Buying used camera gear doesn’t necessarily mean using kit as outdated as the camera seen in the pic, however, there are many reasons why you would want to buy used camera gear as opposed to buying new stuff. Just because someone else owned the camera it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been misused, made defective or even abused. Here are some of the things that you need to consider and be on the lookout for when you are purchasing a used camera or its accessories.
Get the Basics right:
As with every other purchase, you must know the answers to the 5 ‘W’s- who, where, what, when and why.
- Find out everything you know about whom you are buying the camera from. Find if s/he is trustable before you give the go sign.
- The where question has plenty of answers like online forums, thrift stores and flea markets as some examples of where to buy the used camera gear.
- Decide on the type of camera you are planning on getting. Browse the web for the features and see which camera will best suit your purpose before settling on a particular model. Also have 2 to 3 options to choose from rather than a single pick to widen the chances of getting a good used camera soon.
- Depending on the type of camera you are looking for, the ‘when’ factor varies. If the demand for the model is more, then you will have a hard time finding one for sale within a week. Similarly, if it is an old model, chances are there are plenty available right now!
- Know why you need a camera. Is it your profession or simply a hobby or time pass to take snaps? You can decide the amount you want to spend on it accordingly.
Inspecting the Camera:
Once you get to see the camera, the outer appearance doesn’t always speak for how it works and its current condition. Here are some tips to check if the camera in your hand is as good as it looks.
- The first thing you have to do after deciding the camera is asking for more pictures of the camera. A good listing of the camera will be clear pictures of the different part of the camera in close-up, including the lens optics, focus ring, mounts, electrical contacts and aperture.
- When meeting with the buyer, choose a place that is well-lit so that you can test out the camera.
- Inspection of the body is the first choice after you get the camera in hand. Check if the camera has been over-used. You can tell this by looking at the camera straps, scratches and dents in the body.
- Make a thorough examination of the lens for scratches, fungus, dust and dirt. Also make sure that the mount hasn’t suffered any damages.
- Finally, check the sensor and pixel quality of the camera.
So, to answer the question, you should buy used camera gear if what you want is professional equipment that won’t entirely break the bank. However, it should only be done when the steps above are all observed and you can buy with the confidence of knowing that what you have isn’t moments from checking out.
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