PJ’s Camera and Photo

Very unhappy with my experience here (4 stars because I’m not trying to mess with a small businesses Unilocal rating).
b&w film processing was expensive, but not prohibitively so if it was done well; it wasn’t: film bent/​creased, one frame cut and another missing (and, after ordering some prints, you can tell it wasn’t processed great either as there are a few water spots on them). When I pointed this out to someone, they were very apologetic and said that is not typical of their work. I order a few prints and when I went to pick them up they were given to me at no charge. I had hoped this was just a very nice apology for the poor processing work, which I was willing to forgive as a one off — it wasn’t! ³⁄₅ prints I ordered were messed up really bad (one of them it looked like the projector was bumped mid print, and 2 of them were very poorly framed/​cropped). Instead of reprinting the photos and charging me for them like a shop with half-​decent quality control would do, they gave me bad prints for free! Screwing up the processing is one thing — you can’t go back and reprocess the film — but then giving me terrible quality prints for free instead of spending the extra 10 minutes to get it right is where I draw the line. Never again.

I was assisted by a friendly, knowledgeable young guy to help me purchase a new tripod. Once he understood what I’d mainly use it for, and the space I need for it to take up, he recommended a tripod I’ll probably have for many years.

Great place and the staff is very knowledgeable staff. Prices are very competitive. Just bought a tripod for less than Amazon.

It is easy to give this store an excellent rating. Knowledgable, nice and well stocked with many of the needs for most photographers. I am not a professional but they talk to me as an important person first. Few camera stores are left but i appreciate this store being here.
The more important reason to shop here? They are local.

I used to buy all my DSLR gear there but since I’ve gotten into film, I have a whole new appreciation for this place. They have a very good selection of film types from 120 to 35 mm and their staff are super helpful and knowledgable.
If you need prints (digital or film) they are waaaaay better than a Walgreens print. I highly recommend them over Best Buy any time you are looking for cameras or equipment since their staff are obviously way more helpful.

This place is great! They sell 120 film, develop it on-​site, and have very reasonable prices for prints (even with a CD included). They were also able to help me find a small part that I needed for my camera. I’m sure I’ll be back frequently!

These guys are fantastic. I was stuck at the in-​laws with our one year old and a camera out of juice. They set me up and went out of their way to help me in a bind. Definitely a great shop that watches out for their customers. It’s a joy to find a camera shop operating so well.

I’ve come to PJ’s a lot, they are by far the best photography shop in Chicagoland. They’ve cleaned my camera sensor to perfection, printed high quality large panoramic pictures, and they even develop film and convert it to high quality digital, all of which are done for an affordable price.

This is the only place around that still caters to film photographers’ needs. They even process slide film, medium format and black & white in-​house, and you get your scans within a few days. Extremely friendly and helpful staff. I just like playing around with photography and am by no means a professional, so I’m still learning a lot and I’m never afraid to ask their employees any questions. They’re very approachable and no question is «stupid.» I’ve even brought in old 35 mm cameras and asked questions about them, and they’re always happy to help. I moved away recently so I don’t go there as often, but I still use their online services and have prints delivered to my house. I wish there were more places like this!

Yes! I got my prints done from PJ’s for the first time today! I know where I’ll be going from now on! You upload right to their website and pick up the prints just like those OTHER places who shall remain nameless. But with PJ’s you will get back exactly what you send to them — imagine that! No more getting your photos cropped or color «corrected» or any other number of issues that all of the other big name stores do. They offer a lot more services as well. Check them out!

Long live PJ’s ! They’re literally the only place around the area that will develop my 120 mm medium format film. If you’re a student, they offer student discounts which is exceptional for a camera store. The people who work at PJ’s are always nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. Glad they’re still in business.

Here’s why: The great selection, developing services offered and competitive pricing and here s one more: knowledgable, helpful staff! Just one more reason to frequent this gem of a Mom n Pop local shop… my son who had botched a camera 101 assignment had incredible way above and beyond service and educational tidbits from Margaret there last nite as he needed to make up the assignment quickly. Been going there over 20 years and you will quickly see why it becomes your go-​to store as well!

PJ’s Camera is a great one stop solution for great accessories. I shoot both digital SLR photo and HD film. When I run into a pinch I can count on PJ’s to have it in stock and the right price. Plus the staff is friendly and down to earth and will answer your question whether you are a pro or hobby shooter. Feel free to bring in your own camera and see what fits, PJ’s want to make sure you leave one happy customer.
FYI– They also repair cameras.

PJ’s Camera is by far the best camera shop I’ve been to. I’ve been a professional photographer for about 8 years now and I refuse to go anywhere else. Ninety percent of the time their prices are much lower than big chains but higher than buying online. But, no matter what, if their prices are higher than else where I’ll still only go to PJ’s. Their customer service is unmistakably the best I’ve ever encountered. I’ve been to a LOT of camera shops all around the country and I’ve yet to find a place that can even match PJ’s customer service. They’re honest and if they don’t have it they’ll tell you who does. I went there to get my Nikon N80 repaired and they could’ve made a pretty penny on me, but referred me to Tony at TC Camera Repair, they told me he does all repairs on site and for a lot cheaper than sending it out.
I personally deal primarily with Harry. I trust him and he’s always willing to help.
I HIGHLY recommend PJ’s…it’s where I send every person I know!