Camera fair in Bievres, France -- advice needed

[Trask]

I'm planning on going to the Bievres camera fair this weekend, for the first time. I've always read about people digging through sales tables at 5 AM in the morning, but when I look at the website (http://www.foirephoto-bievre.com) I see that the camera-selling part begins on Saturday at 2 PM. By that measure, I'd think that all the best stuff would have been sold by Sunday.

Or maybe all the best dealers show up only on Sunday? Does anyone have hands-on experience at Bievres -- should I go Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning?

Also, I can go by RER or drive down -- as the RER can be a bit rough, driving appears to offer a bit more safety, but perhaps parking is a hassle?

Any advice/thoughts very much appreciated.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Ask the people who know. Try here: http://www.galerie-photo.info/forum/list.php?f=3

Or here: http://www.collection-appareils.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=64&sid=f082c7acecd583d3caa3e21bcb956bd3

 

[Guillaume Zuili]

You really need to go there early when they show up and install their stands. It's better to drive there with coffee in thermos and handlight. Don't forget the cash...
It can be pricey but you never know. A lot of people come to sell and many don't know what's all about. One of my friend bought a Focomat 1C for 100 francs (at that time) from a guy, travelled with it to his stand 50 meters away and sold it for a very good price minutes later. The poor guy was still there and so upset.
Have not been there for a long time, don't know how it is now with the digital onslaugh...

 

[Roger Hicks]

You really need to go there early when they show up and install their stands.

I'll second this -- though there's still plenty of stuff there on Sunday. Last time I was there (2005, about my 3rd or 4th time in 15 years) the bargains went FAST. Not that there are many bargains, unless you are lucky: prices are high (which is why I didn't go last year and won't go this year).

Cheers,

Roger

 

[Trask]

Thanks. I've got to go, having heard about it for so many years. Since I'm often looking for unusual things that others aren't, I sometimes find items I'm looking for even if I don't get there early. Since I can't easily get to the big shop in November in Holland, I'll try this one out this year.