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Buying off Craigslist


12 years 9 months ago #111707 by Joe Somebody
In regards to buying off Craigslist, I was wondering if there's anything to keep your eye out for when purchasing a lens off of someone. Obviously if it has noticeable damage on it then you shouldn't buy it, but is there anything else. Sorry if this is a dumb question... but can lens's appear to be in good condition but really not work? I guess perhaps water damage and what not... is there anything you can look for on it upon inspection before buying?

I was browsing the CL for lens's an came across some decent priced ones but am unsure about the whole thing. I don't want to get scammed or anything.
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12 years 9 months ago #111712 by Baydream
CR is like buying a car from an individual. You have to know exactly hat you are buying. Lenses can have internal damage and/or dirt and appear perfect. They could have been bumped hard and need calibration. You would need to test the lens, download the photos and examine them for specks, distortion and colour issues.
Good luck.
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #111716 by Henry Peach
I'd always check www.keh.com , www.mpex.com , and www.adorama.com for used gear first. Even if a lens was a little more expensive the warranty/return policy would be worth it.
mattneedham.zenfolio.com
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12 years 9 months ago #111718 by tiffypiffy123
It doesn't matter who you are buying anything from, you should be careful. Snap the lens onto your camera and see if it works properly. If the buyer doesn't want you to do that, then I wouldn't buy it.
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12 years 9 months ago #111825 by icepics
I'm with Henry - KEH or Adorama, or a local camera swap. I've bought some smaller items like old darkroom equipment and have found a couple of camera dealers on eBay that I've continued to purchase from. And some camera shops also sell thru eBay and Amazon's marketplace.

One problem I find w/eBay etc. is that the photos posted often aren't good enough to tell the condition and the seller doesn't always know much about it either. Maybe being a woman I don't use Craigslist much, meet-ups w/a seller seems iffy. (Even tho I had a job doing home visits and have been in some rough neighborhoods, still, why take chances.)
Sharon
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12 years 9 months ago #111921 by Garbo

Henry Peach wrote: I'd always check www.keh.com , www.mpex.com , and www.adorama.com for used gear first. Even if a lens was a little more expensive the warranty/return policy would be worth it.


But most places like Keh, mpex and even adorama only have a 30 to 60 day warranty on used items.
Nikon D300: 24-70 2.8 | 70-200 2.8 VR |Sigma 150 2.8 | 50 1.4 | SB-800
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12 years 9 months ago #111935 by effron

Henry Peach wrote: I'd always check www.keh.com , www.mpex.com , and www.adorama.com for used gear first. Even if a lens was a little more expensive the warranty/return policy would be worth it.


Good advice here, especially if you are unsure as to what you're doing, and the original question leads me to that belief. Stay safe................;)
Why so serious?
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12 years 9 months ago - 12 years 9 months ago #111960 by lucky1one
There are a lot of scam that goes on on Cragislist... some buyers and sellers have been robbed. First, only deal with someone locally. I would suggest meeting in a public place. If someone is selling a camera, you should ask for the serial number before your meeting. Never send or wire any money. Get the seller to sign a written agreement with the guarantee that the equipment will be in good working condition for 2 weeks from the date of sale. Test out the sales item. Plug it in to see at least it powers up. Lastly, if the deal seems to good to be true, then it probably is.
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12 years 9 months ago #111971 by ilh2009ky
Please be careful. I would never buy a camera or any photo equipment off of Craigs List. If I wanted used equipment, I would look at KEH, Adorama, maybe BH photo, and possibly eBay. If you do decide to use Craigs List, only meet the seller in a public, well populated place and only deal in cash. Perhaps have a friend with you, also.
Ian Leslie Harry
www.ilhphotography.com
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12 years 9 months ago #111990 by photobod

Garbo wrote:

Henry Peach wrote: I'd always check www.keh.com , www.mpex.com , and www.adorama.com for used gear first. Even if a lens was a little more expensive the warranty/return policy would be worth it.


But most places like Keh, mpex and even adorama only have a 30 to 60 day warranty on used items.


Yes but thats 30 days to check if the lens is good if it isnt return it money back jobs a goodun, with craigslist you dont know who you are dealing with.
www.dcimages.org.uk
"A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective." - Irving Penn
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