How to Buy USED Cameras & Lenses

How to Buy USED Camera & Lenses SAFELY & SAVE MONEY!

Chapters
00:00 Are people even buying USED Camera Gear??
00:42 PROS to buying USED Gear
01:49 CONS to buying USED Gear
02:52 BEST Places to BUY
04:27 Buying from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up
05:18 Proper Communication with Sellers
06:28 Pay with CASH, Venmo, Paypal?
06:53 Additional Safety Guide during COVID-19
08:21 Avoid Paypal Scam by doing THIS!
09:16 SquareSpace
10:05 How to Inspect Cameras
12:08 How to Inspect Lenses
14:24 Making sure it comes with important accessories
14:53 SCAM - How to Avoid Getting SCAMMED
16:38 Long Lasting Advice to Buying USED Anything

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[JasonVong]

Have you bought any used camera gear before? Share with us your experience whether it’s good or bad!

[VanessaKanbi]

Who else has always been doing this?! :)

[stonedprox]

I basically only buy camera gear used locally. Almost anyone who is truthful will let you test the equipment before forking over the cash. As long as your meeting in a public place, its a safe great way to save lots of money on gear.

[ItsNotChow]

Got my first full-frame (a7iii) used. Although it was pretty much retail, I saved a ton on taxes and also met a really interesting person!

[helencogan]

GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK..My last three lens purchases were used. I purchased them from the local camera shop where I also purchase all my gear. I have never been disappointed! They do a thorough check before they bring gear in as I have traded items in well. When I want to buy another used lens I let them know what I am looking for, then if they ever get one they connect with me. I have had GREAT success! awesome topic..be well!

[albeross]

Thanks for this video Jason! I am glad you are coming back on YouTube, at your own pace :) One question, what about checking for mold and such inside the lenses? That is my main concern and reason why I very rarely buy second-hand lenses. Thanks!

[divil]

I'm buying used cameras my whole life. I also sell a lot of cameras (even in corona time) and i never have problems with it

[TheRichMaxwellChannel]

Really good tips, I've bought plenty of used gear and always been lucky with no problems. I think most people look after expensive camera gear and us photographers are usually an honest bunch so hopefully problems buying used are rare.

[alecbosse]

Thanks for a great video!

I wish I had watched it before I bought my 1st used camera. I purchased a used Canon T5i with kit lens. I should have been more diligent when I noticed the lens being stored on the body.... everything tested out OK and I took the lens off for a quick cursory inspection. All seemed to be in order and a paid for it. Upon further inspection when I got home, I noticed part of the mount on the lens was damaged and missing.

Lucky, when I contacted the seller, he refunded me a small portion which covered the cost of the broken mount. So it all worked out in the end. Lessons learned, be more diligent when inspecting, and if there is an issue, contact the seller to try and resolve.

Thanks again and best of luck to those shopping 2nd hand.

[tomirwinphoto]

Over the past eleven years I’ve bought and sold ten camera bodies and over three dozen lenses via Craigslist and “renewed/refurbished” items. This has enabled me to buy, use and sell gear with little to no depreciation and occasionally at a profit. Every piece of gear purchased has worked perfectly and every buyer of my gear has been happy with their purchase.

[momovalencia]

I was just looking to buy a used A7III but wasn't sure if it was safe to do so. The timing of this video couldn't be any better. Now I know what to do, Thanks !!

[kangsterizer]

The major issue I have is that sellers usually lie on the condition of the stuff you buy. I complain and eventually ask for refund at which point they just discount it instead almost every time, because they know they're wrong and the bank or paypal will rule in my favor and will have to pay shipping + insurance if I send back. It's very annoying lol. That's why you need to make sure they describe the condition every time.

I got an a7rIII with a big fingerprint on the sensor and the shutter was slightly bent f.e. and the guy claimed he didn't see it (yeah right, I guess fedex did this uh). Anyway ended up cleaning the sensor and fixing the shutter and got a huge discount that one time - but it's really tricky, sometimes it doesnt work so well.

[Rcmike]

I search used regularly, especially PC hardware. Recently snagged a craigslist a7ii with the kit lens for 675$ off a photographer. Was pretty suspicious as I'd responded to several obvious scams, but it was from a photographer who wasn't getting any use out of it. Super friendly guy and he was excited to pass down a deal to a beginner. Even threw in a case, flash, and extra batteries.

[pebmets]

The only issue I had with EBAY is even with tracking, the buyer claimed he never received the camera. The buyer wanted a refund for not getting it, but since I had tracking, I was protected. I now ask for an adult signature for anything I ship. This prevents the I never received it comment even though tracking says they did.

[jkhollywood]

Great comprehensive video, Jason, it was awesome meeting you and buying used gear from you! You are genuine, super friendly and exactly like you are on youtube!

[dlovisuals]

Woot another Jason video! Great tips on buying used. I’ve always been so hesitant to buy used gear

[wahibmohamed]

I have been waiting for this content from people like you

[vitaminq]

First off, I like this video. Thanks. Secondly, instant subscription. Very practical and informative. Keep 'em coming.

[amapro_life]

Recently bought a sigma 24-70 at a decent price, but was very suprised it was barely used. The seller sounded like a father going through hard times. Really felt sorry for him..He said he'll come back to photography when things settle.

[illrolla]

This was great 👍 good to see you back