{"id":41605,"date":"2019-01-31T12:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T17:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keh.com\/expert-advice\/?p=41605"},"modified":"2019-01-31T15:57:18","modified_gmt":"2019-01-31T20:57:18","slug":"how-to-prepare-your-used-camera-gear-for-sale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keh.com\/expert-advice\/photography\/tips-how-to\/how-to-prepare-your-used-camera-gear-for-sale\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare Your Used Camera Gear for Sale"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previously<\/a>, we covered some of the benefits of selling your photo gear, establishing that whether you’re looking to make some room, cash in or trade up, there are many advantages to putting your kit up for sale. And by now, you may be thinking it’s finally time\u00a0to part with some of your equipment\u2014so, what’s next?<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter what you’re selling, there’s a few steps you should take to prepare your gear for sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspect Carefully To Determine Condition<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you start considering offers, you have to determine the condition of your gear. This is an important step, because if you properly evaluate the state of your items, you’ll get a better idea of their value. At KEH, for example, our technicians inspect camera gear very carefully based on a wide variety of criteria<\/a>\u00a0before assigning a grade. This, in turn, will determine the pricing when the item goes up for sale. Like any other evaluative process, knowing what to look for is the key.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, for lenses, this means making\u00a0sure to inspect for scratches, dust and debris on the front and back of the lens, as well as between the glass elements. Moisture can get trapped within, making fungus and mold common problems, and these pesky growths can be hard to spot if not inspected thoroughly. All aperture blades should move evenly and be free from any excess oil. Additionally, the focus, zoom or aperture rings should be fully functional and smooth to operate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, you should check for damage on the barrel and on the lens mount to evaluate cosmetic condition\u2014chips in the paint, scratches, dents and caked-on dirt are all detracting factors that can greatly impact your selling price.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is also true of camera bodies, which can suffer heavily from wear over time. Aside from appearances, one good indicator of a camera’s usage is the shutter. Most (but not all) manufacturers of digital cameras offer ways to check the number of actuations endured by your mechanical shutter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Film cameras are harder to evaluate this way, but checking the rubber light seals can give some indication of condition, as they tend to crumble away in older models, which will lead to light leaks. Timing tests can be done to make sure the shutter speeds are still accurate and it’s always good to double-check the accuracy of the built-in light meters. To be certain, you should probably triple-check that all mechanical and electronic parts are working properly and make note of anything that isn’t up to standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a couple additional videos illustrating how you should inspect a camera body:<\/span><\/p>\n