Camera shops in Chicago; anything worth a visit?

[stemked]

<p>I went with my wife back in March to Chicago and made my regular run to Helix, only to learn it had just shut down. I really liked the shop which had a nice mix of the old and new, underwater,etc. I never knew quite what I would find on a visit. Pity.<br>

Anyway we go up to Chicago every few months and I was wondering if there are still any shops in the town with character, especially decent a selection of used lenses. I shoot mostly Pentax, but my wife recently picked up a Canon 7D if that is of any help. Sometimes its just nice to visit one of those shops.<br>

Thanks for your recs.<br>

Doug</p>

[CharlesBecker-Toronto]

<p>Central Camera! cb :-)<br>

<a href="http://www.centralcamera.com/home.php">http://www.centralcamera.com/home.php</a></p>

[rnt]

<p><a href="http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/locations-us/chicago.cfm">Calumet</a> is new and modern and seems to be thriving...<br>

<a href="http://www.centralcamera.com/home.php">Central Camera</a> on Wabash is old school- cases of obscure used equipment on both sides of a narrow aisle... Brimming with character(s)!</p>

<p>Both worth a visit...</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>This one is still there and has shelves with wonderful "new, old stock" items as well as serving the latest things. I found the staff very patient and helpful the last time I was there.</p>

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[craig_shearman1]

<p>Central Camera sounds like my kind of store. Wish I'd known about it when I was in Chicago last summer. Storefront looks a little like Mid-City Camera in Philly years ago, or some of the old places in New York. Maybe next time.</p>

[szrimaging]

<p>I love Central. Bought a TLR in there last time I was in the city. Excellent people, patient, friendly.</p>