Purchasing a photography or video kit doesn’t have to be a decision of eating nothing but Ramen for a month; there are deals to be had, especially if you consider picking up used gear instead of buying new. Before you start to stress about buying used, we’re here to provide some tips to help you avoid a buyer-beware situation and help you navigate the waters of the second-hand market. So hold off on that purchase and read on to learn how to get the most bang for your buck.
Before You Buy
Understanding what you hope to accomplish when buying used will be a great guide along your used purchase journey. Whether you’re looking to buy your first “serious” camera or looking to add an additional equipment for business needs; or maybe you’re interested in experimenting with different formats and mediums – like film or medium-format cameras, used is a great way to upgrade and expand without having to shell out much cash.
Before you jump in and have your credit card in hand, you must first understand what encompasses “used” gear. Buying used can be anything from buying open box items, refurbished gear, or second-hand items direct from a current owner. Each of these has its benefits and savings can vary from a few dollars to getting an item well below costs – with some caveats. Make sure you understand what you’re buying before you buy to help get the most and avoid buyer’s remorse down the line.
Terms and Due Diligence
Open Box. Much like buying a car, photographic equipment depreciates in value the second the box has been opened. So even if the item has never been used but the original packaging has been opened, a retailer can no longer sell it as a new item. Looking out for “open box items” is a quick way to get new equipment at a “used” price. This is also one of the best ways to purchase current generation gear with all the benefits of a factory warranty and support while still having the potential of saving a significant amount up front.
Refurbished items can also be a great way to save some cash on the latest and greatest equipment. Refurbished items are those which have been returned to the manufacturer and have been repaired or reconditioned to their original factory standards. Many manufacturers offer a comparable warranty on their refurbished gear; you may be able to have a warranty that’s as good as a new item but with the added benefit of knowing that any possible manufacturing defects have been serviced and repaired.
Second-Hand/Used items are typically resold by their owners on auction sites or classified boards and can be bought through a store, like Adorama. When buying from an auction site or classifieds board you typically won’t have any warranty or any guarantee that the seller will accept returns. Second-hand/used equipment will almost always be sold as is and there can be a large variation on the condition of the gear. That said, buying second-hand or from a used dealer is where you might find the biggest deals or discontinued items.
Research is an absolute key when buying used. If you’re buying an additional equipment to complement or expand on your existing gear, make sure that any photographic equipment you buy will be compatible with your existing gear. If you’re taking on new equipment ask yourself are you willing to spend more money on a new system or ready to take on the cost of film development (if that’s the direction you’re headed). Knowing the answers to these questions upfront will help you make a better decision and sinking too much money on something you have no intention of pursuing.
If you’re buying used or second-hand, make sure you know the condition of your equipment. If you’re buying direct from the gear’s current owner, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If this is your first DSLR/SLR camera, ask the seller for an actuation or shutter count – a count of how many times the mechanical shutter has fired. It’s important to consider this as the life of the mechanical shutter can vary widely between professional cameras and consumer cameras (pro bodies have much longer shutter lifespans than consumer bodies).
Another thing to consider is the camera’s condition; make sure you read a seller’s description thoroughly and understand what you’re buying. Beware of some keywords like “as is” or “for parts only” as these items may be in good cosmetic condition but will not function. If you’re looking for really nice props for your studio; great. If you expect to use your newly purchased equipment, knowing whether or not they’re fully functioning will help you make the most out of your purchasing decision.
Where to buy
As we mentioned earlier, you can buy your used gear from an auction site or even places like Facebook Groups but keep in mind that the savings may not be worth the potential for buyer’s remorse. It is very recommended that you buy from reputable sellers only. You can look up their reputation from prior customers; if they’re a regular seller, many auction sites will list the seller’s reputation. Facebook Groups works a bit better than classified boards since often the sellers are required to disclose their real names and current locations but even that’s not 100% guaranteed. Instead we recommend buying from a reputable reseller like Adorama’s Used Gear Department.
Buying from a reputable reseller ensures that the equipment you’re purchasing has been tested to work. In the event that a piece of equipment is not able to be brought back to working condition, Adorama clearly and concisely will note the operability of the equipment with their easy to understand letter grade system. When buying from a reputable dealer there are no surprises – you get exactly what you pay for. Best of all, if you’re in the New York City area you can always stop by and speak with our Used Department’s Sales Team with any questions regarding gear (you can also do this via our online chat system). Selling through Adorama is also a breeze and can be done in-store or online – when combined with buying used could save you that much more on gear you want by possibly trading in/selling gear you’re no longer using.
So be sure to save this article if you plan on making a new camera purchase in the future, taking a look at all your options will help you make the best decision on any “new” equipment purchases. Save the Ramen diet for your next Photography focused vacation.
