moscowphoto experience

[40oz]

I bought a black J-3 on ebay in early January from seller moscowphoto. When the lens arrived, it was in excellent cosmetic shape, smooth, everything seemed perfect, but it was silver. I notified the seller of the discrepancy immediately, was told it was a mistake, and was offered a refund or the proper lens. I opted for the black lens, sent back the silver one, and awaited my black j-3. (I already had a silver J-3, albeit not in such fine trim.)

Now it has been some time, what with the lengthy time for shipping each way, and I sent an email asking if they received my return, and when to expect delivery of the black lens. The email bounced both times I tried. I sent a message via ebay to increase my chances of getting through. I haven't heard back yet, but it's only been a day.

Out of curiosity, I checked to see if moscowphoto has listed anything currently, and found the seller has quite a few items up for sale, including several black Jupiter-3's. Interestingly, the description claims "ALL PICTURES ARE ACTUAL, YOU RECEIVE WHAT YOU SEE." If you compare the images for the item I purchased and one of the current sale items, you'll see they are exactly the same.

Currently for sale:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lens-Jupiter-3-...ryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My purchased lens:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...earch.dll?from=R40&satitle=150075719241&fvi=1

I wonder how one can claim "ALL PICTURES ARE ACTUAL, YOU RECEIVE WHAT YOU SEE," if one uses the same images for multiple auctions.

I don't have a problem with the price if the lens I purchased was in as good conditionas the one I returned (if I receive it soon.) I don't have a problem with the re-use of images as long as the sample is an accurate indicator of the quality of the sale item, and there is no claim such as is made here. I'm just a little concerned having had no contact from the seller in so long a time, after sending back a perfectly fine lens purely for superficial reasons.

Has anyone dealt with moscowphoto, especially recently? Is there any reason for concern? How long should one wait before taking some sort of action via paypal/ebay? I'm not suggesting there is anything unethical here, I am just asking for some advice/experiences. I certainly am not suggesting people avoid this seller - if the items have a premium price, the lens I received initially make paying that premium worthwhile. (I just wouldn't have paid a premium for a silver J-3.)

 

[reagan]

I've no experience with this seller, but I believe I'd let him know via eBay PM that you're concerned that the lens you purchased is still for sale. Maybe write him in the *Ask seller a question* link of the new listing... "Hey, whassup? This is MY lens! When do I get it?" along with the link to the item you purchased ... eh, or something like that. 😉 Anyway, I have gotten mostly next-day responses from Bay.sellers, but occasionally they've been delayed a couple of days or so. Good luck 40oz !

 

[ruben]

40oz,
For what is worth, and ceirtainly not much, I can say I have been courious about this seller for a long time, and until your problem is solved, and depending too on how it is solved, Moscowphoto will be on deep stand by, in my book.

Keep us informed.]

 

[ferider]

I bought a 1948 ZK 50/1.5 from them - lens performs very, very well.

Roland.

 

[40oz]

I've received a response, so we will see. I'll update this when I get my lens, which I don't expect for at least a few weeks.

Thanks for the response, ferider. That is encouraging. The long shipping times to and from Russia just compound any misgivings one might have.

 

[indridi]

bought a fed 5 from him (my first rf), everything as one could expect, and the camera works fine, obviously never been used, as claimed. The shipment wasn't the quickest though about 3-4 weeks.

I went throught his listings on ebay, and found it a little suspicious that I couldn't see the serial number of any of his items on the pictures. The serial numbers of most of the fsu lenses are on the front, and it's quite hard to "accidentally" miss them on every single picture. So, I guess the "you receive what you see" is questionable, to say the least.

Hope you get your lens soon

Regards
Indriði

 

[Jocko]

I had a rather unpleasant transaction with this seller: having paid within five minutes of purchase, he accused me of non-payment and complained to E-Bay. As it was self-evident that I had paid, he then pretended not to speak English. I would not buy from him again.

Cheers, Ian

 

[reagan]

"... found it a little suspicious that I couldn't see the serial number of any of his items on the pictures."

I noticed that too in the links given. FWIW, that's not an uncommon practice among quite a few sellers. I like to know [with evidence] that the item pictured, whether body or lens, is what I'm getting. So when it's obvious that the serial number is not being shared, I have no problem with writing and asking for the number and a picture of the number... before bidding.

 

[santino]

bought a J9, all went well and it's in excellent condition but it took about a month due to austrian authorities I think.

 

[dee]

I have a mixed response to Mika of Moscowphoto .

Two '' Leica pretenders '' in black were a bit rough . But I honestly did not expect much more from reclaimed cameras , however , despite the instant brassing , I reckoned that trying to find another couple that did not jam now and then was equally dodgy - so I am awaiting their magical transformation from Oleg , who also connfirmed that they are Feds , not Zorkis . [ and who , sensibly , does not sell ID cameras !! ]

But I have bought, from mika's '' My Liecas '' 3 each of the so-called '' silver '' wartime Zorki 1 and Zorki S imaginatively engraved [ ! ] - new chrome with thick shiny black rangefinder covers , and they have new shutters and work beautifully

The two new black J8s and I61lds were also fine .

[ I am not rich , just mildly , but dee's ruptively , autistic , and an inheritance allowed me this indulgence of grounding and surrounding '' me '' with these toys ! ]

Somehow , though , I resisted his standard Zorkis and Feds - with the pretenders , I knew that it would not be as the photo ... but the others I was not sure of .

However , he has always replied to my changes of mind and uncertainty - though, understandably , his English , like most , is basic - but i can't make out any Russian at all .

dee

 

[jobo]

My experience buying a Zorki 4k and a J-3 was unproblematic, they replied quickly to my reminder to leave feedback.

YMMV, /Jobo

 

[Bill58]

Why would you take any risk or inconvenience to buy from him when you can trust Yuri or Oleg 100%?