Buying second hand camera gear

[93LuVz56]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a D90 and was thinking about buying some second hand equipment.
Just wanted to know what i should look out for when buying second hand, and when i pick up what do i need to check (for lenses in particular)?

Hope you can help.
Thanks!

[photomarcs]

sure thing! =D

In my opinion when looking at a lens, i guess it comes down to testing the lens ( if possible).

but things to spot in lenses are :

dust inside the lens on the elements inside.
focusing drive ( whether it sounds right, or feels right in your opinion)
any dings or scratches on the lens also changes its value, especially on the front or rear element.
any moulds or fungus gooblies growing on the inside and on the front and rear element
check to make sure that if it is an externally focusing lens, make sure its not "tilt shifting" or wobbly at the externals.


i guess thats all i can think of to begin with besides trying not to be ripped off.

if anyone thinks otherwise on what i've stated thus far, feel free to correct me ^_^

[chrisk]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a D90 and was thinking about buying some second hand equipment.
Just wanted to know what i should look out for when buying second hand, and when i pick up what do i need to check (for lenses in particular)?

Hope you can help.
Thanks!

welcome to the forum. i have bought alot of gear used and the one ABSOLUETLY non negotiable to me is buying off a reputable source. if buying off ebay then make sure the person has a history of selling good gear and has a 100% rating. no matter how tempting a lens may be and a price may be, if i cant see a good history then its just too risky.

adorama in the USA have a used department and my expereince is that their serive is imppecable, their glass is "as described" and they have a 90day return policy on used gear. cant argue with that.

if you can see the lens b4 you buy, listen carefully to the zooming and af-s. any strange sounds and alot of uneven friction when you zoom could indicate issues. it goes without saying, a close inspection of the elements is required and i personally prefer to buy off people that can give me all original packaging.

[tommyg]

Another place you can look at is european Camera Specialists over there in Sydney, they often have a range of lenses etc for sale..

here's a link to their current second hand stuff - http://www.cameras.net.au/secondhand.php

[93LuVz56]

thanks for the tips guys.
this will definitely help when i make my purchases!
will take a look at the recommended sites too.
appreciate your responses