Camera Show Grapevine

[mjfalk]

Has anyone been there in a while? I was there about 5 years ago. Are they still worth going to?

[JohnT]

I've never been, but a friend of mine went many years ago and traded a Nikon camera and two Nikkor lenses for a Contax camera and a 50mm CZ lens. He still isn't sure if that was a good deal because he doesn't know a whole lot about camera and lens values.

[Darkman]

The wife and I went today. Left empty handed, but just barely. I walked away from a camera to "think about it" and it was gone two minutes later.

The show was about 25/75 split between new (or lightly used) equipment and old collector stuff. Some tables where 100% 35mm with stacks of old camera bodies and manual lenses. A couple of tables were 100% new stuff, XTI, D20/30, modern IS glass. There was some studio stuff (backgrounds, stands, strobes). But the biggest thing for a noob like me was the friendliness and helpfulness of the people working the tables. Easily worth $5.

[toverman]

I went last year, but didn't buy anything.

[bgprest]

I've gone to most of these camera shows (there used to be a regular one held in Mesquite as well) for the last 20 years but didn't make it to the one this past weekend. Overall, they continue to dwindle down in size due to three main reasons: Ebay, dealers getting older and retiring, and the advent of digital. They're still worth going to but unfortunately not near what they used to be.

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by bgprest

They're still worth going to but unfortunately not near what they used to be.

Same here, Brian. There were 6 of these a year in the Metroplex: 2 in Mesquite, 2 in Ft. Worth, and 2 in Grapevine IIRC. The ones in Ft. Worth and Mesquite were in rooms physically 3-4 times the size of the place in Grapevine, and much more densely packed. Each time I go now, I think it might be the last time I bother. But then, I came home with a Pelican case for $12.

I know the weather had something to do with it, but the saddest thing about this time (and I went on Sunday) was not the fewer dealers, but the buyers were way down!

[Colyn]

I was somewhat disappointed in this show. Most dealers wouldn't even trade or deal and there wasn't much there...

[GypsyHighSide]

I went on Saturday around noon time. It seemed like they had a good crowd. I didn't find any cameras or gear that I was looking for. Only came away with a couple of books. I like going to these things, you never know what you will find.

Rob

[mcf0807]

I went Sunday for the first time and but did buy a couple of posing stands and a backdrop. While looking around I did see an old Minolta 7000 that did bring back some good memories.

[RogerRdaltx]

I wish I had known about this. Have not been to a local camera show and would like to have gone just to check it out. Is there a calendar somewhere for similar events? Didn't have much luck googling "Grapevine tx camera show" for details.

Thanks
/Roger

[Roy]

I think this is it Roger.
http://www.donsphotoequipment.com/

[mcf0807]

I believe there is another grapevine camera show on Jan. 31 - Feb. 1 2009

[RogerRdaltx]

Wow, what prompt replies! ... I need to stop spending all my spare time on photo.net and hang around here a bit more often ;)

I'll add the January shows to my calendar.

Thanks again!
/R