Tracking stolen camera down via serial number

8 years 8 months ago #450336 by Vincent
Friend just called me, with crappy news about his camera getting stolen from his truck.  His error, apparently he never locked his doors.  Happened today.  I told him to keep an eye on Craigslist.  Do any of you know if there is recovery serial software that searches sites lite Craigslist or ebay for serial numbers of stolen gear? 

Nikon D700 | 14-24mm f/2.8G ED | 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II | (2) SB-900
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8 years 8 months ago #450338 by icepics
Do people give the serial numbers when they list cameras on craigslist or ebay? I don't think they necessarily do. I suppose watch your local listings. Sorry this happened to your friend.

Sharon
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8 years 8 months ago #450353 by Jackson Rieger
:agree: no thief is going to post a serial number to gear they just ripped off someone. 


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8 years 8 months ago #450393 by Jessa Layton
The only way that is going to be found is if the new owner plugs the serial number in for some warranty.  Sorry it's going to be a tough find for your friend.  

Now while on topic, why don't camera manufactures have a 'find my camera' feature.  Similar to what Apple has in their iPads and such?  


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8 years 8 months ago - 8 years 8 months ago #450462 by effron
This is probably your best bet....The thief might be stupid enough to post a photo....

www.stolencamerafinder.com/

Why so serious?
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8 years 8 months ago #450471 by Roblane
Thanks for posting that Effron, I heard about that site last year and totally forgot to book mark it! 


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8 years 8 months ago - 8 years 8 months ago #450504 by effron
Also, be sure to report the stolen gear to Nikon, if it ever goes in for repair they are likely to return it to the original owner. I've seen this happen in the past.....;)

Why so serious?
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8 years 8 months ago #450506 by garyrhook

Jessa Layton wrote: Now while on topic, why don't camera manufactures have a 'find my camera' feature.  Similar to what Apple has in their iPads and such?  


Because DSLRs, in general, are not wirelessly connected to the network. Apples and oranges.


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8 years 8 months ago #450635 by Roman Omell
Unless you are holding a Nikon D750  ;) 


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8 years 7 months ago #452408 by VanHalen5150
File a police report with the serial number, if they ever pawn it you should get it back. Also keep an eye on craigslist, if you find one hit them up, kinda play dumb, ask for pictures to see the condition of the unit. Maybe you get lucky and see the serial number.

Thinking further on the matter wouldn't it be nice if the cameras serial number was included it the images taken EXIF data?


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8 years 7 months ago #452442 by Chris Briggs
+1 about all you can do here


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