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Reputable Online Used Lens Retailers

johnjbloomfield
Posted 27/01/2016 - 19:26 Link
Hi

All just spent up my camera fund on my new KS2 with the twin lens kit (18-50 & 50-200) for kit lenses they are really decent quality, but I shoot indoors a lot, candid family stuff and I don't like using flash so really think I need a faster lens for portraits.

So I'm looking for second hand options. Not having bought used before I was wondering if you guys can recommend reputable used lens sellers who will have checked their gear and offer some form of returns policy.

I'm in the UK, so would prefer vendors who will ship here obviously.

Thanks in advance.
StephenHampshire
Posted 27/01/2016 - 19:35 - Helpful Comment Link
I've used SRS - I think there used stock now goes on e-bay, but if you had something in mind you can always ring them, and also Ffordes. Both offer guarantees on used stock
SteveF
Posted 27/01/2016 - 19:44 - Helpful Comment Link
In addition to SRS as mentioned earlier, I've bought from London Camera Exchange (LCE) in the past without any issues. Usually a reasonable selection of Pentax or independent Pentax fit lenses available. http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand-Search/
StephenHampshire
Posted 27/01/2016 - 19:54 - Helpful Comment Link
Actually, the classified ads here are always worth perusing, I have bought a few lenses with absolutely no problems.....as Steve above sad, LCE are also reputable, I very nearly got a used K200d from my local branch a few years ago....I ummed and ahhed but by the time I decided to go for ii (about 2 hours after handling it) they had sold it! I ended up getting an ex-demo K5 from SRS
johnjbloomfield
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:07 Link
Anyone ever bought from CEX - if you don't know they basically buy used tech and resell on UK high streets their online prices are very good but they are not a camera specialist so I'm a bit concerned about the condition.
johnjbloomfield
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:12 Link
StephenHampshire wrote:
Actually, the classified ads here are always worth perusing, I have bought a few lenses with absolutely no problems.

I looked at the classifieds here but thought they were no longer in use as no adverts actually come up.
spinno
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:17 - Helpful Comment Link
johnjbloomfield wrote:
StephenHampshire wrote:
Actually, the classified ads here are always worth perusing, I have bought a few lenses with absolutely no problems.

I looked at the classifieds here but thought they were no longer in use as no adverts actually come up.

Look on the forum not the website classifieds
David
swarf
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:20 - Helpful Comment Link
I have used Ffordes Photographic in the past and found them to be reliable. They're based up in the north of Scotland, so I've only ever dealt with them by phone and e-mail - no problems and goods exactly as described.

I would use them again.

Phil
K-5iiS; K-r; ME Super; ME; DA* 16-50 f2.8; DA 18-135 WR; DA 55-300 WR; HD DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited; FA 50mm f1.4; A50mm f1.7; DAL 18-55mm; M40mm f2.8; + assorted non-Pentax lenses

My Flikr Page link
AndrewA
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:23 - Helpful Comment Link
Have used Ffordes, Mifsuds and SRS and all were spot on.
Andrew

"I'm here because the whiskey is free" - Tyla

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MrB
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:24 Link
johnjbloomfield wrote:
Anyone ever bought from CEX - if you don't know they basically buy used tech and resell on UK high streets their online prices are very good but they are not a camera specialist so I'm a bit concerned about the condition.

They are offering a 24 month warranty:

link

Cheers.
Philip
davidstorm
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:25 - Helpful Comment Link
Ffordes and SRS for me too, all transactions successful, including one with SRS where I bought a 18-55WR second hand and it arrived damaged. They promptly replaced it with a brand new one for no extra cost!

Regards
David
Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
reso
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:28 - Helpful Comment Link
another vote for LCE & Ffordes have used them both no problems
k5iis sigma 8-16 sigma 10_20 hsm tamron 17-50 pentax faj 18-35 pentax da 18-135 tokina 20-35 tokina 28-70 atx pro pentax dfa 100 wr
pentax da*50-135 pentax da*60-250 sigma af 400mm pentax 1.7 af adapter
Pentax af aw 1.4 rear converter and a flash
johnjbloomfield
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:38 Link
Oddly my next lens at the moment is cheaper new from Jessops (or within £5) than it is on all the used sites other than CEX
Posted 27/01/2016 - 20:57 Link
johnjbloomfield wrote:
Anyone ever bought from CEX - if you don't know they basically buy used tech and resell on UK high streets their online prices are very good but they are not a camera specialist so I'm a bit concerned about the condition.

We had problems returning a phone to CEX, sorted in the end, but wary.
The Real Camera Co in Manchester seem thorough and happy to natter, though I haven't got anything from there... yet.
Come and see the beautiful things I see in the ordinary world.
Richard
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 27/01/2016 - 21:11 Link
I have bought a lot of lenses here on the forum and rarely had any problems.

Collectable cameras are a good, reliable and friendly firm (http://www.collectablecameras.com/) and sometimes have some very rare and interesting items.

I have used Ffordes in the past but I don't any more. Beware or them. They have a returns policy that's good on the face of it but their delivery costs are extortionate and they won't refund them even if they have made wildly incorrect assessment of the condition of the goods they're selling (broken cameras sold as EX+, lenses full of fungus sold as EX++ etc etc).
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses

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