Bay Area: best place to sell camera equipment?

August 14, 2024 8:33 AM

I have a bunch of a relative's old camera equipment, some of which might be fairly valuable. There used to be a spot in Berkeley for this kind of thing, but they're no longer around. I prefer to do this all in-person rather than online, but if there is a reputable online option, I'm open to it. Any suggestions are welcome!
posted by Molasses808 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

keh.com and mpb.com are both excellent places to see used camera equipment. You can get an instant quote on the website, then they give you a prepaid shipping label to send it in. Assuming everything is in the condition you describe, they send you a check, or tell you what they'll give you, and you can decide if you want the lower price.
posted by jonathanhughes at 8:53 AM on August 14 [1 favorite]

Have you investigated Looking Glass (they are still in Berkeley, they moved)? They are affiliated with a trade-in/selling team based in Florida.
posted by vunder at 9:06 AM on August 14 [2 favorites]

Looking Glass in Photo Berkeley does this, tho it looks like now they have it run through Florida? It’s a bit confusing but they’re v reputable and I trust them!
posted by wemayfreeze at 9:08 AM on August 14

Samy's Camera Samy began as a photographer to many rock bands in the 1960's and expanded to selling camera equipment. I have traded with them for many years and they have a great reliable staff; they are a favorite of many artists in the Los Angeles area. They handled my Pentax ME super like it was a fine antique, which made me laugh. They used to have a brick and mortar in San Francisco, but it closed a few years ago. Anyway, great group of people. If you are in the Fairfax flagship store, check out Samy's original photos of rock and roll royalty on the stairs to the third floor.
posted by effluvia at 9:12 AM on August 14

In SF, Fireside and Glass Key Photo (film only) buy cameras. Honestly though, search google maps for "camera store". There are unfortunately not many left, so it will be quick to narrow down a spot that works for you.
posted by umwelt at 2:25 PM on August 14

I live in SF and have a bunch of camera-nerd photographer friends - if you have a list that you’d be willing to share with individuals (if you’re not trying to do the whole shebang as a single transaction), send me a MeMail and I’d be glad to pass it on!
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 8:54 PM on August 14

Note that while MPB probably lowballs you a bit, they are pretty darn fast. Plus if you end up not wanting to take their offered price - they will also ship it back to you at no charge! which seems nuts, but cool.
posted by bitterkitten at 8:52 AM on August 15