Choosing A Digital Camera (Part 3): Goodwill, Good Stuff

We've discussed a few options of purchasing used so far, but now let's take a expression at the gemstone of all used stores: Your local Goodwill.

Goodwill, Good Stuff

This is another secret some of us photographers utilize as a resource, and I probably shouldn't be mentioning it here for the fact I'm going to have got competition when I cruise the aisles of my local Good Will store. But that's ok.

When I purchased my Nikon D100 dorsum in the summertime of 2002, I didn't have got many lenses. In fact, I had none. I had a 50mm f/1.4 lens system system on the way, and an AF-S 80-200mm inch transit, but that didn't assist my current situation--I needed to set a lens on my photographic photographic camera NOW, or I was going to interrupt down and outcry like a small girl.

The same twenty-four hours I'm talking to my grandfather, and I advert I got a digital camera. He said something to the consequence of, "Hey, I've heard of those!" After a few minutes of explaining the general digital photographic camera to him, he states to me, "So, you're going to be hanging out at the thrifty stores, aren'tcha."

Whah? Huh? Good Will stores...ehhhhh, yeah, Oklahoma whatever.

After getting off the phone, I decided I had nil to lose (except for my dignity, and since no 1 knew about my soon-to-be trip to the Goodwill, I was clear). My first visit to the Good Will was a loss. I didn't see anything except for a few used disposable photographic cameras (I have got no thought why they were there--maybe had a few images left on it too take?) and respective of those "Get A FREE 35MM Camera!" thingies you see when you have your recognition card statement, and about a few twelve promotional stuffs autumn out. Yes, that sort of 35mm camera.

I decided to ship to another Good Will which was in a less busy location. As soon as I walked in the presence door, I glanced at the glass counter, and I saw the Nikon name on what appeared to be a 50mm lens. I immediately went over to take a closer. Yep, certain enough. It was a 50mm lens. It was an aged AI-S 50mm 1.8. Price? Well, you better sit down down. $15. The lens system system was in good condition, not excellent, but it was certainly deserving the $15 Iodine immediately whipped out of my billfold and said, "I'll take that lens, thanks."

Will you always happen a gemstone like this at a Good Will store? Probably not. However, that kind of ruinations the mystical and cryptic Hunt for treasure, now doesn't it. I can state you, that you have got a much better opportunity of determination a trade there, than other places. A regular trip every weekend certain isn't going to kill you, and it could pay off considerably.

Pawn Shops

Now, pawn stores aren't all what they used to be. Today, pawn stores have got a highly inflated terms tag on most of their items. You might as well travel to a regular photographic camera shop and pay the terms of a new point because you wouldn't be paying much more. In some cases, you might be paying less. However, there is a opportunity you may happen a pretty good trade on a lens, tripod, or even a camera. Tripods usually sell for really cheap, and I would definitely urge looking around your local pawn store bunch if you're in a big city, because you will probably happen one. And considering if you're in a little town, you will probably happen an even better deal. Why? Because there isn't the sort of wares flowing through and the expertness is not as present as, say, a trader in New House Of York City or Los Angeles. Most of us may dwell in bigger cities, so don't anticipate to acquire a Manfrotto for $20, but there are other trade names which come up very fold to the high and might tripod brands, and are extremely discounted. Velbon for example. I've seen $150-$200 Velbon tripods sell for $35, in batch condition. Did I purchase it? Well, long story short, I didn't cognize it was this expensive until I remembered the theoretical account number, went online, had a bosom seizure, then immediately drove back to the pawn shop.

It was gone. You win some...you lose some.

In the adjacent portion of Choosing A Digital Camera, we will discourse some of the photographic photographic camera characteristics you should prioritize when buying a digital camera. Yes, it may acquire technical, but I will be there with you every measure of the way.