About Us

The Chicago Photographic Collectors Society was founded in 1971 and chartered by the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit organization. It was started by a group of photo image and antique camera collectors, who wished to share and enhance their knowledge of the history of photography, with others with similar interests. More than 3 decades later, it has grown to be one of the most respected groups of its kind, with members covering North America, Asia and Europe.

Through the monthly meetings, it’s web site, the newsletter and by the periodic articles and monographs on the Internet, it has shared knowledge and the exchange of ideas regarding the collection and preservation of photographica with other collectors and the general public.

A cased Daguerreotype

With this in mind, the Society in observance of its 25th Anniversary, provided the funding for the Cased Images Preservation and Access Project at the Chicago Historical Society, (now the Chicago History Museum), nearing completion. These are one of a kind historic images and would have been lost forever due to chemical deterioration. They will now be accessible to the public for research. More recently, in 1991 the Society helped defray some of the cost of acquisition by the Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda, Illinois of an Amet Magniscope projector (ca 1895), one of eight known to exist at the time, considered by some as the first practical 35mm moving picture projector and now on permanent interactive display at the Museum. It was invented by Edward H. Amet (1860-1948) of Waukegan, Illinois

The highlight of the Society activities is the semi-annual International Camera and Image Trade Shows, sponsored by CPCS since its founding in 1971. The Spring and Fall Shows, held continually since 1971, draw dealers and collectors from around the world. One can see thousands of antique, collect-able, contemporary and digital cameras, images and photo equipment, for sale, trade or to buy. A free camera clinic service is available to check out your camera on electronic test equipment to see if it is in good working order.

Monthly Meetings

If you wish to attend one of our meetings, the Society meets monthly.  Meetings are currently held on the third Tuesday of the Month at 7:30 PM., excluding December, January and February at:

Ridgeview Grill
Private Dining Room
827 Ridge Road
Wilmette, Illinois
(At the corner of Ridge Road and Lake Ave.)
 July, 2008
No meeting
See you at the August meeting

If you plan on eating dinner at the Ridgeview Grill before the meeting, please finish your meal before you enter the meeting room.