Quimby's Bookstore provides authentic black-and-white photochemical photo booth sessions in Chicago, Illinois, United States, preserving classic analog darkroom chemistry. Quimby's is an independently owned bookstore that specializes in independently published and small press books, comics, and zines. The booth, a Model 21, is located in the northeast corner of the store, near the art and film zines. Using the burgundy curtain instead of the light blue curtain for your background allows a nicer contrast. Famed author and radio commentator Dishwasher Pete is featured in the sample photo. UPDATE 3/1/12: Taylor Anne visited and reported the booth was 'broken and not operating; store did not know when it would be fixed.' UPDATE 12/26/12: Betsy reports 'I visited on 12/26/12 with my boyfriend and the booth worked great. The person working behind the counter had no problem with us just using the booth and not buying anything.' UPDATE 11/9/16: The booth is still going strong as of a visit today, according to Andrew. UPDATE 12/27/20: Thanks to Parker for the update: 'The booth is still up and running in good shape! The borders are white and the images are clear with sepia toning. It costs $4 and produces 4 images on a sheet. They unplug the machine 15 mins before closing.' UPDATE 10/2/23: Corinne reports that 'Quimby's no longer has a photobooth. A sign at the front of the store directs visitors to other photobooth locations around the city.' Contributed by Liz, Taylor Anne, Betsy, Andrew Kropp, Parker, Corinne.
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Quimby's Bookstore · Chicago
Quimby's Bookstore
BrokenChicagoB&W
Quimby's Bookstore is listed as broken in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Black and white strips, $3.00 per strip, cash only.
Location & directions
1854 W. North Ave., Chicago, Illinois, United States
41.91072, -87.67477
Telemetry
- Cost
- $3.00per strip
- Hardware
- B&W
- Payment
- Cash Only
- Film
- B&W
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Tariff
| Photo strip | $3.00 |
|---|---|
| Payment | Cash Only |
| Format | B&W |
Listed price · confirm at the machine
Knowledge base
Frequently asked questions about Quimby's Bookstore
Is the photo booth at Quimby's Bookstore still working?
We haven't confirmed it recently. It was listed as running when we added it, but analog booths do go down. Ring the venue first if it's a long trip, and report back either way.
How much is a strip at Quimby's Bookstore, and can I pay by card?
$3.00 for a strip. Cash only — bring coins or small notes.
Is Quimby's Bookstore a real film photo booth or a digital one?
Real film. It's a B&W. Prints are black-and-white, developed with real chemistry inside the machine, so expect to wait a few minutes for the strip to drop.
Do I need to book, or can I just walk up to Quimby's Bookstore?
Just walk up. It's a coin-op booth, not a hire service — no booking, no attendant. If the venue is open, the booth is on.
How many photos do you get at Quimby's Bookstore, and how long does it take?
One strip of four shots in black and white for $3.00. The machine takes the four in quick succession, then develops the strip on the spot — usually three to five minutes before it drops into the slot.
What time can I use the booth at Quimby's Bookstore?
We don't have the hours yet. It's inside the venue, so go during their normal opening times, and check ahead if you're travelling far.
How do I get to Quimby's Bookstore?
It's at 1854 W. North Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Use the map above for transit, walking or driving directions from wherever you are.
Can I get into Quimby's Bookstore with a wheelchair or a pram?
We haven't checked access at this venue. Classic booths have a fixed bench and a curtain, so the booth itself is a tight fit; the venue's own access is the thing to ask them about.
What if the booth at Quimby's Bookstore is out of order when I get there?
It happens — these machines are decades old. Scroll to "Nearest booths" in Chicago for the closest alternative, and tap "Report an issue" so we can flag it for everyone else.
When was Quimby's Bookstore last checked?
Nov 9, 2016, by us. If you've been more recently, mark it visited on this page — that's how we keep listings honest.
About
Quimby's is an independently owned bookstore that specializes in independently published and small press books, comics, and zines. The booth, a Model 21, is located in the northeast corner of the store, near the art and film zines. Using the burgundy curtain instead of the light blue curtain for your background allows a nicer contrast. Famed author and radio commentator Dishwasher Pete is featured in the sample photo. UPDATE 3/1/12: Taylor Anne visited and reported the booth was 'broken and not operating; store did not know when it would be fixed.' UPDATE 12/26/12: Betsy reports 'I visited on 12/26/12 with my boyfriend and the booth worked great. The person working behind the counter had no problem with us just using the booth and not buying anything.' UPDATE 11/9/16: The booth is still going strong as of a visit today, according to Andrew. UPDATE 12/27/20: Thanks to Parker for the update: 'The booth is still up and running in good shape! The borders are white and the images are clear with sepia toning. It costs $4 and produces 4 images on a sheet. They unplug the machine 15 mins before closing.' UPDATE 10/2/23: Corinne reports that 'Quimby's no longer has a photobooth. A sign at the front of the store directs visitors to other photobooth locations around the city.' Contributed by Liz, Taylor Anne, Betsy, Andrew Kropp, Parker, Corinne.
Verification
- Status
- Broken
- Last checked
- Nov 9, 2016
- Source
- photobooth.net
- Classification
- Analog
- Listing updated
- Mar 16, 2026
- Photo signals
- 0
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