My experience with Central Camera has been truly disastrous. In early March 2020 I purchased a Hasselblad lens from them. About 15 shots later, the shutter cracked and the lens was rendered useless. It took no less than 5 phone calls, several emails, and numerous social media messages to finally get a hold of someone. I tried at least 5 times per week to contact them in various ways and it still nearly took a month. The message I received: Due to covid we cant talk to you right now. I understood, as everyone was in flux during those days. However, I had a pressing warranty issue, and needed to make sure things were taken care of within the allotted time. So I continued on, and finally was able to communicate with Don, the owner of the shop. I need to say that working with Don was very easy. He explained that the shop was not open due to covid, but that he would provide an address so that I could send the lens directly to him and he could have his Hasselblad repair tech fix it and get it back to me.At about this time, I think many of you know is when the shop was burned. Truly unfortunate. For about 6 months I decided to wait and let them settle things before I ask about my lens. When I asked about the lens, nobody had any idea about it. Thankfully I was able to contact Don again. He remembered our previous conversation, and told me to rent a replacement 50mm lens while he sorts out the status of mine. 2-3 more months pass. I call again, and talk to Don again, and get the same answer - to rent a lens and that he would reimburse me for the rental. So far I have done that twice, but I fear that the reimbursement will never come. I still contact them every month or so, but I fear that 18 months later with no word on my lens, it is long gone and I will never see it again, and likely never see the rental reimbursements either. Always the same answer: we will check into it and get back to you. Always the same result: Nothing. 0/10 Do not recommend. I would give 0 stars if possible.

One of my favorite places in Chicago. Definitely a great spot for anything vintage photography gear and film photography. Don, the owner, is the kindest man and very helpful. Always a friendly staff too.

First time developing film and scanning at this location and Im pretty disappointed. The scans were poor quality, and the negatives were covered in dust leaving white spots all over the images. It also took a month to develop my film.

Central Camera has an amazing staff, they’re super friendly and helpful!!they also have a great variety of products and very good prices. highly recommended :)

It busy, but the people are friendly and knowledgeable. I got film copied to CD and was quickly attended to both times. Glad ai now have those memories

The owner and staff was super friendly! They taught me how to handle the camera and what type of cameras I should get! Im def coming back to develope my photos and get more film :)

Fantastic store with a long, great history! Everything for digital and film photography!

I was very disappointed with the service here. I waited a long time to get my pictures developed because they were expensive. I paid for prints and all the images on a disc. When picking everything up I did not receive any prints, which I look passed because I just thought I will print the ones I like on the computer... But then I went to put the disc with the photos on into my computer and it doesnt even work. I guess I am just left with a sheet of thumbnails and some negatives. What a waste of my time and money. I have only used them after their building burned down and they had the stand outside, so maybe they are operating different but man just SO disappointing and I spent a lot of money on three film rolls for nothing.

If you want to step back in time Central Camerais a great place to visit. Located under the L train tracks on Wabash. It’s been in business over a hundred years. They carry Nikon, Leica plus many other lines. The customer service is outstanding! Walk up Wabash it’s a prefect area to get some great pictures of Jewelers Row.

Great store! Staff willing to answer film processing questions from out-of-towner.

The staff are great but make sure that you ask for full clarity when having film developed. I was charged the same amount for having my film placed on a USB as I would have been for having them printed. When I was placing my order I was told that the amount would be less but they refused to give me a price estimate for how much my total would be. I was moving and on a tight time schedule so I moved forward when I should have just left.Also my suggestion is to bring your own USB because they not only charge you for the usb (reasonable) but they also have an additional fee for placing the items on said USB which is ridiculous.They also charge me for a disposable camera which ended up being empty and refused to waive the charge when I asked. Wack.Ask for every bit of information upfront to avoid being surprised at check out and expect unnecessary charges.

More than just an average camera store. Expert attention and all details of camera repair and Camera purchasing. friendly staff and excellent customer service.

Super awesome place. Been open since the 1800s and its got some old neon I got a tripod from there.

Smaller camera store but ran by really nice people. they wanted to make sure we were attended to and there was a huge line to drop off processing. they also had a lot of film in stock

Outstanding classic camera store. They also do media conversions to digital. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Great prices too.

Wonderful little shop full of wonderful people!Lots of cool items and very welcoming to new customers

Oh my gosh, this was the best experience of my photography life, visiting Central Camera and getting to know owner Don Flesch. Hes a charming and incredibly knowledgeable guy, and the store is so charming and old school.Don helped me test-drive the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX lens I bought, gave me all the specific technical details I needed, and was an absolute joy to speak with. I will return the next time Im in Chicago and give Central Camera all my business in the future.

Just the best camera place around! I stopped in today to see if 2 lenses I found are operable-- got them looked at AND got a free scarf & winter gloves and some peppermints along with great conversation with Don! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

You want stuff that you will not find anywhere else ? This is the place, great place

One of the most beautiful, historical, iconic shop of Chicago. A paradise for photographers where to find literally everything for cameras. Staff always kind and extremely expert.

I personally love Central Camera.I bought so many things there, cameras, lenses, filters, binoculars.A tradicional family business for 100 years.

The place is jam packed with items and knowledgable employees you can tell they have a great appreciation for what they do.

CC tries to provide a special experience. In some ways, that effort falls flat. In other ways, it succeeds.Ill start with the bad: The gloves, the chocolates- theyre superficial and gimmicky. For me, it adds nothing to the camera store experience. Even if I did like it, I cant see how it would justify the significant price difference vs. almost any alternative.The prices are absurd for what youre getting. Depending on the film in question, pricing per-roll is 15-100% higher than anywhere else. Then theres the lack of refridgeration for film and printing papers. If their prices were competitive, I wouldnt care about that. However, if youre going to try to charge $30 for a 3-pack of Superia, it had better be cared for in a way that justifies the 80% markup over CVS.CC redeems itself through its heritage and its friendly staff. Good luck finding another camera store thats 120 years old, still in its original family, and has managed to survive a fire. There is undeniable significance to that. That significance can be felt the moment you walk through the door, even if that feeling is diminished when you get heckled into taking some gloves and chocolates you dont want.Side note- I cant fault them for slow turnaround on film development. They arent a film lab, nor do they bill themselves as one. If you give CC a roll of film to develop, you either know what youre getting into, or youre getting what you deserve for not doing your homework.If youre looking for a unique experience, and dont mind paying a significant markup for it, check out CC. There are many objectively better camera shops out there, and many cheaper ones as well, but thats missing the point. CC is unique, and that commands a markup. I just wish theyd cut out the gimmicks, and stick to the things that make them genuinely special.

Got my first camera here!The staff is awesome, and gave me helpful tips with kindness and passion. Im definitely coming back!

Incredible Camera store with literally anything you could desire. The amount of old school cameras and vast knowledge is impressive. One of the last of its kind. Beautiful old sign and amazing staff.

Don and Logan gave me fantastic customer service. They were willing to work with me and stay after hours to provide me with a camera and film while passing through Chicago. Unfortunately the camera I bought ended up needing service which was no ones fault but they made sure to stand by their warranty and take care of me. I am extremely happy with them and will be doing business with them in the future. Thank you Central Camera.

New, old & hard to find equipment, with top shelf service from friendly, knowledgeable staff. More than a great camera shop. One of my favorite stores period.

Great little store full of unique old gear. I really enjoyed looking around the shop. Most of the stuff was in open packages or not packaged at all which led me to wonder if the items were new or used. The items were extrememly over priced. The sold me a cheap XIT CPF for $60. That same filter would have sold for under $15 anywhere else (amazon, b&h photo, etc..). Still bought it as i was going to the aquarium and needed it at that moment so it was purchased with open eyes. The staff was great. Very pleasant and friendly.

Awesome and helpful service. The store is very old and has new items as well as vintage. We went there to buy film and had fun looking around too.

I bought a decent tripod here thats held up in all kinds of weather. The sales person was very helpful and set it up for me to check out. This store seems to have more obscure items, which is not common in a brick-and-mortar store, and the customer service is good. And the sign outside is the best.

Every photographer should visit this great store.

Whether youre new to photography or a seasoned veteran, youll love this place. Theyve been around since 1899, so they clearly know what theyre doing. The staff is super knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to answer beginner-type questions, so dont be afraid to ask them anything.Photo copyright: @film.traveler

Great little camera store with helpful staff and a great selection

Amazing and very knowledgeable staff, highly recommend this long standing Chicago business!

Don is the man! Got me the sensor cleaning kit I needed and gave me great advice for dinner. Prices looked reasonable for the used gear and I was certainly use them again.Seriously, they were cheaper than Amazon and had WAY more personality!Go there!

They wont tell you if your rolls are blank theyll just lead you on :/

This is one of the largest collections of new and used photography equipment I have ever seen even though the store is tiny the selection is huge, the staff is knowledgeable and the prices are comparable with online retailers would definitely recommend

It is one of my favorite photography shops in the loop of the city of Chicago, IL. It is sad to see and hear the photography store was set on fire during the riot. Lost a lot of camera equipment during the fire.

A store with heart and history.

The nicer shop owner Ive never met. He quickly found the camera filter we were looking for, but on top of that, since he noticed we were tourists, he offered indications to move around, recommended some places to eat and explained the rich history of his shop, all very kind and polite of him. Highly recommended!

I love visiting this store. The staff is all very helpful and knowledgeable. They have tons of options for all kinds of camera models. Even if you arent planning on making any camera purchases soon, I recommend visiting the store to see all the stuff they have in stock.

Don’t waste your time coming here yet . They don’t post anywhere that they aren’t fully up and running and have 0 inventory. Unfortunately the business suffered a fire and they are set up next door . I wish they would post this on their home page or just remain closed because they don’t have anything to sell you.

Iconic classic camera store run by three-generation family business - the Flesch family. Still the best in Chicago for great info and selection and service. Have purchased tens of thousands of dollars worth of cameras and supplies there over the years.

If you like analog photography and youre in Chicago, thats your place. Youll find whatever you need or want. Film cameras, roll films, Polaroid cameras... Also, workers were really nice and helpful. 100% recommended!

From the front, I want sure what to expect! I thought it was a hole in the wall shop and I was hoping they would have a memory card!I sure was shocked when I opened the door and was greeted with an amazing selection of everything from old to new. Do you need a roll of film or an SD card? And items much older...The service here was amazing and they had such great knowledge!

Central Camera is absolutely fantastic! A camera/film enthusiasts dream. All staff members are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Always doing their best to aid you.I no longer live in Chicago, as I now live in Los Angeles. I had flown in for vacation. Came by to develop some rolls of film. Tim helped me through the process and ensured that I got my prints. Great guy!Central Camera is a product of an era that unfortunately, no longer exists. It has somehow managed to survive 100 years. I hope it stays for another.Great people, great prices, great place! I fully recommend that you at least stop by and keep the place alive.

Central Camera has been nothing but helpful in teaching me a ton about the production process and provide me with the filming equipment to make my films the absolute best they can be! Plus everyone who works there is crazy nice and fun to be around!

This place is amazing. Its very low-key. Its a museum for cameras, except you can buy these! 😎 Keep it up guys!

Fantastic store for photographers. This retro shop is a gem in the heart of downtown Chicago. You can find new and used equipment here too at reasonable prices. Their customer service is superb, no wonder theyve been in business for so long. The only downside is that this place closes at 5:30pm normally so its difficult to find time to go here during the workweek for me.

I love Central Camera. Last of the true camera shops. The employees are always very helpful. I stop in and buy something every time Im in the City.

Im a tad lukewarm about this store. I visited recently because I want to support more local & small businesses. However, I was disappointed at what it cost me once I left. I wish they were more competitive. I spent $80 on various replacement parts for my DSLR (mostly plastic parts) when it would have cost me $30 for the same items had I purchased them online (non-Amazon). I knew this before walking in the store, so Im not complaining. I wanted them to have the business/money. But its such a shame because I know Ill probably never go back. Ill just order what I need from an online retailer.

Going to Central Camera was overwhelmingly exciting experience, My first time going I was taken aback by how much photography equipment they actually had.I recently started printing on their in House darkroom paper and I love how the prints come out and Ill of the pearl finish they have. They have great deals are prices and I definitely recommend going there. Keep up the good work Central Camera!

I could on for a long time about why I love this place. The people here are so helpful. I recently bought an old film camera to try and stray from my DSLR, the thing was I didnt know how to use it. Ive wanted to come to this place for years and finally got the chance too. They helped me become more accustomed to my equipment and found the original manual for my model. I met Don, (what a sweetheart) and he gave me a Polaroid of my family. Best experience by far. Ill be coming back as soon as Im back in Chicago.❤️

This is a gem of a photography store, tucked in the middle of Chicago’s downtown area. It’s a 3rd generation owned store and it’s owner is there to assist you...not an usual service these days. It is pricier than online stores but the in-person advise is worth the extra $

Highly recommended spot for film development. Staff is super knowledgeable and kind. I’ve never found better prices.

Awesome place with lots of history behind it. If youre looking for old cameras or people who are extremely knowledgeable about cameras, especially film ones, this is the place to do. The decor of the place really takes you back in time and so do the people.They sell all types of film and darkroom materials, they also offer film developing services as well. So if youre looking to get into film, this is a great place to start.If youre a camera buff, you have to check out this place if youre in the area. Itll be worth your time.

First visit to Chicago and I badly underestimated how much black and white film I would use photographing all the buildings and other sights.What a relief to find a camera shop only three blocks from where I was staying and what a joy to enter the store with pleasant and helpful staff and an astonishingly extensive range of films which I would struggle to match in any store near me in the UK.The icing on the cake was to find they stocked my favorite European filmwhich I can only get via the internet at home.Thank you Central Camera Company for being there for me in my hour of need

You can probably shop for camera or camera gear from anywhere in the world on your phone or computer however visiting central camera will give you a different experience. They can give you insight into cameras and the process more so than the internet can. They have helped me with many projects, gear and other products including repairs. If you are curious about how to use equipment or which equipment you need for a particular project skip the internet and go straight to central camera. Ask for John hes the best.

The rebirth is underway.With ALL my best wishes.

Cool shop for camera enthusiasts. They have basic supplies for casual photographers, to more proffessional equipment. They also have a pretty wide assortment of vintage cameras if youre interested in collecting.

Very happy with my Tessina camera and accessories purchase. Wonderful collection and was priced very reasonably. Exactly as described and fast shipping. Will definitely recommend Central Camera. Thank you.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Its fantastic that theres a location devoted to carrying on the art of photography even the older generation materials!

During 7 days staying in Chicago for fantastic Chicago Marathon, Id visited this store two times. After the owners exquisite detail, I bought a vintage Olympus 35 RC. Its great.

Good folks.Am getting back into b&w processing - Jenny and Charles were patient with this old man.Charles’ Dad used to wait on me!Mr. Flesch runs a good, knowledgeable store.If service seems slow some days - a lot of folks come in to pick staff brains on new, used and “I’m thinking about getting into...” questions.To me - THAT is why I would visit this great brick and mortar store.Decent lab services - but not in house.If there is any film type or format - they have it.They sell to downtown pros, nearby colleges and their students.Plus a lot of tourists!

I love going here! The people are very knowledgeable and they have great customer service! They have a great selection of film! They even have film for old Polaroid cameras (Through the impossible project)! I have gotten several things repaired here. While they will never be as perfect as brand-new, they are able to work just as well. I love the student discount that they offer!Overall, It is a great experience shopping here!

This place never called me about my film being done and they didnt even scan all of the shots. The scans were also all soft which couldve been on my end, but I sorta doubt my camera missed focus 100% of the time. Maybe take your film somewhere else.

I’m an experienced amateur, and don’t really know people personally who are super knowledgeable about cameras, so I needed some help. After countless hours of research online, I decided to go in and get some advice as to what new camera I should buy. John at the counter very patiently questioned me about my interests and methods, and helped me arrive at a really smart conclusion. The camera and lens I bought were the same price as I could have gotten online, and the advice I received was incredibly valuable. That in-person guidance and hands-on testing make me very grateful to have this shop in town.

120 year old shop located right in the downtown of chicago. Staffs are resourceful and friendly. They have every camera-related items you couldve asked for, you just need to prepare the money to pay for it. Reasonable price and easy access.

This is my new favorite brick & mortar photo store. I shopped at Calumet Photo in the past, but they and many others have closed. Central Camera has knowledgeable staff, fair prices, and theyre happy to have you come in and play with equipment to really get a feel for it before buying. Places like this are rapidly being replaced by chains like Best Buy where you can purchase equipment, but no one knows anything about what theyre selling you. If youre looking for an old-school, take your time, try before you buy experience, with people who know what theyre doing, youll love it. And in the heart of the loop, the location is super convenient.

Great place with some great people. Make sure to say hi to the owner! He’s such a nice man.

Everything for cameras. Film and digital plus new and old cameras. Studio gear, enlargers, film processing. Hard to find stuff plus used stuff in great shape. Also cleaning of lenses and cameras and much much more. You have to visit the store yourself.

Every time I go in there that short browned hair girl behind the Kodak counter is so rude. Shes always on her phone and when she finally notices Im there she asks Can I help you? In a very rude tone. One time I forgot my ticket slip, and she rolled her eyes and reluctantly asked when I dropped it off. The other woman and girl whos sometimes there are a lot nicer and I understand it gets busy, but I feel like Im a nuisance when I talk to her.

We enjoy visiting here just to see the cameras on display in the window. Its also one of the few places you can have your camera serviced the old fashioned way without having to mail it somewhere. Highly recommend them for that!

Old school camera shop. Great service. Very knowledgeable staff. What they dont know about cameras isnt worth knowing. Fixed my camera and we were delighted.

Ive been here twice and each time I have had great service. My recent visit I was getting film for a polaroid land camera and Tim helped me clean it up and showed me how to operate it as well. Super helpful guy. Will come back again.

Yes, it seems like a museum. I bought a hard to find used lens, an act of faith because the camera was in New York. Good advice. Good price. When I it on the camera a week later, all was OK. May the photo Gods keep and protect this place.

Mixed bag: the shop itself is amazing, beautiful displays, new old stock over 60 years old, tons of second hand goodies. I could lost in the history and the old equipment for days. But every time Ive been there they just didnt have what I was looking for.So phone ahead if youre looking for something specific, but go see the shop anyway, because its any photographers dream.

Grumpy. Went looking for a softbox whilst shooting in the US. Werent interested. Cool sign though. Lots and lots of film in there which is brill to see.

Great old time camera shop. Venerable institution and pleasant, knowledgeable staff. Owner Don Flesch knows his photography and is a super nice guy!

This is THE classic camera store, in al the US, I believe. It is a Chicago landmark. From analog to digital, their knowledgeable employees can find it for you. The ambiance is out of this world.

Hands down some of the best service we have had in chicago. We bought a new camera and the price was really good - so good it beats any price back home including exchange rate! John and the team were super helpful and we are so happy they could help us after our camera died yesterday! Old school charm. Definitely worth a visit!

Flew in from Chicago for an event in the DMV. This was our first time working with Central Camera Company and they were awesome! Kyle, their rental manager was beyond accommodating and we would definitely work with them again! Great experience.

First visit. Great people. Total old school, love it! They got me going again to develop b&w

By far the coolest camera store I have ever been to. The employees were very patient explaining particular products and recommending solutions for my problems. I will definitely be coming back to Chicago just to visit this store again!

This place is amazing. Cameras for any level of photography and video. Staff takes customer service to a whole new level. Can’t wait to go back!

I dont think there is a better camera store in the Chicagoland area, Central has pretty much anything you could need. I really trust their employees with my camera and my photos. I buy all my film here, and get it developed here too!

One of the few surviving camera stores. Naturally all staff is very knowledgeable.Since there many antique cameras and accessories in the showcases, you feel like in a different world, nostalgic.

Far superior to any other camera shop that I have so far encountered. Staff was very knowledgeable, courteous and willing to chat. They had everything I needed for my analog endeavors and were very willing to order in. I will continue to drive 2 hours to give them my business!

Overpriced in general. I would only recommend this place to people who actually need the help of a knowledgeable salesperson.There are no deals here, but they do have a decent selection and are nice about letting you try equipment out and ensuring that your needs are met.The variety in equipment is skewed towards the high end. Lots of Leica, medium format, etc. Used gear is consistently in good+ condition, but the prices are nuts--similar to what some online shops charge for mint+ condition. Be sure to price check new gear against online retailers as well!That said, if I needed repairs or other service where Id pay to be sure everything is done right, these folks would be high on my list.

Amazing experience in this store! If you go there u need talk with Don and Tim! They are a great and friendly people! I high recommend!!

This place seemed neat and I was glad it was there because my wife and I forgot her extra camera battery and the cord to the charger. But, $40 for a generic charger and $45 for a generic battery was a bit steep. Same items on Amazon as a combo for $12. I expected markup plus Chicago prices but $85 for $12 worth of stuff is a bit much.

They always are helpful a d know their industry.

Travelled from Lisbon to find my perfect M6 Leica Camera. Staff was helpful and gave me a few films to start me up. Stuff was fun and extremely helpful. Would recommend. Definitely returning to pick up more gear and information. Thank you.

I love this place! If theres something photographic that you need that you cant find, look here!

Huge selection of film and development equipment, used cameras, and knowledgeable staff. A relic of the past that the modern photography supply stores cant emulate. The place is more than 100 years old, and is definitely worth the trip.

I read reviews of customers who were really upset with the customer service, but I came in on a Friday and every single staff member greeted me as I walked back through the store. I had two separate interactions, and made a purchase each time. From the other reviews it looks like I spoke with Greg who was very helpful and knowledgeable.The selection seemed to be very good, though the store is long and narrow with the lenses behind the counter and accessories everywhere, so I personally found it difficult to browse. I wasnt quite sure where to look, there was so much stuff! There is a lot of selection in a small space.Overall Im happy that I came by and will be back again.

They burned it three months after I was last here. I cant believe it still. That poor old man

Very poor customer service on the phone. I was trying to ask a technical question about something I didnt really understand, creating a still from a video and printing it, and the female voice said we dont do that! and hung up. I will not be calling back.

Had a wonderful experience here today. Was my first time in the store and I found everyone so helpful and knowledgeable! Will be a regular customer for sure!

A true Chicago landmark. Central camera has been in business since 1899, and at the current location since 1929. The staff are all photo guys with centuries of photographic knowledge between them. The store is NOTHING like B&H in New York. Although they do a GREAT job with digital photography, from enthusiast to pro, the thing they do better than anyone is supporting film photographers, with products ranging from vintage gear to all the film and darkroom supplies you will ever need.