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Central Camera, Chicago
I just got this email from Central Camera.
I am very glad they are finally getting their online act together. They are fantastic in person. Go there now! Closed Sundays. Both a modern store and historical anomaly!
But I really like that they are offering free in store pickup of any ILFORD 2019 ULF order and sending emails! They did verbally offer this for years, But now they have discovered email!
While I NOW live 400 miles away from Chicago, I may make a trip to pickup my order at their store. By train.
It's my favorite photo store, the last camera store left in the Chicago. There is one other but it's not LF.
"
Central Camera Company
ILFORD ULF 2019
Posted: 10 May 2019 09:37 AM PDT
Central Camera Company is accepting orders for Ilford’s 2019 Ultra Large Format (ULF) film program! Pre-paid orders must be received by Friday, May 24th, 2019. A full list of the 2019 items is available on Ilford’s ULF website
Central Camera Company is an authorized US distributor for Ilford films, and we’re taking orders now for Ilford’s 2019 Ultra Large Format film program.
Once a year, Ilford produces some of their most popular films in hard to find sizes and formats. These include film for ultra large format and collectible cameras that are no longer manufactured.
Films available this year include Ilford FP4 Plus, HP5 Plus, and Delta 100 Professional. Not all films are available in all formats. A full list of the 2019 items is available on Ilford’s ULF website
HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER:
• Email BOTH finishing@centralcamera.com and sales@centralcamera.com with your specific order details.
• We will provide a quote for products at the best possible price.
• Place your paid order before close of business on Friday, May 24th, 2019 (5:30pm US Central Time)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Orders must be prepaid. No exceptions.
• Special order only: orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable.
• Deadline for orders: 5:30pm US Central Time, Friday, May 24th, 2019
• Delivery of film to Central Camera Co. is expected to begin in October, 2019.
• Orders will only be placed once payment has been received, processed, and verified.
• All purchases will be billed in US Dollars.
I• Illinois sales tax of 10.25% is applied to orders shipped within the State of Illinois or picked-up in-store.
• Buyer is responsible for providing full shipping address and delivery instructions at time of purchase.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
• Buyer must pay for shipping and insurance.
• Prices quoted and invoiced at time of order are EXCLUDING postage.
• Accepting orders from the United States only, no international shipping.
• Orders will be sent via USPS Priority Mail.
• Shipping charges will include insurance and a handling fee of $7.99.
• Actual shipping costs will be calculated based on package size/weight to customer’s address.
• Central Camera is not responsible for any taxes, etc., imposed on items shipped within the United States.
• We will only ship to registered and verified address.
• FREE local pick-up available at our store: 230 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604
• Please contact the shop to arrange pickup: sales@centralcamera.com / 312-427-5580
The post ILFORD ULF 2019 appeared first on Central Camera Co..
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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.
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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.
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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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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Attachment 191225
Chicago Central Camera
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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.
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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.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
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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.
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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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Central Camera is the real deal. The kind of place that has almost vanished. But CC and staff are totally committed to what they do and helping. Great new digital stuff stuff, mind boggling vintage stuff and a commitement to film. Have ordered Ilford 20 x 24 through them.
Worth the trip if you in Chicago or a special trip to expereince Central Camera. Make a day of just with things to do in walking distance in the downtown neighborhood. Other notible things in the neighborhood...
https://www.alsbeef.com/ Right next door to to CC. Does not look like much from the outside but this an outpost of the fabled Al's Italian Beef. Nothing else like it and the best of all Italian Beefs shops.
https://www.dialbookshop.com/ Used book store close by on Michigan Ave in the Fine Arts Building on the second floor. Nice collection of reasonable priced fine arts photography books
https://www.herocoffeebars.com/ Right around the corner from CC on Jackson. Lots of cool office shops in Chicago...but this is the coolest looking. If you want to walk a few more blocks, go to the Inteligenicia Coffee at 53 East Randolph St.. Best coffee shop in Chicago. Period. https://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/locations
Just a few blocks away on Michigan Ave is the very important Museum of Contemporary Photography http://www.mocp.org/ (free !!)
And the Art Institute of Chicago has permanent and rotoating photography exhibits. https://www.artic.edu/
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Good suggestions, Francis. Might have to make a day of it soon.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
If you go to the Art Institute of Chicago to see photography take a flashlight.The lighting is so low that it's hard to appreciate fine prints.
I have long advocated that if their photographs are so damn valuable then make copies of the prints and present them in galleries with appropriate lighting. Their admission prices have gotten out of hand if you consider that the one thing I regularly went there to see was photography; photography that is not able to be appreciated because they choose not to present it in a gallery that is appropriate to see it.
rant off
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Baloney!
I have dimming vision and I see better in the their galleries than most places, like any store.
I was there 7 months ago and had a great experience.
I always go directly down the stairs to view all the photography first, then use the almost hidden elevator to escape to second floor.
Maybe your eyes are worse than mine.
I pray they are not!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
John Jarosz
If you go to the Art Institute of Chicago to see photography take a flashlight.The lighting is so low that it's hard to appreciate fine prints.
I have long advocated that if their photographs are so damn valuable then make copies of the prints and present them in galleries with appropriate lighting. Their admission prices have gotten out of hand if you consider that the one thing I regularly went there to see was photography; photography that is not able to be appreciated because they choose not to present it in a gallery that is appropriate to see it.
rant off
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Back on topic...
My phone won't let me view the list of offerings from Ilford ULF.
Would someone be so kind as to post it here, please?
Thanks!
Dugan
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
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.
Last time I was there was probably 15 years back. They had so much stuff in that store it boggles the mind. I remember they had a bargain bin and one thing that stuck with me is they were liquidating the Nikonos o-rings and Silicone grease. I bought a can of LPD, and some weird hard to find odds and ends. I remember drooling over a brand new Pentax 67II, had the meter prism, oh baby. I need to plan a trip. My wife is a retired art museum curator, we used to get into every place for free, not anymore. I didn’t marry her for her cooking, that's for sure, but we got in for free most everywhere even the V&A in London, she had an appointment, otherwise, not so sure.
Next time we go to NYC we will go broke, but you gotta live. Chicago is only 4 hour drive, need to stay out of Chicago and take light rail.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Bought my first camera there over 30 yrs ago. I was recently wondering if they still existed. Great to hear they are still in business.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
FrancisF
Central Camera is the real deal. The kind of place that has almost vanished. But CC and staff are totally committed to what they do and helping. Great new digital stuff stuff, mind boggling vintage stuff and a commitement to film. Have ordered Ilford 20 x 24 through them.
Worth the trip if you in Chicago or a special trip to expereince Central Camera. Make a day of just with things to do in walking distance in the downtown neighborhood. Other notible things in the neighborhood...
https://www.alsbeef.com/ Right next door to to CC. Does not look like much from the outside but this an outpost of the fabled Al's Italian Beef. Nothing else like it and the best of all Italian Beefs shops.
https://www.dialbookshop.com/ Used book store close by on Michigan Ave in the Fine Arts Building on the second floor. Nice collection of reasonable priced fine arts photography books
https://www.herocoffeebars.com/ Right around the corner from CC on Jackson. Lots of cool office shops in Chicago...but this is the coolest looking. If you want to walk a few more blocks, go to the Inteligenicia Coffee at 53 East Randolph St.. Best coffee shop in Chicago. Period.
https://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/locations
Just a few blocks away on Michigan Ave is the very important Museum of Contemporary Photography
http://www.mocp.org/ (free !!)
And the Art Institute of Chicago has permanent and rotoating photography exhibits.
https://www.artic.edu/
Off the LF topic, but does anyone know if there is an excellent old school watch repair place in Chicago that can do CLAs on high end Swiss watches? I can be in the area of Chicago being discussed within 50 minutes from my hometown by using Amtrak, but I don’t know any good watch servicing shops in Chicago. Any suggestions?
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Does Ilford fix the prices on the ULF sales or does each store have it's own price?
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Not sure, but most of USA says 'suggested retail price' on a lot of stuff. Whose suggestion is the issue.
However in most of the years past I have noticed price anomalies from Ilford site and differences between USA vendors. And I posted here about it.
The little research I have done this year shows a better consistency.
I always shop everything to death.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck Pere
Does Ilford fix the prices on the ULF sales or does each store have it's own price?
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JMO
Off the LF topic, but does anyone know if there is an excellent old school watch repair place in Chicago that can do CLAs on high end Swiss watches? I can be in the area of Chicago being discussed within 50 minutes from my hometown by using Amtrak, but I don’t know any good watch servicing shops in Chicago. Any suggestions?
Ask Rolex or Omega in NYC who are authorized centers wherever you need one.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Not sure, but most of USA says 'suggested retail price' on a lot of stuff. Whose suggestion is the issue.
However in most of the years past I have noticed price anomalies from Ilford site and differences between USA vendors. And I posted here about it.
The little research I have done this year shows a better consistency.
I always shop everything to death.
Suggested retail is set by the distributor for their product. In most instances the dealer, if not bound by contractional agreement, sell at whatever price he desires. There can be restraints set by the distributor on what price the dealer can advertise the product for. That is called MAP, minimum advertised price.
Once the merchandise the shipper’s facility the merchandise’s title passes to the buyer. The buyer can sell it for whatever he likes. But if he violates any agreements with the supplier he might lose his right to buy more from the supplier.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
One oddity I spotted, which I think is now corrected was 7X17 film was 50% more than 8X20... and at per square inch nearly double.
Check a few retailers and check Ilford.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
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.
LF violin Maker?
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
He's here but it's up to him to identify himself.
I also knew a French Horn maker.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p martinez
LF violin Maker?
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I used to use a community darkroom in the basement of a building in pre-gentrified Wicker Park building. There was a luthier who working in a different unit in the same basement. He did some work on double basses. When you typed "LF Violin Maker" I thought for a minute you meant a cello/double bass maker (the "large format" version of a violin...) :)
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I lived near Club Foot from 1996 then Bloomingdale Art's Building from 2003 to 2017 where I had a Darkroom.
I was in Roger's Park from 1972 but just sent my 35mm film out mail order.
Did you know Underdog Loft or the one on Clybourn a second floor North of Amitage. I forget what they called it.
We gotta know people...I was at Exit a lot from the 80's.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
p martinez
I used to use a community darkroom in the basement of a building in pre-gentrified Wicker Park building. There was a luthier who working in a different unit in the same basement. He did some work on double basses. When you typed "LF Violin Maker" I thought for a minute you meant a cello/double bass maker (the "large format" version of a violin...) :)
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
He's here but it's up to him to identify himself.
I also knew a French Horn maker.
Went to the symphony a few months back to hear a Bruckner concert. Sat next to a guy who was rather knowledgeable but seemed to know his stuff. Turns out he used to play a French Horn in the symphony; then he told me he made them now and had moved out of the city to Evanston. Said that the horns used in the concert were his. I was impressed! Probably your guy!
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Gotta be the same guy. Not many making French Horns in Chicago.
He had a good business going in 1982 when I first visited his shop. I sold him tools and it a real pleasure.
He had a years long waiting list at that time. All made from scratch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GG12
Went to the symphony a few months back to hear a Bruckner concert. Sat next to a guy who was rather knowledgeable but seemed to know his stuff. Turns out he used to play a French Horn in the symphony; then he told me he made them now and had moved out of the city to Evanston. Said that the horns used in the concert were his. I was impressed! Probably your guy!
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
What was the name of that darkroom store north of downtown?
There was another camera store further south from Central that was at the top of a narrow long set of stairs. Can't remember what it was called, but they had a bunch of large format stuff. I bought my Speed Graphic there.
I used to go to Central all the time back in the mid 90s. I knew exactly where to park in the Grant Park Garage so I was right by the exit for the Art Institute. Then I'd hit up Central Camera and MoCP down at Columbia College. Utrecht was right there too, and Tower Records. Not in that order. I got to know a guy that worked at Central and sometimes I'd get there right when they were closing. He'd always make me go down the street to a dive bar for happy hour ($1 brewskies). I'd stumble out of there and walk around the loop at night taking terrible pictures. Well they look terrible now. Back then they were ok. Lol.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Don't know as I was late to this game and only started going to Central about 2001.
Unless you mean Helix with the parking lot. It had a lot of gear on 3 stories i think.
Central Camera gives free parking chits at the first parking garage one block north and 100 ft west.
I also always park at the lowest level SE in the garage close to the new entrance. Ride the elevator.
I watched Millennium Park being built while going to the School. They scraped off Michigan Ave and then covered it all up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PRJ
What was the name of that darkroom store north of downtown?
There was another camera store further south from Central that was at the top of a narrow long set of stairs. Can't remember what it was called, but they had a bunch of large format stuff. I bought my Speed Graphic there.
I used to go to Central all the time back in the mid 90s. I knew exactly where to park in the Grant Park Garage so I was right by the exit for the Art Institute. Then I'd hit up Central Camera and MoCP down at Columbia College. Utrecht was right there too, and Tower Records. Not in that order. I got to know a guy that worked at Central and sometimes I'd get there right when they were closing. He'd always make me go down the street to a dive bar for happy hour ($1 brewskies). I'd stumble out of there and walk around the loop at night taking terrible pictures. Well they look terrible now. Back then they were ok. Lol.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PRJ
What was the name of that darkroom store north of downtown?.
Darkroom Aids. Al Schwartz was a chemist and a terrific guy, very helpful and up-beat.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I did go to this Darkroom Aids in the 80's.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
Darkroom Aids.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
That was long after my time with them. The shop was smaller, and still full of strange good things. I still have the unusual Valoy built for extra large prints, thanks to Al Schwartz. $110 in 1974. Al was a saint.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I have a Leitz Valoy with the 32" column.
And Leitz Valoy ii with the copy camera attachment. I use that feature most.
But I screwed up for not figuring out what a Reprovit II is good for. Had 2, but let them go back to the pile. They sure looked good.
I have a goofy little enlarger that was on the cover of Leica magazine. Film A Rus
Never had a Leica and most likely will not.
I like my Pentax MX.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
That was long after my time with them. The shop was smaller, and still full of strange good things. I still have the unusual Valoy built for extra large prints, thanks to Al Schwartz. $110 in 1974. Al was a saint.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
The Leitz head ventilating attachment allows one to use up to 250w bulbs rather than the 75w bulbs. It makes a great difference for the extended Valoy enlarger.
From glennview.com
Attachment 191407
A good source for more is here. (Sorry it looks like Glenn's web author has blocked some links.)
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Glenn may make the website. He is very DIY with everything.
I was on his site today before I posted to study the Reprovit II.
He has great website with a lot of very good info.
We have chatted for hours in person.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
The Leitz head ventilating attachment allows one to use up to 250w bulbs rather than the 75w bulbs. It makes a great difference for the extended Valoy enlarger.
From glennview.com
Attachment 191407
A good source for more is here. (Sorry it looks like Glenn's web author has blocked some links.)
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Glenn may make the website. He is very DIY with everything. [...] We have chatted for hours in person.
You are a lucky person to have met and talked with Glenn.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
We also write each other.
Like this morning.
We have a lot in common. He has a far better shop right where I first moved to in 1972.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
You are a lucky person to have met and talked with Glenn.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
OMG I remember driving there from Cedar Rapids Iowa around '81. My friend knew a guy with an enormous Chevy Suburban. He bought a 8x10 Elwood enlarger there for $350. They had several more elegant models. That enlarger is still in great shape. It had brand new, then, some sort of flexible plastic bellows. I borrowed that beast, cleaned it all up. Worked great, my friend has an enormous stockpile of the 500W bulbs for that thing.
I remember the 3 of us walking in I was the shortest at 6'1". At first the salesguy looked like he was going to pull a gun. Then he realized we were harmless. I remember the fellow rubbing the hundred dollar bills on a piece of paper, some sort of counterfeit detection :-)
I know I always saw ads in the old jumbo editions of Shutterbug, like everything else, one time I tried to find it again and it was gone.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Did you guys ever go to Helix? I remember back in the day the people that worked there were a trip. Whenever one of my friends would mention Helix, the others would yell "WHAT DO YOU WANT!" Those guys were ornery. I went in there once to pick up an external battery pack for a Canon. When I asked the guy if they had it, the dude looked at me, retorted "I use Nikon" and turned and walked away! Lol. Couldn't believe it. I used to buy cheap bulk film there before it was even out of date. A roll of Plus-X was only $10. Bought tons of short date Konica Infrared film there too. Wish I could still get a 100 foot roll of film for $10. Those days are long gone. I think Helix is long gone too.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PRJ
Did you guys ever go to Helix? I remember back in the day the people that worked there were a trip. Whenever one of my friends would mention Helix, the others would yell "WHAT DO YOU WANT!" Those guys were ornery. I went in there once to pick up an external battery pack for a Canon. When I asked the guy if they had it, the dude looked at me, retorted "I use Nikon" and turned and walked away! Lol. Couldn't believe it. I used to buy cheap bulk film there before it was even out of date. A roll of Plus-X was only $10. Bought tons of short date Konica Infrared film there too. Wish I could still get a 100 foot roll of film for $10. Those days are long gone. I think Helix is long gone too.
Actually Helix has been reborn, but different ownership and people and location!
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Well I remember 5 Helix in Chicago. 2 outside Chicago in Northbrook, a coworker worked at the East one.
There was a snail Helix outpost on Michigan Ave.
There was a tiny post inside SAIC.
But the big one was a bit west of the Loop, 3 stories of increasing rude.
The top floor was the Pro Only section and unless they knew you, stay away. Cash did not talk.
But they demoed lots of lesser gear on the second floor for us peasants. So I got some demos, then went elsewhere. Their onsite parking lot was small and a bit tricky to park in, but a rare free parking lot for Chicago.
I bought only one camera and some bits of this and that but vastly prefered B&H by telephone. They were very rude in the NYC manner and demanded really fast ordering.
I so disliked Helix that I boycotted the big closeout sale. And was glad they were gone.
My Helix purchased D70, I mentioned at Central Camera and they sold me the $17 wireless remote on the spot. Helix didn't have them. That made me a Central Camera customer.
Bob, what is the name of the new Helix Iteration?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Salomon
Actually Helix has been reborn, but different ownership and people and location!
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Well I remember 5 Helix in Chicago. 2 outside Chicago in Northbrook, a coworker worked at the East one.
There was a snail Helix outpost on Michigan Ave.
There was a tiny post inside SAIC.
But the big one was a bit west of the Loop, 3 stories of increasing rude.
The top floor was the Pro Only section and unless they knew you, stay away. Cash did not talk.
But they demoed lots of lesser gear on the second floor for us peasants. So I got some demos, then went elsewhere. Their onsite parking lot was small and a bit tricky to park in, but a rare free parking lot for Chicago.
I bought only one camera and some bits of this and that but vastly prefered B&H by telephone. They were very rude in the NYC manner and demanded really fast ordering.
I so disliked Helix that I boycotted the big closeout sale. And was glad they were gone.
My Helix purchased D70, I mentioned at Central Camera and they sold me the $17 wireless remote on the spot. Helix didn't have them. That made me a Central Camera customer.
Bob, what is the name of the new Helix Iteration?
Helix. It is owned by Valerie who was VP of Calumet until they closed.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Salomon
Helix. It is owned by Valerie who was VP of Calumet until they closed.
Itasca!
The pics of the inside look like the Calumet displays.
I will never go there, but I will be at Central Camera this year.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Darkroom Aids was a fun place to look around in. I remember asking for a Beseler to Elwood lensboard adapter and the guy turned around and took one off the wall. Since I lived and worked in the NW suburbs I did most of my shopping at the Calumet Bensenville location. Sometimes down to Helix with the nice parking lot. I can recall that Helix did have another location further north before they moved to the large building. Only went to Central a couple times because of the location. Plus my needs are pretty simple and I didn't need any of the exotic things only Central may stock.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
[... speaking of Helix downtown ...]
But the big one was a bit west of the Loop, 3 stories of increasing rude.
The top floor was the Pro Only section and unless they knew you, stay away. Cash did not talk.
I always felt comfortable at Helix, especially in the pro section, and on the first floor where they had vintage Leica gear. Selwyn Schwartz, whom I remembered from his days at Altmans, was a welcome mystery to me - a profound poet and consummate gentleman salesman.
Oh, the "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" was great. I walked in, got the verbal drilling and answered, "Two black paint M4s, then laughed, "AND MAKE IT SNAPPY!" Paid, and while at the counter I removed the cameras, straps, paper work and asked them to dispose of the boxes. Put the M4s in a grocery bag and left. The next time I came in to pick up a Linhof a guy named Jon helped. He was a resourceful guy, very helpful. Loved Helix!
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
I still use a print washer made by Darkroom Aids... bought it 30 years ago (it was recommended by my teacher David Vestal). Never went to the store though; in fact I've never even been to Chicago (NYC was much closer). But these stories are great- keep 'em coming.
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Re: Central Camera Chicago & Ilford NEWS
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Sampson
I still use a print washer made by Darkroom Aids... bought it 30 years ago (it was recommended by my teacher David Vestal).
David Vestal: "You can crop a square anywhere." A saint.