My best deal was a 1D mk2 and a 70-200 2.8 L for about 1000 $ US. Got it from the first owner who did not use it anymore since he upgraded to a 1D mk3 and 70-200 2.8 L IS. Sweet.
My journey started from an almost new 85L II. Got it for $1,300 on CL. Sold it for $1,450 a year later after shooting a lot of photos for the wife. After this purchase, I've bought and sold numerous gears. For example:
An almost new 40D for $500 on CL. Almost got it for $400, but there are too many inquiries within the first hour the ad was posted, and the seller thus increased the price. The camera has less than 2k clicks. I sold it for $675 a week later.
An almost new 24-70L (UW date code) for $700 last year on CL. I was the 4th in the line, but was the first responded and showed up with cash.
An almost new 50D w/ 18-200IS kit for $1,200 two months ago on CL. Two weeks later sold them individually for a total of $1,425.
A mint 1D2n with less than 10k clicks for $1,600 three months ago on CL. Sold it two weeks ago for the same amount I paid because I upgraded to a mint 1Ds2 with less than 8k clicks for $1,800.
UPDATE: the best deal is a like new 14L II for $1,000, local deal. Unbelievable, I know. The guy desperately needs to pay his rent, and priced it for sale.
terminator wrote:
Sold it two weeks ago for the same amount I paid because I upgraded to a mint 1Ds2 with less than 8k clicks for $1,800.
Very good, terminator, good indeed.
The deals like that always make me wonder.......like in the case of your 1DsMkII, what would possess someone to sell it for so much under the going rate on our B&S forum, let alone with the major retailers.
terminator wrote:
My journey started from an almost new 85L II. Got it for $1,300 on CL. Sold it for $1,450 a year later after shooting a lot of photos for the wife. After this purchase, I've bought and sold numerous gears. For example:
An almost new 40D for $500 on CL. Almost got it for $400, but there are too many inquiries within the first hour the ad was posted, and the seller thus increased the price. The camera has less than 2k clicks. I sold it for $675 a week later.
An almost new 24-70L (UW date code) for $700 last year on CL. I was the 4th in the line, but was the first responded and showed up with cash.
An almost new 50D w/ 18-200IS kit for $1,200 two months ago on CL. Two weeks later sold them individually for a total of $1,425.
A mint 1D2n with less than 10k clicks for $1,600 three months ago on CL. Sold it two weeks ago for the same amount I paid because I upgraded to a mint 1Ds2 with less than 8k clicks for $1,800....Show more →
PetKal wrote:
The deals like that always make me wonder.......like in the case of your 1DsMkII, what would possess someone to sell it for so much under the going rate on our B&S forum, let alone with the major retailers.
Gosh, people still out there not yet following the Tao of Gouge... shocking.
5 years aso ago i meet a woman Gwen Casill widow of the late great playboy photographer Mario Casilli. Mrs. Casilli sold me the remnants of her late husbands studio. Gobos 2 hobos i bought it all 4 $1800.00 usd the real market value in today's money 2 buy the gears she sold me $35,000.00+ usd. Umbrellas, light stands, copy stands, barn doors snoots, gobos, grids, reflectors, studio tripods, 10 4' x 8' foam core sheet, backdrops, j-poles rigging system, 3 studio strobe systems, 2 hot light systems, articulate arms, too much 2 list it all. She have mercy on me the aspiring young pro-photog said i reminded her of her husband in a way. but most important i was able 2 study the works of the master reconstruct in my minds eye the lighting scenarios that he must have used to produce the great works of art that aligned his studio walls. then it dawned on me the man was a 'Master of Light'. i say to his spirit i shall shoot in the tradition of the master of the playboy center fold Mario Casilli. so much admiration and respect i have 4 this great photographer that i now am the proud owner of Master of Light Studios SOS 4 a mere $1800.00 investment.
2 new 1dsIII from dell for $6000 each...when they were still selling for $7k+ on B&S.
Basically new 300/2.8 IS + 24L for $3750.
24TS-E for $650
85L for $950 - over 3 years ago
basically new 50L for $1000.
1d for $400 (2 years ago)
I have to admit that I cheat...a bit. I live in a tax free zone so I get the VAT (sales tax) refunded which at the time was 17.5% in the UK. Also, I paid in Pounds Sterling and those Dollar prices are converted at today's rate. However, as everyone else was quoting in dollars I thought it made sense.
Still, no matter how you look at it, that 1DsMkIII was a steal and I love it.
The owner of my company gave me a grip for my 20D.
I bought another 20D and a Sigma 50-500mm (both in perfect condition) for $1,200.00. As I was ready to drop a grand on just the lens (new), I thought that was a pretty good deal...
The guy desperately needs to pay his rent, and priced it for sale.