About Us

We are an independent photographic retailer based in London WC1, providing high end photographic goods and services since 1996. We specialize in rangefinder and mirrorless technologies, quality sport optics and high performance lenses for SLR type cameras.
Our team is comprised of passionate photographers and experienced retail experts able to provide tailored impartial advice to amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals alike. Our goal is to deliver the best possible service enabling all our customers to achieve the best possible results.
An essential part of great customer relations is good communication and feedback. If you have any comments, would like to recommend a service we do not currently offer or would like to see a product we do not currently stock, please send ideas and suggestions to ideas@theclassiccamera.com
Services Provided

We stock a large selection of new and second hand photographic equipment from long established and trusted brands such as Leica, Carl Zeiss, Voigtlander, Fujifilm, Sony, Panasonic and Nikon. All of our products are listed on this website which is updated daily.
We also carry a great range of photographic accessories, camera bags and camera film from B&W, Billingham, Artisan&Artist*,Ilford and Kodak to name a few.
We offer a repair and maintainance service for all types of mechanical camera as well as an instore sensor cleaning for digital mirrorless, SLR and rangefinder cameras. For pricing and further details send all enquiries to info@theclassiccamera.com
Grading
We grade the condition of our stock thusly;
| Mint |
As if bought new, boxed and complete. |
| Mint- |
Like new, very minor signs of use. Usually boxed. |
| A |
Great condition, often items of age that would otherwise be considered near new fit into this category. Expect some signs of use. |
| B |
Good condition, has seen use but has retained much of its original condition. Maybe not for the collectors but plenty to be proud of as a user. |
| C |
Average condition, has seen plenty of use. The cosmetics of the camera/lens may not be top notch but mechanical condition is usually good. |
| D |
User, will still take a picture but little of the original condition remains. Expect a degree of haze, cleaning marks or inaccurate shutter speeds. Often these items require a service to bring them back to life and we do not guarentee items of this condition unless a service is booked at the time of purchase. Even so, items of this nature are often perfectly capable of producing pleasing results. |
Apart from where noted all of our items include a six month guarentee. Ocasionally you may find items marked with two grades eg. A/B this is where the condition of an item is considered close to the higher grade but minor issues just hold it back. We try to avoid stocking items of a very low condition, items brought to us that are not fit for use will either be serviced/repaired before listing or refused. Thus one should assume that all of our used stock is usable and capable of producing excellent quality images.
The actuation count of a digital camera can be obtained from an image files EXIF data. This number refers to the amount of times the cameras shutter has fired and one could think of this number as the cameras 'mileage'. Leica camera shutters are expected to work beyond 100,000 shots before maintenance may be required. Thus any count less than 25,000 should be considered low as this equates to less than 25% of the shutters expected life. If a camera had achieved a count of 10,000 over 5 years, it would suggest a possible life span of at least 50 years. Please take this in to consideration when choosing your digital camera.
Terms and Conditions
We accept the following credit and debit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Switch, Delta, Solo, Electron, JSB and Diners Club.
We can deliver new goods tax-free outside the E.U. (all book prices are exempt from tax).
Most second-hand items are sold in the Retail Margin Scheme, so the VAT content of the price is not reclaimable and the amount does not have to be disclosed.
Stock Items
Whilst we endeavour to maintain good stock levels of all goods, subject to our suppliers manufacturing and shipping methods, we cannot guarantee availability. After receiving your order we will advise you of any delays that may occur.
Returns Policy
In the unlikely event of experiencing dissatisfaction as a result of receiving a purchase you may return it for exchange, at our discretion, within seven working days of receiving it.
● Any goods returned must be in a condition as supplied.
● All new packaging and goods must be returned as new and saleable items.
● All warranty and/or passport applications must be unmarked.
Upon cancellation of the contract, it will be the customer’s duty and responsibility to return the goods promptly in new condition, at their own expense unless faulty. An exception to this will be when a contract is made to supply goods made to the specification of the consumer (e.g. special engravings, serial numbers, custom made finishes, or a specially ordered product at the request of the customer). Postage cost may not be refunded unless the goods are faulty. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Errors and Omissions
We pride ourselves to ensure the information offered in advertising/promotional catalogues is current, accurate and informative. If you notice any discrepancies please contact us.
We cannot accept any responsibility for information content or opinions expressed by third parties. Product photographs are for illustration only, products may differ from those shown. Specifications and product descriptions are for guidance only and cannot be guaranteed accurate. Errors and omissions accepted.
We reserve the rights to withdraw any item from sale, at any time before despatch, for any reason and without justification.
Copyright
Some product images and product descriptions within promotional literature are copyright of their respective owners. All brands names, logos and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Deposit
Deposits are a confirmation to supply and are not refundable or transferable upon cancellation of order.
Warranty
All of our items are guaranteed against mechanical or electronic failure, where this cannot be attributed to user error, for 6 months from the receipt of goods. In the case of an item being sold on a commision basis, the cost of the repair must fall on the original owner of the goods within the 6 month period. Please consider this when selling your items through The Classic Camera, you must be prepared to guarantee the item yourself for 6 months.
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