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  4. Craigslist sucks. Don't EVER buy used camera gear from CL

Craigslist sucks. Don't EVER buy used camera gear from CL


8 years 3 weeks ago #475203 by Gabriel Photos
Today marks the 3rd item I have purchased on Craigslist in the last couple years that was not as it was advertised.  I just picked up a Nikon D700 body and 70-200VR II lens from a seller who claimed the camera only had 7,159 shutter clicks on it. And everything was "like new" condition.  

I gave the guy $2200 for the set.  He was supposed to bring a battery for me to try the camera and oddly enough he forgot the battery.  The camera and lens looked great.  He gave me all the paper work.  When I got home, and charged battery, and then checked the shutter counts.  This dang camera has 61,277 shutter clicks!  Oh, and the lenses autofocus just spins away.  It doesn't shut off!  WTH.

And the final kicker to all of this?  The guy had me sign a "As is warranty".  I'm done with buying from idiots on CL.  Their all liars in my opinion.  

Man, what a horrible way to start off my week.  :evil:
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475205 by Tyler Otis
Yikes. Sorry man. Sage advice to avoid CL. Try KEH in the future. They are a great outfit, take trade ins, and there's none of that tom foolery of getting screwed over!
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475210 by KENT MELTON
OMG I would be ticked off too.  I avoid small po-dunk companies and Craigslist like the plague for those reasons of wishy washy no idea who are dealing with.   
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475211 by Gabriel Photos
Yeah, I hear you.  I'm just boiling over today.  So irritated.  I'm just going to stick with Adorama, B&H or KEH from this point on.  
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475214 by Prago
I don't blame you for being ticked off.  We want to give someone benefit of doubt and then it back fires on you.  

IMO, don't buy grey market, buy from CL as last resort and only if you can meet them in public space and test what you are buying 100%.  I've been buying from KEH for a few years.  Can't go wrong with their 6 month warranty.  
SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475216 by Alex
WOW sorry to hear about your luck.  Craigslist is such a roll of the dice.  As mentioned already look up the folks at www.keh.com or www.usedphotopro.com  

B&H and Adorama both have used arms as well.  Hit up Nikon professional services, I'm sure they can take care of that lens for you.  
Thank you for making PhotographyTalk.com your photography community of choice.
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475225 by Vahrenkamp
:agree:   KEH has 6 month warranty too 
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475271 by effron
I'b be mad at myself for falling for it. The "forgot" the battery and the "as is" were RED FLAGS! The positives:  The 61 thousand clicks on the D700, don't fret it as that is NOTHING. Send the lens in for repair, if say it costs 300 bucks you got a D700 and a great lens for $2500, still a good deal. You will still have fine gear.
Bashing CL when you should blame yourself is fruitless, besides most of us knew it anyway. 
Get positive now, its healthier!!
Why so serious?
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475295 by Joe Photo Daddy
Yep, sounds like a quick decision that was chosen hastily and not the direction you would have normally gone.  Good luck with Nikon services! 
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475298 by Screamin Scott
Like Ernest said, it's still a pretty good deal, and it's not CL's fault. You need to be a careful buyer on CL. I don't normally deal with them, especially not for high dollar items. As others have said, KEH is a great source. I've bought from them numerous times.
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475305 by Carry
IMO sometimes even the most careful buyer is going to get trapped by a con artist.  I wouldn't say it's CL or your fault.  Yes both CL could make the process to post an add more accountable (with credit card  needed for verification of ID) and you could have prepared by bringing spare battery and computer, or even pausing the purchase till you had the chance to test.  

Still, I can't stand CL.  
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475346 by J Photo Man
Ouch!  
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475486 by Joves
I also am with Ernesto, and Scott. Sorry to say it is really your fault as well. That guy would have found out how ticked off I get when someone wastes my time with a the battery is down, and I forgot to charge it. When I get ticked and start yelling people think hell is being unleashed.
I have walked away from several CL deals on lenses that people would not let me look at, or try them on my camera. I never buy bodies on CL, or used for that matter. So now you have learned a valuable lesson, just walk away.
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475487 by Greg Friedman
Yeah, true.  I agree, but CL could put some 'check points' into their process to validate who sellers are.  Just to prevent scams.   Just my 2 cents.  
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8 years 3 weeks ago #475502 by Sarah Ramirez
Tough lesson learned, right? Sorry it was such a crappy experience! Hopefully you have better luck in the future with more reputable sites!
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