In November 2024, I paid $350 to repair my Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens (valued at $2,500). Bill…read moredemonstrated it working in his shop, but it broke again within days with the same issue. I returned the lens on November 25, 2024. Bill acknowledged the failed repair and promised to fix it at no charge. Over the next year, Bill kept my lens and never returned a single call. I visited the shop at least five times and called periodically, too. Each time he seemed anxious and irritated by my persistence, promised to call, and then didn't. On October 29, 2025, I delivered a demand letter with the building's security guard as a witness. Bill tried to make me sign a receipt stating I'd received cash before actually handing me any money and after I declined his offer of writing me a personal check. After I finally received the $350, he forgot he was still holding my lens and had to search for it. He appeared confused throughout the interaction. Multiple recent reviews describe nearly identical experiences: repairs failing immediately, equipment held for months with no communication, one customer calling police after seven months, another told "I gave up" after four months. Bill was once regarded as the best in the city, in fact, he repaired my equipment perfectly back in 2005. But now it's clear he can no longer handle repairs or manage his business. TL;DR: Repair failed immediately, took one year and a legal threat to get my money and lens back. Bill forgot he had my lens during the final exchange. Check the other recent 1 and 2 star reviews showing the same pattern. Find another repair shop.

The kindest man helped me with my film camera. It ended up being a simple fix, but he didn't charge…read moreme anything. Despite a slight language barrier he was very knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. I highly recommend!

Brought an old point-and-shoot camera to them. They got back to me in the original estimated time…read moreframe and were extremely kind throughout the whole process. While I did not go ahead with the repair (old camera, wasn't worth it), the proposed pricing was fair. Overall a great experience!

Yes. Good service - had my camera checked and then fixed (on-off switch stopped working). Took a…read morebit longer than originally promised, but got done in time for a trip.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this store! Patience is a virtue. I've been to used and new…read morecamera stores coast to coast -- since 1978! I went to the original B&H on 17th street. I shopped Helix in Chicago in 1996! I've been to Camera World of Oregon and Samy's in LA. Camera stores have mostly gone the way of film upon the advent of digital in the 00´s. And now that Kodak's concept of The Brownie has reached fruition with the iPhone... well, it's a wonder anyone still appreciates the richness and deliberate slowness of analog. This place remains! This place understands and values the foundation of photography. That in itself is worth a lot! I first shopped here when I first moved to Chicago to attend that small university on the south side known for its Nobels in 1982. I shopped here again yesterday and returned today -- June 2026! Why? Their selection of used gear is unique and fairly priced. They don't sell their used gear online or on eBay. It's here on Wabash or nothing. They don't even want to get involved with shipping. The insurance and risk of loss just isn't worth the expense. So, this is just another reason to visit Chicago. And I'm glad I did! And for you locals, consider yourselves lucky that Central Camera remains in business in service to the analog photographic community here in Chicagoland. Cheers! I bought a 55mm for my Pentax 67 at a very fair price. The glass was in near mint condition. Zoe was an excellent salesperson. And that's what counts. I get the impression this store focuses on relationships -- not greed. Are they computerized and QR-coded for rapid transactions? No. But if you're shooting film, why care? Enjoy the spectacle -- the shelves and displays filled with retro cameras, camera boxes, selections of darkroom tools and spare parts. The large format and esoteric gear of all shapes and sizes. When's the last time I saw a 250 exposure film back for Nikon F cameras? Maybe 1980. Maybe never. I don't remember. That is a rare piece of equipment. If you need one -- they have it here -- at least until it's gone. There was only one. Anyhow, I go on and on in defiance of the angry elf reviews here on Yelp. Ignore those naysayers. If you need good used gear or some film... Central Camera will have the film and may just have what you've been looking for in gear without resorting to Bezos or eBay. Cheers!!

We used to go here a lot prior to COVID and the fire. My husband purchased a couple of cameras and…read morewe 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.

Photos are great and Jill was pleasant to work with. Kind and warm also. The photos are easy to…read moreaccess, download, and share.

I hired Jill to complete a shoot of headshots for me a few months ago. I was very satisfied with…read morethe services she provided and her work. She was professional, on time, her photography skills were excellent, and the price was reasonable. I would consider using her again for future headshots or other photography services. *This is an actual review - "not fake".

I made a call to inquire about selling my equipment and although they're not doing that Brian took…read morehis time to guide me to business that might be doing that. Awesome customer servi, would definitely recommend.

ProGear rocks! I've rented elsewhere in Chicago, but never again. I got fantastic help and advice…read morepre-rental from Steve, and even better service during pick-up and return. The lights, stands, and Chimeras I rented were in excellent condition, their pricing was spot on, and the guys put everything perfectly together. Made the whole experience simple.

Highly knowledgeable folks who do a good job for their customers…read more Excellent products/inventory. Dan knows what he is doing. Located in upstairs in a very cool, beautifully renovated 1880's building -- in a nice area of Chicago.

I have bought 4 or 5 new Leicas from Dan. Great advice, great service and nice selection of…read moreaccessories as well. The only place to go for Leica! He also has beautiful leather bags!