I love the concept of this place and was excited to come here after they moved from their Damen…read morelocation. I came in to get a disposable camera developed. Had I not been here before or knew the process of how it works though, I think I would have had a little difficulty. The person working wasn't too friendly or keen on explaining the form to me, so I took a few guesses and looked at the sign they had on the counter. She was more interested in talking to her coworker and not really paying attention to me so I just filled it out and went on my way. Not the best customer service experience. I felt too inconvenienced to ask about any of the other items they had in the store. My photos however turned out alright but seemed to turn out a lot more muted than my previous prints, This experience has me wondering if I should just do mail in through Darkroom next time.

It seems like all at once and out of nowhere I started receiving ads from a bunch of different film…read moredevelopment companies and those rolls sitting in the back of a drawer started screaming out to me to solve their mysteries. When I found that there was a shop right here in Chicago offering a first roll development and scan free I figured I would give the local option the first crack. So I signed up for the offer and placed some old rolls in a sandwich bag in my jacket pocket but then weeks passed by and it just kept slipping my mind. This was where Bellows first impressed me. I received direct messages from the shop saying that my offer would be expiring soon and asking if I'd like to extend the redemption date which was nice. I finally dropped in the day of that really bad snowstorm back in November and my first impression of the shop was positive. I liked the laidback and clean feel of the place. There is just about every type of contemporary film as well as some cameras and accessories available to buy and they had a good number of people at the counter for taking film development orders. There was also a tintype photographer doing a pop up event which is always cool to witness. I realized while I was there that my already amateurish photography knowledge was pretty rusty so I appreciated the staff going over things with me while I was filling out my development order form without being condescending. I also liked that they said that if the rolls came out blank or with no usable photos they would contact me about price adjusting. I went with the take your time option for development and scans for 3 rolls and the scans were ready for me in 3 days. The development came out about as well as they could with such expired film but nothing some color correction can't fix. They actually turned out a lot better than I expected they would and I am happy that I now have had some of the mysteries revealed. Bellows staff contacted me about picking up my negatives as I was traveling but a quick message and they assured me that they would hold onto the negatives for a little while longer. Although it's very much a shop for serious film photographers I think Bellows is a great local option for film development and I'll probably be returning with some more film to develop soon.

I wanted to make a unique frame for a gift and Justin was able to help me with several options...it…read moredefinitely was more than I wanted to spend but well worth the result. Done on time and the recipient was so happy with it. I most certainly recommend this shop for friendliness and professionalism.

The painting I had framed was a priceless piece to my family. I was pleased with the amount of care…read moreand expertise shown in helping me choose just the right frame and format. The finish product is extraordinary. It's beautiful, perfect, and museum quality. I could not be happier. Will Frame It is definitely the place to trust with all your framing needs!

This place is absolutely AMAZING! I came here after being disappointed by so many family studio…read morephotographers and had pictures done for my whole family. Nablus Studio is an amazing studio that I went to for enlarging some pictures for our house and they came out AMAZING. Frank, the owner, really understands how to create beautiful art. If f your in need of any type of photographer...he' s the guy! We will definitely return there next time!

Went there to get passport photos. Owner is very experienced and efficient and also super friendly.read more

04/17/2000 - I guess this review is a little past due. I found my old 35 mm Nikon N70 that I…read morebought 04/17/2000 @ Central Camera. At the time I was planning my first trip to Europe. In 2000 the digital format was minuscule w/2GB & 4 GB memory cards. Being an architect and planning a trip I knew I would be shooting a ton of photos & the SD cards @ the time were just too small so I decided to invest in a 35mm film camera. My wife and I spend 3 weeks in Italy (Rome (4 days), Florence (3 days), Venice (2 days), Zurich (1 day) Lake Como (1 day), Milan (1 day), Paris ( 7 days), & Versailles (1 day). What a remarkable trip. I shot 20 rolls of film & 17 rolls of slide so it's a good thing I invested in a 35mm camera. It's a good thing I did because I ended shooting 37 rolls of film. I did 20 print & 17 slide photos. While cleaning our house I found several 35mm cameras along w/the receipt of this purchase. This 35mm Nikon N70 in the original Nikon camera bag. This served me well but I haven't used it since 2000. In addition I found an Olympus 35 mm camera & a small digital Cannon Power shot Elph 150 w/2 batteries & chargers. I thought I would bring it in & see what Central Camera would offer me for the 3 cameras & bag. NOT MUCH $$$$ so I decide to keep them and see if I could sell them on Marketplace or Karrot I'm going to post the 3 cameras on this review. Any credible offers will be accepted

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!!

I used their amazing services twice, both times for diplomas. You know those expensive frames you…read morecan buy? Well, I bought some and tried to do it myself and failed. Ha. While I'm sure not a hard job, it was much easier to give it to the pros and let them do it. Both diplomas came out looking amazing and so professional. I will def be back to use them on some art work later. Highly recommended.

Cannot express how great of an experience I had at the frame factory on Webster. Went here after…read morefeeling overcharged at another frame shop in the neighborhood. It was my first time in and definitely won't be my last!! Izzy and the rest of the Saturday afternoon crew were so helpful, fun, engaging and professional. Ended up finding an option that had me walking out the door, frame in hand. 1000/10

I had my banner done here and it came out fantastic!! It was nice and bright. Thank you so much for…read moremaking this banner for me. I would definitely recommend 100%..

Called a few places to create 4 window clings for my business. 2 businesses responded right away…read more TFA came back with a lower quote. They were much cheaper than FedEx (aka Kinkos). Communication with the people at TFA was excellent. Everything was handled professionally. I had to make several changes to the color. Each time, the response was quick and they never made me feel bad for requesting these changes. The final product was better than I expected. After I purchased the clings I had trouble putting them up. Naomi, the rep I was communicating with replied with within a day with a YouTube link on how to apply the clings. Have to say the process was smooth, communication excellent, prices very fair. I also had the highest confidence they knew what they were doI will definitely be using them again for future projects.

Outstanding! Sam squeezed in a time sensitive business card order, really came to the rescue in a…read morepinch. High quality work to boot. It's old school, friendly brick n' mortar businesses like this that are the real heart of downtown Skokie.

These heroes took a last-minute print order from me to help me out of a bind. They made it happen…read more Everything was well done, and everyone was so nice. The price was very reasonable. I highly recommend this shop for all your digital printing needs!

Everyone here is so accommodating, professional, and kind! You won't find a better team of people…read moreto work with! I am a Book Author and I ONLY use Progress Press as my local printing press for my books. I entrust them with my work and they Overdeliver! They will give you fair pricing and honest feedback! The quality of their work is top notch! They have gone above and beyond to make sure I and my customers receive an amazing product. I highly recommend them for small jobs or bulk jobs. Their turn around time is excellent. Do yourself a favor and work with this amazing team!

Jeeeeeez. They are so fast and so cheap. Such a reliable and hassle free business. I needed 1000x…read moretakeout menus to be printed out and they did it within one afternoon. This is gonna be my to go place for all our printing and marketing needs!