How to Find Photography Equipment

You can find photography equipment in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer to shop at a retail store, or look for bargains online, finding photography equipment doesn't need to be difficult. Watch for legitimate offers, and quality products by sticking to these tips for finding photography equipment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Trade magazines

1. Visit your local photo processing lab. Ask the associates if they sell photography equipment. Often mini photo labs offer a limited amount of equipment as a service to their customers. Purchasing batteries, camera straps, film and media cards at photo labs should be easy. A few cameras, lenses, cleaning supplies and instructional books are usually available at larger photo labs.
2. Read trade magazines. Photography related journals and magazines offer advertising to photography equipment retailers. Filling the pages of these magazines are offers for a variety of equipment from lighting, to camera bodies, props and photographic services. Look at the back of the magazine for a collection of ads with new and used photography equipment for sale.
3. Go to the Internet and search online photography retailers. Many brick and mortar stores also offer an online version of their services and products. Many of these websites list their available merchandise and offer online ordering. Finding photography equipment on these websites is easy, because it is categorized and well organized.
4. Browse online auction sites to find used, and new, photography equipment. Private parties and retailers often use this method as another way to sell their equipment. Watch for return policies, U.S.-based warranties and customer service contact information.
5. Check your local newspaper. Professional photographers, college photography students and hobbyists need to sell and upgrade their equipment on a regular basis. Find photography equipment for sale by local people in your hometown newspaper.
6. Visit local pawn shops. Surrendering high valued electronics, such as photography equipment, is common, at pawn shops. Check the equipment over for damage, and ask if it works. Ask if there is a return policy in place if the equipment malfunctions.
7. Call local colleges. Ask for the art and journalism departments. Talk with the photography instructors. When a class ends, students that don't continue on with their photography often look for buyers of their used equipment. Usually this equipment has not been used much, and can be a great value.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure all photography equipment you find for sale has a return policy that you agree with. Obtain a receipt and ask for a customer service phone number for any future questions.

Who Can Help:

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