Used Digital Rebel w/2 lenses for $190, should I get it?

[t3h l337 n3wb]

I came across this ad on Craigslist today, and the seller said he'd take$ 190 for the whole setup:

I have a 6.3MP Canon Digital Rebel (300D) for sale with the kit lens (EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6). Also, I have a EF 75-300mm 4.5-5.6 III USM lens that I am going to sell with it. I am only asking for $250 obo for all of the above.

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EDIT: See post 3

 

[jpeyton]

Sure.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

See below:

 

[996GT2]

Hi everyone, that was actually 996GT2 making the first post...I was at my friend's house for a movie and didn't realize that he was already logged into AT. I had him post the 3rd post at first but thought that would be kinda weird since it was my question, so I have posted here:



About the camera, the seller sounded a bit suspicious in emails, saying that he had to pay his telephone bill and that's why he was selling the camera for so cheap. He also said that he didn't have a car right now but could meet me at a public place close to his home.

All of this begs the question...how does a guy with no car and no ability to pay the phone bill afford a Digital Rebel SLR with 2 lenses? Fair market value of just the 75-300mm III USM lens is from $150-250.

He did give me the serial number and one of the shots taken with the camera. It is: Canon DS6041, no.1260421934. I checked this number with the number in the EXIF data and they do match.

Can anyone tell me about the origins of the camera based on the serial number? Not to sound pessimistic or anything, but I really don't want to be buying stolen goods.

 

[rivan]

$200's about right for that camera and the kit lens, and the zoom's not worth a ton (your estimate is totally off, unless it's the IS version of the lens) since everyone wants IS now - I sold mine (rebel+lens) a year ago for about $250.

I'd want to check the camera out before buying; I had couple little things that were getting a little worn on mine when it sold. First, the battery holder, while seeming solid, didnt hold the battery against the contacts perfectly, and sometimes a little bump from the right direction would make the camera power off. Reseat the battery, it'd come right back on. Second, the CF door was a little loose but it had no impact on the card. Beyond those, there were some cosmetic issues - the only REALLY bothersome was that the finish on the grip was rubbing off. I had ~5500 clicks on it when I sold and take good care of my equipment.

This camera might be a year older and be in better or worse shape. Examine camera and lenses thoroughly; make sure you get the charger included, and operate on the assumption you'll need to buy a new battery; I went through a battery a year with mine.

I wouldn't dwell too deeply on it being stolen - he's selling it cheap, but not THAT cheap.

 

[ghostman]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
All of this begs the question...how does a guy with no car and no ability to pay the phone bill afford a Digital Rebel SLR with 2 lenses? Fair market value of just the 75-300mm III USM lens is from $150-250.

I can't comment on the serial number or whether this was stolen, but those two lenses are very low end and most likely came in a package when he bought the original Rebel several years ago. So it doesn't seem strange to me that someone might be able to purchase a quality camera several years ago, but have financial troubles now.

 

[twistedlogic]

I thought you were going with the Nikon D40, .

As many have mentioned, I'd want to take a look at the camera and lenses before buying them. The user has two lenses, which means that he has changed them once or twice at least, so it might have some dust.

For only $190, this would be a great kit to get you started without breaking the bank. You could even invest the money you saved into buying lenses and then upgrade the body when you feel you need it.