[a bit OT] what's your feeling abut this auction?

[Pherdinand]

hi.
I would love to have such a camera, however the auction is not really straightforward.
plaubel veriwide 100

While i'm trying to be free of prejudices, i can't overlook that the seller is in Panama and only accepts money transfer and cash. His feedback is good but not too long and the items he sold are all except one, of only a few bucks value. And now this camera which is hundreds.

What's your feeling about such a transaction, would you be confident bidding?

PS: the plaubel veriwide 100 is a 6x10 (nominal) format camera, on 120 roll, with a high quality 47mm f/8 schneider super angulon in synchro compur, and it gives 100 degrees really-wide frames in medium format, in a pocketable size. No center filter needed, no vignetting, etc. Reeeally tempting. And the price is LOW.

thanks in advance

 

[Stephan]

The feedback is good, but as you said the guy has sold mostly cheaper stuff (although it is photography equipment). I'd try and contact the seller before bidding.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

When I bid, I always think about the worst case scenario and then decide whether it is worth it to me. In this case, given the short feedback record and the payment method, I would take a pass. The worst case scenario is not worth the risk, but your mileage may differ 🙂 good luck

 

[bmattock]

What's your feeling about such a transaction, would you be confident bidding?

No, I would not be confident bidding. The feedback, the previous sales, the cash-only nature of the sale, the "works perfect" description, all set off warning bells.

However, others will also think the same thing of this seller. The ending price will most likely be less than it otherwise would.

Bottom Line: Bid only what you can afford to lose. That is, if you want to bid, then bid. But consider the money 'spent' on a speculative deal. If you get the camera, and it is all that you hope it is, you win. If you get nothing, then you get nothing, but it was a gamble, just like Las Vegas.

I got a good Fuji G690 out of Pretoria, South Africa once because the seller had low feedback, only took cash in US Dollars, etc. I got the camera - but I was prepared to lose it all. That's only way to look at gambles like this.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Pherdinand]

thanks guys. I guess ypou're right, it's a gamble with some chance on both sides, but i'm just too pu... again to decide on it myself! argh!

 

[oftheherd]

Just as everyone has said. It is a gamble. All ebay is, but this more so than most. If you don't mind gambling and can afford to lose at least $300.00, go for it. Me, I couldn't.

Of course, in my case I have a Mamiya Super Press 23 and a 50mm lens. I could get a 6x9 back and just about be where you want to be. Sorry, you cannot get a Super Pres 23, 6x9 back and 50mm lens for $300. What you can do is get safer gambles on that equipment on ebay. And have a more versitile camera when all is said and done.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

It's a very simple auction; could use a bit more in the description department.

 

[Pherdinand]

normally the brooks-plaubel veriwide 100 costs around 800 $. There's one for sale on photo.net right now. That's way over my budget.

I'll probably skip this one and live with the 35mm system i have, when wides are needed.

 

[ERV]

Last week this seller had an m3 and an older 50mm summilux and shade up for auction separately with very brief descriptions and low starting bids. There were a couple of days to go and no bids except for the M3 (299. with no reserve) so I contacted her about the summilux and got a short response to my questions. The next day the items were taken off the site. The Mamiya 7 and lens were also listed. I think the person could be legit, but given all the conditions- cash, low number off transactions etc- I would have passed.

 

[doubs43]

My take is slightly different than most of the replies you've gotten so far.

I note that in addition to a money transfer and cash, the seller does have an Ikobo account. I've used Ikobo successfully in the past and it's the best option this seller offers IMO. You can check Ikobo's site and see what provisions they have, if any, for getting your money back in the event of a bad deal. (My transaction through Ikobo was a small one and was free of charges by Ikobo so I wasn't too worried.)

Subtract the single negative which the seller seems to answer honestly and you have 100% feedback.

BUT, if you feel uncomfortable with the auction then you've answered your own question. You should avoid it. If I'm not satisfied that the seller is legit, I pass.... always.

BTW, did you notice that they ship ONLY to the US? I believe you're in the Netherlands?

Walker

 

[Pherdinand]

Yes, all the feedback is positive, but the items are of low value, except the rolleiflex set. I'll wait a few days to see what happens around the auction.

[it says, will ship worldwide - the 'only to us' stands for the shipping cost only.]

 

[bmattock]

Yes, all the feedback is positive, but the items are of low value, except the rolleiflex set. I'll wait a few days to see what happens around the auction.

[it says, will ship worldwide - the 'only to us' stands for the shipping cost only.]

I recommend caution - it is a false assumption that because others bid on it, it must be ok. Others get fooled too. "Waiting a few days" for what?

I also question the wisdom of seeking answers that say what you seem to want to hear - "Ah, it's ok, go ahead and bid." Others have their opinions, but none will share your loss if you get taken. Why look for reassurance to do something your gut tells you is a bad idea? Likewise, if you want to do it - you don't need to be egged on or warned off - just do it.

Ask yourself if you'll be able to get over it if you bid, win, pay, and get nothing in return. Some people shrug and get on with their lives. Others go stark raving bonkers. Everyone has a pain threshold and a level of risk they'd rather not take. Take a look at yours before bidding.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[doubs43]

[it says, will ship worldwide - the 'only to us' stands for the shipping cost only.]

Sorry, I saw the "US only" and took it to mean they'd sell only to the US. I missed the "worldwide".

One additional point; I've seen suggestions during discussions about how to establish yourself as a seller on ebay and selling a number of inexpensive items first to build your feedback was mentioned. Because buyers tend to avoid new sellers who have limited feedback, it's felt that a track record needs to be set and that inexpensive stuff was the way to do it before venturing into deeper waters. I don't know that the seller has done that in this case but it's a thought.

I'd also like to add that if an item normally sells for $800 and is being offered for $300, it may be too good to be true. Greed is usually what gets a person skinned.

FWIW.

Walker

 

[doubs43]

I also question the wisdom of seeking answers that say what you seem to want to hear - "Ah, it's ok, go ahead and bid." Others have their opinions, but none will share your loss if you get taken. Why look for reassurance to do something your gut tells you is a bad idea? Likewise, if you want to do it - you don't need to be egged on or warned off - just do it. Bill Mattocks

Good advice, Bill. I may ask what experience others have had with a particular seller but in the end I know that MY decision is mine alone.

If I have any doubts whatsoever, I DO NOT BID!

Walker

 

[taffer]

communication is the key Pherdi, if you're really interested then write the seller and ask kindly for the information you'd like to have. I've got good things from sellers which were somewhat 'lazy' in their descriptions but kindly gave me the info I asked for.

If I was expecting somebody to pay $300+ for one of my items, I'd try to make my best on the information I was giving him/her if requested.

 

[bmattock]

Good advice, Bill. I may ask what experience others have had with a particular seller but in the end I know that MY decision is mine alone.

If I have any doubts whatsoever, I DO NOT BID!

Walker

Sometimes I bid even if I have doubts - but my point is that I go into it with the understand that it is a risk/reward system - I might win, I might break even, I might get nada. If I know that going in and consider that I might be sending my money to a crook, I can make a rational decision as to how much I wish to risk on that basis. If I lose, I hate that - but I considered the possibility when I bid, and life goes on.

eBoy sellers should not steal, lie, or cheat. But some do, in big ways and small. I have a large collection of 'mint' cameras that don't actually, uh, work. But they're mint. Sure. On the other hand, I've got more than a couple of real deals that far exceeded my expectations. If a person gets taken on eBoy, they may or may not be able to have their deal made right by Paypal, eBoy, or their credit card company. One must consider what level of risk they feel comfortable with. If that's none, then it's none.

I've seen too many people who can't walk away from the table when they've had their chips raked in. If the O/P is one of those people, that's fine, it is a personality trait that they should acknowledge and base their bidding on that.

Once upon a time, I made sufficient income that I could put a couple hundred bucks on the table and let the wheel spin. Win or lose, I slept at night. Now I don't have that luxury, so I don't bid that way anymore.

Know your budget, know your risk acceptance capability, and use lots of common sense. Grab your *#&$ in your hand and bid, or don't. But feel good either way.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

communication is the key Pherdi, if you're really interested then write the seller and ask kindly for the information you'd like to have. I've got good things from sellers which were somewhat 'lazy' in their descriptions but kindly gave me the info I asked for.

If I was expecting somebody to pay $300+ for one of my items, I'd try to make my best on the information I was giving him/her if requested.

Con-men are some of the best communicators there are. They know every trick, they're friendly, reasonable-sounding, and they have personalities that make you want to trust them.

I agree that it is good to ask for more information. But if you get it, that tells you little about how legit the deal is. And if you don't, that doesn't mean much either. They guy could be working out of a Spanish/English dictionary and not understand your questions or be able to respond in a detailed fashion.

There is no question you can ask the seller that takes the risk away or even lowers it appreciably.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Pherdinand]

You're right Bill, bids on an item don't mean anything. The few days waiting means only that i won't bid on it at this mment, and will wait to see if it even stays there. Because as ERV says, sometimes items of this seller disappeared before auction end.
But i don't think i'll risk it, anyway. I'm not much the gambler type of person (not financially, anyway). If it would be unclear in what state the camera is, that's another matter - always exciting to get something and try to repair it🙂

 

[taffer]

Con-men are some of the best communicators there are. They know every trick, they're friendly, reasonable-sounding, and they have personalities that make you want to trust them.

I agree that it is good to ask for more information. But if you get it, that tells you little about how legit the deal is. And if you don't, that doesn't mean much either. They guy could be working out of a Spanish/English dictionary and not understand your questions or be able to respond in a detailed fashion.

There is no question you can ask the seller that takes the risk away or even lowers it appreciably.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

Yes, that's also true, that said, usually the answers they give can give you some hint about the nature of the seller, if he knows what he's talking about or if it's one of the 'I can't see why this shouldn't work perfectly' 🙂 But that conclusion is completely up to how well you think you can read between the lines of the answer you got.

In any way, and from my pov, the current price is already more than I'd been gambling on this...

Oscar

PS: Intereting though, didnt' know about the Veriwide before.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Pherdinand,

This is just my opinion so take it for what it is worth. I check for the following on every auction ...

1) record of good "seller" feedback at least 25+

2) record of good "buyer" feedback (good common sense is worth something in my book, and I prefer not to deal with those who bid recklessly, even in their feedback as buyers)

3) record of good feedbacks that he/she has left for others (again, to gauge general character and temperament)

4) payment by Paypal through credit card (about the only way you are really protected if you are a buyer)

5) reasonable shipping fees

6) that the item being sold is not 'out of character' with the rest of what he/she has sold before ... both in terms of price and nature of goods.

7) is the price I'm willing to bid an amount of money I'm REALLY willing to lose if the seller acts dishonorably

On these counts, I find this auction wanting in many ways. Not trying to discourage you, just want you to have a successful and personally acceptable outcome, good or bad. cheers