Every so often, I see an advertisement for the Cincinnati Camera Show.  My sense is that it comes to Cincy once or twice a year – I caught it on March 22nd, 2025.  Apparently they go to about five other cities.  The West Chester Hilton Garden Inn location is only about a 20 minute drive for me, and as it turns out there was a Cars & Coffee event down that way that I was interested in on the same day.  So I decided to check out the camera show.

Right up until the point that I walked in the show I really didn’t know what to expect.  The show’s website has precious little information, but I wasn’t expecting much.  If the show had a good story, they’d tell it on their website.

Registration and ticket sales are handled through Eventbrite.  But when my turn in line came up to check in, did the scan the ticket  QR code on my phone?  No.  The old woman behind the table who spoke broken English found my name on a printed list and waved me inside.

Once inside, I was immediately struck by how small the show was.  There were no more than 20 tables in the too small room.

The show advertised two “free merchandise” tables that are restocked every hour.  As you might imagine, there was nothing on these tables that you’d want.  The term “ash and trash” comes to mind.

The inventory on the dealer tables was 95% vintage film cameras.  And from what I observed, at 55 years old I was among the youngest in the room on either side of the tables.

At one of the tables, I spotted a Canon Canonet QL17 GIII range finder camera.  Curious, I asked if the functionality had been tested?  As it turns, none of the vintage cameras on his table functioned.  The dealer told me they’re “for parts.”

The next table was of modest interest – a table full of vintage Leica film cameras.

M2’s, M4’s, and even a couple of M6’s.  It was interesting seeing these because I’ve never had the opportunity to handle a Leica before – digital or otherwise.

I saw a handful of digital cameras – mostly old point and shoot models.  I saw what looked like an older Canon DSLR, and even a Sony a7 III.  And perhaps the most ironic part of the show?  I walked the entire show with what is the most desirable camera on the market today around my neck – the Fujifilm X100VI.  Several of the tables had signs advertising the fact that they “pay cash for cameras and lenses.”  How many dealers asked me if I’d sell my X100VI?  None.  Zilch.  Nada.  Not that I would have sold it…I just found it fascinating that not one dealer tried to buy a camera that is sold out everywhere.

I stayed maybe 15 minutes and left.  Am I saying this show was bad and should avoided?  Not necessarily.  I do think the show promoters should do a better job.  A better job attracting dealers/vendors.  A better job showing what attendees can expect as their shows.  Give us a better show.

Have you ever attended one of these camera shows?  Tell us your experience in the comments.