Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/03/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Attended the Ft. Washington (PA) camera show today. It was just fascinating. First, there were very few dealers present, only about a dozen, down from about 20-30 from shows past. On the other hand, it attracted the largest crowd I've seen since the pre-'bay days-the entry line was snaking down the hall during the setup period. Most of those attending were trying to sell equipment, and once inside the show queued up at the dealer tables who were buying. It indicates a few things to me: 1. The economy must really stink, since so many photographers are now unloading lots and lots of equipment for cash. 2. The realization that digital had finally driven a stake through analog's heart-and now it's time to bite the bullet and sell the 'blads and Rolleis. 3. A smart dealer could have a field day, if he/she knew what could be sold quickly for more coin. There was no shortage of supply. I wandered around with my Canon Vt and Schneider 35 Xenon outfit around my neck, mainly to start conversations. Virtually every dealer asked me if it was for sale-I replied that everything's for sale, but if I didn't get back my investment in the two pieces I'd happily keep shooting. One dealer insisted that I show him the camera and lens. I did, and he returned the lens (with some disgust) saying, "I can't buy this lens-it has wipe marks!" I noted the same point could be made about him as well. Jim Shulman Wynnewood, PA