied strictly to photography, the West Loop has some excellent art galleries. Rhona Hoffman would be at the top of my list. Unfortunately, these galleries also don't open their new exhibits until September 7. And I doubt any will be open on Sunday or Monday. Maybe not even on Saturday, since it's the summer.

I like all of the photo stores -- Helix, Calumet and Central -- but I think Central is the only one I'd really recommend to a visitor. It's very cool. But I think it's closed on Sundays, and I'm sure it's closed on Labor Day. Finally, here's a sleeper; International Camera, also in the Loop. It's probably open only on weekdays. It's really a repair shop, but he has a large selection of used cameras for sale.
 
'll check out central for sure. Thanks to everyone for the info! I will be staying in the city. Going to a wedding so Saturday is my only play day. Thanks again! I'll let you know if I find anyhting of interest.
 
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