BUYING SMART
SHOP SMART Dreaming of splashing out on top-notch lenses? It pays to shop around and go used
B&H and KEH in the US, have lots of used kit for sale. So you can go into the store and get hands-on with the actual item. The current leader of the used kit market is the trading platform MPB, where you can both buy kit and also sell your old gear to help fund your purchase. It has bases in the UK, US and Europe, and offers a worry-free way of selling your equipment without the hassle and risk of private buyers. It’s online only, so the first time you will get your hands on the kit is once you’ve already bought it. But it also offers a great returns policy if it’s not quite right. So understand what you need and why, and buy right for your budget.
These reasons are why the market in used, high-end products is booming and continues to grow. From solid smartphones to fancy watches and pro camera equipment, this huge and growing industry is more commonly dubbed ‘recommerce’. Lots of consumers choose to shop this way, since it’s more sustainable and saves money in difficult times of rising inflation. For many filmmakers, a previous- generation model is a sensible buy and helps them avoid huge depreciation. Certain specific cameras offer lasting value but lenses can provide excellent service for decades. So, research the kit that was brand new a year or two ago and choose what you need now. When buying, look carefully at the condition of the camera; it may have had a tough life or could have been babied by an amateur. You can pick up exciting bargains from private sellers on Ebay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace but it’s very risky, time-consuming and you may have little or no recourse if you then discover a fault. It’s much better to go with a specialised dealer who’ll offer a guarantee and will have checked the kit thoroughly for faults. Many camera retail groups such as Park Cameras, Wex and the London Camera Exchange in the UK, and
More information
adorama.com bhphotovideo.com cameraworld.co.uk cliftoncameras.co.uk cvp.com theflashcentre.com ffordes.com keh.com lcegroup.co.uk mpb.com parkcameras.com specialauctionservices.com wexphotovideo.com
LOCKED IN You can hang your camera off a carabiner while in motion with less worry if you bought it for less money
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