


More photos here.
The overall mark of eBay is its extreme efficiency. Cult cameras or well-described cameras in good condition will attract multiple bids and will be sold at the market price. Like any other market, eBay takes uncertainty (risk) into account. Non-cult cameras sold by non-experts are unlikely to command high prices, usually with good reason.
This efficiency means that cameras which I’d like to buy are usually too expensive for my budget. So I left eBay and started using Craig’s list. Craig’s list is totally unlike eBay. Search capabilities are minimal. There are no "histories" associated with sellers and buyers. There are no services like PAYPAL. Most importantly, it is organized geographically, so you deal with locals.
Dealing with locals has several advantages: there are no shipping costs, you can avoid some scams by dealing face to face, and you can check out the merchandize before you buy. The last advantage is key. Once in a while, you can get a working camera in good condition for a song and you don’t waste your money on broken junk.
Now for the disadvantages: it’s not as well-organized as eBay, it has fewer offerings, and, more importantly, it is dominated by occasional and personal equipment sellers, i.e., amateurs and novices as far as selling is concerned (experts and power sellers tend to stay away). Many have unreasonable expectations anchored in the purchase price. E.g., a seller wants to sell a used lens for $300. A new lens like that costs $150. I point out this fact to him and suggest that a price around $100 could be more reasonable. No, answers the seller, I paid $400 for it. $300 is my price and I won’t budge. Here is another example: a lady has a camera and lens for sale. What’s the camera and lens model, I ask. Just give me your offer, she replies and don’t bother me with questions…
Overall, Craig’s list isn’t terribly efficient. On average, its sellers are less professional and sophisticated than those on eBay. Yet, this is what makes a source of occasional incredible bargains. Some Craig’s list sellers seem to have an easy attitude – I don’t need this, let me just give it to someone who can make use of it!


