Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?
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#4. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
LAMILLER Registered since 13th Jun 2013Mon 01-Feb-16 10:14 AMI have purchased two used lenses (24-85mm f2.8-4 and 80-200mm f2.8) and a PB-4 bellows off of eBay and was 100% satisfied. In fact the lenses and bellows were in better condition than was described and I paid what I consider a fair price.
When buying off eBay I will not consider buying from a seller with less than 99% feedback ratings. Look at any photos carefully. I don't even look at items where there isn't any detail in the photos. Stay away from items with little or no description. Ask questions. If the answer sounds strange don't bid. I was looking at a Leica M3 once and because the description didn't say if it was a single stroke or double stroke (film advance) model. The seller had no clue what I was talking about. I didn't bid.
I guess the best advice would be to do due diligence. Remember Caveat Emptor.
Larry Miller
Hawkeye in exile -
#5. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
benveniste Nikonian since 25th Nov 2002Tue 02-Feb-16 09:08 AMI've bought a fair amount of gear off of eBay. While my experience has generally been positive, there have been some sour notes.
Before eBay instituted its return policy, I purchased a Nikon N90 advertised as MINT! It arrived with evidence of heavy use, including brassing and wear on the film plate. KEH rated it "Bargain" grade. Estimated Loss: $130.
I purchased a Korona 5x7 view camera which arrived cracked. I eventually got a refund, but only after the seller claimed it was shipping damage. (It was clearly not -- there was clear oxidation in the crack from age). Estimated loss: 3 hours of time.
A Pronea S arrived DOA, which was a $20-$30 item at the time. The seller promptly refunded my money and told me to keep it. Loss: 0, although I did have to find a home for the working 10-30mm IX-Nikkor.
Most recently, I purchased a set of Apurture extension tubes from China. One of the tubes was defective, and the seller refused to accept photographic evidence of the defect. I opened a complaint with eBay which quickly decided in my favor, but required tracked shipping back to China. This cost slightly more than 50% of the price of the set. Ebay issued a refund, but the seller refused shipment of the tubes, which came bouncing back to me a few months later. Estimated loss: $55 and 4 hours of time.
I've also had issues as an eBay seller. I've had a buyer claim I shipped them an empty box. That wasn't too bright of them, since the object I sold them weighed 6 lbs. I replied with an image of the UPS receipt and asked if I should file a claim with UPS. I never heard from them again.
I've also had Fedex return a package due to a bad address only to have USPS be able to deliver it without any issue. Getting a refund for the failed delivery was a nightmare; Fedex wouldn't open a case for me because I paid for shipping via eBay, and eBay wouldn't refund my money because I didn't have a Fedex case number. Neither would agree to participate in a conference call. It took almost 3 months to get my refund, which came in the form of a eBay credit. So for the last few months, I've been getting invoices from eBay in the amount of -$68.00. I guess I'll have to find some more stuff to sell.
In summary, eBay isn't risk free. But in general, as with a lot of used "stuff," I find that with a few common-sense precautions the savings can be well worth the risk. Never pay with cash or a money order, and if the deal looks like it's going sour, document it, cancel the sale and open a case with eBay.
"There is no real magic in photography, just the sloppy intersection of physics and art." -- Kirk Tuck
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#6. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
ajdooley Nikonian since 25th May 2006Tue 02-Feb-16 09:15 AM | edited Tue 02-Feb-16 09:16 AM by ajdooleyPhillip -- There are too many good alternatives. One of the best is here on Nikonians, from which I have gotten super used items. KEH is not the least expensive, but they have super grading and will take an item back in a heart beat if YOU aren't happy. Between eBay, shippers and potentially dishonest or ignorant sellers/buyers -- I stay away from eBay. Just my 2 cents.Alan
Waterloo, IL, USA
www.proimagingmidamerica.com
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
See my portfolio. -
#7. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Photo_Art_W Registered since 21st Nov 2005Sun 05-Jun-16 02:58 AMA bit late on this post, but here's my thoughts.
I've bought & sold many items on e-Bay, I have well over 300 100% positive feedback there.
Like here on Nikonians, I'm always leery buying items from someone who doesn't have an established transaction history with highly positive rankings.
Also, read their description of what they're selling. Do they show actual images of what they're selling, or stock images. Do they offer returns on their items? Are they local to you where you could possibly meet in a public place to check the item(s) out?
I often try to post camera gear, or other items that I think fellow Nikonians may be interested in here first at a fair price. If I don't receive any interest, then it goes to e-Bay.
If it sounds to good to be true, or you don't have a positive feeling about someones item(s) on e-Bay, then look elsewhere.
Regards,
Art -
#8. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Ineluki Registered since 03rd Aug 2011Sun 05-Jun-16 04:00 AMSome time ago I bought a 17-55 mm lens for a reasonable price on ebay. I received an email that it is sold out and paypal gave me the money back.
Some months ago I bought the Tamron 150-600 and had no issues at all.
Ebay is good but you have to be careful. Same is everywhere.
Egbert
www.allmondo.com
https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/ppuser/401509/cat/500/-
#9. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 8
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Sun 05-Jun-16 04:19 AMI have used the UK eBay since it first appeared, only one bad one from hundreds of buying and selling transactions. That bad one was for a camera and seller was a cheat, my money was fully refunded by PayPal no problem.
Just be careful, I check the sellers rating and go for only 100% if possible.
Check his feedback by clicking on his address near the ad.
I just bought a 105mm in absolutely mint condition, not cheap but the going rate. Obviously more care is needed for cameras & lenses than general stuff.
Bear in mind you are likely to get your money back if seller defaults or will not reimburse.Study the eBay & Paypal rules and their protection articles for buyer and seller.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#10. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
The issue is not eBay per se. eBay is just a marketplace. One has to carefully evaluate the seller — the number of transactions and the feedback. There are many great deals on eBay, including some from reputable camera shops.
Jon Kandel
A New York City Nikonian and Team Member
Please visit my website and critique the images!
#11. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
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#12. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 11
pendennis Nikonian since 26th Jun 2016Fri 16-Sep-16 09:02 PMI've been fortunate in buying on eBay.
I decided a couple of months ago, to go back into medium format to shoot transparencies and have high quality scans made. I searched eBay, and found a boatload of Mamiya 645 Pro models to be had; priced from very inexpensive, to very "loaded". The sweet spot seemed to be $500 for a decent camera and lens. I happened upon a seller from Japan who had a Pro TL, 55-110 zoom, 3 backs, power grip, AE prism, all 4 extension tubes, and a 2x teleconverter. I used "Buy It Now", and got the camera for $500, plus $35 shipping. From pressing the enter key, to in my hands was 5 days from Osaka. I've since bought an additional 120mm f4 macro from another Japanese dealer, and two other lenses locally. I also bought a 300mm f5.6 from another dealer in Japan, and it's immaculate; and tonight I pulled the trigger on a 500mm f5.6 from the same dealer.
The camera is immaculate. It borders on NIB, even though the seller graded it VG. That's on the order of what my experience with KEH has been. I ran a roll of 120 Fuji Color through it to test the lenses, and they're very sharp.
I've bought several Nikon and Tokina lenses from various sellers with no problems; and a Nikon SB800 Speedlight from domestic sellers, with no problems at all.
You'll also find buyers who haven't been as fortunate, but that's part of buying and selling on line.Best.
Dennis
#13. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Their listing noted the shutter clicks at 32K, when it arrived (poorly packaged I might add), the first test shot showed the actuation's at a little over 65K. I just sent them a request to explain this discrepancy with a screen shot of the images meta data. Overall the camera was in pretty good shape and operates fine from my initial tests, so I'll be keeping it as it fits my needs.
Their rating on e-Bay was just over 96%, they own a photography studio on the East coast, so I felt a little more confident in dealing with a fellow photographer.
In hindsight, you never know a sellers trustworthiness. But in the future, I'll pay more attention to the details of the auction, and deal only with those who have higher feedback ratings.
Regards,
Art
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#14. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 13
Yeah; I hate liars! Crazy thing is that 65k actuations isn't all that bad, so why wouldn't they just tell the truth and save their reputation?-
#15. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 14
Photo_Art_W Registered since 21st Nov 2005Thu 22-Sep-16 03:22 AMFollowing up, their explanation was that the shutter actuations were mixed up with another Nikon DSLR model they had listed at the same time.
I can see that kind of a mistake happening. I'm certainly not perfect, and realize listing multiple items can be confusing. Generally I try not to do that myself.
65K on the shutter is fine with me to be honest, but obviously would've preferred the lower mileage.
Thanks & good luck to all in your transactions!
Art
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#16. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#17. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Richard
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#18. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Buying second hand is a bigger gamble than buying new because the sellers are usually only occasional sellers and their track record is harder to assess.
If buying from a business in the same country, I would be hesitant if the seller's rating was less than 99.7%.
If buying from China, a rating of 99.4% is my minimum. Their postal service is so erratic that it is practically impossible to get a rating of 99.8% or better. China is fine for Chinese brands like Meike, Yongnuo, etc, but I recently had a DOA lens from China that I strongly suspect was an undeclared refurb sold as brand new stock. I got a refund, but Chinese vendors are often hard to deal with and really not worth the hassle, so I would not source any significant camera equipment from China.
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#19. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 18
hambeau Registered since 20th Sep 2014Fri 18-Nov-16 11:14 PMI avoid EBay. There are dishonest people everywhere including here on Nikonians. You would think not but the wolves are around . I just bought a D3s and got stuck with hot pixels. I am going to have to fight it out with a claim through PayPal. I hope that works otherwise I'm screwed. Beware of anyone. I will only buy through KEH from now on.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#20. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
I would be wary of a large transaction.
When purchasing I have had a dialogue with the seller and if they provide additional info etc that shows they are genuine.
ebay is something I'll continue to use albeit warily.
I just posted here regarding a scam on Amazon - so it goes on everywhere.
Cheers
Peter
Visit my Nikonians gallery
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#21. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 20
Kisatchie1950 Registered since 12th Jan 2017Mon 16-Jan-17 02:45 PMI've bought several thousand dollars of Nikon film cameras and lenses on eBay over the last couple of months. Almost all were completely without problems. I did have minor defects in 2 camera bodies I won, but the sellers were very accommodating and refunded my money without problems.
Be sure the seller has 99% feedback or better, that the equipment you are thinking of bidding on has CLEAR photos, and that the item descriptions specify whether the equipment works as intended. I've skipped bidding on a number of auctions because the descriptions made no mention of working condition.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#22. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
#23. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
While I have not bought any Photography equipment off e-bay yet
everything I have bought to date has been 100% right.
Ray ban Sunglasses, repair parts for Cars, household equipment
parts. Only one time i had a problem. I ordered a fake Nikon
remote shutter release from CHINA, it did not arrive in 25 days
I wrote the dealer he gave me a refund.
So yes will I order lenses etc. however I will contact the
seller & stay with a good Camera store in Japan. I do not see any low
prices in the US like I see in the stores in Japan.
Does E-bay not provide some form of buyer protection?
Why pay more I got a $200.00 pair of RayBan sunglasses
for $99.00 free S&H. The sheer amount of choices on E-Bay
I have not seen anywhere else.
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#24. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
There are sharpies abounding there, and about all you have to go by is their feedback. I don't buy from anyone that doesn't have at least a 99.6% rating, and then I check them out. Most negative or neutral feedback is nit picky...on small, cheap items, but some is for bigly expen$ive things. That's what I watch for. eBay seems to be more helpful to its buyers nowadays, tho. He Who Shall Not Be Named...Ken Rockwell has a good article "How to win at eBay", or some such. interesting read, and may be helpful. Sooo, now, I prefer to deal with Roberts Camera, KEH, and maybe MPB. Although I can't say my experience with MPB has been outstanding. Good luck!
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
#25. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
I will not buy a lens from someone that gives the rote description of "used and shipped via priority mail"
I will not buy a lens that is displayed with out of focus images.
I will not buy a lens without first asking several qualifying questions...........ANY scratches, Oil, Fungus, or mold.
I have found that if a seller is willing and has the skill to properly verify correct operation and relay that in a properly worded ad, the sale goes off without a hitch. I once purchased a 28mm 2.8 AI-s that was perfect and everything was great with the ad, but when it arrived the aperture blades had enough oil on them to justify a cleaning. The seller was quick to give a proper adjustment in a refund and again..........it went off without a hitch.
ALWAYS remember when looking to buy something as relatively simple as a camera lens there are but a handful of questions you need written answers to in order to have a happy outcome. If ANYTHING in the description OR the answers to questions you ask ends up being close to contrary when it arrives..............you WILL get your money back through PAYPAL. PERIOD!!!! Ebay is VERY sensitive to the buyers position regarding any and all documented info.
I am not saying this to encourage one to write and look for a novel of answers, but rather...............
Are there ANY scratches, gouges, dents or dings?
Is there ANY oil on the blades?
Does the aperture lever on the rear of the lens operate in a "snappy" fashion?
Does the focus ring turn smoothly or is it a bit resistant or frozen?
If you shake the lens in your hand can your hear ANY clunking?
Also make sure you evaluate how MUCH brass is exposed on the rear of the mount. This gives you more info to piece together just how much it was used or how well it was taken care of.
These are the basic questions I ask any seller of a lens. If they are not answered in the description you may have either an inexperienced seller in the category or a lazy one. If they are ALL answered in the description then you have a better chance of dealing with someone that knows what they are talking about.
In general, if you bid on something in this category, you will likely end up saving about 30-50% off the traditional "buy it now" price. BUT, the BIN prices can be very appealing depending which lens we are talking about and which level of "perfect" you are looking for in your purchase.
I buy most of my MF only lenses so that I can use and evaluate them based on my experience with the same lens of a different time period. Like all of the different 105mm lenses for instance. I generally find cheap lenses that are in need of a CLA, with or without fungus, and tear them down for myself. It keeps me engaged and busy while retired. I never sell one without first doing the CLA and verification. I enjoy the simplicity of the Nikkor's from the stand point that I have yet to find one I cannot get back in proper working order, all cleaned, lubed, and ready to go. BUT............then again I have NOT tore into the 300mm 2.8 AI-s yet either.
Hope it helps!!!
Cheers,
David
#26. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
Recently my best experiences have been from either camera stores selling on ebay that are reputable, like Roberts Camera, or a seller that's primarily camera equipment, is US based, has sold a number of items, and has NO negative feedback. I take the time to read all their feedback for at least the last few months - any hint of an issue and no sale.
I've had 2 items I had issues with - both lenses. One from an individual seller I decided to take a 'what the heck' chance on, selling (supposedly) his deceased dad's camera stuff - diaphragm had oil on the blades, lens not usable. He refunded my money in full plus shipping costs and didn't even want the lens back within 2 days. The other was from Adorama (used to sell a lot on ebay, haven't seen them quite so much lately) - same response, near instant refund including shipping - they wanted the lens back, and provided prepaid return shipping.
Otherwise great experiences, gotten a number of great fully usable products, a couple near mint condition near new lenses for dirt cheap prices - but take the time to read everything - especially their return policy. If it's 'as is no returns' and it's expensive, walk on by no matter how cheap it is. Verify their return policy is good in case hidden damage or issues are found, if they are identified within a reasonable time frame for you to test the product - like 10 days.
"A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange
"There are no rules for good photographs - there are only good photographs" - Ansel Adams
#27. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 0
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#28. "RE: Experience with buying camera equipment from eBay?" | In response to Reply # 27
wile e coyote Registered since 18th Apr 2016Wed 25-Nov-20 04:50 PMI have only had one bad experience, buying a lens from eBay, but that was enough! This was before daBay started taking better care of its buyers. Only got a partial refund from ol' Slick! Since then, I have bought from Adorama, KEH, Amazon or B&H, with perfect satisfaction and peace of mind. The comments about out of focus pictures, insufficient description and brassing are right on point! A check needs to be made if a lens/camera has a USA warranty or gray market with a "seller's warranty" if the unthinkable happens . Nikon will not even touch a gray market camera or lens for repair.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
G