Where to purchase used lenses?

[mark blackman]

It would help if you told us where in the world you live. In the UK, Robert White sells 2nd hand LF lenses, never had a problem buying from them.

[Ole Tjugen]

My (personal) preference is for ebay.de. Very good selection at reasonable prices, but it really helps to be able to read German. And like all other auction sites: It's only good if you know what you want and what to pay for it.

[Tracy Storer]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Quality Camera Co. in Atlanta. They know their stuff, a lot of LF and ULF passes through there and I think prices lower than Lens and Repro. All of the above are good too, just didn't want to see QCC left out. Tracy

[Brian Ellis]

The dealers that seem to have the largest inventory of used large format lenses based on their ads are MidWest Photo Exchange, KenMar Camera, Lens and Repro, KEH, and Quality Camera. Adorama and B&H both also sell used large format lenses though personally I avoid B&H. KEH has an excellent reputation, their ratings are conservative as others have noted. Their prices tend to be on the high side but many people are willing to live with that for the peace of mind. Lens and Repro prices also seem to be a little high. My personal preference is MidWest, never a hassle, no problem returning things well after expiration of their nominal 15 day return period, honest ratings, good prices, and knowledgeable staff. When I recently returned a used camera and bought a new one that had to be ordered they suggested I just keep the used one until the new one came in so that I wouldn't be without a camera while waiting for the new one to come in. They're always my first choice, I go to one of the others only if MidWest doesn't have what I want.

[Erik Asgeirsson]

If you're feeling adventurous you can place an ad on rec.photo.marketplace.large-format stating what you're looking for. I've bought and sold several items this way, as well as through photo.net's classifieds, and have never had a problem. Things I've bought or sold range from a cheap grain finder to a Symmar 150mm, a Minolta Autocord, and an old SRT-101 kit.

[David R Munson]

Here's another vote for KEH, MPEX, and QCC. They've all served me well in the past and among them I feel that MPEX probably has the best service - in fact every time I deal with them I leave wishing every business was run so well as that.

[David Karp]

I also heartily recommend Midwest Photo Exchange. When you call there ask for Jim. A great source for used Fujinon lenses, as well as the other brands. I have also purchased used lenses (not LF) from KEH. All have been in better shape than advertised. The same is true with the lenses I purchased from Midwest Photo. The KEH prices are likely to be higher than Midwest's, in my experience, and the lenses are not in any better condition.

[Andrew Ito]

Here's another vote of confidence for Jim at Midwest. I've bought 3 Nikkor lenses and an Ebony from him all at reasonable prices and good descriptions. Well, the Ebony needed a new bellows but otherwise all the rest of the stuff was in good condition. I guess upon visual inspection the bellows showed no real signs of wear. Only upon inspection of my transparencies did I notice certain areas where light leaks did their damage. After using a flash light in a dark room I began to notice pinholes in the 12 year old bellows. Hiromi at Ebony told me I needed a new bellows after I shipped him the camera for repair. Since it was a few months after I purchased the camera Midwest did nothing to reimburse me for the added $300 expense of replacing the bellows. They have a 15 day return policy. I didn't really mind so much though since I got a smokin' deal on the Ebony to begin with. All in all, I would still recommend Midwest heartily. Just check your equipment after purchasing it.

[Christopher Condit]

I think eBay is pretty safe, if you only bid on sellers with over 500 feedbacks at >99.5% positive (that's more than a few). Preferably that make it obvious that they are in fact retail camera stores.

Ebay is useful even if you don't buy there, as a huge database of pricing info, including the last 90 days of completed auctions. I think it's 90 daysworth... And to say nothing of the entertainment value of dagor77's listings, whom we should all support. ;-)

If you happen to be a member of photo.net, I have had good luck with their classifieds as well. Also Midwest, KEH.

CXC