Buyers’ guide
Buyers’ guide
Ffordes Photographic › ffordes.com Used and renewed Established in 1960 in Essex, Ffordes Photographic has evolved significantly over the past six decades, growing from a local camera shop into a big-
Take the stress out of getting new gear by hiring or buying used. Our guide to the top options has all you need
which has a positive impact on the environment, so what’s not to like? There’s no doubt shopping second- hand makes the process slightly less painful financially, but there is still the worry of whether you’ll even like the gear you’re purchasing. That’s where hire comes in. By renting your desired piece of kit in advance, it is possible to spend some quality time with it, wait until the honeymoon period is over, then make a final buying decision with a rational head. It’s very simple, too. In most cases, when the order has been placed, the courier delivers it to your door with all the relevant return labels, leaves you to play and then picks it up again at an agreed later date. The benefits of hiring don’t stop there, either. Maybe you are going on safari and require a super-telephoto lens to ensure the best shots of the wildlife. Hiring that lens just for the holiday is a hassle-free way of gaining access to top-of-the-range equipment that would otherwise be way out of your budget. On the following pages, you’ll find a guide to our favourite used sellers and hire services to help you get started.
WORDS BY PETE TOWNSHEND
time retailer. Now based in Beauly near Inverness, it acts as a main dealer for a number of major brands including Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad, Leica and many others. The vendor offers a wide range of services for both amateur and professional photographers, including selling new and used camera gear, repairs plus servicing. Unless stated otherwise, all used gear comes with a six-month warranty. Ffordes Photographic prides itself on its staff of enthusiastic photographers who offer personalised advice and share their expertise with customers.
Wex Photo Video, marking its 25th anniversary, has done the opposite to most photography retailers. Having originated on the web, it has now evolved to include ten UK-wide bricks-and- mortar stores. The retailer stocks a huge selection of photographic and video equipment, comprising new and pre-owned products plus many rental offerings. Wex Photo Video › wexphotovideo.com BUYING NEW GEAR can be a big decision. Not only is there the expense of purchasing the kit in the first place, but with the majority of us shopping for gear online, we have to outlay an often large cost without knowing for sure whether it will fit the bill. Of course, you can pick up a copy of Photography News for a comprehensive review, but there’s nothing like holding the kit in your hands and experiencing it for yourself. A major way to soften the blow is buying used – why pay full price when pre-owned gear can offer big savings? We get it, there is always trepidation when buying used, but quality modern camera gear is built to last, so you may be surprised just how good it feels. Go through a reputable seller for detailed descriptions, accurate condition ratings, pre-sale testing and, in many cases, guarantees. You will also avoid the eye-watering drop- off in value for when kit initially goes from new to used. Furthermore, buying used is an effective way of recycling gear,
Accommodating a wide imaging audience, including filmmakers as well as drone operators, Wex boasts over 28,000 products, competitive pricing and multiple accolades. It prides itself on quality- assured pre-owned equipment, offering comprehensive testing and a 12-month warranty on its stock unless otherwise stated by the company.
Hireacamera › hireacamera.com
The company’s online booking system and dedicated account management for business clients further enhance the customer experience. It serves as a great option for those that require the equipment without the commitment of a purchase.
It rightly won best specialist service provider in the Photography News Awards 2023. A prominent feature is the convenient next- day delivery service and flexible rental terms, which include options for both short-term projects and longer engagements.
Hireacamera offers a rental service for photography and videography equipment across the UK. With a massive choice of cameras, lenses and optional extras, the company caters for everyone from hobbyists to professional photographers and videographers.
Issue 115 | Photography News 39
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