burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

In the past three weeks, I have ordered and taken delivery of two lenses from MPB.com. They are a used equipment dealer based in Brighton, UK, with a US branch in Brooklyn, NY, and a German branch in Berlin. Supposedly, they are the largest used photo gear dealer in the world (they call it 'kit' across the pond...).

I know there has been some chatter about delays and bad service from MPB this year, but I experienced very prompt and straightforward service from them. The transactions were painlessly simple. Delivery time was slightly less than their estimated schedule.

The gear is in better shape than they advertised, although both lenses had slightly dirty front elements when they arrived (I keep mine SPOTLESS), necessitating a few minutes' time cleaning them, the lens caps, and the lens mount.

About six weeks ago, I bought another lens for one of my twins. I ordered it from Roberts Camera's UsedPhotoPro.com, a dealer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Everything I said about MPB applies to them, as well, right down to the need to do a cleaning.

All three of these lenses perform flawlessly. I thought they were priced fairly, considering all three are used lenses, but they came with six month warranties.

For those looking for high quality used gear, I can honestly say I have had the same great service from KEH.com (in Atlanta, GA), MPB.com, and UsedPhotoPro.com. Of course, all three will trade for gear and/or cash. They make it painless, although you'll probably get less for your gear from them than from individuals.

If you're leery of used gear, my advice is, don't be. These dealers are rock solid. They rate used equipment very conservatively. It's guaranteed. If it was going to fail, it already did, and got repaired or refurbished long before you see it. I have yet to receive something used that I didn't like.

A lot of the top-rated used gear is demo equipment, or returns from people who decided they needed something else. Others just bought something, used it for a job, then traded it in to avoid tying up all their cash in gear they don't need. Probably more of it is almost NEVER used, because people tend to buy camera gear, get disillusioned, and let it sit for awhile... Then they dump it.

So my attitude is, let someone else take the depreciation hit. I'm happy to get their lightly used gear and give it a good workout.

cwp3420

2buckskin Loc: Wyoming

I totally agree with your assessment, I have bought most of my used equipment from KEH and everything was as good if not better than what they stated. I have also purchased from MPB with 2 very recent purchase's, shipping was quick and the equipment was actually better than I anticipated.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I agree with both of you. I have done business with both companies and highly recommend both of them!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Yep. I picked up a near-mint copy of a Lumix weather-sealed 12-35mm lens (24-70 equivalent full frame field of view) that MPB claimed was just "excellent." If they had simply cleaned it, it would have pulled a higher score.

It came today, and I put it through its paces. This is a newer version of the same lens I gave to my son to use. The twins and I each have the same focal length zooms now, so when we inter-cut video, we can match it better. The newer one has better coatings and better image stabilization, and is more compatible with newer cameras.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Agree, on all points, I have bought two older lenses this year, one from MPB, and one from Keh, both were better than described, and shipped promptly.
I was a bit nervous about buying used, especially when I couldn't see it, and touch it, but from my experiences with these two dealers , I have no reservations about buying used from them again.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have bought used from Robert's Camera and MPB in the past. No complaints.
Customer service has been excellent also....and a 6 months warranty gives me peace of mind.

Nddave01 Loc: Bismarck, ND

My experience with these companies has also been very solid. Most recently I decided to move to Olympus from Fuji and MPB offered me significantly more for my trade than KEH so they got the bulk of my business. I did purchase the body OM-D E-M1 lll from KEH and was pleased with the price and the condition. I seldom buy new any more unless the item isn't available used.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Roberts usedphotopro.com is my go-to for used camera equipment - good prices and excellent customer service.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

They are my local b&m. Great people!

tennis2618

Thanks to all for sharing your positive experiences. I have never purchased used but, with these three sources identified, I will try them soon as I borrowed a good Canon mirrorless from the store on a recent trip to Patagonia with Lindblad National Geographic. The pictures were definitely crisper right out of the camera from what I have experienced for about 5 years from my Nikon 850. So I am ready for major changes in my equipment.

rdemarco52 Loc: Wantagh, NY

I've dealt with Roberts, KEH, and MPB and your assessment is accurate. MPB was slow the last time I dealt with them, but the gear was top notch. I checked all three for my last transaction, and KEH gave me the best price for the camera that I sold.

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

Earlier this year, MPB went through a staffing issue in that they literally couldn’t keep up with demand. They even suspended orders for a few days, so they could catch up. Of course, I placed an order during that brief time (actually, the day before the suspension was announced), and was a little nervous since I had a workshop planned. In the end, all was well. Even so, MPB is my goto for selling and buying used equipment. KEH and Canon refurb for buying. I’ve never used Robert’s but get their email.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Completely agree. Most of my equipment has been bought used, either from my local brick and mortar, MPB or KEH, and I’ve never been disappointed.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've had good experiences with both companies.