Best Shop For Used 8x10 Cameras?

[Sean]

I doubt there is a single shop known as the best used LF camera dealer, but I'd like any recommendations. I'm also not ruling out Ebay. Thanks!

 

[Cem]

http://www.lensandrepro.com
http://www.badgergraphic.com
Dead Link Removed

pricewise your best bet is ebay, but these people are reliable and knowledgeable.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

www.mpex.com

www.badgergraphic.com

www.lensandrepro.com

www.thefstop.com

and eBay if you're careful

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Hah! Two posts at the same time. At least you know there's concensus!

 

[Sean]

Great Links! Thanks!

 

[Prime]

I, too, would recommend MPEX (Midwest Photo Exchange). I bought some LF gear from them, and they were friendly and helpful. Their prices were about as low as I could find, and the used lens looked as though it had come straight from the factory. When I'm ready to buy more, I'll probably check with them first. Dead Link Removed

 

[Robert]

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Ross @ Nov 30 2002, 10:55 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> I'm also not ruling out Ebay. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
One problem you may have is many sellers won't ship outsiide of the US. The best deals are often from those sellers. It's bad enough with sellers not wanting to ship to Canada. Also be carefull with the prices. Some things are getting to the point you can get better stuff from reputable dealers for very little extra money. I won't buy from ebay if the price break doesn't cover the risk factor.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

"I won't buy from ebay if the price break doesn't cover the risk factor."

EXACTLY.

I often find great deals on items that I know have problems that are easy to fix, but that will scare away many potential bidders. It is very common for old LF lenses to have sticky shutters, for instance, but as long as the cosmetic condition is such that it doesn't suggest the lens has been abused, you can figure about $80 for a CLA from S. K. Grimes, and in the end, you will often have a better lens in a better shutter for less money than if you had bought it in an ostensibly working shutter that hasn't had a recent CLA, or one from a shop that may offer a guarantee, but doesn't have a repair service as good as S. K. Grimes to back it up.

 

[Jorge]

I second Roberts comment, I have a hard time sometimes having things shipped to Mexico. The other thing is that shipping is almost never refundable, no small thing going to NZ, and if the stuff has to be returned back, then you are out a very sizeable amount. Although most dealers at E bay are reputable, in your case I think going with a reputable dealer like MPEX or The View Camera Store would be a better choice.

 

[Robert]

Ya ask about shipping before. It's a good test of the seller. If they aren't willing to figure out how much to it will cost before you've won the auction you can count on them not making you happy if later the item turns out to be a bust. You need to treat Ebay sort of like baseball. If you strike out and lose 70% of the auctions that's not a bad thing. The other thing is Ebay isn't for those in a rush. It's fine if you're browsing hoping to find something sooner or later but if you need it now it isn't. Also a real store front dealer may be able to stock all the items you need. You may end up paying more for each item but you'll save on the total shipping amount. Keep an eye on the total price.