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Flagships you can afford! Always dreamed of owning a top-of-the-range cinema cam? Now you can – if you buy from used gear specialist MPB
M ost filmmakers would love to own a brand-new, box- fresh, top-of-the-range cinema camera, packed with cutting-edge technology. But these marvels of engineering are so cripplingly expensive that even if they could fuel your creativity, they are often financially out of reach. However, savvy professionals know that you can get your hands on one of these holy grail cameras and save a huge amount of dough. Buying a used flagship model is a more sustainable choice, and these crown jewel options are built to take professional punishment and will last many years. It’s surprising how many current-model dream cameras are on the market, though if you go for a previous-generation model massive savings can be made. In the past, buying used has often been lots of hassle and potentially damaging to your mental and physical health as well as your reputation. Scammers, fake online accounts, even well-meaning private sellers could flog you a lemon with no comeback. It’s not worth the risk.
So it makes sense to go with a reputable dealer that specialises in used cameras and has a team of expert staff to check all kit. Claiming bases in the UK, Germany and USA, the leader in used video and stills kit is MPB, with a slick website where you can not only buy a range of fully tested and guaranteed gear, but also sell your old kit. MPB has one of the biggest stocks of used equipment, loaded with the latest firmware and a six-month guarantee. It’s usually around 30% cheaper than new. There’s always a huge stock of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses and accessories. But MPB has an increasingly large range of cinema cameras from the likes of Arri, Canon, Red, Sony, Blackmagic and Panasonic. And there are photos of the exact kit that’s up for sale, with a detailed description of condition. When we checked the UK site, a variety of video cameras and drones were up for sale, including an Arri Alexa Mini with viewfinder, EF and PL lens mounts and a V-Lock battery plate: all at a huge saving, less than half its price when new. It’s an “If that is a bit pricey, Red is close to rivalling Arri for kudos, and MPB has an impressive stock of the California-made cameras that pioneered use of Raw footage”
BOXING CLEVER MPB has an Arri Alexa Mini in stock used at a huge saving compared to new expense at £26,139, but still a big bargain for high-end production companies to buy into the brand that’s won more Academy Awards than any other in recent years. The Alexa Mini can record 4K UHD ProRes images, ArriRaw 2.8K or ProRes 3.2K from a sensor that is famed for its amazing colour science, natural skin tones and high dynamic range. If that price is understandably a bit spicy for you, then Red is close to rivalling Arri for kudos, and MPB has a very impressive stock of the California-made cameras that pioneered use of Raw footage. There are currently 28 used Red cameras on the UK MPB site, many featuring usually expensive accessories, all offering a serious saving over new. This includes a Monstro 8K VV, the most expensive in stock at £13,579, plus three Weapon Helium 8Ks, a Helium 8K S35, four Gemini 5K S35s and a rare Helium 8K S35 Monochrome. Add to this older-generation Red cameras like
HIGH FIDELITY A 12K Blackmagic is shockingly affordable
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