Bnack
Established
Hey folks... I'm new to Chicago and looking for good camera shops, and developing/printing shops. Any recommendations? FYI, I'm living in Hyde Park on the south side, but I haven't really found anything in the neighborhood, not sure if anyone knows of anything near by. Thanks so much for the help...
marcr1230
Well-known
The marquee stores are Central Camera, Helix and Calumet. I used to go to Gamma for developing/printing. Not sure what's available on the south side. ALl these are downtown/near north
Bnack
Established
thanks... I'll give those a look.
ali_baba
Well-known
that pretty much sums it up.
gamma for printing, i use phoenix imaging on grand and leavitt for my processing as they do a fine job, are not downtown and are cheaper than gamma.
if you ever need a framer i have a good friend who handles all of that.
helix and calumet are fine.
i go back and forth with calumet, sometimes im pissed at them and swear them off -- and they i always end up going back for some last minute affairs.
c'est la vie.
welcome to the frigid city.
gamma for printing, i use phoenix imaging on grand and leavitt for my processing as they do a fine job, are not downtown and are cheaper than gamma.
if you ever need a framer i have a good friend who handles all of that.
helix and calumet are fine.
i go back and forth with calumet, sometimes im pissed at them and swear them off -- and they i always end up going back for some last minute affairs.
c'est la vie.
welcome to the frigid city.
Melvin
Flim Forever!
For developing color there's CSW on Damen just north of Lake street. They do analog printing too. Central Camera has a great film selection, darkroom, paper etc. it's my favorite chicago store, but their used cameras are over priced.
Frankd
Established
I second Melvin's recommendations. Central for film selection and price and also good darkroom supplies. CSW is a first rate color lab and analog printer. If you need larger prints there is Pixelmint next to CSW. They do fine work on larger Epson prints. Both places are nice to work with and fine craftsmen.
I too occasionally find myself at Helix or Calumet.
I too occasionally find myself at Helix or Calumet.
Bnack
Established
Thanks for all the info folks. I stopped by central camera yesterday. Seems to be a nice shop for film and developing needs etc. But I will say I was stunned by the prices I saw on some of their used cameras. Seemed quite steep to me. Anyways, I appreciate the help.
dmr
Registered Abuser
Maybe a year or so ago I finally stopped into Central Camera after passing it by countless times.
Yes, good film selection but Ex$pen$ive! OUCH!
Ronald M
Veteran
Marquette Park Camera near midway airport. Not Hyde Park, but not downtown Chicago either.
Helix has an on site color lab. Racine and Jackson and the have parking so yoy need not feed mayor Daleys meter at $4.25 hour.
Calumet has their own lot also.
Helix has an on site color lab. Racine and Jackson and the have parking so yoy need not feed mayor Daleys meter at $4.25 hour.
Calumet has their own lot also.
Bnack
Established
ahh thanks for that tip Ronald. I'll have to go check it out...