How to Buy Second Hand Photography Equipment

.As for second-hand equipment, never buy it by mail order: it is absolutely necessary to see and handle the equipment before purchase.

Prefer second hand gear benefiting of a warranty (3 to 6 months).

Second hand DSLR : The points to check

• All the “navigation screens”, the menus for changing the shooting mode: vérifier that the camera body affiche well and switches from one to the other without any problem.
• All thumbwheels, buttons: make sure they don’t get stuck when you release them.
• The lens change mechanism: check that it is not hard, that the lens clicks well.
• The shutter motor: test the burst mode at different speeds.
• The viewfinder mirror: check that it is not scratched, damaged, and that there are no fingerprints (never touch it!).
• The AF disengagement mechanism.
• The backlighting system of the data in the viewfinder: check if the technical indications remain visible in low light (obstruct the lens to check).
• Look at the battery compartment: it must not be oxidized.
• Be aware that a little dust in the viewfinder or behind an LCD screen is not too serious.

Second Hand Lens : Points to Check

• Any possible scratches on the front lens, discoloration or cracking of the surface treatment.
• Any trace of shock.
• The appearance of the rear lens (by opening the diaphragm).