Gerard Maas wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Each time I hear you speaking about this and that used lens in mint
> condition for 60% of the new price I wish I was in USA. . . .
But then you'd be saddled with our current President! ;-)
> I was thinking on trying the American 2nd hand market by using B&H or
> similar. Does somebody has similar experiences?? Do you have to pay
> customs on 2nd hand gear? What if you don't like what you get??
Hi Gerard,
Obviously markets are different in different countries�from reading European
photo mags I've come to the conclusion that Minolta, for example, is far more
popular there than in the US (at least in the UK). Here in the U.S., the
second-hand market for EOS gear is pretty tight�not nearly as extensive as that
for FD gear. Also, there's not as much as a discount on second-hand EOS
equipment as you can find with older gear. You can however sometimes do well
with close-outs of discontinued items, like the 300/4L or the 28-105 (Mk. I).
Having said that, one US source you might try is KEH in Atlanta (www.keh.com).
They are one of the largest dealers of second-hand gear in the U.S., offering
good equipment at a good price (although not as low as you might get from a
private seller). I've heard nothing but good things about them; their rating
system is reputed to be very conservative. Also, their web page shows a fairly
accurate listing of current stock, unlike some new-equipment dealers whose used
listings can be well out-of-date by the time you see them. After KEH, I'd take a
look at eBay�with a little care and common sense you can do pretty well there if
what you're looking for happens to turn up. The secret regarding eBay is to know
what it is you're buying and what its market value is, and then hold yourself to
a maximum bid over which you're not willing to go. Also, don't get involved in
bidding wars, since they just serve to drive up the price�most auctions for
desirable items are won in the final 30 seconds. BTW, if you happen to be
looking for an EOS 5 QD with Horizon's permanent Command Dial fix, I currently
have one on eBay at a ridiculously low price! :-)
Any reputable dealer (like KEH) should offer at least a limited guarantee,
ranging from seven to thirty days depending on the dealer. Honest eBay sellers
will take an item back if it has an obvious defect (I presently have a buyer who
wants to return a Motor Drive MA because it is apparently not functioning
properly for him, although it worked fine when I put it in the mail). Import
duties are of course determined by the country in which you live, so you'd have
to check with the Belgian authorities regarding customs on second-hand photo
gear.
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