ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE. MPB
It’s always tempting to buy the latest, shiniest kit, but newer does not necessarily mean better. Matt Barker, CEO of MPB, explains why RING OUT THE NEW, BRING IN THE USED
THE FILM AND TV industry is acutely aware that the delivery and general availability of some brand-new camera models has been seriously affected by ongoing issues with the global supply chain. As frustrating as this is for all concerned, it’s certainly led to more people buying more used cameras and lenses instead. However, while you’d be forgiven for thinking that the problems emanating from the South China Sea were the sole driver for acquiring pre-loved kit, Matt Barker – CEO and founder of MPB, the largest global platform for buying, selling and trading used photography and videography kit – says consumers’ eyes have simply opened to what was already a growing trend. “We’re proud to champion circularity,” he says. “A circular business model will always
be more sustainable than a linear model of manufacture, consumption and waste.” SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY When a camera operator – be that a videographer or photographer – is building their set-up, budget may well be the first consideration. Often, they’re able to afford a better camera or add a few more lenses, which improves the overall set-up while staying within an original budget. For those that can’t – or who decide against spending beyond what they can afford – Barker says it’s important to remember the durability of modern kit. “Camera equipment, in particular, is built to last for many years,” he explains. “Increasing numbers of people are realising that buying and selling used just makes sense. If properly checked, used camera kit offers the same performance as brand new – just at a fraction of the price.” It isn’t just about cost; sustainability is increasingly important to users. Buying, selling and trading used equipment is an easy way for photographers and videographers to make a greener choice – with MPB making that choice even easier, says Barker. “Our business model is 100% circular,” he adds. “Today, more than half of the electricity we use is renewable, and we aim to reach 100% by 2025. We’re targeting net zero carbon for our buildings by 2025, for our data centres by 2030 and for our courier services by 2035.” However, Barker says sustainability isn’t just about circularity. MPB takes inclusivity and diversity seriously, by supporting the training and development of its employees and promoting inclusive visual storytelling. “Ethics and trust are equally important – we provide excellent customer experience
and accurate pricing, and we make sure our data security is robust,” he says. “It’s important to be transparent about our sustainability performance, which is why we’re publishing all of our sustainability data at mpb.com/impact.” SAVINGS Interested consumers will want to see examples of potential savings. On average, used cameras and lenses from MPB cost a third less than new. “Many people also choose to trade in their existing set-ups, which helps reduce the cost even further,” continues Barker. “Some trade in their existing DSLR lenses, for example, to fund the purchase of a mirrorless camera without having to spend a single penny. The process is simple and completely free of charge, as MPB covers the cost of fully insured collection and delivery.” While MPB might not be the only company in this space, it’s certainly the most competitively priced. Its team of experts make sure of that by monitoring the wider camera market. “This is to make sure we offer accurate pricing for buyers
TRUST THE PROS All items on the MPB website have been approved by product specialists
24. DEFINITIONMAGAZINE.COM
Powered by FlippingBook