Where does everyone buy their used camera gear?

[sds]

Hey everyone,

I'm new here to Talk Photography.

I've bought and sold quite a lot of used camera equipment over the years, and it's interesting how much prices can vary between different retailers.

Just wondering where everyone tends to buy their second-hand equipment these days? Do you prefer established retailers like MPB and Wex, or do you tend to use eBay and private sellers?

 

[gramps]

WEX, Park Cameras, LCE, eBay (with care).

 

[realspeed]

With lenses I go direct to Japan and retailers over there. I only by anything classed as" mint or near mint" because they are like new. saved several hundreds of £ with 4/5
lenses bought

 

[sds]

With lenses I go direct to Japan and retailers over there. I only by anything classed as" mint or near mint" because they are like new. saved several hundreds of £ with 4/5
lenses bought

Interesting haven't tried Japan in a while, is that through eBay? How do you find the import fees?

 

[sds]

WEX, Park Cameras, LCE, eBay (with care).

Yeah I would typically buy from a Refurbished seller when using eBay, but there returns have got a lot better recently imo

 

[realspeed]

Interesting haven't tried Japan in a while, is that through eBay? How do you find the import fees?

Import fees depends on item value. Even so including import duty and any UK carrier costs are still cheaper. than same item equal quality.,

What one has to remember that in Japanese culture " loosing face" such and mis-represention is a terrible sin and definately to be avoided. We noticed this when we were in Japan, everything has to be exact and correct



Panasonic 35-100mm F2.8 lens

example new or used? direct used (below) import from Japan Cost £593 WEX new £999 UK used £798




What I do is go onto Ebay look for the lens I am interested in. see which has from Japan . next is to look at all others from japan for same photo . if same it is a stock photo and avoid, Next take a good look at the item interested in as in clear lens and for any marks/scratches etc. Next in description look for MINT OR NEAR MINT ONLY. DON'T EXPECT TO GET THE LENS BOX OR PAPERWORK.

I also make sure I have insurance as sending back could be expensive and item has no warranty

Panasonic 100 -400 mm lens again from japan





advert for above I bought on ebay




Note TOP MINT

[TOPMINT] Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 Micro-Four-Thirds Lens​

£650.88
Sold by:
tokyo_master_photouser ID