Don't buy used cameras from photo shops?

Vonder · Jul 10, 2008

I'm semi-fortunate enough to have two photo / camera stores nearby which sell used gear on consignment. I say semi, because looking over my recent purchases, I'm swearing off them in favor of eBay. One of the stores sells on a no-return policy, so the Maxxum 5000 I got there last weekend which has a frames counter which jumps in random increments, can't go back. Nearly all the pieces I've purchased from the other shop turned out to be junk too - wacky meters, sticky shutters, you name it.

It's sad that a store selling cameras stands less behind them than the average eBayer. And I despise eBay.

Fotoguy20d · Jul 10, 2008

Caveat emptor applies regardless of where it's coming from. I don't know that I'd buy anything from a local shop if they didn't stand by it and agree to take it back if it didn't work right. After all, you're paying a premium for staying local. I think any of the big on-line shops that deal in used equipment (Adorama and KEH come to mind) will stand behind what they sell, used or new.

Dan

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Jul 10, 2008

There are five stores local to me (meaning a bus ride and a walk) that sell used gear. They either sell on consignment or buy the pieces themselves and resell. All offer a return policy, and it isnt in any store's interest to sell crap to their customers. Buying locally usually means a higher price to support your locals but you shouldnt get ripped off for it. Buy from reputable stores and remember to check everything out thoroughly before putting your money on the table. There can be honest mistakes, but a return policy is a must I'd say.

Zathras · Jul 10, 2008

Fotoguy20d said:
Caveat emptor applies regardless of where it's coming from. I don't know that I'd buy anything from a local shop if they didn't stand by it and agree to take it back if it didn't work right. After all, you're paying a premium for staying local. I think any of the big on-line shops that deal in used equipment (Adorama and KEH come to mind) will stand behind what they sell, used or new.

Dan

I've had good luck with eBay, but since my recent dealings with KEH, I now check KEH before looking for anything on eBay. I bought a few "bargain" grade Rokkor lenses for my SRT-101 and was very pleased with the quality of the items received. On the other hand, I was recently searching for a backup body and found one from a eBay seller who lives within 5 miles of me. When I inquired about the camera and informed him that I lived nearby, he kindly agreed to meet me so I could inspect the camera. After looking the camera and lens over, I decided that the camera was a good one and worth his buy it now price, so I now have another SRT-101 and a 58mm f1.4 Rokkor as well. The seller also offered a return privilege if the camera turned out to be unsatisfactory. So, I would say that EvilBay can be a good source for gear if yer careful.

David A. Goldfarb · Jul 10, 2008

There are some stores that are better than others, but in general, I don't think it is necessarily advantageous to buy used equipment from a store, just because it's an established business, as opposed to buying from eBay or a classified ad. A store may have a repair service that does an adequate job with most things, for instance, but I'd rather buy a camera that needs a CLA from an individual and send it to a technician who specializes in that particular camera, or to one of the highly qualified repair techs that I use regularly.

Soeren · Jul 11, 2008

How about the 6month warranty? At least here in Denmark we have that when buying from stores.
Kind regards

Uncle Goose · Jul 11, 2008

Not all camera stores are like this. When I bought my secondhand Bronica I had a 6 month warranty (didn't need it, the stuff still works fine).

ozphoto · Jul 11, 2008

I too prefer to support my local camera store, however, if they didn't offer a return policy, I wouldn't even bother. I know some of those in my area offer a 3 month warranty, some offer 6 mths. I thoroughly test anything I purchase used within days of purchase and pray that nothing will happen 2 days after the warranty period expires. A store worthy of your custom will treat you right, if not don't bother and shop elsewhere.

- N

"Your work is a portrait of yourself."

2F/2F · Jul 11, 2008

I would say that in my experience, most camera shops have horrendous return policies on used equipment, and rarely have it serviced or checked out by a qualified repair person. No piece of used equipment I have ever asked about (and there have been MANY) has ended up to have been serviced or even looked over in any sort of detail by anyone who knows what they are doing. This is not to mention that their prices are always too high for the market; often double what they should be, and they don't negotiate much, if at all. As I see it, there is no reason whatsoever to buy used equipment from a camera shop, unless they practically give it to you. IMO, buying from repair shops is the way to go. The one I go to all the time has somewhat reasonable prices, checks everything and ends up working on most of it in some way, and offers a 6-month warranty (which I have used twice for minor issues, with no hassle and no cost). If a camera store offers you that, go for it. If not, forget it.

IloveTLRs · Jul 11, 2008

There are about 5 or more camera stores in my city. As far as I know they all honor returns if something breaks, and at least a 1 month guarantee. If they said "no returns" then I would say "The same for me. Goodbye." Stores are better than online auctions because I can inspect what I'm potentially going to buy. Online auctions are better for price, but I've been bitten a few times (items not as described, junk, etc.)

Steve Roberts · Jul 11, 2008

Wolfeye said:
One of the stores sells on a no-return policy,

Does that policy even apply to goods returned with some force through the shop window late at night??

Steve ;-)

Soeren · Jul 11, 2008

ROFLOL

thebanana · Jul 11, 2008

If they are selling on consignment I don't blame them for not offering a warranty. If the camera craps out and they've already paid out the owner, they would be left holding the bag (or doorstop in this case).

Buy from a reputable seller who has taken the time to check the gear out and are prepared to offer a warranty, even if it is only 30 days.

DanielOB · Jul 11, 2008

Wolfeye
All my stuff I got is BRAND NEW, no even and touch of others. When I got my first Leica R8 I told to salesperson:
- No phone call to distributor
- we seat in car NOW and we run to Leica distributor
- we take the camera off their shelf and straight to my hand and I OPEN THE BOX
- I give you cache.
- see you guys.

It is in Toronto, Canada. Looks very bad, but beleive me the only way to get "new" stuff (I make long strory short). If you wish some real life example why it is like that I have them a lot.

And about e-bay and used stuff:
Do you think someone buy a new camera with intention to sell it for fraction of price? Something went wrong and he try to ....

My advice for future: If you cannot get a new (e.g. BH is good for it) do not buy.

Daniel OB
www.Leica-R.com

mabman · Jul 11, 2008

Fotoguy20d said:
After all, you're paying a premium for staying local.
Dan

Not always - about 6 weeks ago I bought a Mamiya C330 with 80mm and 180mm lenses for CDN$250 from a local shop. That's quite reasonable relative to eBay, and I don't have to worry about shipping, customs, etc.

It really depends, but you do have to go in with a good understanding of prices.

DanielOB · Jul 11, 2008

So this is another story:

Buy from a reputable seller who has taken the time to check the gear out and are prepared to offer a warranty, even if it is only 30 days.
I got a new Nikkor 105 mm (AIS) from Henry's (the biggest Canadian photo store). The rear glass was broken, difficult to see. I went to Nikon Canada and handed the lens. Thinking I paid for new lens and will get repeared one. Well I went to pick my lens, and they told me the rear lens is replaced. TUrned the lens ans the strange line is still there. They took the rear lens, turned, and placed back the same. So now what more reputable saler can be than Nikon himself.

The point is: the stuff have to new, and still one have to take extreme care before paying, no matter saler. In my experience the best buy is from B&H or Adorama in NYC. They sell it as packed in Japan or Germany.

Daniel OB
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

benjiboy · Jul 11, 2008

My local Pro dealer sells customers unwanted used equipment on commission , I think it's about 15%, the customer who buys it gets a month from the date of purchase to check it out and use it before the owner gets paid out by the dealer, so if it proves to be faulty, they just give you a refund.

Mike Kennedy · Jul 11, 2008

I am very lucky in Fredericton.The local shop lets me test drive a camera or lens for a week (no $ down) and then add a one month guarantee if I buy.Great bunch of lads.

Krockmitaine · Jul 12, 2008

In Montreal there is a shop that sells used equipment with six months guaranty, the same for the repairs.

Marc

haris · Jul 12, 2008

I buy equipment mostly in one shop in Austria and one in Germany. Austrian sell new and secondhand, German shop sells new. For secondhand, they give warranty for equipment they sell, they do CLA before selling. I was told once that in Germany and in Austria is required by law, if secondhand equipment is selled in shop, they must do reapiring/CLA and to give warranty, and if that can't be done, they must precisely and clearly inform buyer what is wrong with equipment.

So far, all equipment I bought there came with 6 months to 1 year warranty, and works (and even looks) as new.

nc5p · Jul 16, 2008

I buy most of my used equipment from KEH. They have a 60 day guarantee and you can purchase another two years. I sell my equipment on ebay but have only bought items that are not delicate in nature there. The local shops here are way overpriced on camera gear. They are ok for film and paper, though.

Phillip P. Dimor · Sep 1, 2008

I bought a working nikon in fantastic shape with a junker non-name zoom lens for $12 once at a store. I only buy it if I can use it and it's cheap.

Jeff Kubach · Sep 1, 2008

I've been lucky. I bought a few used equipment from the local camera shop and never got burned. I also bought used equipment from KEH and it was great also.

Jeff

WarEaglemtn · Sep 1, 2008

Talk to the owner of the store where you got the maxxum with problems. If he won't make good on it stand outside for a few days with the camera in hand with lemons hanging from it. Tell people of your experience when they ask. Bet you get a refund or results. When he calls the cops or makes for a confrontation make sure the press is on hand to document things. You have a right to get decent gear or complain in public. Does sound like you got screwed even if it is 'buyer beware'.

Vonder · Sep 1, 2008

KEH again comes to the rescue...

I've had a bad spate of eBay purchases. Three cameras in one week, two of which went back for refund and one I threw away but kept the lens. I ended up paying a little bit more than eBay going rate and got an 807si (800si Japanese version) in EX+ condition - and it I could find a single thing wrong with it I'd be shocked. It looks NEW. It performs as new.

Don't buy used cameras from photo shops?

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