Is the used market drying up? (Page 2): I agree with you! Most of my current gear I obtained from craigslist(person to person) over the past 18 years and never had a bad experience. I...

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I agree with you! Most of my current gear I obtained from craigslist(person to person) over the past 18 years and never had a bad experience. I always check it daily but lately haven't seen much of any interest.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Bison Bud wrote:

Over the years, I've bought quite a bit of used ge... (show quote)

I have not had any difficulty finding used camera gear.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

The used market has to be fed by last year's "latest and greatest" being sold off to finance this year's "latest and greatest". The major photographic companies are not introducing as many new cameras and lenses because there is a parts supply problem. I also see a lot of "pro's" searching for work right now. We are in a down turn market. Money flow has slowed.

keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

I have sold a lot on craigslist over the years. I have had every high end Nikon camera and lens with flashes. Im down to the D850 500 4s. All my equipment is like new with low shutter count. Just gave my daughter in-law my D3s to use for their baby with only 10,000 count. I have 21 lens left that were all bought new and never used. I soon will be selling I guess to give to a home that will use them. What I do is talk to them by phone and meet them in a shopping location with lots of people and it must be cash. Craigslist can have some sketchy people contact you but I weed them out.

keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

I have sold a lot on craigslist over the years. I have had every high end Nikon camera and lens with flashes. Im down to the D850 500 4s. All my equipment is like new with low shutter count. Just gave my daughter in-law my D3s to use for their baby with only 10,000 count. I have 21 lens left that were all bought new and never used. I soon will be selling I guess to give to a home that will use them. What I do is talk to them by phone and meet them in a shopping location with lots of people and it must be cash. Craigslist can have some sketchy people contact you but I weed them out.

ddgm Loc: Hamilton, Ontario & Fort Myers, FL

I also was a user of Craigslist and pretty well furnished our winter home in Fort Myers with it. Good deals to be had back then. I now find that there doesn't seem to be as much to offer there. My daughter clued me in to Facebook market place which seems to offer more.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Bison Bud wrote:

Over the years, I've bought quite a bit of used ge... (show quote)

You have some good points.
Most new gear is NOT a significant upgrade for most of the world of those who own cameras.
Also the astronomical prices for cameras and lenses is a huge barrier. Even $500 is a lot of money for a lot of people.
A huge segment have gone to cell phones, the camera in the closet until they die and the kids give it to Goodwill or a yard sale.
New mirrorless has created a huge demand for vintage lenses especially those millions of superb FD and FL lenses out there and they are being snagged up if in good condition so there is not much just sitting out there now.
But I believe a lot is just sitting in closets waiting to be discovered by children upon death of the parents now.

Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach

The used market is actually very hot right now. It’s Craigslist that is dying. Facebook marketplace has taken over as the local way to buy and sell used goods. I still check Craigslist periodically for items for sale from those who haven’t switched to Facebook marketplace. But we have many cameras and lenses for sale on our local Facebook marketplace.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

davyboy wrote:

What do you think about the new full frame cameras from Panasonic? Will they catch up? They have a pretty good reputation

S1H is a great hybrid stills+video camera. It is a feature cross between the S1 full frame and the GH5 and GH5s Micro 4/3 bodies.

The S5 is a good hybrid body, too, just less so, sort of like the Micro 4/3 G9, compared to a GH5 Mark 2.

The S1 is fine for what it is, especially for portraits. The S1R is great for landscapes, product posters, and other still life work.

Panasonic’s limitation for some folks is AF. It’s much better than it was a few years ago, but still lags behind the industry in its ability to continuously focus on moving subjects.

For sports and wildlife, a Sony, Canon, or Nikon is a better choice. For most other work, the Panasonic line is excellent. The lens line is the Leica L mount, which includes a wide range of optics from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma (The L-Mount Alliance).

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Could it be that equipment owners with no clear upgrade path if they don’t go mirrorless? And consequently are prone to hold on to what they have? Plus, manufacturers have pretty much said they won’t be putting a lot of resources into equipment targeted for phaseout. Adding to this is the decline in demand for non-mirrorless equipment and everything in general except pricier mirrorless lenses, etc.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Bill_de wrote:

Although there are people who have 'good luck' with Craigslist, I think more and more people are learning not to depend on luck. It's always nice to have a reputable dealer standing behind any transaction.

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That was my point, that that goods are not there. It seems poorly regulated and there are a lot of scammers. A piece of dust out of place from Amazon and you get a refund.

I think part of the OP point is to, used is used and vintage is vintage. If you want the latest technology you should be looking at new or prime prices on newer used products. Example a friend of mine would like a Nikon D810 but thus far he has not wanted to afford a Nikon Factory Refurbished one and is scared of a straight out used one.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Bison Bud wrote:

Over the years, I've bought quite a bit of used ge... (show quote)

After hearing so many horror stories of local Craigslist rip-offs and outright crimes, I long-ago quit looking at Craigslist for anything. After two disappointing eBay experiences, I gave up on them, too. I don't need the frustration.

Reputable used equipment dealers still have plenty of stock, and most offer 180-day or six month warranties on their better items. Adorama.com, BHPhotoVideo.com, KEH.com, MPB.com, and UsedPhotoPro.com all carry used goods. Although you can find a better *price* on eBay or Craigslist, or even here on UHH, you can probably find what you want at one of these dealers, and find a better level of comfort in the transaction, too.

User ID

Architect1776 wrote:

.................... I believe a lot is just sitting in closets waiting to be discovered by children upon death of the parents now.

Many moons ago our shop staff generally referred to Leicas as the “dead father in law cameras”.

I think the deaths of fathers in law was bringing to market more cameras than the factory !

gwilliams6

No problems buying used gear if you know where to go. Not Craigslist, but reputable places like Allen's Camera, Adorama Camera, B&H Camera all still carry loads of quality used gear, no problem.

Craigslist is the LAST place this pro would ever shop for any quality, used gear with any guarantee.

Cheers

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I think a big part of the problem is the shortage of new gear. The chip shortage has affected everything. Lots of the new gear is on back order and people aren’t selling their old gear until they get the new stuff.