Where to buy used camera equipment

I live in the Portland, OR area. I'm interested in buying some studio lighting; a couple of umbrellas & three adjustable fixtures. It seems like there is a place everyone always mentions for used equipment but it escapes me at the moment. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Jerry

Jerry, no help from me on the place, but you might also post this inquiry in the regional Pacific Northwest board here on NPN if you haven't already.

We have never played the eBay game, though there's lots of gear there. We prefer "brick and mortar" sources, primarily for the ability to call up and talk to knowledgeable individuals while making our selections. Calumet has been our principal source for new studio gear, either their online listing or any of the individual stores listed at that link. It appears that KEH has an even more extensive online list of used studio gear, though we've only bought used camera gear from them. Both outfits have proven really topnotch in our dealings.

In truth, when it comes to used studio gear we're really selective, mostly because for major pieces we want warranty coverage. We usually buy small items like umbrellas new retail. I'm not sure what you mean by adjustable fixtures, but I'm betting one of these sources will have them.

BTW- In the Northwest our principal source of gear is Glazers in Seattle. They have a dedicated storefront for studio gear, as well as an extensive used department. We do walkins with them any time we pass through Seattle, and the staff is always professional, knowledgeable and friendly.

B&H Photo in New York has always had a great reputation for used equipment.
Gene

I've used eBay as seller and buyer with never an issue. Check the seller's reputation on eBay before buying. Once you get to know the site its a great resource.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/

buy/sell board is an excellent place to buy - lighting equipment doesn't come along that often there, it's mostly lens and bodies....

If you pay for access, you can post a thread WTB (want to buy) that will likely get you what you are looking for. You can reply to posts without membership, but you can't start a thread.

Also don't forget your local camera store, chances are that they are also selling used equipment and that might be a nice place to start.

Also try http://portland.craigslist.org/ - got a super deal there yesterday.

Depending on the equipment needed, try looking at Midwest Photo (www.mpex.com). They are better known as a large format equipment dealer so you may not have heard about them. They may or may not have what you need, but they are an honest company. Them, along with Badger Graphics, are the two standard recommendations in the LF community as the companies to work with. It is a good recommendation, assuming that us LF'ers are too nuts.

Depending on needs and intended us, Alien Bees/White Lightning have a fairly good reputation and are not too expensive even new. I own a couple of Alien Bees, and have been happy with them, but I have not been too demanding on my equipment. They are accurate and consistant. Some of their accessories such as softboxes are not heavy duty, but do work for light use.

KEH is a very reputable place, with very friendly and helpful personnel. KEH.com

I buy used whenever I can. Over the years my purchases have come from, in order:

1) eBay. check feedback.
2) KEH.com. Absolutely honest and prices are sometimes lower than eBay.
3) MPEX.com. Very knowledgeable, good prices.


I have never bought used from B&H because their prices seem way out of line. I would trust them though.


Kent in SD

Thanks to all. Great suggestions!

JR