Chicagoland Camera Shops

[bigtruck1369]

I'll be heading to Algonquin, IL (I'm from Springfield) in the next couple of weekends riding along with my family as we head to one of my sister's bridal showers, and we'll need something for dad and I to do during the party. Last time, we hit the Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. This time I thought we might hit a camera store.

Anyone know of a good camera store in the area where I might actually be able to stick a lens or two on my XTi that I'm looking into buying? Something like the B&H superstore but on a smaller scale?

Do places like this exist out of New York city? What is happening to our industry?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[DennisW1]

I'll be heading to Algonquin, IL (I'm from Springfield) in the next couple of weekends riding along with my family as we head to one of my sister's bridal showers, and we'll need something for dad and I to do during the party. Last time, we hit the Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. This time I thought we might hit a camera store.

Anyone know of a good camera store in the area where I might actually be able to stick a lens or two on my XTi that I'm looking into buying? Something like the B&H superstore but on a smaller scale?

Do places like this exist out of New York city? What is happening to our industry?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Helix and Calumet are probably the largest in the Downtown area. If you're in the loop proper and want to visit a rather quaint little store, check out Central Camera on Wabash. Be prepared for for the 10% sales tax in Chicago.

[bigtruck1369]

I won't actually be in the city, I'll be in Algonquin. I'm just looking for the surrounding suburb area.

[AxxisPhoto]

Hmm... Calumet has a location in Oak Brook, but that is nowhere near Algonquin. I think Helix has a location in Skokie, but I'm not sure. There has got to be a mom&pop store around the area you will be in.

[bigtruck1369]

Hmmm... I'll have to keep looking for anything. I was just hoping that there would be a shop close by that would have more than stuff in boxes and glass cases and a bored staff who'd rather set you on fire than spend time giving you a hand.

I guess I haven't been that impressed with the camera stores I've been in lately...

[silvrr]

A quick google search shows there are some Ritz and Wolf Camera stores in the area but who knows if they are even still open.

If you can make the trip up to Chicago Central Camera has always been great to me. They will pull out any lens and even a body if you dont have yours with you.

Helix and Calumet are always friendly but not alot on Display. I know Calumet keeps alot of their stock in the back room and I would expect that maybe Helix does the same. Both have a large stock of accessories though.

[mbellot]

Last time, we hit the Cabela's in Hoffman Estates. This time I thought we might hit a camera store.

Your best bet is Calumet in Oak Brook.

Its a short (30 minute) hop from the Cabela's area to Calumet.

Take 90 to 53, 53 South to 290, get off 290 at Route 83 and head south a couple miles.

Its right across the street from Oak Brook Mall, in a little strip mall with a Panera Bread restaurant.

Best of all, since they moved from Bensenville to Oak Brook the added Sunday hours.