Man my a7ii just decided to give up the ghost today like the shutter is totally jammed and I have a wedding gig I am supposed to second shoot for in Chicago next Friday so I am panicking a little bit. I need to find a replacement used body like yesterday but I dont want to get ripped off or wait three weeks for shipping.
Ive been looking around and honestly I am kind of overwhelmed. I checked MPB because everyone says they are the gold standard for used gear but their stock for the a7iii seems really low right now or at least the ones in excellent condition are priced almost like new ones which makes no sense. Then I looked at KEH and their grading system is so confusing like is Bargain actually okay or is it gonna look like it was dragged behind a car?? Some people on reddit say just go to eBay but I am terrified of getting a grey market version or just a box of rocks since I need this so fast I wont have time to fight for a refund if things go south.
Here is what I am dealing with:
- Budget: Max $1400 maybe $1500 if it includes a grip or extra batteries
- Timeline: Need it delivered by next Thursday at the latest
- Model: Really want an a7iii or a7riii for the dual card slots because the a7ii single slot was always a gamble
- Location: I am in the midwest so shipping from the coasts might take too long
Are there any hidden gem sites or maybe specific facebook groups that are actually moderated and not full of scammers? I looked at Fred Miranda too but I have zero post history there so I dont think anyone will even sell to me because I look like a bot or something. Where are you guys actually finding the deals these days that isnt just the usual big box stores marked up used sections... help!
Check the used inventory at B&H Photo immediately! Their grading process is fantastic and they're extremely reliable for professional work.
- Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera Body The expedited shipping is amazing!
Might want to be cautious about shipping windows this close to a gig. Since you're in the Midwest, check Dodd Camera or Helix in Chicago for a local Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera Body. Picking up in person is way safer than waiting on a courier. If you find a Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Mirrorless Camera Body online, always verify the shutter count first... dont want another jam on your hands.
B&H is fine, but UsedPhotoPro is better for the Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Mirrorless Camera Body right now.
- Indianapolis warehouse is close
- Better trade-in value Check their Excellent condition stock.
> Picking up in person is way safer than waiting on a courier. Agreed, going local is the move for reliability. I'm satisfied with the Chicago shop idea because you can actually hear the shutter cycle in person. Those shutters are rated for 200,000 actuations but real-world testing is better than just checking a count. It works well to verify the dual slot write speeds with your own cards before the wedding to ensure there is no lag.
