Buying 2nd hand

Personally I try and stick to reputable companies like ffordes, park camera's, misfuds, etc that you have some guarantee from. But the same as with most second hand good, try before you buy, is the item as described by the seller, if you can't see it, ask for lots of images, check for scratches, marks, signs of use, for lenses (especially sigma) the paint comes off so not so worried about that, but things like, is the lens optically sound, take a card and take some images, again fair signs of use, any scratches on the lens that could effect optics, basic comment sense when buying secondhand goods. Does it look like someone looked after it or does it look like a dogs dragged it through a hedge backwards.

My 1D was a reconditioned body, and just bought a 2nd hand 300mm f2.8, both cost considerable £'s, but very happy with purchase and saved mega ££'s of new prices for nearly brand new gear.
 
i bought my 20D 2nd hand (actually 3rd hand) from a guy i know off the internet, i trusted him when he said it was in good condition and it was. i have now put nearly 8000 clicks on it since it arrived on top of whatever it was before that.

i bought my 120-300 2nd hand off ebay from a guy i never met, but the ad was well written and honestly described the condition. although i later found the tripod mount thread was stripped out the lens (albeit well used as was described) works perfectly and im more than happy.

what im getting at is use common sense, look at the ads for lots of information and for those that are honest about it having the odd scratch or dink. do your homework regarding common faults etc and ask the seller questions.
 
Do plenty of research, especially on price. Some amazingly high prices on here for 2nd hand goods. At least with a dealer you may pay a little more but you get some sort of warranty.
 
I've always opted for the "proceed with caution" approach on 2nd hand gear, and have bought from various sources. My 70-200mm came from someone on here - he was completely honest about the tiny scratch on the front element and I've been totally delighted with it. My 300 f4 came from ebay - I chanced it because it was an excellent price and the numerous pics posted showed a cracking lens - I also nchecked out the chaps feedback thoroughly beforehand. The 20D came from MPB Photographic in Brighton - they were excellent to deal with and I would heartily recommend them. I think with a camera body the condition is as good an example of condition throughout as anything, although in fairness I'd put a fair few clicks on my 30D when I sold it but it was in immaculate condition, so maybe not!
 
I've only ever bought lenses on here (in fact I've bought 4 and never got one new!), I always ask for some recent shots from the lens, and of the lens. Have a look at 100%, compare it to my other lenses that I'm happy with, and see how it all looks!

Chris
 
I buy most of my kit S/H and I have found everyone I have dealt with on here to be very honest and up front,
always get pictures and ask any questions if unsure also see if they have good feed back in itrader.
 
:agree: ... not only are the guys 'n gals on here some of the best but you can also pick up some excellent gear for very decent prices... ;)


If you're buying from here and not sure about the goods you can ask for images as already stated, but you can also check the members recent feedback - we don't have too many rogues tolerated on TP... :D





:p
 
Everyone I have bought from on here has been great and have given very accurate descriptions of what they are selling, plus as has already been said you can easily ask any questions and request pictures.
Personally when I am selling a lens or camera I much prefer to meet the purchaser so that they can use it to take a few pictures and make sure they are happy with it - plus there is the bonus of the post or courier not having a chance to lose, throw around or play footie with the package :lol:
 
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