Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I"ve never been! If you make the trip, let me know, and I'll try to meet you there.
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Hard to predict when Ilford ships ULF orders.
A few years ago I ordered 7X11 film by special order and got it in 2 weeks. It was in stock somewhere...
Central Camera is very close to the Art Institute and our LF Violin maker.
I stop at all 3 if I am in town. The best burger and cheapest is at the fancy steakhouse with a fantastic view.
I might get lucky like I did in 2009 and find a $75 room at the Palmer House. That's a story too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Peter De Smidt
I"ve never been! If you make the trip, let me know, and I'll try to meet you there.
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I've been to Central Camera a couple of times in the past few years. I wouldn't call the store modern in any sense. In fact, I am surprised they have a computer to send you an email. It is fun to rummage around in the cardboard boxes where they keep all the stuff they haven't be able to sell for the past 50 years. You may even find something you want. They are pleasant to deal with though.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Attachment 191225
Chicago Central Camera
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
faberryman
I've been to Central Camera a couple of time in the past few years. I wouldn't call the store modern in any sense. In fact, I am surprised they have a computer to send you an email. It is fun to rummage around in the cardboard boxes where they keep all the stuff they haven't be able to sell for the past 50 years. You may even find something you want. They are pleasant to deal with though.
+1! You should see the office area, and Don has some interesting old cameras up there.
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I meant they sell the latest cameras all day long.
The front windows are full of old lenses and cameras. It draws people in.
They stock film, paper and chemistry. They send out film for developing. An active department.
Don and 2 customers once spent an hour getting my Speed Graphic set up with the right cables and solenoids. All from gear in stock. Then he gave us a a cookie, which he often does.
Another time Don kept me after closing at 5pm and gave a 2 hour dissertation on Leica's.
I haven't been there in 2 years.
I doubt it has changed at all. No need to. Retro does help sell the mystique of photography.
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
The street is changing fast.
Across the street is the Jewelry Building which has car elevators for shop owners to park safely by their shop 12 stories up. They took their stuff home every night. I wonder if the Deli still runs on the second floor. I bought gold there. Small amounts for melting down to do lost wax casting of rings. The old chains of gold were sad until melted it. Dubious origins.
Nowadays some very sneaky looking rich people are seen driving into the same building. The guards do not like cameras.
Altman Shoes had 7 stories below the street with every size shoe. Athletes with giant feet shopped there. It closed...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Peter De Smidt
Now I really want to go.
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I love Central Camera. My father, who was the director of the Institute of Design, was a friend of Don and introduced me to him many years ago. I no longer live in Chicago, but that store holds a special place in my heart.
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