Vancouver Camera Swap November 4th

[Tom A]

It is time again! The Vancouver Camera Swap meet at the Croation Cultural Center on Sunday, November 4th,
This is the smaller of the two swaps in Vancouver, about 40 tables. Tends to have a more selective offering of stuff, A bit like a "friends" meeting. Mostly locals.
Showtime 9.30 - 4 pm, early admission 8.30 am.
Still some tables available, check with Tonshi @ 604-681 8419

 

[bugmenot]

Question for you Tom. I've never actually been to one of these swap meets, other than the WCPHA sponsored ones in spring that usually takes place in Coquitlam.

Just out of curiosity, is it common for show attendees to actually bring along a few of their cameras and see if anybody is interested (ie. "swap)?
Or is it merely tables that 40 or so people sell their stuff on? Are there event organizer tables that can evaluate and sell cameras for commission like the spring shows?

Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[nikon_sam]

I don't know how things are done up in Canada but down here there are always Venders that are looking to buy gear...some are looking for specific items and there are others willing to trade too...I've done that at several shows...
If I'm looking for a lens, I'll take the body along to check it out...normally I'll go to a show with a camera or two.

 

[Tom A]

Question for you Tom. I've never actually been to one of these swap meets, other than the WCPHA sponsored ones in spring that usually takes place in Coquitlam.

Just out of curiosity, is it common for show attendees to actually bring along a few of their cameras and see if anybody is interested (ie. "swap)?
Or is it merely tables that 40 or so people sell their stuff on? Are there event organizer tables that can evaluate and sell cameras for commission like the spring shows?

Thanks in advance 🙂

yes, people often bring along things they want to sell or swap. There is a "consignment" table where you can leave stuff too. As for valuations, depends what you are selling or trading. Check E-Bay/Craigs list for current prices, discard the optimists who list too high. My approach is that if you have something in good shape - expect to get 65-75 of the price at a swap (everybody is out for a good deal). If you are buying, as stated, bring a body or lens to try the camera/lens on.
It is usually not a "high end" pricing - truly rare items are doesn't sell at these shows as most deals, if not all, are cash - and few carry bundles of $100 bills.
Also beware of the" I never seen that one before and I need it" syndrome - and if you fall for it, you can always bring it to the next swap and resell.
I just like the atmosphere, the dust from old cameras and meeting with friends - a great way of spending a Sunday morning/afternoon.

 

[bugmenot]

Thank you for your response.

Of course I am aware of what a camera of mine is priced at, but I had seen in the past that the consignment tables preferred to put on their own assumed prices, thus why I asked. 🙂

It seems I must attend this after all ... haha. 😀 Guess my shoulders will hurt afterwards ... probably from a camera bag (or two) that has become heavier, not lighter, after this swap meet. :bang: 😀

 

[kchong]

Thanks for the heads up Tom. Would you happen to know if there would be modern Nikon/Canon gear for sale? I love vintage gear but a friend of mine is a backpack-carrying DSLR shooter and I was wondering if he'd be happy after a 8.30 trek out.

 

[Tom A]

There will probably be some modern stuff too. You never know with these shows what will show up.
In the last couple of shows there has been a fair bit of modern DSLR lenses - but tell your friend to take his camera along to test anything he is interested in.

 

[kchong]

Thanks Tom! Hope to see you there.