At This Photo Show, New Equipment Is Unwelcome

If it’s the unusual that fascinates you, save the weekend of Nov. 12-13 for the Photographic Collectibles show at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Sponsored by the Western Photographic Collectors Assn., the show will feature a wide range of used, antique and classic camera equipment, including old photographic images and stereo views.

There will be no new equipment on display--something that separates this show from most others--so it should be a great place to take a tour through photographic history and perhaps find a conversation piece for your coffee table or bookcase.

It’s also a good place to find out the value of one of your old cameras. The sponsors encourage visitors to bring their own collectibles for possible sale. However, business being business, we suggest you get price quotes from several tables to get the best deal possible.

In many cases the box and the instructions the camera came with are worth more than the camera. But who keeps the box your Kodak Brownie came in?

And age doesn’t necessarily mean increased value. Take the Kodak 3A camera.

“Everyone’s grandmother had one,” show manager Ralph Barmore said. “They were not particularly outstanding when they were new, and they are very common. Consequently, they’re not worth much now. In the 1920s they sold for $15 to $20, more than they’re worth today.”

Tables for selling equipment (there should be about 140 of them) for the two days are still available for $60, plus $15 for membership in WPCA. About 1,500 people will visit the fall show.

Besides the locals, Barmore said people will be coming from all over the country and even Japan. This will be the second time the show has been held at the fairgrounds. Previous shows where held in Pasadena and Riverside.

This year’s show will have a special exhibit called “Magic Shadow,” which uses antique projectors and lantern slides--equipment that predates movie projectors.

The show will be open Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be in Building 14. The cost is $4, with discounts available to students and senior citizens.