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BUYING USED
checked for faults and updates. Many will even take back your old kit as a part-exchange. For used DSLRs, as well as mirrorless cameras and lenses, big retailers often have equipment that has been babied by amateur photographers. They’re frequently in like-new condition and usually have boxes, manuals, chargers, straps and all the bits, too. Look out for dealers like Park Cameras, Wilkinson, Clifton Cameras and Cameraworld. Or try used stills dealer Ffordes. For professional video equipment such as camcorders, cinema cameras and cine lenses, check out retailers like CVP and Wex. They have lots of used video cameras, specialist lenses and accessories. It also makes a lot of sense to go with a specialist second-hand dealer, and the leader in used video and stills kit is MPB. The company has bases in the UK, Germany and US, and a slick website where you can sell back old gear to help fund your purchase – with an online valuation tool. auctions isn’t just about picking up some exotic, high-end cinema lens from Cooke, Arri or Angénieux – although these rare items are often sold in complete sets for prices that are attainable compared to full-value. Many auction houses sell recent kit Hammer time Buying pre-loved at specialist
WHERE TO BUY FROM Some top UK used dealers: cameraworld.co.uk cliftoncameras.co.uk cvp.com theflashcentre.com ffordes.com mpb.com parkcameras.com proav.com specialauctionservices.com srsmicrosystems.co.uk wexphotovideo.com wilkinson.co.uk elements for scratches, dust and condensation. Also ensure that the zoom and focus rings turn smoothly. If it’s an AF lens, take test shots to assess accuracy. If you want to buy an item, it’s sensible to set a limit, so you don’t get caught up in the excitement and spend too much. This figure is the ideal price, but try to imagine how you would feel if you missed out, then you’ll know if a little extra is sensible. Also remember that, if an item fails to sell at reserve, you can enquire about a lower price after the auction. It can be best to buy from a specialist auction house like Special Auction Services, as they grade kit for cosmetic and optical condition and do basic checks like testing the mechanical shutter. You can request condition reports, undertaken by the company’s experts. on behalf of private sellers or for business liquidations, so watch out. Buying at auction is not like sourcing from a dealer. Prices might be lower, but even if kit is boxed and as new, it likely won’t come with any warranty and only minor checks. Sometimes it’s possible to get hands-on with lots before the event, to check for faults. There’s often an opportunity to get more specific condition reports from the auctioneers. A brief examination should show any obvious signs of damage and you may be able to take some test shots with a lens or body, if you’re properly equipped. So, if you can, take a suitable battery, memory card and laptop along. For digital cameras, try shooting blank walls or sky at a small aperture to check for sensor dirt or damage, and see that the mirror moves freely – if it has one. For lenses, check the Sign up to bid online or head to the salesroom in person. You can even watch auctions live on the website.
PRE-LOVED PICKS
Panasonic Lumix S1 This full-frame series is in decent supply on the used market at great prices. For filmmakers, the S1H rules. Sony A7 III With the launch of the A7 IV, lots of owners of the older model traded up. But this full-frame Sony shoots 4K. Sony FX9 There are huge waiting lists for the Sony FX6. But its sibling, the FX9, is a higher-end version and easier to find. Red Raven Red’s DSMC2 range is expensive. But the Raven, Scarlet or Epic are reasonably stocked at second-hand dealers. Canon C300 Mark II Popular for years, the C300 Mark II is beloved for its 4K DCI, 2K and Full HD recording – as well as 4K Raw output.
“If you want to buy an item at auction, it’s sensible to set a limit, so you don’t get caught up in the excitement and spend too much”
KITTED OUT Keep an eye on auction houses like Special Auction Services, to see what’s coming up in future sales
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