Approaching the Scene 187: A Great Way to Sell Your Old Photo Gear

[@drb9705]

Thank you, Hudson. Very useful information! 👍

[@keoni37]

Just used MPB to sell several F mount lenses and purchased a "like new" Z 14-30 S, very pleased easy peasy process. Will continue to use them. Was very pleased to see you are using them also. Mahalo for the video Hudson.

[@mikerodriguez1608]

Like others, totally agree. I also found out about them through Rick and am currently in the middle of my first transaction with them (gear received, waiting for their assessment). Thanks and hope you guys have a blast out on the road.

[@BS2Dos]

Cool beans. Now my Z7ii has arrived I’ll be jumping on their site to offload. 👍👍

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

So good to see you enjoying Neil. :-)

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

I use them all the time, love them! They make the whole process so simple.

[@jamesgolando8862]

Hi Hudson, Could not agree more! I have been using MPB for about two years now have had a great experience. Quick, easy and very fair.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

I have both bought and sold gear with them and found them to be very fair and honest. Like you, I used to sell through eBay, but it is getting to be more and more of a hassle, and with people trying to scam you. Now, I usually start out trying to sell locally and if not able to, I send them to MPB.

[@realcabberandfriends34]

Thanks for this information! I’m about to ship my first items to MPB today. The money is going to help fund my purchase of the Nikon 70-200 f2.8. I can’t wait to get it. Thanks again and I love your videos.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You will love that lens!

[@RichardAmesMusic]

It's true that eBay is a hassle but I've tried MPB and KEH and both offer a *lot* less than what I was able to sell them for on eBay. As examples, I sold a Zeiss Milvus 50 f/1.4 for $700 and MPB offered me $425. I also sold a Zeiss 35 f/2 for $600 and MPB offered me $390. Even after paying the eBay 13% I still came out way ahead by selling on eBay, a lot more than 10%. Also - those quotes from MPB were before I sent them in, so I'm assuming they'd knock down their offer even more once they got them in hand. I find it hard to believe they offer more than their initial bid. Unless, of course, you have a KZbin audience that might make use of their service... ;)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It wasn't me that had my MPB quote upgraded (you'd note that if you listened a bit more carefully) although I'm also sure MPB has no idea who I am. It's always been exactly what the online quote was. Several friends of mine without any social audiences have had their online quotes increased by MPB after inspection though and, if you look through the comments of this very video , you'll see there are comments from other viewers like yourself with exactly that same experience. After 22 years using eBay with nearly 1000 happy transactions, I've had three horrible experiences with Ebay in the last nine selling transactions. Scammers abound now. I'm sadly done selling there. Just be warned they do nothing whatsoever to protect the seller in transactions. The Buyer is always right even if they damage the gear before requesting a return. By contrast, I've not had any problem with fair pricing with MPB for modern Nikon, Fuji or Sony gear. It's been about what I'd expect on Ebay minus 18%. The fact there are no sellers' fees, shipping hassles or fear or fraud makes that a better deal in my book. It's so simple, fair and easy, that the time saved is invaluable in itself :-)

[@stevepalmerphotoart]

Thanks Hudson..you reminded me I needed to sell gear that will sit on the shelf because I upgraded some stuff. Shipping in a few days and hoping we agree on condition. Thanks man!

[@bbj6107]

MPB is awesome! I've come to use them exclusively for selling and buying used gear.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Thank you for making this video. I have been struggling to find the motivation to list my old gear on Ebay for the exact reasons you talked about. I think it would be well worth the little difference in money for the piece of mind. Thanks again👍

[@alancandusso7334]

Hudson, spot on. I’ve been using MPB for a few years now to sell my old gear (never bought anything though). Very easy process and fast. Within a few days of receiving your equipment, they send you an email requesting your bank account. Once you provide it they pay you within a day or two. The best part is they have never knocked down the condition that I evaluated it at. They always paid me what they quoted. Btw, the last item quoted for me was the Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 lens right at the time the 24-120mm lens was announced. $275 in excellent condition. I hesitated as I wanted to see some field evaluations first (like your review). Quoted again and price dropped to $225.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Hi Hudson, MPB is the place I sell my used gear as well. Their quotes seem fairer than others and it's less hassle. They respond so quickly as well and provide the shipping label. Others require a virtual meeting to show the buyer what you have before they even entertain you. I love MPB's convenience. I did buy a used Z 14-24 mm f/2.8 S from KEH and I'm happy with it.

[@thomastuorto9929]

I didn't sell my D810 but MPB offered me over double than Nikon (on a trade in) & B&H for an outrite buy. Didn't even talk lenses.

[@allenbuyck7957]

tried MPB last year and it was great and the prices they offer are fair. I recommend as well. Up until last year, I had never heard of them

[@FastidiousOne]

Great information, especially with new cameras coming out like the OM-1. Were it not for this presentation, I never would have heard of MPB. Do they ever advertise? You should put a permanent link in your show notes. Just have to wait for my OM-1 to come before I pass on my EM-1ii.

[@paulkirk5760]

I’ve used mpb here in the uk before and it was very straight forward. I have sold a lot recently on eBay without any problems. Just sold the 24-120 Nikon f for £300 ( sold in 30 mins) fees were £30 and MPB had offered £250.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Glad it went well. :) I've had nothing but bad experiences with selling on ebay lately sadly. I've used them since the late 90s for 1000s of transactions, but it's no longer the community it once was. :(

[@carljarvinen1189]

I’ve used MPB to sell my Z6 and they upgraded the condition of the camera. I’d definitely use them again. A very painless process.

[@thomastuorto9929]

I use Craig's List. No muss, no fuss, no fees. You do have the hassle of dealing with people. Sold 2 kayaks. The first one sold on the phone before I finished typing the second one. The second one sold in 4 days total. I 'll probably list a bunch more stuff before I put the condo 4sale.

[@skyace888]

Totally agree and I've used MPB as well for years. But why sell the D500? Such a good camera still! :)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

With the Z9 in my hand and whatever comes after it, I'll never use it again. It's time to get some $ out of the dslr gear before the bottom falls out. As soon as people experience just how much better the Z glass and shooting experience is and realize nikon has no f mount development planned moving forward, the prices will drop further.

[@skyace888]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I currently shoot with a Z6 II and a D500. I'm wondering if I should sell my D500. I mainly use it with the 150-600 Tamron G2 lens because I don't think there's a realistic replacement for it in the Z lens lineup. I guess I could use it with the FTZ adapter but focus may not be as good. And if I did sell the d500 I don't know what I would get. Maybe another Z6 II? Or maybe a Z7 II? I tried the Z9 recently at B&H and it seems amazing but is a little too expensive and big for my needs at this point.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Maybe wait a bit so for 3rd party Z lenses or the 200-600 nikon to come and a future Z8 or...? If I didn't have the Z9, 100-400 and 1.4 TC, the D500 would still be with me.

[@poche660]

If I buy something from MBP is there a way to get you some credit?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No, but I sure appreciate your asking. :-)

[@gosman949]

What is wrong with the Nikon Z 2x teleconverter? I have the new Z 100-400 and contemplating getting the 1.4 or 2. I take it you are keeping your 100-400?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Like all 2x TCs they rob a lot of light and magnify any lens weakness. The 2x is OK on the 70-200, but not great on the 100-400. It reduces AF performance too at its max of f11. I've never ever been happy with a 2x on a zoom. The 70-200 is as close as I've come. I think they are best used on the big fast and 5 digit priced prime lenses the pros need them for. I'd stick with the 1.4 it's great on that lens. I'll have a video to prove all this in the next few weeks. ;) stand by

[@cpallphotog]

I would never sell my gear I bought brand new on that site, the offers are so low even on like new gear that I’d rather keep the gear if I couldn’t sell it in person. I’d rather deal with waiting to find an in person buyer and letting the item depreciate in value, the offers are that low.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They're about 5% under the current auction rates when you factor in shipping and sellers fees. It just depends on how valuable your time is and your threshold for dealing with the buying public. I find mpb be a joy to work with and quite fair, but I'm jaded after selling gear for 20 years on eBay or Craigslist and finding both more and more filled with scammers and less and less protective of buyers. With young kids and running a business, my time is just too precious for that. Mpb is very competitive with B&H, KEH, and other used gear buyers, but the process is an absolute cakewalk they are beyond fair. Dslr gear is depreciating extremely fast right now. Really fast. Careful you don't cut your nose to spite your face. I still have some mamiya medium format gear I couldn't bear to sell so cheap in the early days of dslrs. I paid thousands for it. 'How could I sell it for 40% of what I paid?' I thought. Now it's worth about 3% in much weaker dollars. I don't even remember which basement box its in anymore...

[@cpallphotog]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I guess it’s hit and miss depending on the gear and the use a person got out of it but I wasn’t going to part way with my 105 micro for 255 USD that was barely used and is in mint condition. My other gear I put up was a reflection of the same pricing ratio all in similar condition. I’m sure MPB is a wonderful tool for some and for certain gear it may pay off and be fair but I’d rather keep the gear and barely use it than sell it for less than a quarter of its worth, that to me is too big of a hit when I could sell it for double of that.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If you can find a buyer for that 105 AFS for double that, then do it fast. The bottom started falling out of that one the minute the 105 2.8 S released. I sold my 105 AF-S VR on mpb for 450 just before that new S lens officially announced . That's the direction F gear is headed and fast.

[@cpallphotog]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto yeah you’re dead on about that 105, the Z version is amazing. I was using that as an example that was fresh on my mind with the lower prices. The f Mount is no slouch but that Z version is so nice. It was a bit of a let down for me, I was actually hoping I could find the prices I find from in person transactions. I guess I wanted to have my cake and eat it too. Now if I could find a Z9 for half price on MBP I might sing a different tune. 🤣

[@2triangles]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Are the Z series lenses that much better than the F? The comparisons I've seen on YT seemed to show the Zs are indeed better, but not THAT much better. Mint 105F for $255 vs New 105Z for $1k?

[@charlesdavis6371]

I really appreciate you walking through the entire procedure. Like you - I have no desire to deal with ebay. I've been looking at mpb as well as KEH and Adorama for selling bulk equipment I'll never use again. I've talked to people at KEH, and found that they will give you an extra 10% if you choose store credit; if you think you might be interested in something they have. I have no idea how income compares between the three (and I think there are several other stores that may buy older equipment.) Having purchased some Leofoto equipment on your recommendation - and being VERY pleased .. I'll consider mpb. (I had some issues with some of the used equipment I've bought from them in the past, but didn't return in time for a refund). TY again for this video.

[@jeffreyneville9769]

Just sold some stuff to KEH late last year no issues, very painless. Some You Tube photography channels have a code so you get 5% added to your quote. They send you a final Quote once they have your gear and validate that it meets the condition you stated it was in, for me I got what the online quote offered me.

[@charlesdavis6371]

@@jeffreyneville9769 Hopefully you know how much I value your input - so I'll start boxing things up soon.

[@jeffreyneville9769]

@@charlesdavis6371 Thank you for your kind words, just your average photo enthusiast. Good luck selling, I did get quotes from 3 other places and KEH gave me the best price. Matt Granger has a code on his site. It will add 5% to your offer.

[@DavidVJohnsonImages]

I agree that MPB is the way to go. Also had good luck with KEH. I have used EBay for years and they are more and more a disaster. Lost over $1000 on them on a shipping dispute. Criminal customer service!

[@chrisroot7182]

I wish they worked from Canada!

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

It’s so hard for me to justify selling a 500mm f4 is version 1 for 1k. When I just sold it on eBay for 3k. But I absolutely agree that eBay screwed the pooch with not backing sellers. Took me just over a month to sell that lens. PITA.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I sold my perfect souped up trash can Mac pro three times before someone actually paid, then they attempted to install the wrong os, wiped the drive and returned it as defective. Ebay had thier back all the way and I got stuck with return shipping and a nearly bricked Mac pro... :(

[@poche660]

Ebay's day is over. One of the biggest problems is they don't support the seller as much as they used to. I won't sell on Ebay any more.

[@hiligard]

Do not use MPB to sell your equipment. Their customer service is terrible. They give you a bid and then downgrade it. Because I did not send them a original Canon battery they subtracted 50 dollars from the total of the camera. That's just one example of what happened.

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Does MPB pay the FULL quote? Or do they only pay a percentage of it? For instance, Adorama when they give you their quote, they actually only pay you 70% of that quote. I originally went to sell thru them bc that's where I usually buy my gear & figured I could just add the "credit" from my old gear to my account for future purchases, but the quote AND the actual pay-out seemed incredibly low-ball to me. I just did the MPB questionnaire/quote & they quote me a little more, but if they do the same percentage payout as Adorama, I'd rather try to sell on FB Marketplace or thru IG.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They give you a shipping label, you ship, they book the gear in to examine it. If it is as described, they ask for bank routing and pay the exact quote. If it's not as described, then they will either offer more or less. If you don't agree to the change, they ship the gear back. My friend Rick had his quote revised up and got more money than expected recently. They upgraded the items condition.

[@rickvesny5541]

Actually, eBay is taking 14% now!!! Additionally, they significantly favor buyers in almost all disputes and "No Returns Accepted" and "As is, all sales final" while permissible to state and select as stateable/selectable descriptions hold zero water with eBay now. I recently had a buyer return an allegedly defective item I sent to them in Like New condition after they removed components. I disputed with eBay with irrefutable photo (before/after) evidence to no avail. eBay sided with the buyer. The seller has ZERO protection these days. Good buy eBay....