Where is the best place to buy a medium format camera?
Dec 12th, 2009 by admin
I’ve been an avid photographer since I was 8 (My first camera was a Cannon T-50). About 5 years ago I lost all my equipment to a fire (no insurance), now I am finally starting to get back on my feet and I’m looking for a medium format digital camera like a: Hasselblad, or Mamiya. I’m not rich so I want a used camera and since I don’t really trust online stores for a purchase this large I was wondering where to find a good deal. I live in Missouri but next Spring I will be traveling to California and then up to Alaska, so anywhere on west of the Mississippi is okay. Any suggestions?
Two places, both you can check out the camera before you hand over your money.
1) a local camera shop that sells used cameras … you may have to wait until one comes available.
2) craigslist in a city near you.
3) (but you will not be able to check it out before you buy it) look at the used cameras avaiable on B&H Photo, Adorama, Calumet, Samy’s and other reputable Internet camera stores that sell used cameras, lenses and camera accessories.
I worry about eBay, since many people "dump" broken or damaged cameras, in fact even brag about it here on Yahoo Answers.
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Two places, both you can check out the camera before you hand over your money.
1) a local camera shop that sells used cameras … you may have to wait until one comes available.
2) craigslist in a city near you.
3) (but you will not be able to check it out before you buy it) look at the used cameras avaiable on B&H Photo, Adorama, Calumet, Samy’s and other reputable Internet camera stores that sell used cameras, lenses and camera accessories.
I worry about eBay, since many people "dump" broken or damaged cameras, in fact even brag about it here on Yahoo Answers.
References :
digiPro
I haven’t bought from them but I have heard many times that KEH.com is the best place to buy a used camera.
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Like fhotoace said, the Internet is a good place to look, but stay with reputable places like those he mentioned.. There are some to look out for. Do your research. Dealt with a couple last year. One of them got me $13,000 of bad charges on my credit card.
References :
A digital Hasselblad or Mamiya will set you back enough coin that would let you buy a car. (The CFV-39 digital back will set run around $14,000.)
I will gently disagree with fhotoace regarding eBay; I bought a used Hasselblad from someone on eBay, and most of its accessories came from Shutterblade, a reputable dealer of used equipment. I have been able to trust their descriptions.
I have not bought anything from KEH, so I cannot comment on them in terms of personal experiences. However, others have stated that KEH is quite conservative in their ratings.
Also, look in the paper for garage sales listing "photographic equipment" rather than "cameras," as you’d likely find something desirable.
Craigslist and camera stores dealing in used equipment are also good places to find gear.
Medium format is a great step within photography; much of your knowledge and experience in 35mm will carry over (I answered a similar question not long ago: http://tinyurl.com/yeob538.)
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