After last year’s cancellation and this year’s postponement, the popular Bièvres Photo Fair will now take place on September 11 and 12. Organised as usual by the Paris Val-de-Bièvre Photo Club, the event has the full support of the town of Bièvres, which lies some 25 km southwest of Paris, not far from Versailles. The fair is traditionally held in the first week of June and this year’s September date will be an exception.
The organisers say that the fair has always been known for its second hand and antique photography market, which continues to be one of its main assets. This year, they expect some 150 exhibitors. You can find almost anything photographic at this market: exceptional items from the 19th century, vintage or more recent; articles that are no longer produced commercially; everything from magic lanterns to digital reflex cameras and accessories.
In addition, cinematographers will find movie cameras, projectors, posters and movie stills. There will also be collections of old photographs, books, equipment and accessories (photo paper, films, flash attachments, tripods and monopods, lenses, enlargers, and more).
Bièvres is a magnet for collectors and dealers throughout Europe and, in recent years, has been attracting more buyers from the Far East. Normally there would be many dealers from the UK, although the ongoing travel restrictions might cause some to skip this year’s event.
Further press information can be obtained from Anne Quémy, email anne.quemy@orange.fr
Toulouse fair
Earlier in September, on Sunday the fifth, there will be another opportunity to seek old camera bargains. The 12th Bourse Photographique de Villeneuve Tolosane (16 km outside Toulouse) offers a similar list of early equipment and more modern classics to Bièvres but without the international attention enjoyed by the Paris event. As such, bargains could be easier to find. Further details on the website or by email contact with Jean-Barnard Lopez, jp.lopez@free.fr
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I foresee an Evans extended holiday to take in both events without blinking an eye – and also to get out of Blighty for a little while.
I must confess that is mightily optimistic of all involved given that so far this virus has continually outwitted some of the planets most intelligent people of our species. You know where I work, and I cannot predict if my early August adventure is safe or not – yet. I am hopeful, but nervous in the same breath.
Your crystal ball is clouded, Dave. I have no plans to visit France in the near future. I’m not budging as long as there are tests abs quarantine to contend with. It just isn’t worth the candle.
I will send it back to Leica for recalibration, the rangefinder is clearly out of alignment.
Oddly, I just do not blame you for now.