Pro Moviemaker September/October - Web

BUYINGUSED

WHERE YOU NEED TO GO

Some top UK used dealers: cameraworld.co.uk cliftoncameras.co.uk cvp.com theflashcentre.com ffordes.com mpb.com parkcameras.com proav.com srsmicrosystems.co.uk wexphotovideo.com wilkinson.co.uk also come up at specialist auctions. One of the best- known is British-based SAS, which has listings for some incredibly rare lenses going for prices that are relatively attainable. cameras, specialist lenses and accessories. The leader in used video and stills kit is MPB, which has a great website, and you can sell themyour old gear. If you fancy an exotic, high-end cinema lens, then buying usedmakes sense. These rare lenses are often sold in complete sets for huge amounts of money, but they If you are a risk-taker and don’t mind gambling with your business, then check out private sales on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or other platforms. Paying by Paypal or credit cardmight give you some security if your new purchase doesn’t show up, is incorrectly described, or gets stolen – but that’s not much use if it fails in front of clients. Tomake sure the camera is as described, go with a reputable dealer offering a guarantee – and a check for faults. Many even take in old kit as part-exchange tomake things more affordable. For used DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses, the big retailers like Park Cameras, Ffordes and Wilkinson Cameras often have products babied by amateur stills photographers that can be in as-new condition. For pro video equipment, check out CVP andWex, as they have lots of used

If you really want to push the boat out, a used Red can be a realistic buy. The DSMC2 range – such as the Helium8K or Gemini 5K – is still hugely expensive, but cameras like the Red Raven, Scarlet or Epic are reasonably available on the usedmarket. GO FOR GLASS Investing in top-quality lenses is something all filmmakers should do, as it pays dividends in the long run. Of course, if you want a used DSLR or mirrorless AF, there are many available through retailers. Instead of settling on a manufacturer’s f/4 version of a zoom lens, you could probably snag a fast f/2.8 for the same money. Sometimes, manufacturers issue a mark II version, which actually makes the original an even better buy. But why not take the chance to invest in some real cine lenses? Either primes or zooms. These are often very highly priced new, as they are made to super-tight tolerances and avoid issues like focus breathing. The Zeiss range of compact primes, like the latest CP.3 selection, is often available used, but the older CP.2 range is just as competent,

despite being physically larger. If that doesn’t matter to you, then savings can be made. Other big names that often come up used are Schneider, Sigma, Arri and Cooke. But don’t discount the more budget options, such as Samyang’s Xeen range, which are great buys new– and evenmore affordable used. Canon has a whole range of cine zooms that are great with cinema cameras, and those who enjoy the versatile Sony Super 35s should look out for great used buys from the FujifilmMK range. Keep your eyes peeled at the specialist dealers and youmight get lucky – and save a big chunk of change.

VALUE FOR MONEY Buying used, you can amass a full kit at a decent price, from cinema cameras to mirrorless, and AF zooms to primes

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