colt4x5 Loc: Central Connecticut

I had the same poor experience at Adorama. I have sold a lot to B&H. Before taking it in, I always guesstimate what it could bring me - and they always beat my calculation.

Kingman

I’ve bought from and sold old camera items to KEH. They are the largest used camera outlet on the planet. They will give you an idea of the value of your gear on their website. Remember, they will give you less money than dealing with the hassle of selling on eBay.

Kingman

I’ve bought from and sold old camera items to KEH. They are the largest used camera outlet on the planet. They will give you an idea of the value of your gear on their website. Remember, they will give you less money than dealing with the hassle of selling on eBay.

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

I’m surprised to see only a couple mentions of MPB. Their used buy quotes are almost always higher than KEH, B&H, Adorama, etc. Amazon takes a healthy margin; I’ve only used them a couple times. eBay is better, but you still should do some homework, especially what’s currently for sale and a little trending. Smart selling here on UHH works, but also do your homework and make your price competitive. The buying crowd here will if you don’t, and your item will languish. Lastly, don’t be afraid of Craigslist. Just, be aware that it can be a PITA coordinating with potential buyers (or not) and as a victim of a scam, be aware and smart. On the Craigslist, there are suggestions on how to avoid being a victim. Years ago, I should’ve paid more attention and paid the price. Good luck!

finalimage Loc: Brattleboro, VT

I recently changed from Sony to go back to Fuji. I checked prices on eBay and B&H as well. I ended up using Cameta Camera to sell my Sony gear and received quick and reasonable quotes and checks were sent promptly. I am sure B&H and Adorama would be excellent as well.

JDG3

I look at this in a different perspective. Things we have for sell have worth only is someone is willing to pay you for it. So even if you paid $5000, if the market says it is worth $200, then that is what it worth. If there is no interest for the gear in the market, then it is essentially worthless.

And remember, unless it is some type of collectible, the price only goes down from that point until you, or your heirs, either sell it for pennies as scrap, or give it to Good Will. My wife and I go to estate sales often and I see all kinds of old expensive hobby and professional items tagged for $1.

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

Unless one has iconic film equipment such as Hasselblad, Nikon, Canon and Leica and accessories in top condition that collectors might want, the "buy" prices for such will be low due to their condition and the longer time required to sell them. There are also much fewer buyers! A few years ago, I paid a decent price, $400 for a Nikon F3 High Point with a 50MM F1.4 lens in like brand new condition for my collection. Most of these for sale were only "users" and/or beat up. Likewise, vintage equipment in immaculate condition will get very decent prices to the right person, e.g. older Leicas.

Remember, there's "retail" and "wholesale" pricing, "new" and "refurb" versus "used." If you sell used equipment especially old film stuff then don't expect much. Even today, "used" digital equipment only gets a small percentage of "new" prices. I have stopped buying new equipment! When they first came out, I paid $2995 each for both a new Nikon D700 and later a new D800. Now these bodies in "excellent condition with low shutter counts command only about $400-500 and $700-800! A drop of 70-80% of their original cost. I bought a Nikon D3s body for its low noise qualities 9 months ago for $800 off eBay that originally cost $6000! Such a deal! With people switching to mirrorless, the deals will only get better.

Be well!

Ed
President, www.parkwestcameraclub.org, “Celebrating our 83rd Anniversary!”
Organizer, www.meetup.com/NYPhotoSafari, “Photographing NYC since 2002!”
Director, www.nymaccphoto.org/, Mark your Calendars: 9/14/19: “Photo Involve!” NYC Photo Event

regularguy55

KEH is excellent.

Kingman

My suggestion is selling to KEH or anyone your choose when you have enough hardware to unload. They will take it all. Yes, you will not get the price you want because you're getting "wholesale" pricing (they have to make money when they resell it), but realize when and if you sell it on eBay or wherever, you need to worry about returns, shipping costs, 7-10% eBay fees, 7% PayPal fees and all the hassle and worried that if you send your items to someone, there is risk and time you have to wait and deal with all the shipping, packing and transactions. Selling a number of items to KEH or whomever gets you the cash now and the collective of used equipment is off your shelf. Selling only one item to KEH or whomever was not as satisfying as selling more to them and just getting a larger aggregate amount of money.

fehutch Loc: gulfport, ms

Tried Adorama. No good. B&H said they would call me back. Never did.
Went on line with KEH in Atlanta. Got prices immediately. Seemed fair and they supplied a UPS mailing label. A week or so later I got a check in the mail. For more than the estimate. Seems like I undervalued my stuff. What I had rated as Very Good, they rated as Excellent, etc. I also got more for film camera lenses than I did for 3 year old digital bodies. Also some items they wouldn’t quote until they’ve had it in hand. Everything was priced fairly I think.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

You might try the Equipment Trade of Sell section of this site.
--Bob

neillaubenthal

Just packaged my Sigma 50-500 to send to B&H this morning. They're a business…and offered me less than I might have gotten on eBay or craigslist or whatever…but it's no hassle and no scam. I know a lot of people say they're careful and that done right those other sources are probably viable…but the possibility of a charge back for a no shipping claim or a fraudulent check or cashiers check isn't worth it to me. I did sell a laptop on craigslist once…but did it for cash and met the guy at the library so neither of us knew where the other one lived. Traveling full-time in the RV makes those other options harder anyway…especially when all I would accept is cash or a verified cashiers check that had cleared both my bank and the originating bank.

I got more than I expected I would get for the lens…and it will cover about 1/3 of the cost of what I'm replacing it with.

JeffinMass Loc: MA

You should always get the most for your buck if you sell it on FB or Craigslist. The dealers will give you the minimum unless you have a pot of gold.

gasstro Loc: Indiana

Ebay reaches a large audience and usually I get more $$$ if I sell on there. Downside is their fees are getting too high. Craigslist sometimes, but beware of scammers and tire kickers.
I live near Roberts Camera and have been treated very well by them, not sure how the remote sales fare. Good Luck!

JeffinMass Loc: MA

There are some good retailers out there. Samys, Roberts, Hunts, B&H, KEH etc. Always remember they want to give you the least. You want the most. It's all a matter of negotiation. If you have the time Craigslist or Facebook yard sale works well. They are all in business for a reason.