A Photographers Paradise in Chicago: The Central Camera Company
More Pleasure, More Business
In this divided trip report
Part One: The Pleasure
- Part 1
- Two o’clock in the morning. I love this time of day. Honestly.
- The Cathay Pacific, American Airlines Lounges… and a five-hour delay
- AA87 London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare International (Premium Economy)
- Crowne Plaza O’Hare
- A photographer’s paradise? The Central Camera Company
- Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Airplane Art Extra: From the Balcony of the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
- Back to the Bunny, British Airways Lounge
- BA294 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow (World Traveller Plus)
- Wait. My Bag is Re-Flighted???
- Part 2
A Photographers Paradise in Chicago: The Central Camera Company
One of the many haunts you can find me in when I travel in Chicago is a camera shop. And whilst I might stop by Best Buy for the latest and greatest, I love vintage camera gear – as well as bits that might be hard to source (or bits I might have forgotten in the past).
For this, the Central Camera Company is a wonderful spot to visit.
It’s located on the bottom left corner of the Loop on South Wabash Avenue.
You can’t miss the place – the classic neon sign and Kodak film sign give it away.
Once you step inside… you’re in the world of photography, from second hand and vintage equipment, to brand new kit.
Looking down the store
Lenses
Second hand bodies
Large Format cameras
Accessories
More modern and newer lenses
Cases, cases, cases.
Straps!
You’ll notice the joy of film on one side of the place. And yes – film is alive and well here. Well, film never went away – let’s be honest. It just went into a specialist niche.
I’ve brought film and toy cameras from here many a time, and I’m a great believer in how film can help slow you down and consider the photos to take – as opposed to the digital world and unlimited photos you can take.
Oh yes. Paper and developement materials too. This place has lots.
I also stopped to pick up some photo frame holders (it’s easier to pick this sort of thing up down route as opposed to buying at home), and ventured deeper into the land of tripods. Be they table-top, tall ones, short ones, vlogger friendly and so on.
Finally, there’s studio land – home of emergency studio kit (I’ve lost count of the times I’ve brought flash triggers from here when I forget to bring them from home).
Kit out your studio!
Roll backgrounds
As the second hand lens. (Or new lens) collection wasn’t calling to me or my wallet, I settled on the items I needed for this Chicago trip, and cashed out.
What impressed me in this shop is the depth of knowledge here. From film to Leica’s to modern Canons and Nikon’s, from what flash tube you needs to what paper works best… there is nothing but answers here
Which when you’re not sure of the question when you walk into the shop is a useful thing.
Overall: Central Camera Company has been expensive to me multiple times – and for good reason – the friendly service. Combined with fulfilling the needs of both local and travelling photographers, it makes a perfect shopping stop when visiting Chicago.
I just wish the state sales tax would drop back below 10% though.
Next: Back to a traditional lodging – the Hyatt Regency O’Hare
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