Shooting on film usually means using equipment that is many years old. The used market is huge, and the condition of the offered equipment varies. Not all sellers are experts, so the item descriptions are not always accurate. Therefore, a return policy in case of a complaint is important.
Here are some tips for buying used camera equipment based on my own years of experience as user, collector and DIY repairer.
SLRs
- The instruction manual provides information on proper use and outlines the limitations of what you, as the user, can do yourself in case of a malfunction.
- Batteries must be fresh, and the battery contacts clean. If the camera still doesn’t work correctly, there are three options: return, DIY, or a repair shop. The first option is the simplest, the second requires knowledge and skills, and the third is worthwhile for cameras that are valuable or have sentimental value.
- A good repair shop is always recommended for a thorough camera overhaul (CLA - clean, lube, adjust). This way, you get a tool that will function flawlessly and according to specifications for years to come.
- In most cases, a camera has to be opened and disassembled to a greater or lesser extent to fix problems and for a thorough service. This is a lot of specialized work, which, including spare parts, rightly commands a price.
- Internet shortcuts rarely help, and some even cause additional problems. Cameras are highly complex, sensitive devices and require qualified repair and service.
- A little dust on the lenses is normal.
- Anything else, such as significant fungus growth, noticeable scratches, haze, oily aperture blades, stiff or too easily turning adjustment rings, or rough zoom mechanisms, can only be fixed by DIY or a repair shop (see above regarding cameras). Spare parts must be available (lenses, plain bearings).
- Electronic flash units that don’t function as expected should be discarded. DIY repairs are dangerous due to the internal high voltage, and repairs by a repair shop are not economical (if they are even accepted).
- This also applies to cameras with built-in flash units: No DIY without qualified electronics knowledge!
- Winders/motor drives are also not economically repairable, except for high-quality items, e.g., for the Canon New F-1 or Nikon F2. In these cases, DIY repair or specialized repair shops are the only options.
When buying used equipment
- secure a return policy,
- read the instruction manual,
- be aware that shortcuts are usually not a solution and
- repairs/service require qualification and therefore have their price.
A word of cautionPlease keep in mind that you’ll be using highly flammable solvents for service work, and their fumes are harmful to your health. Soldering also produces fumes that should not be inhaled. Dangerous high voltages can be present when handling electronics, especially in conjunction with electronic flash units and mains. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the safety regulations beforehand and ensure your safety. Depending on the activity, protective gear may be advisable.
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
Acknowledgments
Without the work of Master Larry Lyells, in particular, we wouldn’t have the detailed technical information we need today for service/repair of SLRs.
The SPT Journal and The Camera Craftsman, which he helped shape significantly as an author, and which contain all the necessary information and instructions are available for a fee through Learn Camera Repair.
We owe our access to them to Eugene Pate, the founder of Learn Camera Repair.
