Pre-loved purchases
Posted on Apr 1, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
The most cost-effective way to get your hands on kit is to look at used options
Splashing cash on the latest new gear and stuffing your old kit in a cupboard as backup equipment you’ll never get out is hardly the best use of money. It’s not great for the planet or other filmmakers either.
Buying top-quality used kit that fits your needs, then recycling your old equipment for someone else to use, is a far more sustainable and sensible option.
That’s why the market in used products of all kinds is booming. From smartphones and tablets to watches, fashion, furniture and camera equipment, this is a growing industry that’s dubbed ‘recommerce’.
Many consumers are choosing to shop more sustainably while responding to rising living costs, with the trend being driven by higher-income households and millennials. A recent survey shows cost savings are the primary motivating factor, with sustainability ranking second.
Of course, sometimes buying new video gear is the only way if you need the latest and greatest model right now, and have a business case to support your decision. And often, brand-new models show up in the used market not long after launch.
For many, a previous-generation model is a sensible buy and you’ll avoid massive depreciation. Some cameras offer lasting value, and most lenses can give excellent service for decades without an upgrade. Do your research and choose the right gear for what you need now. When buying, look carefully at the condition of the camera – it could have had a tough life at the hands of a working professional. Look instead for models that were babied by an amateur user, which is often the case with high-end mirrorless cameras and AF lenses.
If money is the only factor, you can pick up bargains from private sellers on Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, but you might have little or no comeback if you discover a fault. For professional camera users, that’s a huge and time-consuming risk. It’s better to go with a dealer who will offer guarantees and has checked the kit over for faults.
Many camera retail groups – such as CVP, Wex, Camera World, Park Cameras and London Camera Exchange in the UK, or B&H and KEH Camera in the US – often have lots of used kit for sale.
The leader in used kit is MPB, where you can not only buy but also sell your old equipment to help fund your purchase. Its bases in the UK, US and Europe are a worry-free way of selling gear without the hassle and risk of private buyers.
So understand what you need and why, and don’t be scared of going used, as both your financial adviser and the planet will thank you for it!
Auction stations
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of bidding at a live auction, but it’s easy to get carried away. Any potential bargain needs careful research before buying.
With many auctions now run online, you need to carefully check what’s on offer, since you won’t be there in person to check out the gear. Try to find out if it’s tested and guaranteed, but most auctions don’t offer this service internally. There will also be lots of money to add to the price you pay, such as VAT and buyer premiums.
Auctions can be a great place to bag a bargain from a filmmaking business that’s gone into liquidation. They can also be a happy hunting ground for exotic or vintage kit that’s hard to find on the general market.
The UK’s best-known specialist in exotic lenses and camera kit is Special Auction Services (SAS), which often has listings for rare lenses that can go for relatively low prices. As always, buyer beware!
More Information:
- adorama.com
- bhphotovideo.com
- cameraworld.co.uk
- cliftoncameras.co.uk
- cvp.com
- ffordes.com
- keh.com
- lcegroup.co.uk
- mpb.com
- parkcameras.com
- specialauctionservices.com
- theflashcentre.com
- wexphotovideo.com
This article was first published in the March/April 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
