buying used equipment

[jackie]

I'm sure everyone has bought used equipment at some point, in order to conserve our funds, and for the most part I am just fine with buying a used tripod, used light stands, etc, but the item that I am continually unsure about is a used lens. I see these for sale everywhere, but what am I risking by buying a used lens (been dropped!!?? ) and what should I be looking for when testing out these used lens. OR...should I just bite the bullet and buy the brand new one.

[Alastair]

I buy everything used. Well, except for the digital stuff, but that's only because it really isn't available used...

When I buy used, I always buy from a reputable seller who offers a return policy (even if it's only a few days) - which is enough time for me to check out and test whatever I've bought. Henry's on Ebay is great, as they're in Canada and they ship stuff REALLY quickly, but I've also bought from the Shutterblade Store in the US and a few other places. Go for it, it's definitely worth it.

BUT.

It has to be worth it, so if you're saving $50 off of new, just buy the new piece - at least you get a warranty. And for a lens or a camera, make sure everything works well - shoot a test(s) and if it all checks out, you're golden.

A good way to test a lens is to focus on something like a newspaper on a wall (make sure the focus works) and shoot a series of exposures on apereture priority starting at the largest aperture and moving to the smallest, with the camera setting the shutter speed for the shot. Use daylight and a tripod.

ALL the exposures should be identical. If they're not, there is a problem.

And the image should be in focus.

[jackie]

that's great advice Alastair, thankyou!

[ChrisP]

Hi Jackie:- I've bought used and used from ebay. I'm pretty careful to ask questions first and watch the ebay ratings pretty close. I bought a D100 from ebay. The seller said he did not know how many actuations on the shutter, which was a bit scary but I bought it anyway. I have close to 20k clicks on it now and have not had any problem.
We all run the risk of disaster buying used but that can come from anything. Even buying new a major problem can show up. It's just that with new you have a warranty.

I have saved a lot of money by buying used. Overall it has been worth it. I am waiting now for the D3 to come out so Cameta Camera will have a ton of D2X bodies cheap.

Cheers
Chris

[MrLarter]

All my gear is used and I have never had any issues. I've saved a lot of money because of it.

You just need to ask questions and try and buy local if you can.

[andrewr]

I've also bought and sold lots of used photo equipment and personal items online through ebay, craigslist, mec.ca, etc, and have never had any problems.

I would also agree with Alastair's comments about pricing, especially on ebay. I think people get carried away, get into a bidding frenzy, and end-up paying way too much. I've seen things sell for very close to the new price, and I think that's crazy. I've always thought a reasonable price for used equipment from private sellers with no warranty was 60 to 70 percent of the new price. If it's from a respectable retail store with a warranty and a return policy, then a higher price might be justified.

Cheers,

Andrew

[Glen C]

I've bought used gear off eBay and have been very happy with it. Andrew's right about the price war though. Buying used gear for a few bucks less then it is new doesn't make much sense.