miked
New Member
Posts: 6 
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Post by miked on Sept 13, 2015 11:29:21 GMT -5
As a new collector, I am still learning. I found a camera that I'm interested in, however, I'm unsure if "REFURBISHED" is a "RED FLAG" or not. As a collector, would that hurt the value in anyway? Since I am so new, I would hate to over pay and then find out that the camera has no value because it's been refurbished.
I'm hoping to get some advice from some of our experienced collectors on how to view ads for collectible cameras.
Thank you!
Mike D.
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mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
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Post by mickeyobe on Sept 13, 2015 12:33:37 GMT -5
As a new collector, I am still learning. I found a camera that I'm interested in, however, I'm unsure if "REFURBISHED" is a "RED FLAG" or not. As a collector, would that hurt the value in anyway? Since I am so new, I would hate to over pay and then find out that the camera has no value because it's been refurbished. I'm hoping to get some advice from some of our experienced collectors on how to view ads for collectible cameras. Thank you! Mike D. Mike, Refurbished is rather vague. It could range anywhere from disgusting to superb. Was it a cosmetic or mechanical restoration? Is it in perfect operating condition? What, if any are its flaws? Ask the vendor to be more specific and to post some clear pictures. Most vendors are honest but there are still too many charlatans out there. Beware of: Estate sale, Grandfather's camera, I never tried it, I know nothing about cameras, only missing -----, no refunds, as is, and so on. Mickey |
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Sept 13, 2015 12:36:42 GMT -5
It is a danger flag as such, and rarely used in describing really vintage cameras, which may indeed have had attention to keep them going over the years. Seller refurbished on Ebay usually refers to modern electronic cameras and "cleaning up" a camera for sale, that has been in a shop, a return from a customer etc, etc.
Vintage usually is taken as pre the 1960's period in film cameras, extending back to the Victorian period. from 1960 the term is classic cameras, usually film types. A hand full of digital cameras can fairly be classed as classic, and are more likely to have had "refurbishments".
These are only guides, and Ebay is a mine field of miss descriptions, and sometimes downright deception.
However the net comes to the rescue, use it to trace the details of the description, and to trace pictures as well.
If value is your main concern, then restored cameras must be viewed very carefully, restoring can damage value deeply in some cases. However a rare camera with careful restoration may be all right, you have to have knowledge of the original condition of that type of camera, and what to expect on Ebay.
If condition is vital, then you must contact the seller for more information. At other times the rare nature of the camera may mean a purchase at any cost and condition. Nobody in their right mind would turn down a cheap Gamma or a Witness, but I would demand full information about such cameras if offered at high prices.
Buyer beware is still the best adage, in the end it is up to you to balance everything before parting with hard earned cash.
Stephen.
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Post by philbirch on Sept 13, 2015 14:53:54 GMT -5
Hi Mike, why not share the item number with us so we can see the listing and advise.
I sell 'seller refurbished' Oly Trips, cleaned and re-skinned and usually film tsted. 'Emjaybe' sells FSU cameras from Ukraine, his cameras are refurbished and are in top class condition.
Check out the other things the seller has sold and look at his feedback. I ignore any moany neg feedback about delivery times and unjustified feedback from inexperienced buyers.
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