Any rating under about 95% should be a red flag. eBay sellers with ratings in the 99-100% positive range that have made hundreds or thousands of sales are almost always trustworthy, as are sellers with gold star or Top Seller ratings. Just click on the seller’s eBay name under Seller Information on the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Not all eBay sellers are created equal and it’s a good idea to check their eBay record before you bid. Near-mint example shown was worth the auction price of $147.50 with tatty case and original lens cap. Konica IIIA: Perhaps the best non-interchangeable-lens rangefinder 35 ever, this 1958 classic is the preferred version with 50mm f/1.8 Hexanon lens. You can also contact the seller asking for more or better images and a more precise verbal description, and then make your final judgment when you receive them. If the images were shot from too far away, are blurry, or there are too few of them to show the back, bottom, top, and sides of camera, don’t bid unless you’re willing to risk the purchase price. Inspect each image meticulously at high magnification on a computer screen to see if there are any scratches, nicks, dents, or other problems, all of which lower the item’s value. The product images posted on eBay are the only way you have to visually assess the physical and cosmetic condition of the camera or other items listed, and to do this effectively, the images must be reasonably sharp and detailed. (And take it from me, these bits of advice are coming from someone who occasionally had to learn the hard way!)ġ) Carefully examine all the posted pictures So without further ado, here are ten key things you should know if you’re considering buying a camera on eBay. The purpose of this article is not to advocate for or against eBay, but to help you minimize your risk and maximize your satisfaction in buying cameras and related gear on the world’s top online auction site. Nevertheless, buying cameras on eBay is still inherently riskier than an in-person transaction at a brick-and-mortar store. There are elaborate safeguards on eBay to prevent you from non-delivery or receiving items that are not as they were described, and bad sellers that receive lots of negative feedback can be banished from the site. And if you’re not the bidding type, many of the listings on eBay offer “Buy It Now” prices and/or “Make Offer” options. Indeed, many leading retail establishments including Adorama, B&H, KEH, Roberts Camera, National Camera Exchange, etc., etc. Even better (and even more addicting): you can occasionally snag great deals! I’ve been an eBayer since 1998 and I’ll admit that buying cameras on eBay can be seriously addictive. Exakta VX IIa: Trapezoidal mid-‘50s classic 35mm SLR was complicated and clunky but had lots of personality: An eBay steal at $90 with 58mm f/2 Zeiss Jena Biotar lens and nice leather case but focusing screen needed replacement ($27).
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