Another dodgy ebay M9 sale?

[Guest jvansmit]

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I saw this today https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-M9-Beautiful-Condition-With-New-Sensor/302667422337?hash=item4678625a81:g:5S8AAOSwmRNapZVr

 

A seller with zero feed-back (!), and few details about the camera apart from a cut & paste M9 description but 13 bids already.

 

Out of curiosity, I've asked for a photo of the new sensor receipt, and confirmation of the serial.

[Topsy]

Added it to my watch list to see what happens. Thanks for posting.

[ianman]

Just out of curiosity... why is this considered "dodgy"? Because the seller has never used ebay before? Why would that be "dodgy"? We have all had counters at zero at some point, be it on ebay, on this forum, etc.

[zlatkob]

Has the seller erased the camera's serial number in the photo of the top of the camera? Shouldn't it be right on the metal of the hot shoe?

[Guest jvansmit]

Just out of curiosity... why is this considered "dodgy"? Because the seller has never used ebay before? Why would that be "dodgy"? We have all had counters at zero at some point, be it on ebay, on this forum, etc.

 

It may well be genuine which is why I added a question mark in the subject line but bidders are taking a risk in my view. Most people build up feedback as buyers, and don't just start an eBay account to sell a high value item as this seller has done. His eBay account was only opened a few days ago.

 

I asked the seller for evidence of the sensor replacement but he only sent me a photo of the warranty card (with serial number). The seller then amended his listing to state that he won't ship to Hong Kong (where I live) which I thought was somewhat strange.

[chris_livsey]

"New" sensor could be a new - old sensor, still subject to future corrosion, or the new new sensor, without clear evidence you cannot bid with any confidence aside from the feedback and the removal of the serial number which prevents enquires to Leica as to reported theft.

 

The bidding seems to be being pushed up by 1 or 0 feedback buyers, it is quite possible to have more than one e-bay account and bid on your own items, no accusations just saying it is possible. IMHO that site is possibly the very last place to buy an expensive item unless you already know the seller, some UK dealers use it and are trustworthy, i am sure that applies elsewhere geographically as well.

[rramesh]

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Millions of products are sold and bought on eBay. Like any marketplace, you do need to exercise good judgement.

 

Electronics, especially Leica M9s, are notoriously hard to check online, as you are not able to handle the item yourself, and really need to assure yourself that you are buying from a reputable dealer.

 

If price is so attractive that a full service by Leica is cost effective, then buy. eBay will really only protect you from claims arising from major undisclosed defects. On used items, it's quite subjective really.

Edited March 27, 2018 by rramesh

[Guest jvansmit]

Update:

 

"This listing (**********) has been removed, or this item is not available."

 

and:

 

"********* is no longer a registered user"