14 http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
Technique SCORING WITH SECOND HAND
What kind of used gear is really in
demand at the moment?
Quality full-frame digital gear and also
35mm and roll lm cameras. We buy
and sell a huge variety and used items
are in high demand. Customers know
that when they buy a camera from us it’s
properly cleaned, checked and if
needed, serviced and of course we offer
a free six-month guarantee.
How can people avoid disappointment
if you get back to them with a lower
quote than expected?
We really try to explain that a realistic
description of the item’s condition is
most important when requesting
quotes. We often get items described
‘as new’ when they have actually been
heavily used. Sending some close-up
images of products really helps us to
overcome this issue. Fungus is a big
issue, especially with older gear that
hasn’t been used for a while. People
think it’s caused by damp, but it’s mostly
from lack of air circulation/lack of use
that causes it. Shining a torch through
the optics can clearly show if there is a
problem or not. Some lenses can be
cleaned, but it’s an expensive job.
Scratches and minor dents can also put
buyers off, as it gives the impression that
the gear has not been cherished. It can
reduce the value in some cases by over
half, even if the item is fully functional.
What is your policy on boxes and
lens caps?
Buyers often prefer if the box and all
supplied accessories are included. It
does add some value, especially on
older collectable equipment such as
1970s lm cameras and Leicas.Any other tips for getting the best price
for your used gear?
People wishing to sell their gear should
treat it like a treasured heirloom. You
never expect to buy a second-hand car
that’s dirty and full of empty cigarette
boxes, so why not clean your camera
rst? First impressions count and we
often get sent cameras and lenses that
are really dirty and uncared for and they
often get rejected immediately.
It’s also really important to pack the
item really well. Get a decent box and
some good ller (rolled-up newspaper is
a good idea) and pack the item carefully
in case of rough handling by couriers.
Make sure you include your full contact
details on a note inside the box as
sometimes we get random cameras
appear and have to wait for the sender
to make contact. We will also endeavour
to beat any price offered from other
dealers listed in this feature. Send us
copies of their quotes and we will try to
beat them!Can you share the most valuable
camera body or lens you have ever
been sent?
We had someone send through a 1936
Luftwaffe Leica one time and it sold for
around £20,000. I wish I had kept it as
it was complete with the military papers
and was in outstanding condition... I
could have retired early! (Jason Mitchell,
Managing Director).London Camera
Exchange
● http://www.lcegroup.co.uk ● 0207 379 0200
You have been around a long time – what can
readers do to get the best price for their used gear?
Our message is that a second-hand camera or lens is
an individual item, so it will always have some value,
especially if you trade in. Our quotes are based on
experience – some of our store managers have been
doing this for over 40 years, so we don’t base the
quotes on lots of fancy formulae. We are a people
business, dealing with potential sellers as people,
and we seldom turn used gear away. This is still the
case if people use our online portal, at http://www.lcegroup.
co.uk/WeBuyCameras.
We also don’t discriminate between the latest
digital camera or a vintage lm camera, and we will
take in analogue cameras. If the equipment needs
repair, we have a good idea of the likely cost and will
adjust the price accordingly.What are your biggest tips for trading in?
Trade in as soon as possible after the announcement
of a new model, as the value of your camera will
diminish as more and more older models also get
traded in. As you can imagine, there are a lot of
Fuji lm X-T2 and X-T3 owners who are now looking to
get their hands on the X-T4. Indeed, some people go
on rumour sites and take a punt on a new model
coming out, so they trade in before it is of cally
released and put down a deposit. This is not without
risk, but it’s not a bad tactic.What about boxes and packaging?
If it’s a collectors item, untouched, in a box, it may
have an impact on value, but if we are just talking
about a camera with a decent shutter count, it won’t
make much of a difference, box or no box.What trends have you noticed in the used
market recently?
Film cameras have de nitely had a resurgence, and
we have done a lot of business with second-hand
macro lenses too. Most lenses hold their value. We
sell a whole range of lenses from cheaper manual
glass, which people can use on much newer bodies
with adapters, through to the latest super -telephoto
with image stabilisation. Older digital cameras, based
on older electronics, are coming down in value.CameraWorld
● http://www.cameraworld.co.uk ● 01438 878014