ACADEMY HIRING AND BUYING USED
HIRING ADVICE
You can go for a private sale from Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, but it will be ‘sold as seen’ and you might well have little to no comeback if you discover a fault. If you own cameras to make a living, that’s too much of a risk and is time-consuming. And remember, time is money. It is far better to go with a reputable dealer who will have checked the kit over for problems. Some of the big camera retail groups like Camera World, Park Cameras and London Camera Exchange in the UK, and B&H and KEH in the US, often have lots of lightly used DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses in remarkable condition. Pro video firms like CVP and Wex have lots of used video cameras, specialist lenses and video accessories, and often ex-demo or showroom models that have done little or no work. But the leader in used video and stills kit is MPB, with an easy-to-use website where you can not only buy kit but also sell off your old gear to help fund your next purchase. While many retailers don’t take used gear in part-exchange, or offer a very low price for it, MPB provides a worry-free way of moving on your equipment without the hassle and risk of private buyers. MPB has the biggest inventory of used equipment, with a detailed description of its condition and what it includes. Buying used from a specialist is simple and you can save a lot of money compared to new.
TOP DOG The market leader in mirrorless and camcorders is Sony (inset), so there are loads of options on the used market. Cooke lenses (below) are difficult to find used but not impossible
Bidder sweet symphony The adrenalin rush of bidders at a live auction may be music to some, but bagging a bargain needs careful research. If your heart desires exotic kit that’s hard to find, like a Cooke or Arri lens, then buying used means you might actually be able to afford that dream purchase. These incredible lenses are often sold in complete sets, but rarely appear at dealers or general auctions. However, they do come up at specialist auctions where high quality of bidder is guaranteed. Perhaps the best-known specialist in exotic lenses and camera kit is UK-based Special Auction Services, which often has listings for rare lenses at attainable prices. There has been an increase in the interest for high-end cinema lenses, and SAS recently sold a set of Cooke Speed Panchros. Many of the older lenses are converted for use on digital SLRs and mirrorless cameras, so will fit on the majority of cinema cameras too. But beware, these lenses are fully tested and guaranteed as if you were buying from a used dealer. And don’t be surprised when there’s lots of money to add on to the price when the gavel falls .
MORE INFORMATION: adorama.com bhphotovideo.com cameraworld.co.uk cliftoncameras.co.uk cvp.com theflashcentre.com ffordes.com keh.com lcegroup.co.uk mpb.com parkcameras.com specialauctionservices.com wexphotovideo.com
SALE AWAY From exotic cine lenses to mirrorless models and all the necessary accessories, you’ll pay less used
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