Camera Fairs - Are they a thing of the past?

I remember my grandad taking me to a camera fair when I was about 7 years old...It was in the Manchester area and was a huge event (as I remember) he was (my grandad) quite excited about it...

I googled 'Camera Fairs UK' and didn't get to much - a couple of forum conversations about them not being as good as they used to be - Avoid Leeds (which in my case is unfortunate) - Wolverhampton is the biggest in the UK (although its website is truly sh*t...)

Are camera fairs a thing of the past, can deals still be found at them, or are they really (as some say) a bit gloomy and full of grumpy old farts with a wish to rip yo off???

Finally... If there is one in your area... How do you find out when it's on?!?! They appear to be a closely guarded secret

There are adverts in Amateur Photographer for camera fairs. I don't think I'd be too keen to buy anything digital from such an event, but for classic cameras and accessories they could be a good source of supply.

However, after you've been a few times it gets pretty much the same stuff being recycled, plus a growing tendency for sellers to have an inflated view on values.

Focus on Imaging in March (Birmingham NEC)
http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/

Unfortunately, looks like Pentax is a no-show for this year. Shouldn't be a problem considering they were just bought by Ricoh, Canon wasn't there last year.

Yes, I think they are a thing of the past. These big ones take all the fun away from the smaller ones.

That's not a camera fair. The OP meant places where small traders and individuals go to sell stuff, often used.

G

I think I might go to Wolvo's next fair (Feb 5th). I won't take my camera though, my lenses might 'catch fungus' from all the ancient dusty glass on sale! If it is full of grumpy old farts... well I'd probably rather that than the over-eager sales reps at something like Focus on Imaging

I didn't mean that, no... However... That might be fun... Are decent discounts really availible from big trade shows like this?

OK, you meant a trade show, the purpose of which is for manufacturers to show off their products. A fair is an occasion to sell things.

G

For those who like to reminisce, I remember very fondly the magnificent Eric Fishwick shows, held at Haydock.

Well, you really learn something new every day!

i was about to ask about camera fairs, i've never been to one and i don't think there is one anywhere near where i live (Glasgow)

A few dates for different regions I'm pretty sure a google may well find dates for other fairs.

http://www.wolverhamptoncamerafair.co.uk/


http://www.fromewessexcameraclub.co.uk/pages/camera-fair.php


http://www.mppusers.com/camerafair/

Re - CAMERA FAIRS.
There are quite a few in the uk if you know where to look. Theres one near Leeds which is held quite regularly its at boston spa village hall and when iv been theres always a good friendly atmosphere and plenty of camera and lenses, the stallholders have been very approachable and helpful, approximately 25-30tables and seem to be alot of people there. Theres also one at Derby, its small but its quite busy and i had to queue briefly to get in. Wolverhampton is quite a big fair. And then the big camera fair in london thats held once a year but ofcourse the people who know about the other uk fair will know where and when this fair is!!! I would just like to add the footfall of all the fairs iv attended sometimes are busy sometimes not so busy, Iv had some good bargains and also sold on my unwanted items. So i dont think its very fair to put these camera fairs down. SO WHY SOME PEOPLE SAY AVOID LEEDS???!!! nOT FULL OF BORING FARTS AT ALL. give THE LEEDS ONE a try. CHECK OUT camerafayre.co.uk

Hi and welcome to the forums. Don't think we've met but good to know we've just doubled our Scarborough contingent here! As you may have gathered they're a pretty friendly bunch on here from all around the world. Unusual in picking up on an old thread for your first post rather then a current one.

I've been to the Boston Spa fair a couple of times. It's good if looking for something like an odd filter and there a bargains to be had there. I bought a Tamron Adaptall 2 105mm with an A mount for just effectively the normal going rate for the mount alone.

Regards,
John

Hi (John)thanks for the welcome message. Re the old thread was just rather annoyed at someone dissing camera fairs, as i love them. They are full of interesting people from young to old, iv noticed this year that there are alot of new faces coming to the fairs i attend and its not only an opportunity for people to sell there unwanted equipment but you can part exchange items and buy new and used in good condition. they are also becoming a bit of a social gathering. If you been to Boston spa fair then you should know me, im there everytime. NEXT FAIR AT BOSTON SPA nr LEEDS ON 8TH JULY 2012 AT THE VILLAGE HALL. We are going to photographica fair in London this weekend, its a very large fair and people come from all over world, its great to know that photography is a world wide interested theres just so many options to choose from camera and lenses wise, far too many, lol. Regards scarborough-girl

A camera fair is a superb place to immerse in a mass of photographica from all eras. Soem bargains to be had, many things are not, but I've picked up quite a few interesting oddments from time to time.

It's a while since i've been to a fair, so I may well do so in the near future.