Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1935)

January 30th, 1935 Ins AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER fa 6 CINEMATOGRAPHER o uying a “Used” Camera In a former article* we dealt with the sale of a “used ” camera. We now consider the question from the point of view of the buyer. This article should be read by all who contemplate the purchase of a second-hand camera. THE prejudice against the pur¬ chase of second-hand articles that was held for so long, and was applied to photographic goods, is at last dead. It is now realised that “use” need not mean that the apparatus is impaired with regard to efficiency in working, but only that it has taken the edge off the price. Most modern photographic ap¬ paratus carries its age very lightly. Nor does it mean that the second¬ hand camera need necessarily be one that is old-fashioned. In the present world of photography -things move so rapidly that the apparatus which is on the market as a new design to-day, can be met with second-hand in two or three months’ time. This does not mean that the apparatus is not efficient, but that some photographer has tried it, and either wants a better or different model, or one of some other size or type for special work. For this reason the latest in apparatus is frequently to be bought second-hand. Alternatives. There are two courses open to the purchaser of a second-hand camera or other apparatus. He can com¬ municate with one of the dealers who make a speciality in the sale of second-hand goods, or he may deal with another photographer through the Private Sale and Exchange columns of “ The A.P.” Either case ensures a satisfactory deal. In the first case the buyer has the assurance that the reputation of the firm gives. In the second case there is the possibility that the price charged may be lower, but it is possible that the purchaser will have to wait longer than would be the case with a dealer, who probably can supply any camera wanted from stock, except in the case of the' very latest types. The purchaser of apparatus from any of the regular advertisers in “The A.P.” also has the assurance that the goods are in perfect working order, and in most cases have been subjected to overhaul by expert repairers. Approval. The first step towards the purchase of second-hand apparatus is to arrange for approval and trial. The dealers who specialise in this business offer any apparatus on approval for five days against a deposit of its full value, on the understanding that the full amount is refunded if the goods are not kept. “The A.P.” Deposit System offers the same safety for both parties in a transaction arranged through the Private Sale and Exchange columns. No goods should be entertained that are not offered on these terms. Such phrases as “ too cheap for approval ” should be looked upon with sus¬ picion, and such offers should not be considered further. Examination. Much can be told from a careful examination of photographic ap¬ paratus. Signs of ill usage are generally evident, but it is also possible that a camera which appears new, and is in an unscratched state with regard to appearance, may fail to produce satisfactory negatives. In the case of a folding camera the front should be examined for signs of strain, which may mean that the lens is no longer central with the plate or film and which will produce negatives with bad de¬ finition, the latter being very evident when enlargements are made. The moving parts of the camera should work smoothly, if they do not it is a sign that they may have been strained. The bellows should be stiff, and not soft or sagging. The back of the camera and plateholders, if these are supplied, should fit tightly. The camera may be tested by taking it into a dark-room and plac¬ ing inside it one of the miniature electric flashlamps of small size. Pinholes in the bellows, in parts of the folds, due to wear or an ill-fitting back, will be made evident by this means. Lens and Shutter. These should be given very careful examination. The glasses of the lens should be free from scratches, and they should have the black¬ looking appearance, when the surface is examined against a dark back¬ ground, that is the result of the fine polish given by the maker. Lenses which are dull, the result of repeated cleaning with abrasive material, should be regarded as defective, as the dulling of the glass surface may be more harmful with regard to definition than a scratch. The shutter should be tested for each position of the index. Care should be taken to see that the blades close properly, and that the action is easy, and not sluggish. Shutters which have been subject to storage under damp conditions, or have been misused, will show this fault. It may be put right by overhaul by an expert, but this has to be taken into consideration with regard to the purchase price. In the case of a focal-plane shutter the same applies, the action should be easy and the blind should be examined for pinholes. In General. If the photographer is not very experienced it is a good plan to ask some expert photographic friend his opinion. This applies to those whose experience is confined to apparatus of one kind and who wish to purchase that with which they have had no familiarity. Tests should be made with plates or films, using the largest aperture of the lens, and focussing with extreme care either by scale or screen, and, if possible, checking the one with the other by careful measurement. These practical tests will show what the camera may be expected to do. * “The Amateur Photographer ,” January 16th, page 51. 97 7