GOOSE ISLAND — Calumet Photographic, a venerable Chicago company that abruptly closed after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year, is back in business.
The photo shop opened its flagship store in Goose Island Sunday, seven months after being acquired by a company that specializes in reviving photography companies.
Like many in the photography community, Adhemar Dellaguistina, 52, was "shocked" when he heard Calumet Photographic was filing for bankruptcy in March.
"It was unexpected, very sudden," said the Humboldt Park resident, who has been shopping at Calumet since 1984.
After hearing the news that the shop was reopening, like other local photographers, Dellaguistina made sure he would be one of the first to step foot in the store, located at 819 W. Eastman St., just off Lincoln Park's North Avenue commercial strip.
"Chicago needs a camera store," Dellaguistina said. "I'm happy Calumet is back. It's where I get all my supplies. I hope they do well."
Prior to its bankruptcy, Calumet Photographic had been in business for more than 75 years. After filing for bankruptcy, Calumet was bought by C&A Marketing Inc., a camera and photographic equipment manufacturer and distributor. With stores in Chicago, Oak Brook and Northbrook, C&A Marketing aims to reinvigorate the Calumet brand.
"It feels great to be back on the market," said Bill Skinner, general manager of the new store. "We've had people coming by non-stop since 11 a.m. Some have been regulars at Calumet before closing earlier this year."
The new 3,500-square-foot camera shop includes traditional lighting and lens kits, a location for studio shots and a rental department. The store caters to experienced shutterbugs as well as those just starting out.
"We have a dedication to the professional market, but we also provide service to students and hobbyists," Skinner said. "We make sure our staff is skilled and well-versed in photos. We are a relationship-based shop, we listen to our clients, we really look for what's right for them. We run the store like we run a household — it's very warm."
Photographer Tunwa Yee, 48, a longtime customer of Calumet Photographic, was excited for the reopening.
"The employees are or have been professional photographers, their knowledge is reliable, you can't get this in-depth, technical advice from Best Buy or Costco," he said.
Fred Teifield, 51, an Edgewater resident who has been shopping on and off at Calumet since 2004, echoed his support for the reopening.
"Selection, professionalism and dedication make it easy to come back. There's good local people working here, they need the support."
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