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Do you have confidence in buying used or refurbished cameras ? If you have done so, would you share sources ?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Refurbished: from Canon's website, the Canon SX50 (they went ridiculously low in price, $150 - $175, but I think they're out now). They have same one-year warranty as new.

Used: two dslr lenses from B&H (a company with a great rep on this forum!):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

DGStinner Loc: New Jersey

I've bought two refurbished cameras and four refurbished lenses from Canon's online store. No issues with any of them.

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

I hame done both and have been very happy. My 7d I bought used on eBay and have no problems. I bought my SX50 from Canon and it was a refurbished camera. Again, no problems. Come to think about it, my 40D and my 70-200mm L lens were both bought from eBay and love them. I would not hanne any qualms about suggesting either. Make sure you research any ebay vendor. Good feedback, that sort of thing. Cheers and good luck.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

I bought a Nikon D7100 a year and a half back from Nikon, and could not tell it from new. It is better than a new camera since it has been checked by a technician and not just an inspector as it came off the end of the assembly line. I would not be afraid of buying anything refurbished from either the camera manufacturer or the A, B, C, & K of companies.(Adorama, B & H photo Video, Cameta Camera, & KEH camera) I have also bought used lenses from e Bay & off Craigslist and have had no problems.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

absolutely, B&H photo, adorama, Nikon, canon to name a few. stay away from gray market, 42nd street camera. ebay is a good source, but may be risky. B&H photo and adorama both have excellent customer service and will talk to you on the phone to help resolve any questions and concerns you may have. happy shopping, used and refurbished is a great way to get a great deal and save a little money to spend on more equipment.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I have successfully bought used cameras and other photographic equipment on ebay, but you have to be careful as with any ebay purchase. Confidence comes from learning how to buy on ebay and how to get a refund. The only problems I encountered were rectified easily, but I was able to demonstrate that the item received was not as advertised. Mostly the results have been excellent and extremely good value.

On ebay, the responsibility is yours as to who you can safely buy from.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I bought a used lens from Adorama. It was exactly as described, well packed for shipping and works great.
I've also bought from individuals on Craigslist with success.
Rick

tramsey Loc: Texas

Any of the better known photography websites can be trusted.

I would stay away from EBay, Craig's list and the like. I have heard of too many bad things happening with both; every once in a while something good but not often.

Good luck in your search

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I've bought a refurbished lens for a Nikon camera. You should have no problems buying equipment from a reputable dealer as long as it's refurbished by the manufactuer

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can buy refurbished directly from Nikon and Canon. Used comes from several sources, with KEH being my preferred vendor. Look at their EX or EX+ rated items.

Chefneil

I got my first camera about a year and a half ago for a project I was working. I figured that I could master it in a week or so and then get back to the original project...I have lost the data for the book I was trying to put together and totally focused on photography. I guess I'm gonna have to restart it soon. In about a week or two, when I master the camera. lol

At any rate, I am fortunate enough to have a local shop that I get most of my equipment from. So far, I have Bought several lenses and two camera bodies as well as most of the accessories like memory chips, lens cleaner and stuff. The first was a Canon 40D which performed exceptionally for the whole time I used it. The only reason I replaced was because the shutter count was way above 100,000. Just last Friday, I bought my Canon 7D, which I traded for cash and the 40D.

The advice you have seen here is fine, but I'm gonna suggest you find a local dealer close to you and develop a relationship with them. The benefits of face to face contact are beyond anything that you can get online. It seems that every time I walk into the shop, I get so much more then a camera body, lens or even memory chip. I can ask a technical question, and we will talk it through until my dull brain comprehends all aspects. I see the sales guys do this for anyone how comes in. Also, they print in house and will do Photoshop improvements if I want. All for competitive pricing compared to online printing---most of the time same day! I expect most local shops drop the same.

Gonna throw in a plug here: http://ballphotosupply.com. They have an online presence, which I know nothing about, but they may have what you are looking for. I am not sure about prices, though I check on line before buying something expensive. In most cases however, I think I get a comparable price to other places. For the convenience of having a local shop and the educational value of having a relationship, I am willing to go to a brick and mortar store.

So, there is my thought

olc

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I don't have much confidence in used, but I do have total confidence in factory refurbished cameras and lenses. When I'm looking to buy more gear I always look to see if refurbished is available.

jlefebvre Loc: Toronto, Ontario

I recently purchased a refurbished D7100 and I love it..no problems at all with the camera and it was a fraction of the new price!

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

sorry you may have had a bad experience. if you ever want to try used again, go to B&H Photo, Adorama, or KEH. they are reputable and back their products. I know B&H rates their used products, 10 being best and 1 not worth looking at, although the lowest rating I have seen is 8. I do not know how the other two sites rate theirs, I have not personally purchased from them, but I know some people that have and they have had great success with the product and customer service.