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I am a used camera equipment dealer (on a small scale - mostly Nikon), and I do the local shows, so just a few comments: KEH and Del's ad prices are closer to retail than used prices. Midwest Photo, Jacks Camera in Muncie, Indiana, Charlotte Camera, and Columbus Camera are more accurate for used prices. Still, you need a feel for your local used market, a copy of the latest Shutterbug, a McBrooms Camera Bluebook, a few other books and some experience dealing with other camera dealers to price anything accurately or buy anything fairly these days at a show. Know the about the equipment that you are buying before you buy it. If you don't know how it works, you don't know if it works. I can only speak for myself when I say that I don't sell any gear that is not working properly. I personally don't accept consignment gear for sale or sell any gear that is not perfectly operational, but I see some things that are real 'paperweights' at these shows, so check every function on each item out thoroughly before you consider purchasing it. Most used mechanical cameras shutter speeds are not accurate. Some you may not notice, some will need an overhaul. The dealer is not responsible for this if it's sold 'as is' as a used camera, so keep this in mind ahead of time, and don't expect a refund on an old, but serviceable mechanical camera. Because most are long discontinued and some are collectable now, they are still worth something, but pay accordingly on those 'beaters'. And the worst ones are the old 'mint' ones in the box: the lubricants have long since evaporated or solidified and the foam turned to tar from non-use and being packed up for years. Check focus screens in cameras. Are they dirty, or do they have permanent marks on them? If they are not removable or interchangeable, this is a problem. It disgusts me when dealers sell gear that they have not at least cleaned the dust and finger prints off of. Have them clean it at the table if you have any doubt. If it doesn't clean, or they don't want to clean it, pass on it. Most camera shows are poorly lit. Take a lens to a window or very bright area to look for marks on and in the glass before you buy it. Everything looks better when you can't see it good. Most minor multi-coating marks will never show up in your pictures, but I am super picky about glass, and if the glass is not perfect, I usually will not even touch it. Lose and worn out focus rings are another thing to avoid. Not all lenses can be re-lubed to repair that problem. Some are just worn out (and parts may not be available anymore). Shop the show and compare prices before you buy. You will find a wide range of prices. I price my stuff accurately to avoid playing price games, but some others do not, and in that event, if I have to have something they have, I make them a realistic (market - retail or wholesale for resale) price offer on it. If you assume that every dealer's price is negotiable, just because it is a 'swap meet' or a show, you are mistaken. You need to know what something is worth in the used market in your area, not just how much it is worth to you. If you are looking for a lens, bring your camera body to try it on. Don't guess if it's compatible or if it works correctly. Be sure. Know your prices and you will find some good stuff at the shows. Personally, I usually only buy gear in very nice shape. The box can make a lens or camera look like a better purchase, but only if it has the same serial number on it as the gear that is in it! Dave Cohen Photographer Action Photographic Webmaster [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/home/ -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved
