NEW or USED gear... What's in your bag?

mikeSF · 08-30-2018, 08:53 AM

my gear is about 1/3 bought new and 2/3rds used. no real preference though

tvdtvdtvd · 08-30-2018, 08:58 AM

Almost everything in my collection I have purchased used with the exception of digital bodies and two
lenses. The only reason I purchased those two particular lenses new was because I was also purchasing
a body at the time and the lens was an added impulse buy.

I have absolutely no hesitation purchasing old brass and glass used, as that equipment, if
well maintained, is built to last indefinitely. I don't have quite the same confidence with modern gear
and all its electronics, and as such am quite content to purchase modern gear as new, especially
camera bodies.

**ffking** · 08-30-2018, 09:12 AM

I've always bought camera bodies new and 35mm and APS-C lenses new - because all but my first lenses, the M lenses I got with the ME super, have been AF, and I have this worry that the more intricate the mechanism the more likely it is to have been damaged.

The only camera I bought 2nd hand was the LX, and that developed a problem with seating of the mirror leading to missed focusing

All my Pentax 67 lenses were second hand, as I could never have afforded them new and they are totally manual - but from reliable and fair dealers.

northcoastgreg · 08-30-2018, 09:55 AM

Back in 2010 is was buying only used. Then my financial circumstances improved and I started buying new and well as old lenses. As of today, all my APS-C lenses were purchased new; FF lenses are a mix of old and new.

Used lenses: M 20/4, K 28/3.5, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, M 50/1.7, A 50/2.8 Macro, F 85/2.8 Soft, M 135/3.5, K 200/4, F 17-28, FA 20-35/4, M 75-150/4.

New lenses: Rokinon 10/2.8, SMC DA 15, HD DA 21, HD DA 35/2.8 Macro, DA 100/2.8 Macro WR, DA* 300, DA 10-17, DA 12-24, DA 16-85, DFA 28-105, DA 55-300 PLM, Tamron 70-200/2.8

Because of cost and/or weight of DFA glass, I don't see myself buying any new glass any time soon. Indeed, I'm planning on pruning my APS-C lineup down to the limiteds and the PLM.

**TER-OR** · 08-30-2018, 10:06 AM

The bulk of my gear is used. The most recent bodies I've bought have been new, the K5 and K3II. I did buy a new DA300 after looking at the relatively small difference in used and new price (with rebate) it made sense to buy new. I have zero issues buying used gear here on the Marketplace.

wstruth · 08-30-2018, 10:12 AM

Both, Right now all my cameras have been purchased new but my lenses are a mix

UserAccessDenied · 08-30-2018, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by Pentikonian

I've had more than my share of bad experiences with used electronics over the years. So far, knock on wood, I've yet to have any issues with new gear except the odd piece being dead when coming out of the box. So, I tend to buy complicated tech items (like digital cameras and modern lenses) new.

Makes sense!
Thanks for sharing!

Cabessius · 08-30-2018, 10:26 AM

Everything is used, except the bag itself and most of the hoods. Even the camera is used.

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

Do you buy brand new for a particular reason?

N/A

Do you like having the latest and greatest before anyone else?

Nah

Or do you not trust anyone to buy used?

This world is full of wonderful people!

Do you buy used gear for a particular reason?

Because the Takumar serie is long discontinued.

VoiceOfReason · 08-30-2018, 11:50 AM

Mine is a mix of both. If I see a good deal on what I want then I go for it.

steve_k · 08-30-2018, 12:07 PM

It depends. My K-3 II body I bought new because I felt the price new plus warranty was worth it. I also purchased a new sigma 8-16 for $575 because it came with a $50 gift card. Everything else I own is used. Typically if I'm buying used it needs to be at least 25% or I won't buy it. I'll also buy new if a product does not have a used market yet or I can't get it for less than 25% of the cost of new.

Binth · 08-30-2018, 12:15 PM

New bodies but when I got my K-5II all I could afford were used lenses. I have since bought a mix of used and new.

ChristianRock · 08-30-2018, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

What's in your bag and why?

Camera, lenses, flashes, filters and inverter rings.
Also batteries and chargers, of course!

Quote:

Do you buy brand new for a particular reason?

The only thing I ever bought new for my photography gear was the DA 35 2.4, because the used price wasn't much less than the new price.

Quote:

Do you like having the latest and greatest before anyone else?

I don't know, I've never been in that situation

I could probably afford a K-1 and at least a couple of nice lenses, but my wife is very against this hobby (and sort of any hobby, really). We're also way behind our retirement savings, so no money for hobbies or play things. That is also the reason why I drive an old beat up car.
But she still gets to make some trips and buy nice things for the house. She also gets to drive something much newer, after all it's safer for her and the kids. Happy wife, happy life...

Quote:

Or do you not trust anyone to buy used?

I try to look at the warranty and returns policy... I want to be able to return it if it's not as described, at the very least.

Quote:

Do you buy used gear for a particular reason?

Price! Why else! And a lot of my lenses aren't available new.

Quote:

Do you like the discounted price?

Yes.

Quote:

Do you like meeting people in the marketplace and sharing experiences along with the purchase?

I would like that, yes.

Quote:

Do you not care about the newest release and just want to wait until the price drops in the used market?

I do care. But my hobby budget dictates that I basically be able to sell something to pay for something else. So buying and selling used things work very well for me, since basically all I have came from selling guitars and music related things.

tomcook · 08-30-2018, 12:25 PM

Little bit mixed, but mostly new just because I can't resist.

**BigMackCam** · 08-30-2018, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

I don't need the latest and greatest tech. And would rather wait until reviews come out and prices drop.
I like meeting people on the forum and trading gear. Buying used gear has a different level of interaction.
The cost savings is great too!

I absolutely love gear - I've no shame admitting that. I enjoy it as much as the photography itself. But although I used to get quite excited about owning some of the latest equipment, that doesn't really interest me any more. That's not to say I wouldn't buy an all-new model in future... but I'd say it's unlikely. If I ever buy the K-3II replacement, it'll probably be once it's discontinued - so I've a few years to wait for that

My buying habits have changed over the years. I used to buy only new gear, and although I'd try to get the best price possible at the time, if I wanted something and could afford it, I'd buy it. These days, if I'm buying new, then unless it's an item I genuinely need right away, I'll hold out for big discounts, sales and close-outs. I've become a lot more cost-conscious, and patient as a result. For example, each of my HD DA Limited prime lenses was bought new at well below best current prices, but it took me a while to achieve that. I had to wait quite a while for some of them. The same goes for most of my modern Pentax glass, all bought at large discounts.

But in the last few years I've increasingly turned to buying used gear. In some cases, it's because the products are no longer available brand new. Otherwise, though, if I can make a BIG saving (30-40% or more) off the best current new price, I'll probably go for used. But I'm very, very fussy about the used products I buy. I'll only consider excellent condition items that have seen little use and were obviously well looked after. Most of the used kit I own looks very little different (if at all) to brand new. So if I'm able to find equipment in that condition at a huge saving, buying used makes absolute sense to me

EDIT: Ironically, the camera I enjoy shooting with most of all - my Samsung GX10 - is one of the cheapest digital ILCs I own. I paid GBP £99 for it and (if I remember correctly) it had less than 300 shutter actuations on it. It was, and still is, in "like new" condition. I love it most for the quality of raw files it produces, but I also get a little kick out of having so much fun from an astonishingly inexpensive camera

jab2980 · 08-30-2018, 12:48 PM

Most all of my lenses have been used - lots from great people here on the forum, a good amt from eBay, and a couple from Amazon. The only new ones I bought were a DA* 300, DA* 55, a DA 18-135 and possibly one of my DA-15's.

Total of 28 that I've owned - 24 or 25 of them used and really no major issues with any of them. Pretty lucky I guess.

08-30-2018, 12:34 PM	#44
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,686	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied I don't need the latest and greatest tech. And would rather wait until reviews come out and prices drop. I like meeting people on the forum and trading gear. Buying used gear has a different level of interaction. The cost savings is great too! I absolutely love gear - I've no shame admitting that. I enjoy it as much as the photography itself. But although I used to get quite excited about owning some of the latest equipment, that doesn't really interest me any more. That's not to say I wouldn't buy an all-new model in future... but I'd say it's unlikely. If I ever buy the K-3II replacement, it'll probably be once it's discontinued - so I've a few years to wait for that My buying habits have changed over the years. I used to buy only new gear, and although I'd try to get the best price possible at the time, if I wanted something and could afford it, I'd buy it. These days, if I'm buying new, then unless it's an item I genuinely need right away, I'll hold out for big discounts, sales and close-outs. I've become a lot more cost-conscious, and patient as a result. For example, each of my HD DA Limited prime lenses was bought new at well below best current prices, but it took me a while to achieve that. I had to wait quite a while for some of them. The same goes for most of my modern Pentax glass, all bought at large discounts. But in the last few years I've increasingly turned to buying used gear. In some cases, it's because the products are no longer available brand new. Otherwise, though, if I can make a BIG saving (30-40% or more) off the best current new price, I'll probably go for used. But I'm very, very fussy about the used products I buy. I'll only consider excellent condition items that have seen little use and were obviously well looked after. Most of the used kit I own looks very little different (if at all) to brand new. So if I'm able to find equipment in that condition at a huge saving, buying used makes absolute sense to me EDIT: Ironically, the camera I enjoy shooting with most of all - my Samsung GX10 - is one of the cheapest digital ILCs I own. I paid GBP £99 for it and (if I remember correctly) it had less than 300 shutter actuations on it. It was, and still is, in "like new" condition. I love it most for the quality of raw files it produces, but I also get a little kick out of having so much fun from an astonishingly inexpensive camera Last edited by BigMackCam; 08-30-2018 at 12:52 PM.

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08-30-2018, 08:53 AM	#31
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	my gear is about 1/3 bought new and 2/3rds used. no real preference though

08-30-2018, 08:58 AM	#32
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Almost everything in my collection I have purchased used with the exception of digital bodies and two lenses. The only reason I purchased those two particular lenses new was because I was also purchasing a body at the time and the lens was an added impulse buy. I have absolutely no hesitation purchasing old brass and glass used, as that equipment, if well maintained, is built to last indefinitely. I don't have quite the same confidence with modern gear and all its electronics, and as such am quite content to purchase modern gear as new, especially camera bodies.

08-30-2018, 09:12 AM	#33
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	I've always bought camera bodies new and 35mm and APS-C lenses new - because all but my first lenses, the M lenses I got with the ME super, have been AF, and I have this worry that the more intricate the mechanism the more likely it is to have been damaged. The only camera I bought 2nd hand was the LX, and that developed a problem with seating of the mirror leading to missed focusing All my Pentax 67 lenses were second hand, as I could never have afforded them new and they are totally manual - but from reliable and fair dealers.

08-30-2018, 09:55 AM	#34
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,174	Back in 2010 is was buying only used. Then my financial circumstances improved and I started buying new and well as old lenses. As of today, all my APS-C lenses were purchased new; FF lenses are a mix of old and new. Used lenses: M 20/4, K 28/3.5, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, M 50/1.7, A 50/2.8 Macro, F 85/2.8 Soft, M 135/3.5, K 200/4, F 17-28, FA 20-35/4, M 75-150/4. New lenses: Rokinon 10/2.8, SMC DA 15, HD DA 21, HD DA 35/2.8 Macro, DA 100/2.8 Macro WR, DA* 300, DA 10-17, DA 12-24, DA 16-85, DFA 28-105, DA 55-300 PLM, Tamron 70-200/2.8 Because of cost and/or weight of DFA glass, I don't see myself buying any new glass any time soon. Indeed, I'm planning on pruning my APS-C lineup down to the limiteds and the PLM.

08-30-2018, 10:06 AM	#35
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The bulk of my gear is used. The most recent bodies I've bought have been new, the K5 and K3II. I did buy a new DA300 after looking at the relatively small difference in used and new price (with rebate) it made sense to buy new. I have zero issues buying used gear here on the Marketplace.

08-30-2018, 10:12 AM	#36
wstruth Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	Both, Right now all my cameras have been purchased new but my lenses are a mix

08-30-2018, 10:20 AM	#37
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pentikonian I've had more than my share of bad experiences with used electronics over the years. So far, knock on wood, I've yet to have any issues with new gear except the odd piece being dead when coming out of the box. So, I tend to buy complicated tech items (like digital cameras and modern lenses) new. Makes sense! Thanks for sharing!

08-30-2018, 10:26 AM	#38
Cabessius Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Ibiza, Spain Posts: 471	Everything is used, except the bag itself and most of the hoods. Even the camera is used. Originally posted by UserAccessDenied Do you buy brand new for a particular reason? N/A Do you like having the latest and greatest before anyone else? Nah Or do you not trust anyone to buy used? This world is full of wonderful people! Do you buy used gear for a particular reason? Because the Takumar serie is long discontinued.

08-30-2018, 11:50 AM	#39
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Mine is a mix of both. If I see a good deal on what I want then I go for it.

08-30-2018, 12:07 PM	#40
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	It depends. My K-3 II body I bought new because I felt the price new plus warranty was worth it. I also purchased a new sigma 8-16 for $575 because it came with a $50 gift card. Everything else I own is used. Typically if I'm buying used it needs to be at least 25% or I won't buy it. I'll also buy new if a product does not have a used market yet or I can't get it for less than 25% of the cost of new.

08-30-2018, 12:15 PM	#41
Binth Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 36	New bodies but when I got my K-5II all I could afford were used lenses. I have since bought a mix of used and new.

08-30-2018, 12:21 PM	#42
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied What's in your bag and why? Camera, lenses, flashes, filters and inverter rings. Also batteries and chargers, of course! Quote: Do you buy brand new for a particular reason? The only thing I ever bought new for my photography gear was the DA 35 2.4, because the used price wasn't much less than the new price. Quote: Do you like having the latest and greatest before anyone else? I don't know, I've never been in that situation I could probably afford a K-1 and at least a couple of nice lenses, but my wife is very against this hobby (and sort of any hobby, really). We're also way behind our retirement savings, so no money for hobbies or play things. That is also the reason why I drive an old beat up car. But she still gets to make some trips and buy nice things for the house. She also gets to drive something much newer, after all it's safer for her and the kids. Happy wife, happy life... Quote: Or do you not trust anyone to buy used? I try to look at the warranty and returns policy... I want to be able to return it if it's not as described, at the very least. Quote: Do you buy used gear for a particular reason? Price! Why else! And a lot of my lenses aren't available new. Quote: Do you like the discounted price? Yes. Quote: Do you like meeting people in the marketplace and sharing experiences along with the purchase? I would like that, yes. Quote: Do you not care about the newest release and just want to wait until the price drops in the used market? I do care. But my hobby budget dictates that I basically be able to sell something to pay for something else. So buying and selling used things work very well for me, since basically all I have came from selling guitars and music related things.

08-30-2018, 12:25 PM	#43
tomcook Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Albums Posts: 125	Little bit mixed, but mostly new just because I can't resist.

08-30-2018, 12:48 PM	#45
jab2980 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 578	Most all of my lenses have been used - lots from great people here on the forum, a good amt from eBay, and a couple from Amazon. The only new ones I bought were a DA* 300, DA* 55, a DA 18-135 and possibly one of my DA-15's. Total of 28 that I've owned - 24 or 25 of them used and really no major issues with any of them. Pretty lucky I guess.