Don't buy used cameras from photo shops? - Page 3

nc5p · 07-16-2008, 09:45 PM

I buy most of my used equipment from KEH. They have a 60 day guarantee and you can purchase another two years. I sell my equipment on ebay but have only bought items that are not delicate in nature there. The local shops here are way overpriced on camera gear. They are ok for film and paper, though.

Phillip P. Dimor · 09-01-2008, 05:38 PM

I bought a working nikon in fantastic shape with a junker non-name zoom lens for $12 once at a store. I only buy it if I can use it and it's cheap.

Jeff Kubach · 09-01-2008, 05:48 PM

I've been lucky. I bought a few used equipment from the local camera shop and never got burned. I also bought used equipment from KEH and it was great also.

Jeff

Wolfeye · 09-01-2008, 09:50 PM

KEH again comes to the rescue...

I've had a bad spate of eBay purchases. Three cameras in one week, two of which went back for refund and one I threw away but kept the lens. I ended up paying a little bit more than eBay going rate and got an 807si (800si Japanese version) in EX+ condition - and it I could find a single thing wrong with it I'd be shocked. It looks NEW. It performs as new.

Ralph Javins · 09-01-2008, 11:29 PM

Good morning;

In looking at the responses, it seems that the concensus of the poll is leaning toward the stores and away from e-Bay.

I tend to agree. My purchases from e-Bay to a great degree have turned out to be better for parts than for a working camera or other equipment. Some of the prices I paid should not have been for parts. There were too many times when the description left out a few things.

Being able to see the contemplated purchase in a store seems to outweigh the likelihood of a significant possible saving in purchase price through e-Bay.

Then there is also the impending move by e-Bay to a paper-less "PayPal Only" payment system in October, 2008. I think e-Bay has just settled the issue and the decision making process for me.

TheDreadPirateRobins · 09-01-2008, 11:47 PM

I count myself rather lucky. I live near a film-centered camera shop in Portland, Oregon. The proprietor takes great personal pride in not selling garbage (unless it is clearly labeled as not working right, shutter needs repair, etc.). The staff frequently take trade-in cameras and lenses out for a quick shoot to make sure they work. No shipping and no customs hassle. Whee!