Chicago's Central Camera
Jan 16, 2023 22:18:18 #
BrianFlaherty wrote:
A fine memory. . Thank you. . .By the way, "C... (show quote)
Brian,
I think the other large camera shop you must be remembering was Altman Camera, 129 N Wabash, four floors, 30,000 square feet, the largest camera store in the world when it closed in 1975.
Basement – darkroom
Main floor – still cameras
Second floor – view cameras
Third floor – cine, sound and lighting
I bought a Canon 50mm f1.2 lens there the last afternoon they were open.
https://www.shutterbug.com/content/remembering-altman-camera-40-years-later
Jan 16, 2023 22:22:38 #
Jan 16, 2023 22:49:26 #
jno wrote:
Altman’s Camera. As I recall it was on Wabash near Marshall Field’s.
On Chicago's grand home of department stores, State Street, even Marshall Fields is now gone too.
Jan 16, 2023 22:51:26 #
BobHartung wrote:
Have they completely recovered from their fire?
I was never in before the fire, but as of July 2022, they didn't seem recovered. At least not for what I expected.
Jan 16, 2023 22:53:55 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
I arrived to Chicago in 1990, Brian. There was a place on Lincoln Ave, about 3 miles north to Central Camera, with another great sign. But, they've been gone now for many years. Other places downtown disappeared long before my notice. Thanks.
I think the store you remember on Lincoln Ave was probably Darkroom Aids, 3449 N. Lincoln Avenue. A small selection of used cameras, but all things darkroom. Over the years I bought a ton of used Leedal tanks, Kinderman reels, sheet film hangers, water jackets, water filters, and a temp control valve. They had everything.
Jan 16, 2023 23:00:30 #
Thank you junglejim1949, radiomantom, BobHartung, Earnest, Mark, Tdearing, JBuckley, W90D, home brewer, wnagel, ARS, Ed Commons, Steven, Don, Jeff D, Ched49, Joe! I tried different films and focal lengths. I'm not sure there's any ideas left for the sign. Although, I have some vertical aspects in my Flickr photosteam.
Jan 17, 2023 01:46:09 #
Jan 17, 2023 18:32:27 #
Jan 17, 2023 19:41:31 #
Sidwalkastronomy
Loc: New Jersey Shore
NYC had a lot of old camera stores too. Some very narrow and deep. 47th st camera, olden camera. 47th st little edgie
Jan 17, 2023 23:01:46 #
Jan 18, 2023 10:06:36 #
Thank you Bret, Jeff, Sidwalkastronomy, Flying Three! Glad you enjoyed.
Jan 19, 2023 13:34:50 #
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