I've been coming here for a little over 2 years now and i remember on my first visit, Dr Strange behind the counter looked at me like i was absolutely clueless as i asked for recommendations on what film stocks suit certain settings best. The only thing that has changed since, is that he walks away from me every time i come in, and leaves me waiting for service. That being said, if you feel the need to act so pretentious to hobbyists, you should either stop letting them in, or hop off your self awarded pedestal and do your job, serving customers. As for the older lady, customer service is part of your job too, rushing people into purchasing film and talking over their inquires - is not. Listen, i get it. I'm not the "pro" photographer they're looking for as a customer, nor do i strive to be - i like doing this as a hobby. I came here for years because it was the only nearby film shop, and was maaaybe given the time of day to ask questions about the art once; by a guy i've never seen since. I bit the bullet and made the longer trip to PROCAM in Aurora one time, and it genuinely felt like they didnt want me to leave - if i asked a question, i got a thorough answer. I was asked questions about what i like to shoot, what got me into shooting photography, etc etc. If you're a hobbyist film photographer looking to learn more about film stocks, camera functions, do yourself a favor and head to PROCAM in aurora. They're open almost all day, every day, and they'll treat you like a human - rather than a source of income. Oh. And their film is more affordable. read more

I use to have my own color darkroom, and worked for a large portrait company doing the printing of portraits. Since digital, I no longer do film or print-developing. Yet, I was at a loss for great pictures printing. Costco, Walgreens, and a few online companies were printing my pictures based on a grey scale. Friends were recommending pj's. I just got my test picture back and was blown away by the quality. This picture has great saturation. The colors are not muted by doing a 20% grey. Wow. Going to use them for my 16x20s! read more

PJ's Camera and Photo - Butterfly - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Just went in to try and save my card. They did a great job. Not only was it easy, but they're plenty talkative and great people. Definitely going again if I need camera help. read more

Great customer service. I've been going to PJ's for 35 years. I love that they are still here to produce their quality work.

They do good work developing film at a fair price. I wish their hours were better. They're going to put themselves out of business the way it is now. They're never open. read more

Excellent and professional job on a 16×20 enlargement of an extremely small image file on my smartphone. Keith did a job that I didn't think was possible from such a small image. Next time I need an enlargement my first stop read more

We took at 1988 slide in for a new color print. One week later we have a great color print for a most reasonable price. Will definitely return for other photo needs. read more

I brought in an older camera and I approached the man working. Set the camera on the counter and told him a little about what was going on. The man cut me off mid sentence, barely taking a look and told me my camera has a "death sentence". Continued to cut me off when I tried to understand what was going on - essentially shooing me out of the store. I then looked to the woman working and asked for a second opinion. She then did not even pay any attention. Keep in mind I was the only person in the store. They apparently do not want any service because the disrespect they showed me was clear especially when I could hear them whispering about me as I left the store. At least wait until your costumers leave the store to talk about them. The customer service here is sub par to say the least. read more

My experience is not recent one but I feel like I have share it. I removed my 5 star review that was based on my first few visits to this store. I was very happy to find an "old school" camera shop, not many remain in business so I felt that I have to support it. For the same reason I hope the owners will read this review and will not take it as a personal attack of a spoiled customer. So why I changed my review to 1 star? First, because you guys totally ruined several rolls of my New Ektachrome 100 and each time blamed Kodak for the product inconsistency. These photos were very important to me, they can't be re-done. I sent few other rolls from the same batch to another lab and they developed them beautifully. The films I got from you had semi transparent rusty colored shadows and unexposed frames, color shift and some metallic and black gunk on the surface. I heard so much bs from you about Kodak's poor quality control and that and all the positive reviews, photo samples and articles about this film are fakes paid by Kodak, WOW! I suggest you guys start accepting the reality and stop believing your own b.s. you tell clients. From my long personal experience with labs- the most arrogant they are, the worse job they do. The second problem: on my last visit, I was verbally attacked by the employee for absolutely no reason. I was told by the clerk (who seemed to hate working there) that he's the owner's son. He's a pretty big guy and his voice and body language was very threatening. I'm blaming the owners who stood there and let him yell on me for couple of minutes for politely asking a question about a film they developed for me. I was shocked but I recognized that he had some issues (like a very low self esteem and lack of control of his emotions) and I was finally able to calm him down by a friendly talk. In the meantime I secretly hid a contractors knife he was using to scrape the film because I was concerned about my safety. The whole scene took a few minutes and the owners- his parents stood there and were calmly watching his long outburst of rage like it was a normal conversation. I read the reviews from other customers who were verbally attacked in this store, but I'm ashamed to admit, I did not believe them. I hope the owners take customer's reviews into the account and will make some changes considering film developing and CS . That will be in their own interest. I wish them best! read more

I called PJ's Camera and Photo to inquire about a product I was in search of. I was looking for a mounting and quick release plate for common digital camera model. I did not know the type of tripod off-hand because it was being lent to me. I was inquiring about a universal type. I explained my needs to the representative whom I assume was the owner of the store. I mentioned I was in need right away. The gentleman said he had several types the models he didn't know but I should bring my camera in. I explained they are for a theatrical production, the camera was in another location at the moment. I mentioned I would like to if anything else purchase one of each mount type and return the one or two that didn't work, because I was in a time crunch. The gentleman said "that's someone I'm unwilling to do." Not explaining any store return policy. He simply did not want to deal with any returns. This gentleman is not one who sells cameras out of his home but a supposed legitimate storefront shop. I know the law in the State of Illinois, even if I were to purchase large ticket item I have three days to return it. I felt as though he brushed me off because of my gender and did not take into account the urgency of my (the customer's) needs. This made me sad because I always prefer to support local businesses. read more

Do you want to have to take a day off from work to pick up your film? With PJ's you will! With hours like these, you will have a massive hard time finding them open. There is a good chance that if you drop off multiple rolls of film, you will only get one back. More often than not. Frankly, I'm blown away that they are still in business... In a dying industry, the bare minimum is to actually do the job. If they actually could do their jobs, the rest might be excusable. I hate to finally abandon PJ's because I've come for so long and it is where I had my very first roll developed, but frankly, they suck. I can't even say they've gone downhill because they were at the bottom in 2012 the first time I was here and in that ten years, they haven't moved up at all. A major bummer. read more

It was such a perfect find with this business! I absolutely love this store. My wife and I had gone to Florida in December and had taken the perfect photo celebrating 3 family birthdays. We wanted a large photo made(16x20) and did not want to trust it to a large Pharmarcy franchise. A friend told us about PJ's Camera. Margaret, one of the owners, was extremely helpful and we now have a beautiful picture filled with fantastic memories hanging in our living room! read more

I like this place and glad to see they are around. I just started back with film. I plan on bringing my film to be developed by PJ's. The last time I was there I purchased couple of soft cover books entitled Open House Chicago Vol 1 and Vol 2 by Marcus Kreidl. Glad they also support local photographers. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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 35mm 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. read more

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. read more

The staff is super friendly and enjoy talking about cameras, lenses and photography. They carry a few different camera brands, lenses including Tamron, filters and other accessories. They also have a photo lab and transfer VHS to DVD and other services. There aren't many camera stores left so I try to shop local when possible. read more

I've been using their services for many years. They're one of the few businesses which still develop true BW photos. They also carry a variety of film of all formats and useful camera accessories. If I ever need BW film developed, this is the place to be. read more

This is one of the few places left that with staff members who truly understand photography. I can not thank them enough for their help and patience as I am a novice and show up once a year to have a hundred photos printed for my business. I've printed photos from my phone as well as a digital camera and the photos always look so much better than anything I would get at Walgreens. It takes me half an hour one way to get there (and then again for the return to pick up the photos), but it is always worth the trip. Thank you to their staff for always being so welcoming and helpful! read more

I can't believe this place has gotten such high reviews. My experience in there was awful. I tried to get 120 film developed and they wouldn't take it because it was missing the tab to identify it...even though I brought in the box and just bought it from them a week earlier. The salesman lied to me and said it would break the machine if they tried to develop it. I've been in there twice...once to buy the film and once to try and get it developed. Both times the sales person was extremely arrogant and I felt belittled. How is this place in business? By the way, this is coming from someone who rarely posts negative reviews. read more

Very unhappy with my experience here (4 stars because I'm not trying to mess with a small businesses yelp 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. read more

So this is a review of this store from a first time shopper. I do hope the owners read this. So I called to get an eyecup for a d7100. The person I spoke with was very nice and put one on hold for me till i got off work. I was surprised they offered that and very grateful. I arrived at the store after 5pm and went to pay. I realized i only have a couple of large bills on me. The eye cup was only 10 bucks. I asked the young man helping me out if he would be able to break it. He wasn't sure. Then said yes I can. I made my purchase and then lingered for a few minutes looking at what this store had to offer. Suddenly i hear someone yelling about how they didn't have enough money in the register and how the customer just cleaned them out of all their change. I turned around and saw a taller heavy set man belittling the employee that helped me. The sad thing is it didn't stop their. He went on and on how stupid it was to make the sale when there is no extra change in the back and when the employee said he didn't know he was told that it is common sense. I hung out for about 10 minutes and two times made my Presence known asking about products trying to see if it would stop this persons rant knowing a customer is standing at the counter. It did not the person kept going complaining about the change and yelling at the employees. So what i have to say is this. I will no longer shop here. I will make sure everyone i know doesn't shop here. To the person ranting I have this to say you are a first class terrible employee. If I owned that store you sir would be fired. You should under no circumstances belittle anyone that way and never ever act like that in front of customers. Im sorry if you were having a bad day but seriously you should really take a moment and think about your actions. read more

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! read more

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 35mm 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! read more

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! read more

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. read more

While picking up my photos yesterday, I was verbally assaulted by a very volatile young man working here. For literally NO reason, he decided that I had "disturbed" some negatives on the counter right next to the cash register (I was simply looking at the photos I'd just picked up). He ended up screaming at me in such a threatening manner that I went to the police in case he tries to come after me later (while screaming that I was never to come into the store again, 'we don't want your business,' etc, he also pointed his finger at me and said in a menacing voice, "I know who you are!" Since he does now have my name, address and phone number from the photo print order, I found this extremely frightening). While I hope this young man gets the help he clearly needs, I also believe it is a lawsuit waiting to happen having him working with the public. I hope this otherwise wonderful store can survive having him attack and ban its customers. read more

My wife and I had a great experience and exceptional service today at PJ's! I am new to photography and the woman who served us took the time to explain many things about my camera. PJ's will be my camera shop from now on! read more

While I live in the city, my folks are out in the 'burbs. Whenever they need anything photographic, I tell them to go to PJ's. I've been there on several occasions, and the service has been exemplary. In fact, I bought a digital slr lense there, as well as a smaller P&S digital camera. They have more digital camera equipment there than any of the big box stores, at prices that are as close, or nearly the same as the big boys. Unfortunately, they only carry a limited supply of film-related gear and supplies, and you really have to go to the city for this. But if you're looking for digital gear, I highly recommend going to PJ's. read more

Sure it looks like they have a lot of swell film features and perhaps a knowledgable employment base... However my first experience here was an extremely uncomfortable one. I walked in with no other customers there and prob 4 or so employees. I was not greeted instead stared at awkwardly by the kid on the other side of the counter, so I greeted him and told him that I had never been there before. Which resulted in no response. I was curious so I journeyed around the store for some time looking at studio equipment, tripods, lenses and what not since I wasn't exactly being helped out. I asked if they had a certain lens there, they did not that was a one question one answer conversation there as well. So I looked some more curious, I was going to inquire about a Nikon D3 however I heard the other woman talking to the boy asking if he was keeping his eye on me as if I was going to steal something, he responded yes I have and she replied 'good'. So I stopped my uncomfortable visit there and simply left, no one told me goodbye or anything. I'm sure they were happy I was out of the store, god forbid I might've stole some lens caps? They won't be seeing me ever again, and I'll be sure to spread the poor word on this one. read more

I've been going to PJs for a couple of decades now and they have ALWAYS been of great help. They answer my questions about cameras, film (yes they still have pro film users there), photo techniques, printing,etc. Last year they digitized a whole bunch of old photos (many 50 or more years old) and did a great job for a reasonable price. I purchased my last two camera here after finding their prices competitive with the online places (well, close anyway and I'll deal with PJs for a few buck difference). They recovered some pics from a corrupted SD card. Most important of all, their people are knowledgable about photography, rare in a store these days. read more

A real camera and photo store. They process C41 and E6 on-site (including 120 size). Great selection of stock film available in most sizes (including my preferred size, 120). They also stock chemicals, paper, and accessories. Don't expect Amazon.com rock-bottom prices, but do expect (what I think is) a fairly-priced selection of cameras, accessories, and materials sold by an extremely knowledgeable, helpful, service-oriented staff. They've helped me out with filter and film selection, reprints, custom size enlargements, and more. read more

I went here to purchase a new camera. While I was being helped by one employee, the manager (a big guy) was yelling loudly at another employee for making a mistake. It was really uncomfortable and unprofessional. I walked out. I like supporting small businesses, just not one that's run like this one. read more

Long live PJ's ! They're literally the only place around the area that will develop my 120mm 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. read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

I went in with 6 rolls of film of my deceased son that I found. I wanted prints but the employee talked me into getting negatives and then I could decide what prints to make. What the employee failed to tell me was that it would cost double to do this. So to develop 6 rolls of film it would cost me $82.00 plus the $19.00 for the previous negatives. So it cost me $101.00 to develop six rolls of film of my dead son. Now I don't have the film, only negatives that are too costly for me to develop. I will never be back here again. read more

Don't try to get Black & White developed. They are not upfront about the charges, (ie $49.00 + for two rolls of film). At a closer glance, the pictures have water spots. Just not a good experience. The manger I spoke with didn't seem to care. read more