What to Do With Old Cameras and Lenses
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photo by skyNext via iStock
If I were a betting man, I’d guess that the vast majority of us have at least one or two old cameras and lenses lying around somewhere.
Whether it’s your dad’s 35mm Nikon from the 70s or your first pocket digital camera, there’s a use for it beyond taking up space in your dresser drawer.
Here’s just a few ideas of what to do with old cameras and lenses.
Have an old camera or lens you no longer need? SEE WHAT IT’S WORTH.
Donate Old Cameras and Lenses
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If you have no use for your old gear, why not donate it?
You can give it to your church or a local charity to sell in a rummage sale. You can also donate your gear to a local school or after-school program (provided your gear is in working order).
I mean, how cool would it be for kids to use your old film camera to learn the basics of photography?!
photo by slavemotion via iStock
There are plenty of foundations that can use your old gear, too. One such foundation is the Josephine Herrick Project, which offers free photography programs to people of all ages that are facing “significant social and economic disadvantage.”
Being able to give their students free gear helps them accomplish that mission, and donating your stuff can help the project achieve that end.
Learn More:
How to Sell Old Cameras and Lenses
If you need the cash, consider selling your old gear.
There are tons of places where you can sell your cameras and lenses and either get cash for them or trade them in to upgrade.
I use MPB for that because they are quick and efficient about the process, they pay for shipping, and they offer a fair price.
I usually just opt for the payout, but they have a huge inventory of used gear, so occasionally I’ll trade my gear in and use the proceeds to get something else that will be of greater use to me.
Either way, it’s a straightforward undertaking - just fill out a quick online form, tell them about the gear you’re selling, and they’ll get you a quote instantly.
If you accept the quote, they’ll send you a box, pay for shipping and insurance, and once they’ve confirmed the condition of the gear, you’ll get paid.
Easy, right?
Learn more in my MPB review.
What to Do With Old Cameras and Lenses: Use Them!
photo by nortonrsx via iStock
There’s nothing to say that you can’t use your old gear, assuming it works, of course.
I really enjoy shooting with my old film camera from time to time, and you might find that it’s enjoyable for you as well.
Besides, I’m a big advocate of shooting on film because it can help you develop your creative eye. That is, with a limited number of shots you can take, shooting on film forces you to be purposeful about each shot.
photo by mustafahacalakivia iStock
I think there’s something to be said for the patience you have to have to see your photos after they’re printed, too.
Call me old fashioned, but film is fun!
And since there are plenty of adapters out there that allow you to use vintage lenses with modern cameras, there’s no reason why you can’t use your old lenses all the time.
