Central Camera Company

In depth photography store with loads of new and vintage equipment. The 126 year old building is spectacular. I spoke with Tim at the store and he gave me a brief history and informed me that it was burned down during the riots in 2020 and rehabbed in 2022.

Visited for the first time the other day although having lived here for a long time. I see this as a great place for certain purposes. For darkroom and vintage film equipment/cameras, it’s perfect. The atmosphere feels like a thrift store for equipment. I was able to find exactly what I needed for my darkroom and they had a plethora of vintage lenses for fair prices. Film prices also fair, depending on the stock. Employees were very friendly and helpful in answering questions. Overall, I had a great experience and will be back.

Don't go if you're a beginner…or perhaps a woman… I have wanted to get into film photography for years and recently bought a basic reusable film camera to get started. I stopped by Central Camera to pick up my first roll of film, full of questions and excited to learn more from such a long established business. The guy who helped me find the right film was friendly enough but didn’t seem super interested in answering questions, and the interaction was much shorter than I was hoping. No worries, there were a bunch of teens in the shop at the time so I figured that’s why the interaction was brief. Cut to a week or two later when I’ve finished my film. I called ahead to ask about prices and wait time to get it developed. Not sure if it was the same guy on the phone or not, but whoever it was was EXTREMELY belittling, using baby voice to rephrase my question back to me. He refused to tell me at first how much or how long, kept talking in circles saying nothing, and after I asked point blank maybe three times in a row he finally gave me a loose quote and said “but why don’t you just come on down and we’ll take care of it for you sweetie, there’s not really anywhere else you can get this sort of thing done anyway so no use getting prices.” I wish I was joking. Thankfully (and contrary to his insistence) there are plenty of other indie places in the city to get my film developed, for cheaper and faster, and I get digital copies as well. Even if there weren’t, I’d rather go to cvs than talk to him again. It’s such a shame that I can’t support such a longstanding Chicago business but I will not be setting foot in there again.

I love this place for film stock and photo development, though admittedly their pricing is a little wacky at times. The customer service is solid but the folks get a little overwhelmed at peak hours so it’s pretty hard to find a good time to get help with things at times. Overall though, I have always enjoyed coming here, it’s my little unpredictable adventure on Mondays and Fridays :).

The dopest store in the business. I’ve been buying from them since I studied at Loyola in 2003. They’re the nicest people without a hint of pretense. I just got my Fuji XT4 looked at and picked up a old Olympus while I was in there, and had the best time chatting about guitars, video games, and magic shops while Charles looked at my camera and helped me out. While he couldn’t fix my camera (which I knew up front since they say they don’t service, but thought I’d give it a try), he did give me a shutter release cable to use, which helps mitigate the problem. Go in there for your cool used gear, your film and paper, to see some great photography they did out of film damaged in their 2020 fire, and to support a store who supports a dying art and who also supports fellow Chicagoans. ❤️

I get that this place is old and iconic but the store itself is completely underwhelming. It feels more like a photography thrift store than anything else. All of the "good stuff" is behind the counter, completely unaccessible to your eyes and hands, and it's easy to walk through there without any of the staff engaging with you or even acknowledging your presence. The combination of service and store setup makes for a frustrating shopping experience. In my opinion, Dodd Camera is a way better shop with better service and a better selection.

Probably a cool store but they have most antiquated ways of doing things. They can’t digitally share your film photos, the only options are CD ROM or USB and they can’t combine photos from multiple rolls of film onto one USB - so they charge you $8.99 per USB. Friendly service but I’ll find somewhere else next time.

Popped in here the other day for some film. Honestly the guys in here are quirky and nice. I can see where someone could think they’re not nice but I think it’s just who they are and they don’t mean bad. lol Anyways I’ll be back!

This gem of a store is a Chicago icon the likes of which are becoming very difficult to find. This establishment has a Treasure Trove of photo paraphernalia for the tyro or the professional, and for everyone in between. The Staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. No pressure to buy, and if you want to only look, no pressure to "hurry up" and leave. Had a question regarding a used Leica I purchased on the internet. The user's manual left me scratching my head over some technical stuff that was glossed over. A staff member at C C happily answered all my questions with dispatch! Great Store, great staff! If I didn't live in Michigan, I would be a Regular!

Dingy, chaotic, an owner that is condescending and rude, skip this place. I would understand if they actually had loads of product immediately available to buy, but that is not the case either.

I got a call around the beginning of September that the camera I had brought in mid-June for repair was ready for pickup. Originally I had been told it would take a couple weeks, and when I called three weeks from that time they said it might take six weeks or so. Ok, I understand... but it actually took double that second estimate, closer to twelve weeks. I'm not convinced it had even been sent off until after I called the first time. When I came to pick it up it was chaos as usual and I just felt like they didn't really want to help me. There were different folks there this time than when I originally dropped it off. The made it feel like a bit of a burden that I needed their help selecting the appropriate film and wanted them to give me a bit of a tutorial on loading and whatnot. The man who helped me when I brought it in had said he'd show me but wasn't there this day. He seemed like someone who would take his time to show you right, but the folks this day seemed like they were just more concerned with moving on to the next customer. I had planned to give a two-star, "could've been better" rating but opted for an "ok" just because I appreciated the man who was there when I first visited the store.

The staff are super sweet and friendly, and they are always helpful! Prices aren't too bad either especially for film and they even offer services for repairs or development which I haven't done but I've heard good things from my friends who have.

Posting this review for my husband. I was around for a lot of this but he was the primary customer: Working with this company was one of the all-time worst experiences I've had with any company in my entire life. I would avoid them at all costs. I recently inherited a camera from my late grandfather that was in pretty good condition, but I wanted a professional to give it a good cleaning so it could be displayed on a shelf to remember him by. I took the camera here in late March and explained exactly what I wanted: a full cleanup of the camera so it could be displayed. I got an invoice receipt that in all caps, clearly stated "FOR FULL CLEAN UP". After a month went by and I didn't hear from them, I called asking what the status of the camera was. They couldn't find my name in their system and I had to send a picture of my invoice number. Apparently the guy that wrote the invoice put an additional word after my last name and that's what the camera was filed under. Ok weird. They then tell me that they don't know the status of the camera because they sent it off to their repair company and there's only one guy. Call back in a few weeks they said. After two months went by I called again, and they said the guy working on my camera died, and that another guy took over and it would still be a while. Three months went by and I still don't have any update on my camera. I called again and they told me their repair guy doesn't speak English well but they'll ask about it the next time he comes in, which apparently is once per week. I never got a call back. Four months go by. Five months go by, I call again and they still don't know what's going on with my camera. SIX MONTHS GO BY and FINALLY they call me to tell me my camera is ready to be picked up. I go to pick it up and the camera is not at all cleaned. Not even a little. I'm furious at this point and ask them why they didn't clean it. All they did was repair the internals. They gave me a bunch of excuses: first they tried to tell me they don't do that kind of external camera cleaning which they didn't tell me that when I dropped it off 6 months ago. I asked to speak to the manager because the one thing I wanted done, they didn't do. They didn't have a manager on site but someone else came up and gave me the same excuses that they don't do external cleaning, but they'd go ahead and send it back to this one repair guy. I told them that's ridiculous, I'm not waiting 6 months again. They tried to charge me the full price of the invoice, $150 for the repair. I said that's ridiculous, I'm not paying the full amount since I didn't get the service we agreed upon. I said I was willing to pay for the repair, but I'm not paying the full amount. After they discussed with themselves for 10 minutes, they came back and offered me $20 off. Are you kidding me? For all the trouble and time wasted waiting for a service that wasn't even performed, they still wanted to charge me $130. They refused to lower it any more. Absolutely insane. I was so livid at this point I just paid the bill and stormed out. All that for a camera that's in the exact same external condition that I dropped it off in SIX MONTHS AGO. They never once apologized, they just gave me a bunch of excuses.

You gotta respect a business that has been at it for over a century, but if thoroughly seems like the business owners have given up. I empathize with them after their experience thru the rioting a few years ago, but they have made 0 effort (in my impression) to return to a quality camera shop that is worth visiting. The shop is basically still jammed into a weird storage center. There is a smattering of random 35mm film cameras, but nothing worth your time. You can buy anything that is for sale here; for atleast half the price elsewhere (eBay). Also I was told that processing 35mm film doesn't happen on site and would be atleast 2-3 weeks lol.

Really, how about some basic customer service? At least pretend like you want to help rather than leaving me standing around your cramped store feeling like an idiot. I challenge any new customer to walk into this store and feel valued or welcomed. Maybe after dealing with the public for three generations this is what happens.

I'm new to film photography, so I stopped by here Saturday morning with the intention on buying a new point and shoot camera. I wasn't sure what I wanted, but one of the associates helped immensely. Peter was so knowledgeable and personable. We had a conversation discussing how I'd use the camera. He showed me three different options and he weighed in with his own expertise. Equipment is definitely pricier than what you'd find at a secondhand store or Ebay. They have a 60 day warranty for camera equipment. Although, the experience was a little daunting someone like Peter made the experience so worth it. I will definitely be back in the future.

Iconic gem of a location. Such an incredible selection of everything from repairs, to inventory, to staff, and location!

If you are just like me who are into pictures taking, but absolutely not a pro of having enough depth of understanding​ cameras. This place could be quiet overwhelming​ as you walk in.Let me try to simplify​ my shopping experience with yall: Parking: Street parking(there will be 15 min free parking with​ the emergency light​ on of course​). I believe you can also ask the associate for special parking promo. Price: I took my camera to repair, which they charge $25 for taking a look, but the "deposit" will become a repair credit​ if I do decide to fix my camera. I bought​ it in last week, still no news after 8 days..... Service: some associates are really trying to sell​ you their cameras without knowing your need(which I don't need that kind of drama in my life). But, I talked to Don(or Dan), he was super patient with me and recommend​ what I really need and what I don't. Overall, if you are looking into photography, and would like to get to know more about it, this will be a good place to get your feet wet. Updated: finally know what's going on with my camera, with all the repairing (from wet damage?), it will cost me $250. (Yeah...... about that).

My wife and I are visiting from Los Angeles, CA and we found this gem on a walk around town. There's SO many things here that we haven't seen at other film stores and the staff are extremely knowledgeable! The location is a tad bit cramped but it's really a film photographers go to!

The friendliest staff ever!! Super organized and they always give me a button or a little piece of candy

Went here today to take a look at their tripods, thinking they were going to have a variety of different types on display. In reality though they had just a few measly ones available, saw Sirui and KODAK. I didn't even know Kodak made tripods?? Not one Manfrotto or Benro. When I inquired at the front register about the tripods the clerk said she never heard of these two names, which are probably the most widely known ones around! Will not be returning to this store anytime soon. Probably never.

I decided instead of buying a new camera to consult on my two old cameras. The worker was a wealth of information. He took time with me. He also took my phone number in case a part I was looking for came in. I love good customer service and I got it here today. I will go back. BTW it was busy.

Doesn't do Sony products which doesn't make sense bc they r a camera company it's ridiculous

I was in Chicago for a photography workshop and quickly discovered that I should have brought a different tripod head. I did some quick searching online; while Amazon or B+H could get me what I needed to my hotel in about 48 hours, I wanted something faster. Online searching also revealed that well-stocked camera stores truly have become a thing of the past. However, Central Camera had an RRS BH-40, very lightly used in stock. I didn't get for any "killer price," but I got what I needed. They were quick to respond to my email on Sunday when they were closed, informative on the phone the next morning, and when I showed up during lunch hour, what I needed was waiting for me. Very nice folks. Cool retro store, worth visiting for any camera buff. Recommended.

Thank you Don for your continued quality of services provided by you and your staff. Its always a pleasure coming into your store from California and finding everything that I need for my camera supplies. Thank you again for the quality of services and your kindness. Jack Abajian California

Everyone was nice, I love visiting film and camera stores while I travel because there is almost always a film I dont have or can't find where im from in Florida. Great selection of Lomography films apart from the usual color stocks I see.

I've been shooting digital for a few years, started to lose inspiration. I invested in my first film camera here today. I was nervous because I'm a beginner and I haven't purchased one due to how I've been treated when asking "silly" questions at the camera shops in Southern California where I live. At central camera company they treated me so good. Answered all my questions, taught me how to load my camera, adjust the settings etc. they didn't look at me funny or snarled when asked to repeat a few steps. I'm aware I can do that on YouTube but nothing beats in person help. And they did it with a smile. The camera was pricey compared to what I've seen online. But what compensated that was the service. Thanks for making me feel like one of the locals! I'll definitely be coming back anytime I'm in the city

Nostalgic great environment LOVE IT ... the selection of accessories and ACTUAL ITEMS THEY HAVE WOW hard not to spend money

I am a stop motion video producer who knew nothing about a camera when i started. These guys showed me EVERYTHING. Had all different types of equipment, tripods etc. Explained to me everything and how stuff worked. And in the process gave me technical ideas for my productions. Look up Wood Zeppelin and see!

While looking up camera repair shops, I stumbled upon Central Camera Company. Although the reviews were mixed, the location was in the loop so I decided to take a gamble. Plus this store has been in business for 118 years so its got to be good! I brought my camera in at the end of January. I paid a $20 deposit (non-refundable) for them to examine my camera and get a better estimate of what the cost would be to fix my camera. They called me within a few days to tell me what they needed to do and quoted me of how much it would cost. Thankfully the $20 deposit went towards the final cost of the repair. I was quoted 2 weeks for the repair. Two weeks came and went. I called the 4th week to inquire and was told my camera was too old (I bought my camera in 2012) so they had trouble locating the part to fix it. I called a few weeks later and was told the part they ordered didn't fix my camera so they had to order a different part. I then called a few weeks after that and finally they told me my camera was fixed (at this point I had waited a total of 9 weeks). The repair person I communicated with each time was very nice but I had wished they communicated with me more. I had to initiate the call each time to get the status of my camera. If I never called I would have never known the status of the repair. There is one person I've constantly dealt with in-person at the store. He is the person that took down my repair request and closed out my repair. He's a super nice guy. I like dealing with him. The others I am not so impressed with, especially one guy who seems socially awkward and unfriendly. When I asked him where I should go to pick up a repaired camera he barely acknowledged me, and didn't even look at me, when he told me to wait. Then, as I'm waiting for someone else to help me, I observe him accuse one of the female employees of being off 10 cents in her calculations. The female employee seemed very scared and worried and hurried to rectify the problem by giving him 10 cents of her own money to avoid any further issues. This employee definitely needs to be trained on customer service and how to be nice to his co-workers. Overall I'm glad my camera is fixed, and that there's a 3 month warranty on the repair, but I wish customer service were a bit better.

This place is exactly what you think it will be from the outside. Walking into the store feels like walking into the past in a good way, and the store itself looks pretty amazing. The people who work there are really polite and helpful and knowledgeable, and they're willing to take extra time with you. I went in looking for small binoculars to use at the Lyric Opera and they had a nice variety and the guy working with me was happy to test out several models and weigh the pros and cons with me. I'll definitely be back when I need some help with a camera purchase.

I love knowing that If I'm in Chicago I could visit a camera shop in the city. Can't wait to go might even think of a day trip

I'm a complete amateur photographer with a camera probably way to good for me. Anyway, camera broke and the people here are incredibly helpful. They sent it off to be fixed but looked at it carefully and gave me a lot of advice before doing so. HIGHLY recommended. As a side note: I'm so glad that they are off and running in their still under construction location (which they moved back into early due to flooding in the temporary location next door!) I donated back in the days of the gofundme and was very impressed with the owner's attitude at the time.

I LOVE this place because it is heaven for anyone who still loves film photography. This is the only place I trust to develop my 35 mm film!! I love that I can pick glossy or matte as well as include a cd so I can upload my photos to my computer. Not to mention they SELL FILM and have a amazing selection on top of the camera's you can purchase here. If you are a photography lover and want to hold onto film photography BECAUSE IT'S NOT DEAD, then please visit this wonderful store.

I have only been here once. The time I went was to look at cameras, and talk about repairs on my current one. The employee I interacted in seemed very annoyed (even before I came in). He seemed disinterested in doing his job as a salesman. Everyone question I asked seemed like a burden to him. I almost bought a used camera there which was fairly priced I believe. There was one on amazon for $10 less which I ended up buying instead. I would have loved to support my local camera store, but with that kind of service I will take my money to Amazon where the benefit of hasslefree returns is offered.

In October 19969 I went to Central Camera to buy an 8mm movie camera. The salesman showed me one and told me of another that was due to arrive in two weeks. "Oh, I can't wait that long. You see my wife is having a baby on Thursday and I need the camera for this week." "Let me ask you, is this your first baby because they don't come on the due date" "The baby will be induced on Thursday." I bought the camera and relished the good wishes of the salesman. Of course we have the movie film of that day and much more. Over the half century since I bought many cameras and lenses and got to know Sammy, that salesman from the first transaction, a lovely man of Indian descent, I think. I always felt in touch with my own family history in Chicago from 1880 shopping there. I always felt respected and never concerned myself with the price. I was preserving history. Now retired in California I just learned of the looting and fire. I know Central Camera will come back even stronger and better than before. Some things are worth preserving.Central Camera is on my short list of such things. The cameras have helped preserve our family and I will help preserve Central Camera too.

Still the GOAT, even with the losses from the fire. I miss the days when they had everything you could ever think to ask for, but they can still fulfill most reasonable requests.

Central Camera is disrespectful of their customers. I used to love going in there and chatting about their neat vintage camera collection - it's fascinating stuff! I've also bought a lens and a camera from them. That said, I'd usually just stop by to drop off my film for development. Each time I did, for about 4-5 trips, I was told that the film would be ready in two weeks. I was also told that I needed to be the one to call to confirm the pictures were ready. Ok, sounds reasonable, I can do that. Well, each time, that two week process of developing the film turned into a 6-7 week ordeal in which I would call, they'd put me on hold for a long time, and then come back and say, "it's not ready." That's fine, but you really should be honest and upfront about how long the process will take; it's very aggravating having to be the one that calls every week for 7 weeks to find out if it's time, especially when you were told 2 weeks originally. It would go a long way towards their customer service experience if they were the ones to pick up the phone and call.

I had a really negative experience here and I'm sorry to say that. Though I find this place pretty claustrophobic, I love the unique vibe and the fact that they are a tried and true Chicago landmark for photographers but I won't be going back there again after what happened. I'll just buy from somewhere else and ship my camera back to Canon for repairs. In the beginning of October, my Canon 5D MK IV started to malfunction. I took it to Central Camera and they told me the shutter needed to be replaced. They were rather noncommittal about how long it would take but led my partner and I on to believe it would be probably a month. There was literally no follow through after that. At about 5-6 weeks I started calling just about every couple of days. I'd leave messages and get back very noncommittal answers. The first thing they told me is that it was taking so long because Canon was out of the part. I called Canon and they had over 100 of this particular model of shutter in stock. So, basically they lied to me. After I called them out on the fact that they had been dishonest, at about 8-9 weeks after I had dropped it off, I was told (again, this is after I was calling regularly as I actually had started to believe they lost my camera base) that it was taking longer because there was water damage. Again, this was after they had it in their possession for over 2 months and I had been calling repeatedly to get back my camera. I demanded to speak with the manager or the owner. I was spoken to in a condescended way, given a different reason about how there was someone in charge of repairs who fell unexpectedly ill and told they would make this up to me by checking over the camera themselves after I explained I no longer trusted the repairs when I was just told after over two months that there was now water damage all of a sudden. To be fair, I have now had the camera back and have taken photos both in Chicago and in Toronto-about 6.000 photos since then and so far it has been ok. I still don't feel good about the fact that I paid $500, waited over two months, and that people were dishonest there. It was a really harrowing experience there and they definitely didn't act professionally. Even if there weren't all the ancillary things I was told about a part being out of order when it wasn't and not told about supposed water damage, the fact of the matter is, I paid a lot and waited a lot longer for a shutter replacement that I still don't fully trust and I had to nag them consistently for them to give my camera back in the first place. There's a lot of really bad reasons why independent business go out of business and I hate to see that happen. I love to support places like this but I'm sorry, this is a no go. You can't treat people this unprofessionally and for word not to get out about it.

The owner of the store is a classy man. How amazing is his attitude and kindness. This is one business to go to if you are serious about photography and want advice from a great expert. This is how photography should be done!

If I could give this store 0 stars, I would. I recently came here on vacation and I sadly forgot my film back at home so I decided to stop in and grab some.. boy, bad idea. I came in and not a single person said hello or welcomed me into the store when there we about 6 employees doing absolutely nothing. After watching me search for what I needed in an extremely unorganized establishment an older gentleman who was actually helping another customer waved me over to see if I had any questions or needed any help finding something, I asked for some batteries and some film and despite me being thankful he took time to see if I needed anything he did just walk away when he went to get my batteries and didn't tell me where he was going or if I needed to follow him.. but never the less, that's not even the worst. After I get my batteries he asked if I needed anything else and I did need film so he nicely said "Well here why don't I write this price on here for ya and we'll get ya over to the film side before anyone else!" then pointed me to the film. Here we goooo... I walk over to the most dissatisfied, miserable, shit personality guy I've ever encountered. A younger gentleman with a shitty haircut that has a longer top, I think was also dyed. Kind of a pretentious punk vibe going on, all around, shitty. I said Hello and was NOT greeted back. I wondered why? He was on his PHONE. Wasn't asked about what I needed. So I decided to do his job for him and him if he had the kind of film I used because it's probably easier for you know, someone who WORKS there to help me find it on the WALL of a million film. So instead of saying "Yeah I got you!" He moved over and pointed at the wall and said "I don't know" and suggested I look for it myself. Puzzled, and kind of pissed off at this point I said "Well I can't find it so what is your cheaper film?" Because I was working on a project I wasn't sure would turn out good enough for an expensive roll. He then scoffed and rolled his eyes and pointed to the film by the register and leaned back and looked at his phone waiting for me to be done, as if he wasn't getting PAID to be there. Once I chose my film he started writing down prices but since he can't do math he made the total much less than what it was and then said "JK" and changed it to the new price which was a significant change, with NO explanation. Since I'm not stupid I understood the pricing but if your total goes from $14 to $20 you should explain why. Never the less I paid and said THANK YOU and got NOTHING in return. I can't believe I actually spent money here and let this miserable child give me such poor customer service. As a manger I would never let my staff act that way, an obviously given previous reviews it seems they train their staff to have awful hospitality. All I have to say is photography is an ART and with that kind of attitude I'm not sure why you even work here, any photographer who appreciates the skill would love to teach and share with other artists. A damn shame this place was ruined for me. Oh well, on to the next one ‍

This is the first review I have ever written on Yelp. I will preface this by saying I am VERY new to film cameras and I know barely anything about how the camera/film works. I ordered a Fujufilm 35mm point and shoot on Etsy along with 400 Speed Fujifilm and decided to have a go at trying film cameras. I came into the store in February asking if one of your employees could take a look at the camera I purchased as well as to see if they had any advice for me on loading the film, using the camera, etc. The employee I encountered was very helpful and I left hopeful about using my new camera. Since then, I have had my birthday and a spring break vacation and used a roll of film. I decided to only use and develop one roll just to see if the camera even works or not (it was cheap.) I came into your store on Friday, April 5th to develop my film. The employee I encountered (a woman) immediately had an energy towards me that seemed like she really did not want to help me. I proceeded to unload the film (wrong, unbeknownst to me) while the employee watched me. She then said to me: "Well, you just ruined it." I was very caught off-guard by this comment as she had just watched me fumble around and try to figure out how to unload the film without saying a word to me. I know it is not the employee's responsibility to teach me how to unload film, but the fact that she just watched me and then told me I ruined my treasured photos was upsetting. I was more expecting something along the lines of: "Oh, you don't want to do that. Here, let me help you and here's what might happen." The employee then proceeded to ask me questions about my camera and the film with the worst attitude, making me feel ashamed for my lack of knowledge on the camera and film in general. It felt like she was quizzing me when I was just there to get my film developed. I left your store that day feeling very ashamed and upset because your employee made me feel very uncomfortable. I came back six days later (April 11th) to see if my film had been developed yet. It was the same employee, with the same bad energy and attitude towards me. The film had not come in yet. I understood as I was told it would be about a week. I came back today (April 12th), seven days later, and it was the same employee. She had the SAME energy and attitude towards me. The film has not come in yet. I understand that things happen and I will check back later this weekend to see if it has come in. I have to say that I am very reluctant to come in and pick up my film now as I would prefer not to encounter this employee who seems like she honestly does not care about being there or being a helpful employee to your customers. The two times I had to speak with her to see if my film had come in yet gave me immense anxiety because I was afraid of how she would treat me. I do not know this employee's name and I'm sure she probably does not want me to know it because of how she has treated me. I will be taking my business elsewhere and will not be coming back to Central Camera Co. after I pay for and receive my film as I do not want to have a chance of ever encountering this employee again. As a Columbia College student, I will be letting my friends know about this employee and the experience I had at your store.

Truly do not understand why several people have given this place one star reviews. I've been coming here for almost a decade and each staff member has always been extremely polite, helpful, and enthusiastic to help or educate me on anything pertaining to cameras and film. Just last week I brought in my Canon SLR which was not functioning properly; 4 employees all came over to help diagnose the problem, took approximately 10 minutes of their time, and didn't charge me a thing. Not only that, but their film development and printing service cannot be beat, the quality is absolutely magnificent every time. Really can't speak highly enough about this place, and I'm super fortunate to work blocks away from it.

I had high hopes for this place between the 5-star reviews and hearing about it during classes at the Chicago Photography Academy. However, all those hopes were dashed when I came in to evaluate and sell a DSLR. I got passed off between four employees who each said "I can't help you, you'll need to talk to him." The final one ignored me and, when I spoke up, said "I'm not ready." Customer service, am I right? I was one one side of the glass counter and he was immediately opposite me, head down, writing a love letter. So I stood there for two minutes watching him... immediately in front of him. He finally stood up and said "okay sorry I've been trying to write this love letter all day and I finally had to prioritize it. I'm never here so I don't know what to do." (Okay, how does this relate to me?) He disappeared with my camera without telling me where he was going, but not before he and a coworker tag-team criticized me for coming in close to closing time. When I explained that I work from 8-5, and could only come in between 5 and 5:30, one employee MOCKED me and suggested (sarcastically) that another employee keep the store open later to accommodate my schedule. If you're trying to get your camera evaluated here, this is how your experience might go (an excerpt from mine): "Well we're gonna start on it tomorrow morning." Oh, so it'll be done tomorrow? (Shrug) So when can I expect it to be done? (Blink) (Blink) "It could be tomorrow or next week." Okay.... so...? "If you haven't heard back by Thursday, you should call." I had such a HORRIBLE experience here that I came back the next day to get my camera back, figuring that it would be a safer bet to sell the camera myself. Turns out, they hadn't even started on the evaluation like they'd promised - when I called ahead, they had no idea when they'd start on it. And, true to form, I got sass from employees on the phone and in person when receiving my camera. TLDR; do not go here if you value your money or dignity. The staff is almost unbelievably rude, alarmingly disorganized, and seemingly without any respect for their own business. I'd rather drive to the suburbs to go someplace else.

I went into the store optimistic hoping they could help me find film for my discontinued camera. I was ensured that a 35mm film would work by 2 employees, but when I went to have it installed I was met with anger and frustration from another employee. The employee told me he wouldn't help me. I was aware the cartridge I was searching for was no longer in production, but the employee made me feel like I had brought something offensive in. I am disappointed and left the store crying because of the employee. I understand not having the item available, but to be treated like an idiot never sits well. I give this 2 stars as there were a few employees who did genuinely try to assist me.

I have been going here off and on since I first got into photography many years ago. I am happy to see they are still in business after so many like them have failed. My recent disappointment comes from a series of dealings with them since October. I went in to get a new camera flash bracket. While there I also inquired about their prices on the Canon off camera shoe cord. Don Flesch, the owner was the one helping me. He exhorted me to try (buy) the Vello off camera cord instead. I did, and on my first shoot with it, it falied on me, not working at all. Fortunately, I had a new Canon cord I had bought elsewhere that worked just fine. When I brought it back it was returned no problem. I mentioned I also had a problem with the strobe bracket I had bought there, as someone at the store had apparently installed the no skid pad crooked on the plate prior to my purchase. Don said, bring it in, no problem, we'll exchange it. I told him I'd be back the next day with it. I mentioned that B&H was also several dollars cheaper for the same item. Don looked it up, said "You're right.", and he would issue a credit for the difference. I came back the next day with my return and the remaining one in stock out from under me. Don assured me he would call me as soon as more came in for the exchange. Wow weeks went by, I called. "We still don't have it in yet." Another month went by, I called again. "Why haven't I heard from you?" "Because we still don't have it in yet. But I will call you as soon as we get it." It has now been 4 months since my original purchase. I have not received the credit I was promised, nor the exchange for a new in box product. This type of customer service exemplifies perhaps why the independent retailers go by the wayside, and the B&H's of the world thrive. When B&H has told me they will do something, they do it. Unfortunately, Central Camera has not.

It's always a pleasant experience coming to this store. I struck up a conversation with the store clerk about Vivian Maier last time I went. The employees here are knowledgeable and friendly - you can go to them for any questions and assistance.

I really wanted to like this place because it's so close to my apartment and my professors said it was the best. Every time I have gone in here I have had a bad experience. The staff have always seem annoyed at me or downright rude when I ask to do things as simple as check out. The other day I was so excited to take my film in to be developed and by the time I left the store my mood was so ruined my the way I was treated. After I get my order I'm not coming back.

Great camera store, film services, and prices but they have screwed up my last two orders and it takes another week to reprint them...so that's a total of four weeks waiting for a couple rolls of 35mm film to be processed and printed. Unacceptable. There is also a really rude girl who works behind the film counter who doesn't seem to have a nice bone in her body, can't even greet you properly just rolls her eyes, makes you feel stupid.

Yeah, they did it, again - which is why this is my go to camera store! Always get wonderful help with everything from camera/supplies to photofinishing. Today, no sooner am I rescued in photofinishing, than I am corrected in having stated that it's impossible to get the perfect tripod. Jen infers my folly, while demonstrating a selection of tripods as she concisely interprets my shakey logic. So, out the door, I go, prints, on the way, with the PERFECT tripod in hand. Nuff said. P.S. Jen - will try to remember the new steps you told me about...left...right..left...right...

Central Camera Company is still open for business! Despite being heavily damaged by fire and looting, they are slowly re-opening for business. Please contact them directly and check social media for updates on business hours and re-opening news.

I stopped by Central Camera to have them look at my Canon EOS D80 since I thought the light meter was messed up. They figured out that it had gotten switched to spot by mistake and the ISO setting somehow got switched to be way too high. They were so nice and helpful - it was an incredible customer experience. I do plan to return there the next time I get any camera equipment or need any repairs.

Amazing and super helpful staff I been going almost everyday only cause it's a block away from my school but also because everything they have for is super fascinating. If you are looking for any type of film old or new they will most likely have it, it's a little pricey but it's worth it. I had an employee show me everything I needed to know about a super vintage camera I had she helped me learn to put film in and wouldn't let me leave until I did it correctly so I could do it on my own and helped me change my battery gave me a new and showed me where I can go buy a new one if I can't make the trip to that specific store overall amazing customer service

What an incredibly helpful and knowledgeable place. Truly happy with the customer service. Don's stories and patience was worth the trip.

My family has been customers of Central Camera so far back we were called Negros, and let me tell you something, this store is, and always will be dear to my heart. My daddy was an insurance adjuster back in the sixties and needed a camera for work, this is where he bought his first. They treated him with respect and kindness, in addition, helped him learn how to use every camera he purchased, and even taught him how to develop pictures. When daddy gave me his old cameras a few years back, his cannon F-1 needed a little tlc and Central put it back in my hands in tip top shape. When you walk in the doors it takes you back through time, the environment is laid back, not hurried or rushed. I love this place and Chicago wouldn't be the same without it.

I really liked this place before I knew about CSW. There's a lot of film cameras and most employees have good knowledge, It was conveniently located for me so I didn't mind waiting a week to get my film back, but I found CSW and they will develop my film in a day turn around compared to a week! Also Central Camera lost one of my rolls of film! I give it 3 stars because I do mainly look to develop film and there are better and quicker options in Chicago, but I do appreciate the abundance of cameras and equipment they have for sale!! Will go there to purchase cameras and equipment but not to develop.

The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is because I was in and out in ten minutes and this place has so much more I need to explore. Lost the lens cap for my Canon AE-1 the other day, and after a frustrated search on Amazon decided to just find a camera store in the area and see if they carried anything. I swung by Central after work last night, and was beyond pleasantly surprised. They have a giant bucket of old lens caps and another of UV filters, and another of old flashes on the front counter right when you walk in. I found a lens cap that fit my camera, and only paid $1.39 for it. When I attempted to pay, the owner talked me into getting a UV filter as well to protect my lens. He had to have known I have NO clue what I'm doing and am at best a hobby photog, but he was very nice and patient with me. I picked out two of those, he wrote me up and I paid and was out of there quickly (bonus points to them for speed - my boyfriend who hates shopping was with me at the time). I'm definitely intending on going back and taking advantage of their film developing service and poking around the store as soon as possible. Only Con is that it was insanely warm in there - must not be air conditioned. But definitely worth the balmy temperatures.