Woman in straw hat smiles, holding wine glass near a lake.

Turn Your Old Gear Into New

Photorama USA facilitates direct transactions between buyers, sellers, and vendors at camera shows in Chicago.

You bring a camera body you stopped using, set it on a vendor table, and within an hour someone is inspecting it with a loupe and asking about shutter count. The in-person format means you do not have to photograph the item, write a listing, or ship anything. You show up in Chicago with gear you want to move and leave with cash or trade credit toward something else. The resale market here is active because photographers are constantly upgrading, downsizing, or shifting between formats.

Photorama USA camera shows support buying, selling, and trading across a wide range of equipment types and brands. Vendors facilitate transactions and help match sellers with buyers who are looking for specific gear. You can sell outright, trade for something on the floor, or combine both to get what you need. The process is designed to be direct and efficient, with no listing fees or platform commissions.

Join the next event to buy, sell, or trade.

How the Transaction Process Works

You arrive at the Chicago show with gear you want to sell or trade, and vendors evaluate it based on condition, brand, and current demand. Some vendors offer immediate cash buyouts, while others prefer trade arrangements where you apply the value of your gear toward something else on their table. You negotiate directly, and once you agree on terms, the transaction is completed on the spot.

After the deal is done, you walk away with payment or new gear in hand. There is no waiting period, no chargebacks, and no relisting if the buyer changes their mind. The format allows real-time negotiation, which works well for photographers who know what their equipment is worth and want to move it quickly.

This service is available at all Photorama USA shows, and it works for everything from entry-level bodies to high-end lenses and specialty film cameras. If you are upgrading or switching systems, the trade option lets you offset the cost without dealing with multiple online transactions. The shows attract buyers who are serious about purchasing, so your gear gets in front of people who are ready to negotiate.

What You Should Know Before You Sell

Selling or trading gear at a camera show is straightforward, but a few details help the process go smoothly.

What types of equipment can I sell or trade?
You can sell or trade camera bodies, lenses, flashes, accessories, film cameras, and most other photographic gear. Vendors evaluate based on condition, brand, and current market demand.
How do vendors determine the value of my gear?
They inspect the item for physical and functional condition, check for wear or damage, and compare it to current resale prices. You can negotiate based on that evaluation, and some vendors offer trade credit at a higher value than cash.
What should I bring with me if I want to sell?
Bring the gear, original packaging if you have it, accessories like lens caps or straps, and any documentation such as receipts or manuals. Clean equipment with clear markings tends to move faster in a market like Chicago.
Why would I trade instead of selling outright?
Trade credit often gets you more value than a cash buyout, and it lets you leave with new gear the same day. If you are switching systems or upgrading, trading can reduce the total cost and simplify the process.
When is the best time to sell gear at a show?
Early in the event gives you access to more vendors and buyers. Demand stays steady throughout the show, but arriving early means you have more options if multiple vendors are interested in what you are selling.

Photorama USA shows bring together buyers and sellers who understand the resale market and know how to evaluate gear. Get in touch to find out when the next Chicago event is scheduled.