Hey all — I’m trying to pick up a used camera body (and maybe one lens) without getting burned, and I keep seeing wildly different prices depending on where I look. The title pretty much says it: are there any reliable sites for used camera bargains?
I’m not necessarily hunting for “too good to be true” deals, but I’d love to find fair pricing from a place that actually checks condition and doesn’t play games with grading. I’ve been browsing the usual big marketplaces, but I’m nervous about hidden issues like shutter count being way higher than advertised, fungus/haze in lenses, or “mint” listings that show up with scratches and sticky buttons. Return policies also matter a lot to me since I’m still learning what to look for.
For context: budget is around $600–$900, and I’m mainly looking at mid-range mirrorless bodies from the last few years. I’m in the US and fine with online ordering if shipping/returns are reasonable.
Where do you all go for legit used camera bargains, and what should I watch out for when buying from those sites?
For your situation, here’s what I recommend (been buying used gear for years, i feel u on the “mint” nonsense…) 1. **KEH Camera vs MPB vs B&H Photo Used Department**
- **KEH**: most consistent grading imo, conservative descriptions, solid returns. Prices aren’t always the lowest but usually *fair*.
- **MPB**: great for bodies, they list shutter count a lot of the time (not always), photos are of the actual item. Easy returns.
- **B&H Used**: good deals pop up, generally honest, but inventory moves fast. 2. **Avoid** random marketplace “mint” unless it’s local + you can test. 3. **Watch for**: shutter count proof, lens fungus/haze, stiff dials, and confirm return window + who pays return shipping. Good luck!
Oh man, been there… I bought a “mint” body years ago that showed up with a mushy shutter button and a mystery rattle lol. Since then I basically stopped gambling on random listings. So basically the consensus is: go with the big used specialists because their grading tends to be conservative and returns are predictable. Reply #1 already called out the usual heavy hitters (KEH/MPB/etc), and yeah, that matches my experience too: you might not always get the absolute cheapest sticker price, but you’re paying for honest condition + an easy return if something’s off. If you want a couple extra budget-friendly places to check (without going full sketchy marketplace): the used departments at Adorama Used Cameras & Lenses and UsedPhotoPro (Roberts Camera) Used Gear are legit and usually have real photos + decent return windows. Also, Canon Refurbished and Nikon Refurbished can land you in that $600–$900 zone during promos—refurb isn’t “used bargain” vibes, but the value/per-dollar and warranty coverage are hard to beat. Lesson learned for not getting burned: prioritize listings that explicitly state shutter count, show closeups of mount/rear element, and allow returns. And tbh I’d rather pay $50 more for “excellent” from a place with a no-drama return than chase a “deal” and end up eating shipping both ways. gl!
Honestly its a bit of a bummer but even the big shops have been getting sloppy with grading lately. I had issues with a lens recently that was labeled as excellent but had a grit in the focus ring... super annoying. If you want better value for that $600-900 range, here are a few spots that people often overlook:
- LensRentals (or their sales site LensAuthority). Seriously, these guys are the best because they actually service and calibrate their gear between every rental. If you pick up something like a Sony Alpha a6400 from them, you know it hasnt just been sitting in a bin. Their ratings are way more trustworthy than the big box guys imo.
- Fred Miranda Buy/Sell forum. You gotta pay a small fee to sell but browsing is free. The community there is very protective of their reputation. I usually find much better deals on mirrorless bodies like the Fujifilm X-T3 there than anywhere else because you arent paying that massive corporate markup.
- Japanese eBay sellers like Map Camera. I know it sounds sketchy to order from overseas but their grading is insanely strict. Their version of Good usually looks brand new to us. Just look for the Top Rated Plus badge and youll be fine. tbh sticking to the main sites is safer for returns but you definitely pay a premium for that... sometimes its worth it, but other times it just feels like a rip off when the gear shows up looking rougher than the photos.
To add to the point above: I have been very satisfied with the results from high-rated Japanese sellers on eBay recently. Their attention to technical detail and mechanical condition usually surpasses the standard big-box marketplaces, especially regarding internal electronics and sensor cleanliness. If you want to maximize performance in that 600 to 900 dollar range, here are a few methodical steps I follow:
- Search specifically for sellers with 99 percent feedback who provide actual shutter count data. This is basically the best metric for determining remaining service life.
- Look for the Sony Alpha a6400 if you need high-end tracking autofocus. Many Japanese listings for this body are in superior condition compared to domestic ones.
- Consider the Fujifilm X-T3 for its robust build quality and professional video specs. I found one recently that was listed as Excellent and its functioned perfectly with zero sensor artifacts. Honestly, the grading there is often so conservative that items arrive in better shape than described... no complaints so far with this route for finding high-performance gear.
Following this thread
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
I've been burned a few times by the big marketplaces so I tend to be pretty cautious these days. I remember buying a body a few years back that looked flawless on the outside, but the lens mount was slightly warped, which made my glass fit poorly.
- Check for sensor dust at narrow apertures
- Look for wear on the battery contact points
- Ask specifically about mount wobble or pin damage If you want my honest opinion, just go with Fujifilm. You really cant go wrong with any of their mirrorless cameras if you want that classic feel and great colors without breaking the bank. I usually suggest looking at smaller regional shops like Mikes Camera or even District Camera. They have solid used sections that arent as picked over as the big names, tho you definitely want to call and double check their return policy just in case the compatibility isnt there.
Been using this for years, no complaints
To add to the point above: basically everyone has pointed you toward the heavy hitters like KEH and MPB. Those are the safest bets for your budget range because they actually have some accountability and proper return windows. If you're looking for a fresh angle tho, I've seen some chatter about the photomarket over on Reddit lately. I think I heard they’ve been tightening up their verification rules to stop scammers, but honestly I'm not 100 percent sure how well that's working... iirc you still gotta be super careful and only use payment methods with protection. My personal DIY strategy over the years has been hitting up local pawn shops or tiny estate sales that don't list online. You gotta do the legwork and know how to inspect a sensor for scratches or oil yourself, but that's where the real bargains are hiding. Ngl it’s way more of a gamble than buying from a place like LensAuthority, but it’s how I’ve built half my kit on the cheap. Just be sure to bring a flashlight and a spare battery to test everything on the spot if you go that route!
