Dad's considering selling gear. What should I offer?

Posted this on NSOP, as well.


My dad, one of the main reasons I got into photography, is considering getting out of it. As much as it bums me out, I also would benefit from it. The items from his kit that I want are a Canon 1D Mark II and a canon 70-200 f/2.8 version one non-IS. The camera is in good condition but needs to be cleaned and looked at by canon. Padding that the mirror hits needs replaced and pentaprism needs cleaned badly. Would also consider a new shutter.

The lens is in about the same shape but might want to have it calibrated. It has a UU date code if that helps at all. Clean exterior but has some wear and nicks and scuffs.

So, this is what I'm thinking, I'll offer $600 on the body and $1,100 for the lens. Is this too high considering I will have to pay for the trips to canon for refurbishing?

He's your dad, ask him what he wants for it.

Lowball the old man if he's desperate for cash.

WOOO!

$600 for the camera? You might end up paying $1000 for Canon to clean it and do the mirror fix and shutter replacement. 1-series shutter replacement costs much more than a non 1-series shutter I've heard. Can be $500 to $700 alone. It sounds like he didn't take good care of his gear. You might find a better deal elsewhere unless you want to give your dad some money.

HappySnapper90 wrote in post #12846093
It sounds like he didn't take good care of his gear. .

Sounds like he used it not abused it. It was not bought yesterday.

As for whether it is worth it, you could send it into Canon for CLA and an estimate for any repairs. You may also try the very highly regarded Toshio at TF Camera Repair.

Even if you don't buy it your Dad will need to get a clean bill of health if he wants to get any sort of price out of it.

markd61 wrote in post #12849957
Sounds like he used it not abused it. It was not bought yesterday.

As for whether it is worth it, you could send it into Canon for CLA and an estimate for any repairs. You may also try the very highly regarded Toshio at TF Camera Repair.

Even if you don't buy it your Dad will need to get a clean bill of health if he wants to get any sort of price out of it.

Exactly, he has used his gear and certainly hasn't had any qualms about the potential for it to be damaged. It's a tool.

The more he and I talk about it, though briefly and here and there, I think I'm going to hold off on buying it form him. He's commented about this or that piece of gear he'd like to get so I think it's best to let him keep shooting, which in all honesty is what I wanted all along.

Never mix family and business.

Someone ends up bummed.

StayLucky wrote in post #12854418
The more he and I talk about it, though briefly and here and there, I think I'm going to hold off on buying it form him. He's commented about this or that piece of gear he'd like to get so I think it's best to let him keep shooting, which in all honesty is what I wanted all along.

Sounds like the best solution for you.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #12855321
Never mix family and business.

Someone ends up bummed.

+1

Never buy from, or sell to, a family member. Just too many ways it can sour things, especially if you are trying to get it for as little as possible from him. If by chance the camera dies after you bought it, both of you will feel bad; if you manage to get him to sell it for as little as possible, he may resent it. Just don't.

Just stay away from it mainly because the seller is your dad.

Unless it becomes a gift...I agree stay away.