Karma and my beloved 70-200

[BucketMan]

So, im at work yesterday, having a great day, nice weather, things are well.

I get a phone call, private number, so I send it to voicemail. Later in the day I check my messages.

"Hello, this is Detective ----- from the King police department. I am calling in regards to a Canon lens that you purchased last year, if you could call me back at ------ I would appreciate it."

My heart sank. I became nauseated. My beloved 70-200 that I got on Craigslist was indeed stolen.

September 2009

I saw the lens on CL for $950, yes the 2.8 IS version. At first I thought it was a mistype. However I talked to the guy and he in fact said it was that version and he wanted $950 for it. He seemed like a legit person, a young kid in fact, with an interest in photography...how dumb am I.

He was in North Carolina but would meet me in Wytheville, VA, an equal drive for both of us of about one hour. I talked to him on the phone several times, confirming our meeting time and place.

So, up rolls this non-suspicious looking Honda Accord, nothing fancy, nothing ghetto. Out of the passenger side comes a pimply faced teenager holding the lens, case, hood, caps and a CP filter. He seems nice, knows stuff about the lens and cameras. He let me test it on my 40D right there, said he had a 50D. He said the lens was just too heavy for him, and he wanted a lighter zoom, he was a skinny kid so I understood that, a lot of people complain about the weight. The lens was in great condition, worked flawlessly on my camera. Money was handed over and I had finally achieved "L" greatness!

Now, I know $950 was a great deal, but not unheard of. He had everything but the box and warranty card, which not everyone keeps. So, the lens was mine. I loved it, we had soe many great times together! I bought her a fancy UV filter, 1.4x TC, Macro tubes, man we took some nice shots! I cleaned her regularly, she was my pride and joy...well, until we had my daughter in October.

So, fast forward to today. I talked to the detective, super nice guy. He said the lens and about $14,000 worth of photo equipment was stolen from a studio in King, NC, or thereabouts. He asked me if I would return the lens. As a aspiring photog I had only one choice. If my stuff was stolen and recovered, I would want it back.

So, this afternoon I will be mailing the lens to the King PD and it will be returned to its rightful owner. I will be out $950 because I bought it in Va and the King PD does not have jurisdiction there. I will be out the cost of shipping as well. I will be out of a great lens. A great big empty spot in my camera bag.

I do believe in karma, I truly do. I have may things to be thankful for, including a great and healthy family, so it could be worse.

So, Mr. or Mrs. camera studio owner in King, North Carolina. I babied that lens, took extra special care of her and cleaned her after every outing. It was never dropped and always stored in my bag on my 40D. I hope you will be glad to have her back.

(sigh)

[tun]

That sucks man, but you did the right thing.

[crn3371]

Bummer! How did the police know that you had the lens?

[drumsfield]

Originally Posted by crn3371

Bummer! How did the police know that you had the lens?

Maybe they caught the guy and he confessed?

[BucketMan]

Originally Posted by crn3371

Bummer! How did the police know that you had the lens?

Yeah, they got him and he confessed. Cell phone records lead them to me, isnt technology great?

[MRagon]

Oh that's terrible. I've been searching out a used 70-200 f4 IS and just made a post saying I'm about to go with new. Your story makes me even more inclined to buy new though I've had good experiences so far with used as many of us have. I know that's not the norm in buying a lens from somebody but oh wow what a shame. The only bright spot I suppose is that the thief must have been caught.

[Sharpmaxell]

so why can't you get the money back from the guy that "sold" it to you?

[SMP_Homer]

Originally Posted by Sharpmaxell

so why can't you get the money back from the guy that "sold" it to you?

most thieves don't have savings stashed somewhere, or good enough credit to repay someone... and if he's been caught, I suspect he's now working for the State (and not earning a whole lot).

To the OP - I wouldn't cover the costs of shipping it back. Definitely the right thing to return it, but I don't think the return cost is yours. I'd suggest to make arrangements with your local PD to have them get it from you (or you drop it off)

[int2str]

BucketMan,

I applaud and support your integrity! I've done similar things in the past and would probably do the same as you're about to do.

However... Before you do it, can you contact the photo studio?
If they were properly insured (as they should be), there is a chance they long have the money for the theft. And even if they aren't insured, chances are they have a new 70-200mm already.

So talk to the photo studio, tell them you're ready to return the lens to them, but ask them if they really need it back and explain your situation. Maybe they'll let you keep it or hand it to you for a few hundred bucks as a good faith token?

Never hurts to ask...

[sk8rdi16]

If my gear is ever stolen, I hope you end up with it! You're a stand up guy!

[Sharpmaxell]

Originally Posted by SMP_Homer

most thieves don't have savings stashed somewhere, or good enough credit to repay someone... and if he's been caught, I suspect he's now working for the State (and not earning a whole lot).

well i figured not but i'm sure some kind of small lawsuit would ensue. $950 is a lot for anyone to lose.

[goingsking]

I would also call the studio and see if you can make a deal. However, my gut feeling is that the insurance company paid out and any recovered loot would go to them. If that is the case, get their insurance agents name and number and see if they can contact the carrier and make a deal

[SMP_Homer]

Originally Posted by Sharpmaxell

well i figured not but i'm sure some kind of small lawsuit would ensue. $950 is a lot for anyone to lose.

what do you get if you sue some who has nothing?

[Sharpmaxell]

Originally Posted by SMP_Homer

what do you get if you sue some who has nothing?

well it made sense in my head when i posted it :P

[SMP_Homer]

Originally Posted by Sharpmaxell

well it made sense in my head when i posted it :P

You could sue... The other side may end up with a lawyer that says "that deal was obviously too good to be true and should have had suspicions". But that probably wouldn't happen with a court-appointed guy. Say you did win. And it's fair to say the accused as little or no possessions, no job, and is looking at a stay in jail. With any luck (and really, is it luck?) the judge makes him repay once he's out. Forced to have a job. A few $$ from each pay goes back to the guy he duped. Plus the court fees. How long would it take to get something back? Chances are, he'd be back in jail before long for something else (once a thief always a thief...)

taking someone to court only makes sense if that someone has something to lose. I suspect he's already losing his freedom, and doesn't have anything else... so it's a waste of time for many...

sue the studio that lost all the equipment. With a proper security system in place, engraving in all their gear, etc... this wouldn't have happened