[Leica] EBay experience

["Gib Robinson" <robinson@sfsu.edu>]

Andrew Morang wrote:

> Can any of you relate your experiences with e-bay?  I have seen what
appear
> to be some remarkable bargains listed.  I have not yet tried bidding
> because I am suspicious.

I looked at the Leica items for a while to see what the pricing was like. It
was hard to judge, especially since no bid is final until the bidding is
REALLY over. The low prices can be deceptive. I bid on one or two items that
I felt comfortable I would not regret buying irrespective of their
condition -- no bodies or lenses, just accessories. Both times I was outbid
at the end and I found the bidding process much more difficult to track than
I imagined. I did check out one lens but the seller did not know some
important details about the equipment he was selling and I found it hard to
collect the data I needed to evaluate the lens. (It was a 400mm f/6.8 -- of
which there are a number of variations in stock, filter slot, etc.)

Overall, as a buyer, I've enjoyed "window shopping" on Ebay but I'm MUCH
more comfortable buying expensive equipment from the group of knowledgeable,
professional dealers and LUGers who specialize in Leitz/Leica equipment and
whose understanding and judgement I trust. I've actually NEVER had a bad
experience buying used Leitz/Leica equipment that way, and I intend to do
what I can to keep that record intact. As a seller, I would guess Ebay
offers an interesting point of contact with many potential buyers.

- --Gib