Would like to Purchase Lightroom 6 or 5. What's the best way to go about this?

[cannondale1974]

I have the monthly subscription to Lightroom Classic but don't want to to pay the fee anymore. I also have Lightroom 5 on an older Mac but I can only use it on one computer at a time evidently. What's the best way to just purchase Lightroom 6 or even 5 these days? Is there a preferred site for this or just start browsing eBay? Thanks for your help!

 

[maflynn]

I would say eBay

 

[mollyc]

You can’t buy the standalone version anymore unless you happen to find some random in box option.

 

[ericgtr12]

I personally love the subscription model, everything stays up to date and it's easy to add and remove from multiple devices. I also use it all the time so for me the expense is justified.

 

[cannondale1974]

Does this look legitimate?

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[MacNut]

New cameras won't be supported if you use the older versions.

 

[cannondale1974]

New cameras won't be supported if you use the older versions.

That's a good point. I'm using a Canon 5D3 and 7D2, not sure when I'll upgrade again. Might be a few years.
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I have a copy of Lightroom 5 but it's installed on my older Mac. My new iMac doesn't have a CD Rom drive, I guess to make this one work I'll have to uninstall it from the older Mac, buy an external CD rom that plugs in via USB and reinstall?

It's also a Student and Teacher edition (which I was in school at the time to become a teacher). I went a different route and am no longer in education, that may be another roadblock to using this software. I think they require some sort of verification that you are a student or teacher.

 

[mollyc]

Does this look legitimate?

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No. I would only consider a purchase if you literally found in in a box with a CD install. I would not pay for a installation key as I doubt they are being signed anymore. Standalone LR hasn't been available from Adobe for several years now. Although they certainly wouldn't revoke access to an existing program, I would not risk spending money on a "new" copy through a sketchy website.

If you don't want to pay the $10/month any more, I would look at non-Adobe options. You can do a search here, there are several discussions. Or do a broader google search.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

If you can get past the learning curve, Darktable is free. I’ve been trying version 3 for the last month or so with decent success. Once you get into a workflow groove, it’s pretty capable.

I also own a copy of LR6, and yeah, newer cameras aren’t supported. My G9 is, but the cutoff would be somewhere around the end of 2017.

 

[cannondale1974]

If you can get past the learning curve, Darktable is free. I’ve been trying version 3 for the last month or so with decent success. Once you get into a workflow groove, it’s pretty capable.

I also own a copy of LR6, and yeah, newer cameras aren’t supported. My G9 is, but the cutoff would be somewhere around the end of 2017.

Thanks, I feel pretty comfortable with Lightroom and want to stick with it. Would you be interested in selling your copy of Lightroom 6?

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Thanks, I feel pretty comfortable with Lightroom and want to stick with it. Would you be interested in selling your copy of Lightroom 6?

I wasn’t sure if it was sellable?

 

[mollyc]

I wasn’t sure if it was sellable?

Yeah, I don't think you can sell it that way. You already have serial number registered with Adobe. Pretty sure that is non-transferrable.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Yeah, I don't think you can sell it that way. You already have serial number registered with Adobe. Pretty sure that is non-transferrable.

I found the EULA online, it appears it is transferable so long as I remove all copies of the software. I’d have to check my physical copy to see if what I found online is consistent with the product I own. I have a retail full version, so I think you get more flexibility than an upgrade.

 

[robgendreau]

I have a copy of Lightroom 5 but it's installed on my older Mac. My new iMac doesn't have a CD Rom drive, I guess to make this one work I'll have to uninstall it from the older Mac, buy an external CD rom that plugs in via USB and reinstall?

It's also a Student and Teacher edition (which I was in school at the time to become a teacher). I went a different route and am no longer in education, that may be another roadblock to using this software. I think they require some sort of verification that you are a student or teacher.

You could legally use Lr 5 on up to two computers. A CD drive is about $30 on Amazon, so that would seem to be a good solution for you. If it will run on your new Mac (not sure what OS it is). And I was a teacher too; there isn't a requirement to use it that your teaching career continue.

But I can't help but wonder: why not just stop the subscription and keep using Lr Classic 9.1 minus Maps and Develop? even Quick Develop still works, apparently. Then just transition to something new for image adjustment, like Affinity Photo. There are bazillions of applications that can do the adjusting, not so many that can do the organizational stuff Lr does. Not to mention that adjustments like dehaze, texture and some other stuff will be lost in Lr 5 or 6; maybe some profiles too.

 

[Ray2]

New cameras won't be supported if you use the older versions.

Adobe DNG Converter. Free from Adobe. Works great. Supports every camera the latest version of Lightroom supports. Updated regularly.

This is app seems to fly under the radar. Yet it pretty much insures old copies of Lightroom can always handle new camera releases.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

For the curious or the bored lawyer:

4.4 No Transfer. YOU MAY NOT RENT, LEASE, SELL, SUBLICENSE, ASSIGN OR TRANSFER YOUR RIGHTS IN THE SOFTWARE, OR AUTHORIZE ANY PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE TO BE COPIED ONTO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL OR LEGAL ENTITY'S COMPUTER EXCEPT AS MAY BE PERMITTED HEREIN. You may, however, transfer all your rights to use the Software to another individual or legal entity provided that: (a) you also transfer (i) this agreement, (ii) the serial number(s), the Software and all other software or hardware bundled, packaged or pre-installed with the Software, including all copies, upgrades, updates and prior versions, and (iii) all copies of font software converted into other formats to such individual or entity; (b) you retain no upgrades, updates or copies, including backups and copies stored on a computer; and (c) the receiving party accepts the terms and conditions of this agreement and any other terms and conditions under which you purchased a valid license to the Software. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, YOU MAY NOT TRANSFER EDUCATION, PRE-RELEASE, OR NOT FOR RESALE COPIES OF THE SOFTWARE. Prior to a transfer Adobe may require that you and the receiving party confirm in writing your compliance with this agreement, provide Adobe with information about yourselves, and register as end-users of the Software. Allow 4-6 weeks to transfer. Please visit http://www.adobe.com/support or contact Adobe's Customer Support Department for more information.

Photoshop Lightroom End User License Agreement - Adobe Labs

 

[cannondale1974]

You could legally use Lr 5 on up to two computers. A CD drive is about $30 on Amazon, so that would seem to be a good solution for you. If it will run on your new Mac (not sure what OS it is). And I was a teacher too; there isn't a requirement to use it that your teaching career continue.

But I can't help but wonder: why not just stop the subscription and keep using Lr Classic 9.1 minus Maps and Develop? even Quick Develop still works, apparently. Then just transition to something new for image adjustment, like Affinity Photo. There are bazillions of applications that can do the adjusting, not so many that can do the organizational stuff Lr does. Not to mention that adjustments like dehaze, texture and some other stuff will be lost in Lr 5 or 6; maybe some profiles too.

Thanks, I'll order one of those CD drives, will probably come in handy in the future anyways. Will give my copy of Lightroom 5 a shot and see how it goes. I use the develop module the most, not sure if the quick develop will have all the features I normally use.
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I found the EULA online, it appears it is transferable so long as I remove all copies of the software. I’d have to check my physical copy to see if what I found online is consistent with the product I own. I have a retail full version, so I think you get more flexibility than an upgrade.

Will stay in touch, if you decide to sell your copy just let me know or send me a PM with cost etc. Thanks!

 

[someoldguy]

Lots of good information in all the above . but assuming that you are able to get a legit , unopened box of Lightroom 6 , you have 1 minor problem . It won't update . I just went through a reinstall of LR6 on a new Windows machine a few months back . The install/authorization went fine , but Adobe apparently has ceased making updates available to those who install/reinstall LR6 . My CD was for LR 6.0 ; the final version is 6.14 .
Used to be that the Adobe Updater would get you a download of 6.14 , but no more . Fortunately , I was able to locate the update in the backup drive from my old machine , and I was OK . But my copy is now in stasis re: any new camera support (actually anything much after 2017/18).
Save yourself some grief and look at Darktable/Capture1/DxO/AcdSee . Try the trials of the last 3 . Or get a usb CD drive , install LR5 and convert everything over to DNG via Adobe DNG converter.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Lots of good information in all the above . but assuming that you are able to get a legit , unopened box of Lightroom 6 , you have 1 minor problem . It won't update . I just went through a reinstall of LR6 on a new Windows machine a few months back . The install/authorization went fine , but Adobe apparently has ceased making updates available to those who install/reinstall LR6 . My CD was for LR 6.0 ; the final version is 6.14 .
Used to be that the Adobe Updater would get you a download of 6.14 , but no more . Fortunately , I was able to locate the update in the backup drive from my old machine , and I was OK . But my copy is now in stasis re: any new camera support (actually anything much after 2017/18).
Save yourself some grief and look at Darktable/Capture1/DxO/AcdSee . Try the trials of the last 3 . Or get a usb CD drive , install LR5 and convert everything over to DNG via Adobe DNG converter.

I believe there is a link to download the full version on Adobe’s website. It will look like it is 6.0, but it will end up installing 6.14. The original dvd won’t get you there anymore since auto update no longer works.

 

[someoldguy]

I believe there is a link to download the full version on Adobe’s website. It will look like it is 6.0, but it will end up installing 6.14. The original dvd won’t get you there anymore since auto update no longer works.

There was , up until a few months back , but it's gone . Just for laughs , I hunted around to see if it's still there , but all the links I could find take you to the Creative Cloud site . Scrolling way down I encountered this :

Lr6 not being either current or previous , looks like we're out of business as regards downloading the final update , unless it's hidden in some deep , dark , cobweb encrusted part of Adobe's site .

 

[GrumpyDave]

Another consideration with Lightroom 5 (and maybe 6?) is that it doesn't support Live Photos as taken by the newer iPhones. I don't mean that it just won't show the little animation, it actually won't load the photos properly or let you edit them. May or may not be a consideration for you.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

There was , up until a few months back , but it's gone . Just for laughs , I hunted around to see if it's still there , but all the links I could find take you to the Creative Cloud site . Scrolling way down I encountered this :
View attachment 888968

Lr6 not being either current or previous , looks like we're out of business as regards downloading the final update , unless it's hidden in some deep , dark , cobweb encrusted part of Adobe's site .

Well I guess I need to keep what I downloaded for sure, as 6.14 is when they added support for the G9. I wonder if they will eventually make even that not possible to install, because the first thing that happens is that the Adobe CC installer must be updated first. I imagine transferring a license would be even more impossible, as the section makes it sound like Adobe may need to bless the transfer. I highly doubt they would on a resale situation.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Lots of good information in all the above . but assuming that you are able to get a legit , unopened box of Lightroom 6 , you have 1 minor problem . It won't update . I just went through a reinstall of LR6 on a new Windows machine a few months back . The install/authorization went fine , but Adobe apparently has ceased making updates available to those who install/reinstall LR6 . My CD was for LR 6.0 ; the final version is 6.14 .
Used to be that the Adobe Updater would get you a download of 6.14 , but no more . Fortunately , I was able to locate the update in the backup drive from my old machine , and I was OK . But my copy is now in stasis re: any new camera support (actually anything much after 2017/18).
Save yourself some grief and look at Darktable/Capture1/DxO/AcdSee . Try the trials of the last 3 . Or get a usb CD drive , install LR5 and convert everything over to DNG via Adobe DNG converter.

You are correct in that the standalone version of LR won't update. The same can be said for CS5, and CS6. I have both CS5 Extended (Student/Teacher version in CD/DVD form, and the CS6 installer. The latter is an upgrade from CS5 Extended that I purchased and downloaded from Adobe, and then burned a CD with the CS6 installer. In order for me to do a fresh install of CS6, I have to use the CS5's serial number (s) to register it at Adobe.

Like the OP, I don't want to use any app that requires a subscription and user fee. I prefer to purchase standalone applications I pay for upfront. For that reason I have continued using my standalone version of CS6 along DXO's Nik Software bundle.