Helen - called Adorama and received a quote on a six-month old Fuji camera and lens complete with all accessories, papers, manuals (still in orig wrapping), original boxes, etc. Quote from Norman was $700. I thought it was on the low side, but have bought/sold often enough to understand how "used" markets work. Submitted the camera and was stunned when the actual quote was reduced nearly 30% - to $500. My orig cost had been $1,300 and the equipment was not 'grey market'. $500 meant a loss of over 60%.

When I protested I was told Fuji had suddenly greatly reduced their prices. Checking Fuji's website and prices quoted by other major dealers I determined that was not true. I asked Adorama to return the equipment, but had to jump thru many, many hoops to get it back. Meanwhile, the 'bid' dropped even further and Adorama sent me a check for $350 - half of the original quote - with no explanation whatsoever. While I was still trying to get the equipment back, I cashed the check which bore no instructions to the contrary. I fully expected to return the money once the camera was back in my possession, but ended up paying my bank a fee when, without notice of any kind, Adorama stopped payment on its check. After phone calls and increasingly strident emails I got all the equipment back.

I was not at all surprised when B&H - just down the street - quoted the same $500 price for the outfit without even seeing it. I did not waste time sending it in 'for evaluation'.

Thank you BOTH for the exceptionally gratifying experience. Helen, I know you will offer fifty reasons to explain, but no true apology. Lesson learned, I no longer care. To my fellow UHH members, I can only sing (off key) START SPREADING THE WORD...