Photography News | Issue 50 | photographynews.co.uk
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Why go for second-hand?
The rush towards digital happened at such breakneck speed that there was a period when products were becoming obsolete the moment that the replacement model had been announced. A 1.3-megapixel camera with a tiny LCD and a voracious appetite for batteries, anyone? However, the market reached a level of maturity some time ago, and these days there is some amazing kit available for a fraction of its original price. While the gear you acquire might, perhaps, not be quite as cutting edge as the very latest model, much of it will still be capable of a stellar performance, and it’s giving photographers and filmmakers the chance to get their hands on equipment that they could once have only dreamed about. At the lower end of the scale, for example, how about a Canon EOS 40D DSLR with a 10-megapixel sensor that provides a gateway to a positive treasure trove of EF lenses? A decent model in full working order is on the MPB website for less than £100, and it could be the perfect camera for someone just developing an interest in photography. A little further up the food chain, what about a full-frame Nikon D800, described as being in ‘excellent condition’, for sub-£1000, with a ‘well used’ example a mere £669? MPBmakes a point of being totally honest in its product descriptions, and you can take your pick depending on how far your budget will spread. You can even find the number of actuations listed, so you know exactly howwell used your purchase has been, and there are no unpleasant surprises. It’s not just DSLRs and CSCs on sale either – MPB offers a wide range of second-hand lenses, flashguns, action cams, video cameras (there’s even a couple of Blackmagic Ursas listed) and accessories. For kit lovers, the site is the photo equivalent of the most delightful sweetshop imaginable. Best of all, you’re buying and selling with none of the risk associated with some rival outlets, and you’re dealing with people genuinely immersed in photography. Go take a browse, but be warned: to look is to be tempted!
The price is right There was a time when technology was racing ahead so quickly that cameras would quickly became obsolete, but now some serious bargains are available from second-hand specialists such as MPB
The second-hand market for gear has been around for virtually as long as photography itself and, thanks to the growth of the online market, this sector is currently more vibrant than ever. However, although the competitive prices bandied about in some quarters sound appealing, the process of buying and selling kit can be a risky business. If dealing privately you constantly have to be on the lookout for scammers, while there’s no guarantee that the gear you buy will be in the condition that’s described, nor is there usually any comeback should it break down. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Back in 2008 Matt Barker, then in the middle of his university studies, was buying and selling lenses in his spare time to make some money. Exposed to all of the pros and cons that came with the territory he saw the need for a system that was more fit for modern purpose and came up with the concept for MPB, which
used through to well used, good, excellent and like new – full product description and images, so those purchasing know exactly what they’re getting. A next-day delivery service is also offered, along with, crucially, a six-month warranty on all gear sold. For sellers, meanwhile, there’s the reassurance that, when they’ve filled out the short form on MPB’s website, stating what’s being sold and outlining its condition, they will be sent a same-day commitment- free quote. Providing that they’re happy
with this the kit can be posted at MPB’s cost or a next- day courier collection will be arranged and, on arrival, it will be fully checked and
started trading in Europe that year. A New York office followed in 2016 and a German one this year. The business is going from strength to strength as increasing numbers of photographers see the advantage of dealing in a risk-free second-hand environment. Risk-free USP MPB’s motto is ‘Forget New: Go Like New’, and the concept is simple. Buyers have a full range of gear choices – from DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and medium-format models from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Olympus, Leica and Hasselblad through to movie cameras from RED, Canon and Blackmagic. It’s all here and often in immaculate condition. In addition, there is a huge range of accessories in stock, including MPB’s own- brand range of affordable memory cards, filters, bags and tripods. Every product is listed on the site with a condition rating – anything from heavily
sale funds could be in your account within two working days. It’s even possible to off-set the price of a new acquisition by part-exchanging existing gear.
It’s a way of working that has revolutionised the second- hand market and it has opened the
door for photographers to upgrade more efficiently and at a greatly reduced cost. Now you can acquire the kit you need at a price you can afford, with none of the worry: what’s not to like?
mpb.com
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