buying and selling used camera gear on eBay
July 22, 2008 – 2:00 amDo you buy used photo and camera gear on eBay?
With talk of starting a new photo project in August (some great suggestions in Friday’s comments) I’ve been thinking about what equipment to use for the project. For myself, I’m thinking film…35mm, 120 or 4″x5″? Hmmm, is there some new (used) camera that would totally spark my imagination? Camera hunting is a great excuse to start searching eBay.
Most of my camera equipment gets used on a fairly regular basis, I’m not that much of a collector. Yes, there are some odds ‘n’ ends: the Russian Iskra, the Seagull twin-lens 120 camera
It really is a great place to locate and view vintage camera equipment. If you want a 70’s camera body or screw mount Pentax lens then it’s a cool place to start the journey. I’ve made a few purchases from Eastern Europe that have gone well, obtaining cameras that otherwise wouldn’t be available. But, overall, my experiences have been mixed.
I’ve yet to land that magical “steal”, purchasing a perfect piece at low, low cost. Yes, I’ve found a decent deal here and there but those have been offset by a sale or two that was maybe less than ideal. Those that can claim an amazing purchase on eBay might not be mentioning a few duds along the way. It seems to be a calculated risk. I like to check the seller’s rating and send them an email about the item, seeing how attentive they are. If they respond to questions then it seems more likely they’ll be there in case of any problems. I’d also insist on a reasonable return policy.
If you do buy used vintage equipment from eBay then factor in a good cleaning for whatever you purchase, lens or camera, despite what the listing says. It seems to me like the 70’s were just yesterday and I fondly remember my first Nikon FE. If that camera and lens are still somewhere in use I’m pretty sure the foam seals have deteriorated and the lens aperture blades are oily, despite my perfect memories.
So how about newer equipment? One area where I haven’t considered buying used is when it comes to digital SLRs, even those claiming to be lightly used. With prices steadily dropping (and features climbing) on new cameras I’d personally prefer to buy new. It’s worth it to start out with a clean sensor and a warranty in my book, even if it‘s a lesser camera model. Let me know if you think otherwise.
Newer, used lenses for digital cameras could be a potentially good deal but be sure to get a return policy if you test them and something’s not quite right. I’ve heard quite a few stories of lens quality inconsistencies from the same production run.
While I‘m pretty neutral on making purchases from eBay, there is one area where I find eBay to be a great asset: selling old equipment. No matter what you have gathering dust in the basement, there’s someone, somewhere, that wants it. You’ll be able to research the going rates for such equipment by looking at other eBay listings.
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One of my eBay purchases included this free boat anchor |
As a matter of fact, it’s probably time I gathered up some old enlargers and lenses and listed them. While local schools declined my free offer, there have to be a few bucks in sales value through eBay. I just have to be sure to pull the collected money out of PayPal before I spend it on another used camera with leaky foam seals.
If you haven’t ever sold through eBay you might want to give it a try. Start clearing out the closet and make a few bucks toward that next photo equipment purchase. If you’re looking to buy used camera gear from a dealer I’ve had good experiences with KEH Camera Brokers in Atlanta, B & H Photo in NYC and you’ll find used gear at all 29 locations when you Shop Calumet Photographic - It’s Where the Pros Go.
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11 Responses to “buying and selling used camera gear on eBay”
I lost my rusty but trusty Nikon FM2 about a year ago and I’m currently bidding on another one with an included 50/1.8…should end up going for just over 50 bucks, which is a real deal considering the joy that old FM2 always brought me.
I’ve also bought an EOS3 from ebay and a couple of vintage cameras just for a little collection we’ve got going of brownies and boxes, etc.
I haven’t even considered purchasing a newer camera from ebay, either - I guess anything I’d use for actual “work” I feel I need to have full accountability of what’s been done to it, etc.
You don’t have a neg scanner you’ll be selling do you?
By Buffalo Rich on Jul 22, 2008
That’s a potentially great deal on the FM2! If you win it let us know how it turned out.
I don’t have any neg scanners for sale, unfortunately. I have a nice Nikon for 35mm and an Epson flatbed for larger negs. I do have a couple of old Nikon 35mm scanners but they are not really usable (SCSI connections, no software for modern operating systems, etc.).
By Jim Talkington on Jul 22, 2008
I’ve only bought a couple lens so far; most recently a Tamron 17-55. The deals on lenses really aren’t much, and I’m with you on being less than thrilled with buying a used body. If I’m going the used route, I’d rather jump on one in a camera shop or maybe a factory refurb from Adorama.
I’ve been poking about craigslist too, some very interesting and sometimes quite tempting offers there.
By Charles Jones on Jul 22, 2008
I picked up most of my film cameras on eBay. All but one have arrived in great working condition. The one that didn’t was a rangefinder with a broken rangefinder — the seller didn’t know that this feature was broken, so they listed it as “in working order”.
Most of the cameras I’ve purchased have been under $50. The only one I paid more was my TLR for $150 — but it was SO worth it.
I also buy film on ebay sometimes — usually expired stuff. The best one was a box of 100 rolls of 110 film that expired in ‘03 for $80.
By Brian Auer on Jul 22, 2008
Please don’t take my nerd-card away, but I’ve never used EBay. My have has to buy and sell some books and craft things. I’ve just always been leary of buying equipment through it.
By Craig Lee on Jul 22, 2008
Craig, you’re a card carrying member too? Wow! You never know where you’re gonna meet fellow nerds.
I think I only purchased one thing on eBay… A Yamaha MD8 Mini Disk recorder. I only use it for a mixer now. My wife has bought and sold several things on eBay. But, I don’t think anything was more than $10 or $20.
I don’t usually consider eBay when I’m in the market for something. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll browse through camera equipment there.
By John Brainard on Jul 22, 2008
“It’s worth it to start out with a clean sensor”
Just had to comment on this… I haven’t bought high-end equipment off of eBay either, preferring new, but both my Canons (350D and 30D) came out of the box with FILTHY sensors. Giant dark blobs at apertures as low as f/8! Fortunately I’m not squeamish about cleaning my own camera sensors
By eaglekepr on Jul 22, 2008
I have bought lots of things… 2 bodies, lenses and tons of portable flash stuff.
I love it.
By Bill Rhodes on Jul 22, 2008
If I’m planning to shoot more film it’s time to entertain getting the one camera I’ve always wanted but never owned…a Leica of some sort. I’m off to eBay to see what’s there!
By Jim Talkington on Jul 22, 2008
I’ve bought and sold a decent bit of camera gear on eBay with good results.
Lenses purchased following Jim’s guidelines have been fine, and though not a stellar deal, did include extras like protective filters, hoods, and tripod rings. It’s also good for buying cheap accessories direct from Hong Kong.
Selling requires a little market and pricing research, but does help offset those upgrades!
By Matthew Botos on Jul 28, 2008