Going to Chicago... good shops, etc?

[holmburgers]

Hi y'all,

So I'll be going to Chicago for the 4th of July weekend and I'd like to know if there are any really cool camera shops that I should check out. I asked a similar question before going to Washington DC and found some great places, so I'd appreciate the favor again!

I'm not too interested in big, corporate type stores, more like holes-in-the-wall with lots of vintage gear and that kind of stuff.

I know there's a very well-traveled website that has a lot of LF stuff located in Chicago. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?? I can't seem to recall the name....

Thanks!

[blind_sparks]

Central Camera at Wabash and Jackson. Tons of vintage equipment.

[Chazzy]

I agree—Central Camera. Maybe the name you are trying to remember is Calumet?

[holmburgers]

No, I did think about Calumet, but that's not the one I'm searching for. Hmm...

Thanks for the tip on Central Camera though, I'll definitely check it out.

This website I'm thinking about gave the impression that they have a 'brick & mortar' location. They have tons of information on ULF tripods and stuf like that.

UPDATE! here it is! http://www.glennview.com/ That's the one

[Chazzy]

This is the first that I've heard about the Glennview people.

[Rich Ullsmith]

That looks interesting, but still don't pass up Central Camera.

[Barry S]

Glennview isn't a brick and mortar location. Central Camera is a must see. The shop is small, but they have lots of old cameras and a good vibe due to the great salespeople and photographers that hang out there. Hint: They'll bargain with you on the cost of used equipment. Don't miss the Museum of Contemporary Photography a few blocks a way at Columbia College--it's free and the exhibits are usually interesting.

[eclarke]

You're thinking about Helix on S Racine Ave...EC

[Mark Fisher]

I was just at Central Camera at lunch today. I went to Helix yesterday at lunch and they didn't have tri-x or TMY in 120. Central Camera had plenty of both. They even have a Besslar 4x5 color enlarger in the back. Forget Helix and Calumet...go to Central. Central Camera is in walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

[Kevin Caulfield]

Another vote here for Central Camera. An amazing place with helpful and friendly service.

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Since you're an APUPer, go to Columbia College. The have the finest photo museum anywhere. The Museum of Contemporary of Photography.

Here's there website:

http://mocp.org/

[Chazzy]

Since you're an APUPer, go to Columbia College. The have the finest photo museum anywhere. The Museum of Contemporary of Photography.

Here's there website:

http://mocp.org/

Now if there were only a museum of un-contemporary photography for us throw-backs. :)

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Now if there were only a museum of un-contemporary photography for us throw-backs. :)

I'm a bit of a throw back too. Chicago is a great museum town for every interest. If MCOP is too rad, you could always go to the Art Institute. Saw a great Harry Callahan. A great master photographing the love of his life Eleanor. BTW this guy is the one that shoots with a camera not Dirty Harry :)

[Barry S]

Now if there were only a museum of un-contemporary photography for us throw-backs. :)

That would be the extensive basement photography galleries at the Art Institute. :)

[hspluta]

Another vote for Central Camera, very cool atmosphere. When I worked in the loop I used to walk over there at lunchtime. After you are finished shopping make sure you duck into the Exchequer Pub for a cold one and lunch, it is right down the street on Wabash.

[holmburgers]

Awesome, thanks everyone. Central Camera it is! And the MOCP is a must. I didn't know about it, so I'm very glad you all said something.

As for Glennview, yeah, no brick & mortar, but that's ok.

Thanks!

[John Jarosz]

Unfortunately you are about 20 years too late to see Darkroom Aids, possibly the best store of used & abused anything photographic. It was one of my most favorite stores in the world.

Do check out Central Camera. The old LF stuff is in the case immediately to the right of the entrance door. It's usually obscured by stuff in front of it in the aisle. Close to the Art Institute.

The photography at the Art Institute is worth a look, particularly if you schedule your trip on a free day. The admission fee is somewhat outlandish. Even though I'm a member, I feel the daily rate is pretty high.

There really isn't much at Calumet, I only go there if I'm desperate. Very underwhelming store.

Helix doesn't have their used stuff out anymore, they sell all of it via ebay these days.

Columbia usually has some interesting photography on display. Close to the Art Institute too.

Have a good trip

John

[John Koehrer]

Central is about all there is left in Chicago. Helix was one of the big stores for years, easily competitive with Central and Darkroom Aids.
I think they keep shooting themselves in the foot, Used to be able to find anything there. Now it's "we can't sell it". Can't sell it if you don't stock it! DOH!

[David A. Goldfarb]

Central Camera is a great place. Walked in there last time I was in Chicago looking for TXP 4x5" and there it was. Had my Technika on my shoulder, and the kids at the film counter were totally interested in checking it out.

[Richard Wasserman]

I was in Central Camera yesterday buying film, and it was as good and fun as ever. Helix appears to be on the way out and I don't bother going there any more. The last two times I went I was the only customer in the store. Calumet has less and less for the silver based photographer–the darkroom section is now one small shelf display off in a corner. I agree that Central is really the best of what's left in Chicago and is a treasure to be supported.