Get the best price for your used Nikon camera
With a little bit of effort, you can give your old camera a new lease of life, helping you to get a fast sale and a fair price for your unwanted equipment.
There comes a time in every photographer’s life when they have to ditch their trusty old Nikon camera and move on to a newer, more sophisticated model. However, if you have reached this stage, don’t just throw your old camera in a cupboard never to be thought of again. There is a huge market out there for second-hand photographic equipment, and with a bit of care and effort you can soon get your old camera ready for sale.
Give it a spring clean
First things first, it’s important to get your camera in the best possible condition, so it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a good clean. Bits of dust, grit and sand can collect in the gaps of the camera body, and these can be easily removed with an air blower, small brush or Lenspen. Next, give the body a wipe over with a soft, microfibre cloth, tackling any tough marks with an old toothbrush and some methylated spirit. Removing dust from the lens can be a tricky job so proceed carefully, using a blower to remove as much dust as possible, before treating any remaining dirt with lens cleaner and a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Box it up
In such a competitive market, it’s important to make your camera as attractive as possible, and experience shows that those cameras that are put on sale with their original packaging tend to sell more easily and fetch a higher price. So, pack up your equipment in its original box and dig out any original accessories that came with your camera such as the user manual, software, camera strap and leads.
Take some decent snaps
If you’re selling your camera online, you want to present it in the best possible light, so take the time to take some good quality photographs of your equipment. A hastily snapped smartphone photo just won’t cut it. Instead, take a more professional approach, using your expertise as a photographer to produce well-focused, well-lit images that will help to entice potential buyers. However, while you want to make your camera as attractive as possible, it’s important to be honest. If your camera has any flaws or damage, be sure to let buyers know, and include photos of the affected areas so that people know what they are buying.
Ready for sale
So, you’re camera’s ready for sale – now what? Well, first you need to set a fair price for your equipment – both for you and the buyer. To do this, take a look at second-hand camera websites and auction sites such as eBay to find out what the going rate is for similar products.
Next, you need to decide how and where to sell your camera. Auction sites are always a good option, particularly as they offer protection for buyers and sellers, however, you will be up against a lot of competition and you will be charged commission on your sale.
A better option could be to go through specialist dealer in second-hand cameras – either online or in a physical store. Offering an immediate quote and immediate payment, it’s a quick and simple way to sell used Nikon camera equipment, providing you with fast cash to upgrade your gear and take your photography to the next level.
