Photography News 97 - Web

Buyers’ guide

Mifsuds › mifsuds.com › 01803 852400

Mifsuds is a family-run dealer based in Devon, but shipping all over the country, whose staff have a wealth of experience. On top of new gear, it stocks a huge range of second-hand kit, covering DSLRs, mirrorless, compact and film cameras, lenses, flash gear, photo accessories and more. All used kit is thoroughly tested and, where needed, items are serviced, cleaned and updated so they are back to their best, letting you shop with confidence. Mifsuds is a buyer, too, so you can trade-in gear against the cost of any planned purchase. On the Mifsuds site, we spied a used Sony A7R Mark IV, boxed in mint condition, for £2599 – a saving of £600 on a brand-new model.

TIPSFORA GREATHIRE

Most importantly, plan ahead. If organising a trip or a shoot, make sure there’s availability, then reserve kit in advance. Read the small print before you click ‘buy’. Some sites have a Q&A section, so check that, if more clarity is required. Cost per day comes down with a longer loan period. A Fujifilm X-T4 borrowed under the Try Fujifilm scheme for three days with 48 hours free is £108, for example. This works out at £36 per day, while a seven-day loan is £130.80, or £18.68 a day. Once the kit arrives, check it is in full working order, which means a few test shots – but also what you actually received. There will usually be a delivery note (or you might get one via email), so check what’s listed is with you. If a lens cap, battery or strap is on the delivery docket, but not in the box, report any shortfall, damage or fault immediately. Flag up any concerns as soon as possible. Make sure you remember the collection day – the full kit should all be packed and ready for collection. If you are returning kit personally and happen to be running late, pick up the phone and make the hirer aware of your situation. Think about insurance – or take the damage waiver option, to cover accidental impairment in the hire agreement. Also, if you’re taking the kit out of the country, let them know first. Some hirers have accidental loss or damage insurance included in the fee, so items are covered. Should you have any problems, get in touch as soon as you can, together with any relevant details or pictures.

Hireacamera › hireacamera.com › 01435 873028

over 3% of the purchase price. Be sure to spend the rest on a trip somewhere interesting to make use of it!

Running since 2003, Hireacamera is now one of the UK’s most popular suppliers of camera equipment, lighting gear and other accessories. It’s well worth a look if you’re in the market for top-end gear. Products are guaranteed to be delivered by 12pm the day before your hire period, so you can inspect it and get to know how it works. Insurance is also included. Booking now, you can try out the amazing Nikon Z 9 full-frame mirrorless body, which comes with a Mount Adapter FTZ II. And a weekend with the beast will cost you only £180, just

Lenses for Hire › lensesforhire.co.uk › 0800 61 272 61 Lenses for Hire has a superb range of gear, including camera bodies, photo accessories like tripods and speedlights – and lenses, of course. Canon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Nikon, Olympus and Sony fits are available, and prices start low, such as £24 for a three-day loan on a Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM. But if you’re looking for something longer, there are thousands of options. How about a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5- 5.6 L IS II USM, superb for sports or wildlife, and only £116 for a seven-day loan? Delivery is guaranteed next-day if you order before 2pm.

Teamwork › teamworkphoto.com › 0207 323 6455

on the site, coming with a three- month guarantee unless stated. There’s a wealth of rentals to choose from, and longer leases reduce costs. But how about checking out the power of a Phase One IQ3 100MP digital back, which could have cost around £40,000? It starts at £225 a day, or £900 for an indulgent week of photography.

Teamwork’s speciality is digital medium format photography. But it’s an expert in sale and rental of DSLRs, mirrorless bodies, lenses, filters, lighting, tripods, and even editing gear like monitors and hard drives. Relied on by working pros, the company prides itself on delivering quick, easy and affordable access to cutting-edge kit. So, its pre-loved gear is fully inspected and clearly described

Issue 97 | Photography News 17

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