What to look out for when buying second-hand
If you're looking for second-hand camera gear, you've come to the right place at Kamera Express. Every year, more than 30,000 cameras, lenses and accessories get a second chance with us. But what should you look out for when buying? We'll help you on your way!
Every second-hand product is checked and cleaned by our experts before it goes on sale. That means you don't have to worry about whether the camera or lens works. What's more, we offer a 12-month warranty on every second-hand product.
However, there are of course also things you should pay close attention to yourself when buying second-hand. Get this right, and you can be sure you've got a great deal!
Condition of the product
Our experts go over every product we take in before it goes on sale. Based on this check, they determine the overall condition of the product. That's handy, because then you know what to expect.
Which conditions do we use?
9/10
As good as new:
The product is almost indistinguishable from new and is complete with all accessories and the packaging.
8/10
Barely any signs of use:
The product is in good condition and shows only minimal, barely visible signs of use.
7/10
Light signs of use:
The product has been used and shows light signs of use, such as small scratches on the body and/or the odd speck of dust in the lens.
6/10
Normal signs of use:
The product has been used and shows visible signs of use, such as several scratches on the body, dust in the lens and/or scratches on the front element of the lens.
Number of clicks made with a camera
Every time you take a photo with a camera, the shutter is activated. We call this a 'click'. The shutter is a mechanical part and wears over time, just like a car with miles on the clock. That's why the number of clicks gives a good picture of how intensively a camera has been used. Every camera has an expected shutter life, usually between 100,000 and 300,000 clicks, depending on type and brand.
What can you expect per number of clicks?
Please note: these descriptions are purely indicative and do not give any guarantee about your product.
< 10,000 clicks: As good as new
Very little use, usually in excellent condition. Ideal if you're looking for a second-hand camera but want to enjoy it for years to come.
10,000 – 25,000 clicks: Lightly used
Used a few times but technically in excellent condition. Plenty of life left for hobbyists and professionals alike.
25,000 – 50,000 clicks: Normally used
Typical use for an enthusiastic photographer or semi-professional. A safe choice and a good balance between price and remaining life.
50,000 – 75,000 clicks: Regularly used
Actively used, for example by a semi-professional. Still, the shutter is usually in good condition, especially on professional models.
75,000 – 100,000 clicks: Intensively used, still very usable
Intensively used, but professional models are designed for this. The camera is still very usable if you don't use it every day.
100,000 – 150,000 clicks: Experienced but ready for action
A camera with a rich past, but certainly not written off yet. Perfect as a backup camera or a smart choice on a budget.
> 150,000 clicks: For the smart buyer
A well-used camera, but it can still keep going for a surprisingly long time. Combine that with a very sharp price and you've got an interesting deal.
Worn shutter? Replaced free of charge under warranty
Of course, it can always happen that the shutter gives out. If this happens within the 12-month warranty, we'll make sure it's repaired free of charge, so you can get back to shooting quickly.
Included accessories
Unfortunately, some accessories break or get lost over time. However, we always aim to offer as complete a set as possible with as many original accessories as possible. For every product, we list in the specifications which accessories are included.