jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

I've purchased a few used lenses from EBay, but am hesitant to buy a used camera. I have always shied away from buying used electronics from non brick and mortar sellers - lenses are pretty straight forward ( either good or bad) but the complexity of cameras is something else. I'm looking to move up to a FF Nikon D610 and am considering a refurbished Cameta or KEH for around $1,300 (plus tax), or trying to snag a used EBay unit for $1,000-1,000 (no tax). I've made plenty of buys on EBay and only consider sellers with ratings of 98%+ and have never been burned.
Am I being pound wise and penny foolish? I will confirm any unit I get is USA warranty in case I need service. Your thoughts?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I bought a used Nikon D300 off of eBay several years back. The unit I was sent had focus issues. I returned it to the seller, who, in turn sent another unit that was perfect & had less than 4K shutter activations to boot.... As luck would have it, the seller was in the same state as it was, maybe about 50 miles from me & was some sort of pawn shop dealing in electronic items...Bought a lot of film cameras off of eBay as well... Not as fortunate with the older cameras, but didn't expect them to be in pristine operating condition anyway...

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

If it's used ,most likely the warranty is no good as it can't be transfered from one owner to another unless the original buyer didn't register it.Then you might have a chance. If from a dealer most of the times if they have a warranty it's inhouse.
If you are already wondering and fretting about it,is 300.00 worth the nervous breakdown? lol
Good luck.

THEMRED7007

E-Bay stands behind sales, and you can get protection by buying coverage from Square Trade. I've had E-Bay intercede and get my money refunded on a misrepresented bridge camera, never had to use my coverages from Square Trade (just peace of mind, cameras, tv I-Pad Mini).
Hope this helps...

hammer531 Loc: Fall River , Ma

I have purchased all of my digital cameras ( Nikon D1h , D50 , D200 ,and D7000 ) and never had a problem .

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Cameta sells online too, from ebay! I'm just a couple of miles from them.
I have purchased all my bodies from Cameta. Maybe it is because of "instant gratification" or because I know they are there if I have questions or problems.
Your within 30 minutes of them. Did you think of going to talk to them? You could also check with Berger Brothers, a block away from Cameta.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I have bought and sold on ebay with no problems. However, I always buy from those who are rated 100%, nothing less. At least 4 Nikon camera's and 5 or 6 lenses. Never a problem.

jerrypoller Loc: Huntington, NY

Cameta is my preferred source, but was thinking a $300-$400 savings was at least worth a look on EBay if other UHH had good experience with complex electronic devises - DSLRs.

bee7474 Loc: Selah, Wa

I have bought and sold numerous Canon cameras on eBay and had very good luck. Like you I check out the seller. Good luck.

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

My Pentax K10d was a used one I bought on Amazon, I have also bought a couple of lens for it, also used. I have had no problems whatsoever with any purchase, and will no doubt buy again from them. Their selection of DSLR's is amazing, for those who really can't afford new stuff, I highly recommend Amazon with no worries.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Most warranties are not transferable, but buying a camera with a legitimate warranty, even if registered, allows the buyer to get their used camera repaired at an authorized dealer or the manufacturer.
I don't know how a USA warranty works in Canada, or vice-versa.
Also, eBay protects their users. If you are sold something that is less than described they will stand behind it, especially if you use PayPal.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I've bought and sold thousands of items on eBay over the past 15 yeas with almost no problems....

However, my cameras are "work related" and a critical item, so I would not risk buying a used one with no warranty. I prefer new, but would buy refurb'd or used from a reputable store, so long as there is a reasonable warranty offered (say, 60 or 90 days or longer... long enough to give the gear a good workout to be sure there are no problems with it).

If my photography were only a hobby, I would feel differently. Also I'd be more inclined to buy a backup or third camera used, including from eBay, than I would a primary camera.

I usually buy lenses the same way, but have bought lenses off eBay, Amazon and Craigslist... not only is there "less to go wrong" compared to a camera body, but also I have other lenses already meeting my needs pretty well and any I'm buying is usually to expand my capabilities, or to replace an older lens that's seen better days, but is still working and usable. In other words, the lens is less critical to my being able to do my job, since my kit is pretty complete already.

gwing44

Be careful, I had a bad experiance on Ebay, their so called guarentee is no good.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

As a buyer or a seller ? I've had several issues in my 565 transactions, but all were resolved... Two purchases were never shipped. Sellers were asses & thought the auction price was too low & thus never completed the transaction.. I still got refunded, although I would have rather had the goods...

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I bought a camera on eBay about 10 years ago and I have enjoyed it ever since. It still looks like new although I used it pretty heavy! It was definitely a good buy and saved me a couple thousand!