Resale value of used cameras and lenses

What drives the price of a camera body

• Exact model: generations of the same line differ a lot in value.
• Shutter count: how many photos the camera has taken. A high count lowers the value; many cameras let you read it from the files or the menu.
• Sensor and screen: scratches, dead pixels and dust that will not clean.
• Completeness: battery, charger, strap, caps and box.
• Region and language: some imported models have different menus or warranty terms.

What drives the price of a lens

• Mount: the same focal length exists for different mounts (for example Canon RF and EF, Sony E/FE, Nikon Z and F). Compare only the same mount.
• Optical condition: fungus, haze, separation and deep scratches seriously reduce the value. Shine a light through the lens from the back.
• Mechanics: autofocus works, zoom and focus rings are smooth, aperture blades are clean and dry.
• Version: many lenses exist in several versions (for example with or without stabilisation).

Common mistakes

• Comparing a lens with the same focal length but a different mount or version.
• Not testing autofocus on a body.
• Missing fungus because the lens was not checked against light.
• Ignoring the shutter count on a body that looks clean.

Quick checklist

• Model, mount and version written down.
• Lens checked against light for fungus and haze.
• Body powers on, takes a photo, shutter count known if possible.
• Battery and charger included.

Where to sell and how to check quickly

Cameras and lenses sell well on eBay across Europe; see where to sell used electronics in Europe. FlipLens reads the model and mount from a photo of the label or lens barrel and compares listings on eBay in five EU countries or on eBay.co.uk. How it works.

Questions