How to Buy and Sell Used Cameras and Lenses: A Beginner's Guide
- Caitlin Reid
- Jun 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
If you’re a budding photographer or videographer, entering a camera store that buys and sells used gear can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Knowing what to look for and what to avoid can help you score great deals on high-quality equipment.
Let’s dive into the essentials!
Key Considerations When Buying Used Cameras and Lenses
1. Camera Shutter Count
Think of the shutter count like the mileage on a car. It's the number of times the shutter has been activated. A lower shutter count usually indicates less wear and tear. A camera with a high shutter count might still work fine, but it’s good to know how much life it has left.
Learn more about shutter count and how to find the shutter count on your camera at How to FIND your camera's Shutter Count and why it matters
2. Check for Optical Issues on Lenses
Inspect the lens carefully:
No Haze, Fungus, or Separation of the Elements: These can seriously impact image quality and are costly to repair. Shine a flashlight through the front and back elements, looking in both directions from the front and the back, with the aperture wide open and see if you spot any issues. Video: Comparing a Lens with Fungus to One Without Video: Fungus in cameras and lenses. What is it and how to avoid.
No Scratches or Dings: Minor exterior wear is acceptable, but the glass elements should be pristine.
Snappy Aperture Blades with No Oil: The aperture should open and close quickly without any sluggishness, and there shouldn’t be any oil on the blades. Video: Angry Photographer: Oil on your aperture blades, why it ruins shots, and how to remove it
Watch this video to learn How does lens damage affect image quality? (Dust, water, fingerprints and scratches)
3. Signs of Wear
Some wear and tear are expected and can lower the price, which is great if the camera is still fully operational. Look for:
No Visible Damage: Avoid cameras and lenses with significant dings, cracks, or cameras and accessories with corroded battery compartments.
Smooth Focus and Autofocus on Lenses: Ensure the lens focuses smoothly without any grinding or sticking. Also check that the autofocus works by testing the lens on a compatible camera. Bring your camera with you to test, unless you know a compatible camera will be available.
Clean Camera Sensor: A clean sensor is vital for image quality. Check for dust or scratches.
Learn How To SAFELY Clean Your Camera Sensor & Lens with this video
4. Accessories
Check what comes with the camera:
Charger, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Straps: These add value and are sometimes necessary for proper usage.
Original Packaging and Case: Not essential but nice to have, especially if you plan to resell in the future.
5. Interior Mechanism
Ensure the interior of the camera is clean and well-maintained. A dirty or damaged interior can affect performance and longevity.
Additional Checks for Film Cameras
If you’re venturing into film photography, pay attention to:
Clean Viewfinder: Ensure there’s no dirt or mold obstructing your view.
Functional Shutter at All Speeds: Test the shutter to make sure it fires correctly at all speed settings.
Operational Controls: Check that all dials and buttons work smoothly and accurately.
Selling Your Used Gear
When you’re ready to sell, the same principles apply but in reverse. Clean your gear, check for and fix any issues, and be honest about the condition. Highlight accessories and provide a fair shutter count. This transparency builds trust and helps you get a good price.
Know What You're Offering
Identifying the lens specifications is crucial when selling a used lens because it provides potential buyers with essential details about the lens's capabilities and compatibility, such as focal length, maximum aperture, and mount type. This information helps buyers understand if the lens meets their needs and is compatible with their camera.
Sellers can find these specifications by checking the markings on the lens barrel and the camera mount, which typically include the brand, focal length, aperture range, and other identifying information. Accurately listing these specifications ensures a smooth transaction and builds trust with buyers that you know what you're selling and are offering a fair price.
Ensure a Fair Price
To ensure you receive a fair price when selling used cameras and equipment, start by researching the current market value of your gear on reputable websites and forums, such as Adorama, B&H Photo, and eBay.
Clean your equipment thoroughly and if you can, address any minor repairs.
If you bring your camera and gear to a camera store, don't expect to get the full value you find online. I've seen practices of offering at most 50% of the value the item can sell for, to ensure the camera store has adequate margins to turn a profit on the deal.
Camera stores will likely only offer 50% of the value of your gear, to protect their profits. You make the most money selling gear online yourself, though it takes more effort, and you take on the risk alongside the reward
Selling Cameras Online
You can make a lot more money selling your camera equipment online, but you take on the effort and risks for yourself. However, if you'd rather not give up 50% or more of the value of your treasured gear, it might be worth your time.
If you're selling online, take clear, detailed photos showing all aspects of the items, including any signs of wear. Provide accurate descriptions, including the shutter count, any included accessories, and the overall condition, in addition to the lens specifications.
Be transparent about any flaws. Finally, consider selling through platforms known for fair dealings and offering buyer protection, or visiting a trusted camera store for an appraisal to share with potential buyers.
Watch to learn The Best (and Worst) Ways To Clean Camera Lenses
What to Expect in a Camera Store
Walking into a store that buys and sells used gear, you’ll find a wide range of cameras and lenses, from vintage classics to new and near-new models. Staff can help guide you, answer your questions, and let you test out equipment.
Stores often have a return policy and warranty for used items, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
If you're feeling intimidated, rest assured that camera store employees regularly speak with people at all skill and experience levels, and they are well-prepared to help learn and guide you to what you're looking for.
You don't need to fear you're walking into an awkward situation - most love sharing what they know and helping beginners enter the field!
On the off chance you run into a "camera snob," remember you always have the right to leave or ask for another clerk if you feel you aren't communicating well with the current one. This can be done with grace, including asking if there is someone better suited to answering beginner questions - just don't sit and take it; cameras are supposed to be fun!
Key Takeaways
When buying or selling used cameras and lenses, prioritize checking the shutter count, optical clarity, mechanical condition, signs of wear, and included accessories. For film cameras, ensure functional operation across all settings. Research market prices, accurately list specifications, and utilize trusted platforms to ensure fair transactions.
By paying attention to these details, both buyers and sellers can confidently navigate the used camera market, making informed decisions and achieving fair outcomes.
Buying and selling used cameras and lenses can be a great way to get quality gear at a lower price. By knowing what to look for, you can find equipment that suits your needs and budget.
Happy shooting!
Be sure to check out the rest of the series Choose the Best Lens for Your Project - more articles are being added all the time!
Check out the rest of the Choose the Best Lens for Your Project series
Focal Length: Next Steps to Greater Understanding
How Perspective, Relative Distance, and Distortion Change What the Camera Sees
Focusing a Lens: What You Might Not Already Know
Handy Tip to Remember How to Adjust Your Aperture for Depth of Field
Camera Sensor Fundamentals
Selecting the Right Lens for Your Sensor Format
Image Circles: What Does That Mean, and Why Should I Care?
How to Buy and Sell Used Cameras and Lenses: A Beginner's Guide
And more are coming!
What kind of experiences have you had in a camera shop, or buying and selling used gear online? Let us know in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
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