Here it comes again!

[Whiteymorange]

The PHSNE Photographica Show and Sale

The number of dealers has definitely dropped some in the six or seven years I've been attending, but so have the number of people shooting film, and it's still the best place to find lots of bargains, a large room filled with people who know, fix, buy and sell cameras and lots of good conversation. I'll be there early Saturday and late Sunday (my real job has claimed the other hours) but I hope to see a few of you there.

My last Photographica show bargain? Three monorails for my Cambo 401 4x5, allowing me to mount it on its original, 26" extension, at 18" or in wide angle 12" mode. $10. Oh, and a Mamiya c220 for $10 as well. I could have had the whole, large box of 220/330 bodies (some pretty rough) for $60- maybe 30 of them. There were LF woodies, graphite field cameras, enlargers, toy cameras, images, collectibles, tripods, really fine lens and shutters and tables and tables and tables of 35 and medium format cameras. Prices are not like the yard sale special you dream of, for the most part, but usually a lot lower than you would find in most places, and the dealers are pretty solid players in the used camera market - approachable, reasonable and likely to be around for awhile. I know that I have never been disappointed by any dealer's honesty or willingness to bargain.

If you're in the area and don't come to this show, you've lost an opportunity.

 

[SuzanneR]

Rats... I'll be out of town...

 

[markland]

Thanks for the head's up. I think I'll make it over. There's such a premium for the early bird though, is all the action pre-9AM?

-Mark

 

[Whiteymorange]

A lot of what happens pre-9AM is dealers looking over the other dealer's stock, buying what they want and re-selling it with a mark-up. The best deals are found then, of course, for the small things. Large items are best bought at the end of the show, when the dealers don't want to pack the thing up and take it home. At closing time on Sunday, $50 sounds pretty good for that bulky item marked $200 all weekend.

You take your chances, though. If it was that great a deal, it will have gone by that time. Honestly, the range of items available make the show worthwhile at just about any time. I go in helping a dealer, so I don't pay the admission cost. Mostly I buy things I find throughout the day when I can take a break from the table where I help Dick Welch. There hasn't been any special moment for me in buying before the crowds show up.

 

[AshenLight]

I'll be there for sure, at least early on Saturday. Last year I got a recently CLA'd IIIc and Summitar for an extremely reasonable price late Sunday afternoon from Rodger DiGilio. He's an incredibly nice gentleman with a nice stock of Leica, large format and stereoscopic equipment.

Ash

 

[swensonorama]

since i dusted off my Pentax ME Super a couple weeks back and replaced the light seals i've been a little eager to get this. i even slapped the "got film?" sticker i bought last fall on the back of my car!

if you see a guy wandering around wearing a White House News Photographers Assoc. hat, introduce yourself i'll be there early sat.

 

[LizzBartlett]

Mmmmmm....I wonder if there will be any lenses for our new Bronica. It might be worth the visit.

IBBY!
Lizz

 

[Jim McD]

There are deals to be had all weekend-don't worry about getting there for the earlybird. Take your time, look carefully because there are great deals for "our stuff".

I'm there all weekend as the assistan show manager, so say "hello" and enjoy

 

[winger]

I wish I could make it! I'd love to see if there's a speed graphic or similar just waiting for a new user. Not that I need another camera. Really, I don't. But the press cameras just intrigue me and I wonder if I could handhold one.

 

[Moopheus]

Every time this comes up I am in a period where I should really just Not be spending more money on photo gear. Poo. Why can't they schedule it for when I have some extra cash to spend?

 

[Irrev.Rev.]

Whitey!

Thanks for the 'heads-up' but once again I'll be stuck at one of those meetings that will keep me in NH until about 3PM on Saturday, and it looks like a 45 mile run from there to Wakefield. Sunday, ...well, you know!

I think I need a different job!!

John

 

[Ektagraphic]

I'll be there. How big is this?

 

[Whiteymorange]

Whitey!

Thanks for the 'heads-up' but once again I'll be stuck at one of those meetings that will keep me in NH until about 3PM on Saturday, and it looks like a 45 mile run from there to Wakefield. Sunday, ...well, you know!

I think I need a different job!!

John

Well, John. You know what they say about doing the Lord's work: your boss is somewhat distant and he/she expects you to work on Sunday.

 

[Jim McD]

I'll be there. How big is this?

as of right now, there are about 100 8' tables sold. One of the great things about this show is that you never know who/what will show up.

 

[eddie gunks]

i will be there both days. say hello if you see me. i have a long goatie beard and on sat i will try and where my "got film" t shirt. maybe on sunday i will wear my APUG shirt. be sure to say hello.

eddie

 

[Ektagraphic]

I don't think I can make it. I will make plans far ahead next year!

 

[AshenLight]

Foolish dealers

I went to the show today with the express purpose of buying a Hassy, an 80mm and/or 120mm lens and two A12 backs. The first dealer I approached had most of what I wanted but would not accept a check. After dealing with one of the sales people, the compromise was that I would go to an ATM, get half the money and pay the rest by check with multiple forms of ID. The owner of the company decided that that wasn't acceptable to him and made his point known in a very negative way. After thanking the sales people for their time, I was able to find a dealer that had exactly what I was looking for a bit less with a warantee for the camera body and lens and a couple of filters for the lens I purchased.
To make a long story short, not only was the owner of the first dealership an absolute *^&hole, but he was a stupid *^&hole as well since he may not have noticed, but he wasn't the only dealer in the building. I can't for the life of me understand why a business person would be such a putz in the current economic climate.

Ash

 

[removed account4]

wish i could go ...
the last times i got some
good stuff cheap
and the first time i went (1988)
i got a 4x5 manhatten wizard,
in mint condition, with a bunch of plate holders
AND a vintage 8x10 paper box filled with magic lantern slides.
i found a decent home for the slides, and basically got the camera for free

i love that show!

 

[Whiteymorange]

To make a long story short, not only was the owner of the first dealership an absolute *^&hole, but he was a stupid *^&hole as well since he may not have noticed, but he wasn't the only dealer in the building.

Yup. There are a few of those, but I've been impressed that most of the photo dealers I meet are just trying to keep it alive. I won't mention him here, but I bet I can picture the first guy you dealt with.

I had to run out early today but it was great to see Eddy Gunks there. Shame he has all that extra equipment... I bet he ends up buying some more while he's here though. He didn't seem to be going cold turkey on the G.A.S.

Anybody in tomorrow, stop by table 14, 15 and 16. I'll be there most of the day.

 

[bdial]

I had a great time, met some great people, bought a few pounds of lenses, that just couldn't be passed up. Plus some useful stuff too!

 

[papagene]

Ya - why doncha all jus rub it in! Couldn't make it there today and tomorrow I will be in Vermont for the World Pinhole event at the VCP - Barry, see ya tomorrow around 10:00 am.
Maybe next time there won't be so many things happening at the same time.
I expect to see all your new toys at the next gathering.

gene

 

[papagene]

PS... AHHHHH! Feel much better now... chocolate ice cream!

gene

 

[bdial]

It's a scientific fact that ice cream is an excellent anti-depressant.
At least IMHO.

 

[eddie gunks]

Yup. There are a few of those, but I've been impressed that most of the photo dealers I meet are just trying to keep it alive. I won't mention him here, but I bet I can picture the first guy you dealt with.

I had to run out early today but it was great to see Eddie Gunks there. Shame he has all that extra equipment... I bet he ends up buying some more while he's here though. He didn't seem to be going cold turkey on the G.A.S.

Anybody in tomorrow, stop by table 14, 15 and 16. I'll be there most of the day.

yup! i think i know the grumpy dealer as well......

funny, i sold a few lenses and then bought a few others! DOH! not sure if i am making headway or not.....

great time though. i met several wet plate photography people....and a famous couple of wet plate teachers from rochester ny.

spent most of my time talking about photography....

 

[Ektagraphic]

How did it go?