We used to go here a lot prior to COVID and the fire. My husband purchased a couple of cameras and we would get our film developed here. Always had good experiences for the most part. We recently got back into film photography, so we decided that we wanted to hit up Central Camera to purchase some film, see about development services, and just look at their general stock. We waited about 15 or so minutes at the film counter and no one came over. We knew what we wanted and weren't looking to have some lengthy conversation. I was going to buy the five-roll box of Portra 400 and my husband was looking to get a few boxes of different black and white films to try out. We were really looking forward to purchasing today from a local business (and honestly, we'd probably purchase this amount of film + development monthly), but just being completely ignored was really frustrating. I don't mind paying more for film or for cameras or for development at a local shop. By going to a local shop, you are paying for their product curation and the person experience and not just being a random name printed out in on a packing slip. I don't expect to have my ass-kissed the entire time I'm in a store, but at least some acknowledgement of our presence would have been great. And if we were standing in the wrong spot to get serviced, some direction about where to go would have been great too. Move film and cameras to the same side of the store. That way your employees can stay behind the counters and still service guests who are interested in different products without having to zig-zag across the store. If someone is looking at a used camera for a long time, it would still allow the team to service more quick serve guests without neglecting one or the other. When we were there, guests and employees were bouncing around from counter to counter and it just looked completely inefficient for everyone. I would set it up as on the left is register, film/photo pickup, and then cameras. On the right should be Central Camera merch, Photo Booth, and bench. Keeps your repeat/quick serve guests closer to the front of the store and the more engaged customers towards the back. read more

I'd consider myself a patient person but I literally downloaded this app just to tell anyone browsing reviews to not come here. Have had multiple significantly poor experiences here. To start, when I sent my film ages ago for developing with them, they sent it to another lab (fine), but when I came in week after week they never had it back. When they had it back after two months, they didn't even have the flash drive with the scans. My friend gave his as well and literally never got it back, and the number on his tag was changed because they don't have a proper sorting system and just give you 6-digit numbers, so it's thrown out by now. This was the period where I decided to buy a setup to develop and scan my own. Next I had two things for my girlfriend's birthday. She found her camera too clunky. I went in to get a point and shoot. I got a camera before here and remembered it being somewhat reasonable and I had enough to get by getting gifts, it's a birthday after all, and I trusted the salesman enough to sell me one while I had my only 20-minute slot on the way to work before the day. I was extremely busy with many parts of my life more important than worrying over a camera. Long story short, no fault of the salesman who was a big help, I spent over $200 on a fucking point and shoot. I look it up a week later... this model is MAX $50 on eBay. There was one sealed in the original packaging for $150. I'm not sure what to call this other than a scam. Funny last bit, I went in for film last minute as well. Asked for slide film. Was told "Ehhh... that's pretty rare. There's only this." and it was $60 Fuji ??? I hadn't even seen this box in my 10 years of shooting. Well, maybe they were right at least? Anyways I went over to Bellows and got a box for a reasonable $20 out of their selection of 10 in 35 AND 120. You'd have to be out of your MIND like I was to believe this place is anything more than a tourist attraction. I have literally never had a good experience here and I don't know anyone else personally in photography circles that has. It's kind of a big joke around town. I've given my patience and chances but their entire scheme is a scam Would highly recommend any owners or longtime employees start speaking up to maybe, I don't know, get film to customers? Get a camera under 4x the market price? Spend less than 45 minutes per customer when the hours are exclusive to lunch breaks for 9-5 downtown workers and tourists? read more

this spot was a GOD SEND i recently bought a film camera from somewhere and didn't know how to use it. went to this store to get film and a battery for this camera and to maybe have someone look at it and show me how to use it. the staff was great and very smart on camera equipment/ knowledge. they have a large selection of various film. the staff showed me how this camera works (it's from 1965 only a year older than my mom lol) and i'm very happy with what knowledge and products they had to offer. they offer cameras and other various equipment as well. stop buying film from walgreens which is a mega cooperate giant and come to this human owned business instead highly recommend this spot 10/10 will definitely be back read more

Central Camera Company - camera and film - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got a call around the beginning of September that the camera I had brought in mid-June for repair was ready for pickup. Originally I had been told it would take a couple weeks, and when I called three weeks from that time they said it might take six weeks or so. Ok, I understand... but it actually took double that second estimate, closer to twelve weeks. I'm not convinced it had even been sent off until after I called the first time. When I came to pick it up it was chaos as usual and I just felt like they didn't really want to help me. There were different folks there this time than when I originally dropped it off. The made it feel like a bit of a burden that I needed their help selecting the appropriate film and wanted them to give me a bit of a tutorial on loading and whatnot. The man who helped me when I brought it in had said he'd show me but wasn't there this day. He seemed like someone who would take his time to show you right, but the folks this day seemed like they were just more concerned with moving on to the next customer. I had planned to give a two-star, "could've been better" rating but opted for an "ok" just because I appreciated the man who was there when I first visited the store. read more

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Posting this review for my husband. I was around for a lot of this but he was the primary customer: Working with this company was one of the all-time worst experiences I've had with any company in my entire life. I would avoid them at all costs. I recently inherited a camera from my late grandfather that was in pretty good condition, but I wanted a professional to give it a good cleaning so it could be displayed on a shelf to remember him by. I took the camera here in late March and explained exactly what I wanted: a full cleanup of the camera so it could be displayed. I got an invoice receipt that in all caps, clearly stated "FOR FULL CLEAN UP". After a month went by and I didn't hear from them, I called asking what the status of the camera was. They couldn't find my name in their system and I had to send a picture of my invoice number. Apparently the guy that wrote the invoice put an additional word after my last name and that's what the camera was filed under. Ok weird. They then tell me that they don't know the status of the camera because they sent it off to their repair company and there's only one guy. Call back in a few weeks they said. After two months went by I called again, and they said the guy working on my camera died, and that another guy took over and it would still be a while. Three months went by and I still don't have any update on my camera. I called again and they told me their repair guy doesn't speak English well but they'll ask about it the next time he comes in, which apparently is once per week. I never got a call back. Four months go by. Five months go by, I call again and they still don't know what's going on with my camera. SIX MONTHS GO BY and FINALLY they call me to tell me my camera is ready to be picked up. I go to pick it up and the camera is not at all cleaned. Not even a little. I'm furious at this point and ask them why they didn't clean it. All they did was repair the internals. They gave me a bunch of excuses: first they tried to tell me they don't do that kind of external camera cleaning which they didn't tell me that when I dropped it off 6 months ago. I asked to speak to the manager because the one thing I wanted done, they didn't do. They didn't have a manager on site but someone else came up and gave me the same excuses that they don't do external cleaning, but they'd go ahead and send it back to this one repair guy. I told them that's ridiculous, I'm not waiting 6 months again. They tried to charge me the full price of the invoice, $150 for the repair. I said that's ridiculous, I'm not paying the full amount since I didn't get the service we agreed upon. I said I was willing to pay for the repair, but I'm not paying the full amount. After they discussed with themselves for 10 minutes, they came back and offered me $20 off. Are you kidding me? For all the trouble and time wasted waiting for a service that wasn't even performed, they still wanted to charge me $130. They refused to lower it any more. Absolutely insane. I was so livid at this point I just paid the bill and stormed out. All that for a camera that's in the exact same external condition that I dropped it off in SIX MONTHS AGO. They never once apologized, they just gave me a bunch of excuses. read more

Central Camera Company - Receipt clearly calling for a "full clean up", something we were later told they "don't do" - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

best, nicest, smartest camera people around : ) Very helpful and great to talk to! I have been going in there since the 70s and I'm glad they are still in business. read more

I just left this business I was really excited to check it out. I was standing at the counter and 4 people were there. I wanted to look at lenses behind the counter but no one bothered to greet me. I was standing there for 5 minutes. So I left. It helps if you talk to your customers rather than just each other. read more

Everyone working here is super knowledgeable and passionate about film photography. An employee in a Detroit Lions shirt (I didn't catch her name, sorry) helped me find the perfect camera to take to Europe with me at the last minute since my Pentax K1000 is having issues. The price was quite reasonable as well. Low stock or out of a lot of color film, but I was still able to get what I need. This place is wonderful!! Not a huge everything-under-the-sun emporium, but plenty of cameras, secondhand equipment, and film/photo paper/etc to choose from, at least for me as a hobbyist. read more

Dingy, chaotic, an owner that is condescending and rude, skip this place. I would understand if they actually had loads of product immediately available to buy, but that is not the case either. read more

cool store with interesting history, terrible customer service. very pretentious workers unwilling to help customers with questions, steer clear of this place read more

I'm new to film photography, so I stopped by here Saturday morning with the intention on buying a new point and shoot camera. I wasn't sure what I wanted, but one of the associates helped immensely. Peter was so knowledgeable and personable. We had a conversation discussing how I'd use the camera. He showed me three different options and he weighed in with his own expertise. Equipment is definitely pricier than what you'd find at a secondhand store or Ebay. They have a 60 day warranty for camera equipment. Although, the experience was a little daunting someone like Peter made the experience so worth it. I will definitely be back in the future. read more

The staff are super sweet and friendly, and they are always helpful! Prices aren't too bad either especially for film and they even offer services for repairs or development which I haven't done but I've heard good things from my friends who have. read more

If you are just like me who are into pictures taking, but absolutely not a pro of having enough depth of understanding​ cameras. This place could be quiet overwhelming​ as you walk in.Let me try to simplify​ my shopping experience with yall: Parking: Street parking(there will be 15 min free parking with​ the emergency light​ on of course​). I believe you can also ask the associate for special parking promo. Price: I took my camera to repair, which they charge $25 for taking a look, but the "deposit" will become a repair credit​ if I do decide to fix my camera. I bought​ it in last week, still no news after 8 days..... Service: some associates are really trying to sell​ you their cameras without knowing your need(which I don't need that kind of drama in my life). But, I talked to Don(or Dan), he was super patient with me and recommend​ what I really need and what I don't. Overall, if you are looking into photography, and would like to get to know more about it, this will be a good place to get your feet wet. Updated: finally know what's going on with my camera, with all the repairing (from wet damage?), it will cost me $250. (Yeah...... about that). read more

Central Camera Company - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You gotta respect a business that has been at it for over a century, but if thoroughly seems like the business owners have given up. I empathize with them after their experience thru the rioting a few years ago, but they have made 0 effort (in my impression) to return to a quality camera shop that is worth visiting. The shop is basically still jammed into a weird storage center. There is a smattering of random 35mm film cameras, but nothing worth your time. You can buy anything that is for sale here; for atleast half the price elsewhere (eBay). Also I was told that processing 35mm film doesn't happen on site and would be atleast 2-3 weeks lol. read more

Really, how about some basic customer service? At least pretend like you want to help rather than leaving me standing around your cramped store feeling like an idiot. I challenge any new customer to walk into this store and feel valued or welcomed. Maybe after dealing with the public for three generations this is what happens. read more

My wife and I are visiting from Los Angeles, CA and we found this gem on a walk around town. There's SO many things here that we haven't seen at other film stores and the staff are extremely knowledgeable! The location is a tad bit cramped but it's really a film photographers go to! read more

The friendliest staff ever!! Super organized and they always give me a button or a little piece of candy

Thank you Don for your continued quality of services provided by you and your staff. Its always a pleasure coming into your store from California and finding everything that I need for my camera supplies. Thank you again for the quality of services and your kindness. Jack Abajian California read more

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Went here today to take a look at their tripods, thinking they were going to have a variety of different types on display. In reality though they had just a few measly ones available, saw Sirui and KODAK. I didn't even know Kodak made tripods?? Not one Manfrotto or Benro. When I inquired at the front register about the tripods the clerk said she never heard of these two names, which are probably the most widely known ones around! Will not be returning to this store anytime soon. Probably never. read more

This gem of a store is a Chicago icon the likes of which are becoming very difficult to find. This establishment has a Treasure Trove of photo paraphernalia for the tyro or the professional, and for everyone in between. The Staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. No pressure to buy, and if you want to only look, no pressure to "hurry up" and leave. Had a question regarding a used Leica I purchased on the internet. The user's manual left me scratching my head over some technical stuff that was glossed over. A staff member at C C happily answered all my questions with dispatch! Great Store, great staff! If I didn't live in Michigan, I would be a Regular! read more

I decided instead of buying a new camera to consult on my two old cameras. The worker was a wealth of information. He took time with me. He also took my phone number in case a part I was looking for came in. I love good customer service and I got it here today. I will go back. BTW it was busy. read more

I was in Chicago for a photography workshop and quickly discovered that I should have brought a different tripod head. I did some quick searching online; while Amazon or B+H could get me what I needed to my hotel in about 48 hours, I wanted something faster. Online searching also revealed that well-stocked camera stores truly have become a thing of the past. However, Central Camera had an RRS BH-40, very lightly used in stock. I didn't get for any "killer price," but I got what I needed. They were quick to respond to my email on Sunday when they were closed, informative on the phone the next morning, and when I showed up during lunch hour, what I needed was waiting for me. Very nice folks. Cool retro store, worth visiting for any camera buff. Recommended. read more

While looking up camera repair shops, I stumbled upon Central Camera Company. Although the reviews were mixed, the location was in the loop so I decided to take a gamble. Plus this store has been in business for 118 years so its got to be good! I brought my camera in at the end of January. I paid a $20 deposit (non-refundable) for them to examine my camera and get a better estimate of what the cost would be to fix my camera. They called me within a few days to tell me what they needed to do and quoted me of how much it would cost. Thankfully the $20 deposit went towards the final cost of the repair. I was quoted 2 weeks for the repair. Two weeks came and went. I called the 4th week to inquire and was told my camera was too old (I bought my camera in 2012) so they had trouble locating the part to fix it. I called a few weeks later and was told the part they ordered didn't fix my camera so they had to order a different part. I then called a few weeks after that and finally they told me my camera was fixed (at this point I had waited a total of 9 weeks). The repair person I communicated with each time was very nice but I had wished they communicated with me more. I had to initiate the call each time to get the status of my camera. If I never called I would have never known the status of the repair. There is one person I've constantly dealt with in-person at the store. He is the person that took down my repair request and closed out my repair. He's a super nice guy. I like dealing with him. The others I am not so impressed with, especially one guy who seems socially awkward and unfriendly. When I asked him where I should go to pick up a repaired camera he barely acknowledged me, and didn't even look at me, when he told me to wait. Then, as I'm waiting for someone else to help me, I observe him accuse one of the female employees of being off 10 cents in her calculations. The female employee seemed very scared and worried and hurried to rectify the problem by giving him 10 cents of her own money to avoid any further issues. This employee definitely needs to be trained on customer service and how to be nice to his co-workers. Overall I'm glad my camera is fixed, and that there's a 3 month warranty on the repair, but I wish customer service were a bit better. read more

I've been shooting digital for a few years, started to lose inspiration. I invested in my first film camera here today. I was nervous because I'm a beginner and I haven't purchased one due to how I've been treated when asking "silly" questions at the camera shops in Southern California where I live. At central camera company they treated me so good. Answered all my questions, taught me how to load my camera, adjust the settings etc. they didn't look at me funny or snarled when asked to repeat a few steps. I'm aware I can do that on YouTube but nothing beats in person help. And they did it with a smile. The camera was pricey compared to what I've seen online. But what compensated that was the service. Thanks for making me feel like one of the locals! I'll definitely be coming back anytime I'm in the city read more

Iconic gem of a location. Such an incredible selection of everything from repairs, to inventory, to staff, and location!

Everyone was nice, I love visiting film and camera stores while I travel because there is almost always a film I dont have or can't find where im from in Florida. Great selection of Lomography films apart from the usual color stocks I see. read more

This place is exactly what you think it will be from the outside. Walking into the store feels like walking into the past in a good way, and the store itself looks pretty amazing. The people who work there are really polite and helpful and knowledgeable, and they're willing to take extra time with you. I went in looking for small binoculars to use at the Lyric Opera and they had a nice variety and the guy working with me was happy to test out several models and weigh the pros and cons with me. I'll definitely be back when I need some help with a camera purchase. read more

Doesn't do Sony products which doesn't make sense bc they r a camera company it's ridiculous

Nostalgic great environment LOVE IT ... the selection of accessories and ACTUAL ITEMS THEY HAVE WOW hard not to spend money

I LOVE this place because it is heaven for anyone who still loves film photography. This is the only place I trust to develop my 35 mm film!! I love that I can pick glossy or matte as well as include a cd so I can upload my photos to my computer. Not to mention they SELL FILM and have a amazing selection on top of the camera's you can purchase here. If you are a photography lover and want to hold onto film photography BECAUSE IT'S NOT DEAD, then please visit this wonderful store. read more

Central Camera Company - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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In October 19969 I went to Central Camera to buy an 8mm movie camera. The salesman showed me one and told me of another that was due to arrive in two weeks. "Oh, I can't wait that long. You see my wife is having a baby on Thursday and I need the camera for this week." "Let me ask you, is this your first baby because they don't come on the due date" "The baby will be induced on Thursday." I bought the camera and relished the good wishes of the salesman. Of course we have the movie film of that day and much more. Over the half century since I bought many cameras and lenses and got to know Sammy, that salesman from the first transaction, a lovely man of Indian descent, I think. I always felt in touch with my own family history in Chicago from 1880 shopping there. I always felt respected and never concerned myself with the price. I was preserving history. Now retired in California I just learned of the looting and fire. I know Central Camera will come back even stronger and better than before. Some things are worth preserving.Central Camera is on my short list of such things. The cameras have helped preserve our family and I will help preserve Central Camera too. read more

I have only been here once. The time I went was to look at cameras, and talk about repairs on my current one. The employee I interacted in seemed very annoyed (even before I came in). He seemed disinterested in doing his job as a salesman. Everyone question I asked seemed like a burden to him. I almost bought a used camera there which was fairly priced I believe. There was one on amazon for $10 less which I ended up buying instead. I would have loved to support my local camera store, but with that kind of service I will take my money to Amazon where the benefit of hasslefree returns is offered. read more

I am a stop motion video producer who knew nothing about a camera when i started. These guys showed me EVERYTHING. Had all different types of equipment, tripods etc. Explained to me everything and how stuff worked. And in the process gave me technical ideas for my productions. Look up Wood Zeppelin and see! read more

Central Camera is disrespectful of their customers. I used to love going in there and chatting about their neat vintage camera collection - it's fascinating stuff! I've also bought a lens and a camera from them. That said, I'd usually just stop by to drop off my film for development. Each time I did, for about 4-5 trips, I was told that the film would be ready in two weeks. I was also told that I needed to be the one to call to confirm the pictures were ready. Ok, sounds reasonable, I can do that. Well, each time, that two week process of developing the film turned into a 6-7 week ordeal in which I would call, they'd put me on hold for a long time, and then come back and say, "it's not ready." That's fine, but you really should be honest and upfront about how long the process will take; it's very aggravating having to be the one that calls every week for 7 weeks to find out if it's time, especially when you were told 2 weeks originally. It would go a long way towards their customer service experience if they were the ones to pick up the phone and call. read more

I had a really negative experience here and I'm sorry to say that. Though I find this place pretty claustrophobic, I love the unique vibe and the fact that they are a tried and true Chicago landmark for photographers but I won't be going back there again after what happened. I'll just buy from somewhere else and ship my camera back to Canon for repairs. In the beginning of October, my Canon 5D MK IV started to malfunction. I took it to Central Camera and they told me the shutter needed to be replaced. They were rather noncommittal about how long it would take but led my partner and I on to believe it would be probably a month. There was literally no follow through after that. At about 5-6 weeks I started calling just about every couple of days. I'd leave messages and get back very noncommittal answers. The first thing they told me is that it was taking so long because Canon was out of the part. I called Canon and they had over 100 of this particular model of shutter in stock. So, basically they lied to me. After I called them out on the fact that they had been dishonest, at about 8-9 weeks after I had dropped it off, I was told (again, this is after I was calling regularly as I actually had started to believe they lost my camera base) that it was taking longer because there was water damage. Again, this was after they had it in their possession for over 2 months and I had been calling repeatedly to get back my camera. I demanded to speak with the manager or the owner. I was spoken to in a condescended way, given a different reason about how there was someone in charge of repairs who fell unexpectedly ill and told they would make this up to me by checking over the camera themselves after I explained I no longer trusted the repairs when I was just told after over two months that there was now water damage all of a sudden. To be fair, I have now had the camera back and have taken photos both in Chicago and in Toronto-about 6.000 photos since then and so far it has been ok. I still don't feel good about the fact that I paid $500, waited over two months, and that people were dishonest there. It was a really harrowing experience there and they definitely didn't act professionally. Even if there weren't all the ancillary things I was told about a part being out of order when it wasn't and not told about supposed water damage, the fact of the matter is, I paid a lot and waited a lot longer for a shutter replacement that I still don't fully trust and I had to nag them consistently for them to give my camera back in the first place. There's a lot of really bad reasons why independent business go out of business and I hate to see that happen. I love to support places like this but I'm sorry, this is a no go. You can't treat people this unprofessionally and for word not to get out about it. read more

The owner of the store is a classy man. How amazing is his attitude and kindness. This is one business to go to if you are serious about photography and want advice from a great expert. This is how photography should be done! read more

If I could give this store 0 stars, I would. I recently came here on vacation and I sadly forgot my film back at home so I decided to stop in and grab some.. boy, bad idea. I came in and not a single person said hello or welcomed me into the store when there we about 6 employees doing absolutely nothing. After watching me search for what I needed in an extremely unorganized establishment an older gentleman who was actually helping another customer waved me over to see if I had any questions or needed any help finding something, I asked for some batteries and some film and despite me being thankful he took time to see if I needed anything he did just walk away when he went to get my batteries and didn't tell me where he was going or if I needed to follow him.. but never the less, that's not even the worst. After I get my batteries he asked if I needed anything else and I did need film so he nicely said "Well here why don't I write this price on here for ya and we'll get ya over to the film side before anyone else!" then pointed me to the film. Here we goooo... I walk over to the most dissatisfied, miserable, shit personality guy I've ever encountered. A younger gentleman with a shitty haircut that has a longer top, I think was also dyed. Kind of a pretentious punk vibe going on, all around, shitty. I said Hello and was NOT greeted back. I wondered why? He was on his PHONE. Wasn't asked about what I needed. So I decided to do his job for him and him if he had the kind of film I used because it's probably easier for you know, someone who WORKS there to help me find it on the WALL of a million film. So instead of saying "Yeah I got you!" He moved over and pointed at the wall and said "I don't know" and suggested I look for it myself. Puzzled, and kind of pissed off at this point I said "Well I can't find it so what is your cheaper film?" Because I was working on a project I wasn't sure would turn out good enough for an expensive roll. He then scoffed and rolled his eyes and pointed to the film by the register and leaned back and looked at his phone waiting for me to be done, as if he wasn't getting PAID to be there. Once I chose my film he started writing down prices but since he can't do math he made the total much less than what it was and then said "JK" and changed it to the new price which was a significant change, with NO explanation. Since I'm not stupid I understood the pricing but if your total goes from $14 to $20 you should explain why. Never the less I paid and said THANK YOU and got NOTHING in return. I can't believe I actually spent money here and let this miserable child give me such poor customer service. As a manger I would never let my staff act that way, an obviously given previous reviews it seems they train their staff to have awful hospitality. All I have to say is photography is an ART and with that kind of attitude I'm not sure why you even work here, any photographer who appreciates the skill would love to teach and share with other artists. A damn shame this place was ruined for me. Oh well, on to the next one ‍ read more

It's always a pleasant experience coming to this store. I struck up a conversation with the store clerk about Vivian Maier last time I went. The employees here are knowledgeable and friendly - you can go to them for any questions and assistance. read more

This is the first review I have ever written on Yelp. I will preface this by saying I am VERY new to film cameras and I know barely anything about how the camera/film works. I ordered a Fujufilm 35mm point and shoot on Etsy along with 400 Speed Fujifilm and decided to have a go at trying film cameras. I came into the store in February asking if one of your employees could take a look at the camera I purchased as well as to see if they had any advice for me on loading the film, using the camera, etc. The employee I encountered was very helpful and I left hopeful about using my new camera. Since then, I have had my birthday and a spring break vacation and used a roll of film. I decided to only use and develop one roll just to see if the camera even works or not (it was cheap.) I came into your store on Friday, April 5th to develop my film. The employee I encountered (a woman) immediately had an energy towards me that seemed like she really did not want to help me. I proceeded to unload the film (wrong, unbeknownst to me) while the employee watched me. She then said to me: "Well, you just ruined it." I was very caught off-guard by this comment as she had just watched me fumble around and try to figure out how to unload the film without saying a word to me. I know it is not the employee's responsibility to teach me how to unload film, but the fact that she just watched me and then told me I ruined my treasured photos was upsetting. I was more expecting something along the lines of: "Oh, you don't want to do that. Here, let me help you and here's what might happen." The employee then proceeded to ask me questions about my camera and the film with the worst attitude, making me feel ashamed for my lack of knowledge on the camera and film in general. It felt like she was quizzing me when I was just there to get my film developed. I left your store that day feeling very ashamed and upset because your employee made me feel very uncomfortable. I came back six days later (April 11th) to see if my film had been developed yet. It was the same employee, with the same bad energy and attitude towards me. The film had not come in yet. I understood as I was told it would be about a week. I came back today (April 12th), seven days later, and it was the same employee. She had the SAME energy and attitude towards me. The film has not come in yet. I understand that things happen and I will check back later this weekend to see if it has come in. I have to say that I am very reluctant to come in and pick up my film now as I would prefer not to encounter this employee who seems like she honestly does not care about being there or being a helpful employee to your customers. The two times I had to speak with her to see if my film had come in yet gave me immense anxiety because I was afraid of how she would treat me. I do not know this employee's name and I'm sure she probably does not want me to know it because of how she has treated me. I will be taking my business elsewhere and will not be coming back to Central Camera Co. after I pay for and receive my film as I do not want to have a chance of ever encountering this employee again. As a Columbia College student, I will be letting my friends know about this employee and the experience I had at your store. read more

Truly do not understand why several people have given this place one star reviews. I've been coming here for almost a decade and each staff member has always been extremely polite, helpful, and enthusiastic to help or educate me on anything pertaining to cameras and film. Just last week I brought in my Canon SLR which was not functioning properly; 4 employees all came over to help diagnose the problem, took approximately 10 minutes of their time, and didn't charge me a thing. Not only that, but their film development and printing service cannot be beat, the quality is absolutely magnificent every time. Really can't speak highly enough about this place, and I'm super fortunate to work blocks away from it. read more