Any things to be careful about when buying used?

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/01/2008 12:04:55 AM · #1

So, I have been shopping around for my new (at least to me anyway) camera. I am meeting with a few local sellers and I was curious if there is anything I should be careful of or things I should look for when I am looking at a used camera? How can I tell if it's a gray market body and/or lens, is there any way to tell when looking?

There's one I'm thinking of in particular who has a 30D listed with a 17-85 IS lens (which is 300-400 itself) all for $500, he also said the camera was in excellent condition and that the lens looked a little scuffed from use. I asked him a bunch of questions on the phone and he said it was low because his wife lost the charger. He told me (and he didn't sound like he knew a lot about cameras after a few questions) that his wife has not used it since a class she took. It sounded like they were just cleaning out as they are just moving in. Anyway, I asked if I could eye it over and he said I was welcome to check it out and take test shots or whatever. He said he had bought it used a while back and doesn't have the box.

The only reason I am wary is because I found him on craigslist, which I know has scammers, but I have dealt with primarily honest people when I have. It sounded legit to me as he wasn't high pressure, but then again scammers are getting good these days to fool even guys like me.

I just wanted to see what you guys think. Thanks, I know I can always count on trusting your guys' opinions/suggestions.

Message edited by author 2008-11-01 00:06:19.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

11/01/2008 12:17:19 AM · #2

Anything with moving parts?

11/01/2008 12:21:09 AM · #3

I'm meeting with the guy tomorrow and he said I could look it over. I figure I'd take a few shots, look at the image number, check out firmware versions, etc.

11/01/2008 12:30:16 AM · #4

Boy, "not having the charger"? I'm saying there's at least a 25% chance it's stolen. Who has a $1000 camera, loses the charger, and just says "oh well"?

Oh yeah, now I see he doesn't have the box. Make that 50%...

Message edited by author 2008-11-01 00:30:52.

11/01/2008 12:31:42 AM · #5

Is there any way to check on that?

11/01/2008 12:38:16 AM · #6

Originally posted by goinskiing:

Is there any way to check on that?

If you could somehow get him to give you the serial # you could check with the local police I'd guess. But if it were stolen, I'd think he'd figure the gig was up if you were asking for it.

Maybe you can ask him for it over the phone or by email. If he's not willing to give it to you, I'd figure it was definitely stolen.

Message edited by author 2008-11-01 00:39:13.

11/01/2008 12:40:26 AM · #7

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by goinskiing:
Is there any way to check on that?

If you could somehow get him to give you the serial # you could check with the local police I'd guess. But if it were stolen, I'd think he'd figure the gig was up if you were asking for it.

Ooo good idea. I think i'll try that. Should I do that for the lens too?

Message edited by author 2008-11-01 00:41:22.

11/01/2008 12:42:22 AM · #8

Originally posted by goinskiing:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by goinskiing:
Is there any way to check on that?

If you could somehow get him to give you the serial # you could check with the local police I'd guess. But if it were stolen, I'd think he'd figure the gig was up if you were asking for it.

Ooo good idea. I think i'll try that. Should I do that for the lens too?

well, I'd figure if one was ok, the other was too. If you get one of the #s you could check with the police. If they don't come up with anything, then your conscience is clear. I'd get the camera one.

11/01/2008 12:53:05 AM · #9

Just sent him a text asking him, I'll let you know if he readily provides it or gets mad/ignores/whatever.

Sometimes buying used can be a hassle trying to fish through all the trouble. It's especially hard for someone like me who practically trusts everyone...

...update, he writes: "Why would you need the serial number. What does that have to do with anything?"

If someone asked me I wouldn't be annoyed at all.

I'm bad at this stuff.

11/01/2008 12:55:05 AM · #10

I think I'm going to tell him that I'm trying to figure out if there's any warranty left on it.

Sorry to bug everyone, I appreciate the help.

11/01/2008 01:23:29 AM · #11

Update. He was quite rude and he gave me this story of going up and down stairs and being 57, which I can understand, but if you're trying to sell something you're usually happy to provide information to make the sale instead of skirting a serial number question.

I guess this post is useful helping other to avoid scams. Thanks for your help.

I'll keep on shoppin...

:)

11/01/2008 01:26:55 AM · #12

Well, you got out unharmed. You might want to notify the local police. I'm not sure if they'd actually follow up on it, but who knows.

11/01/2008 01:29:46 AM · #13

Yeah, it's just scary buying stuff used, especially from craigslist. I get more and more suspicious of anything on there anymore.

Is eBay any better, or should I just pay a bit more and get it from a second hand retailer?