What would you do?

I purchased a 5D MK III at an unbelievable price off craigslist. I wasn't in the market for one since I have the 5D MK II. My dilema is do I sell the MK II and keep the MK III with minimal outlay of cash or do I sell the MK III for a very decent profit and bank it since the extra cash will come in handy. I do like the idea of the better AF on the MK III and better lower light but neither are critical since I am only a hobbyist and the MK II is a very nice camera and have been very happy with it. My financial situation would not normally be in a position to even consider the 5D MK III so this is going to be hard to pass up.

Keep the MK III & sell the MK II, since the additional cost is minimal (your words)

Well if you can afford to, sell the Mk Deux and enjoy the 5D3 especially as you appear to have picked it up at an attractive price. It's a stellar body as indeed you've discovered.

I always sell stuff that I get really good deals on which I don't absolutely need. With the money gained, you can buy something else that you may be lacking.

How good of a deal, if I may ask?

A hot deal, perhaps? Really good deals can be really big headaches.

Unless you can confirm that it's not stolen, do not re-sell it or you risk being liable for selling stolen property. Just play it safe.

Now, from a tech standpoint, I lust for the 5D3, so I would happily sell the 5D2 and keep the 3.

keep the 5D3

Virto wrote in post #15265430
Unless you can confirm that it's not stolen, do not re-sell it or you risk being liable for selling stolen property.

So true!

I have over many years purchased a lot of items at very low prices and resold them on ebay and other forums. That is how I raised enough money to purchase the gear I now have. So when I spotted this deal I jumped on it knowing what it's worth and what I could sell it for. When the seller said he needed rent money by today and had put it on craigslist Sunday morning early, I was the first to respond. When I first spoke to him I was not convinced it was legit but some things he told me and the way he said them made me a little less skeptical. He said he was a student and bought the camera for a advertising class where they were learning to photograph water droplets. That seemed like something that one would not make up, but maybe he's a clever thief or I'm an easy target. Anyway now my doubts are resurfacing and you are probably right about not reselling it but now if I keep it and it needs service I may have trouble. I wish I could find out from Canon without devulging my identity and run the risk of the camera being confiscated from me. I would never knowingly buy stolen items with the intent on reselling them for a profit.

This forum is full of people like the guy on CL, they buy expensive items they can't really afford, and a short while later they are selling. What's a college student doing buying a $3400 camera? Thankfully my (out of state college student) kid is smarter than that, but many adults make the same poor financial decisions. You bought the MKIII in good faith, just keep it and enjoy it. Sell the MkII. -rick

I never find good deals on Craigslist. I wish there was a secret.

Is it because I'm in a large market? (Atlanta)

I always see gear at or above what they should be asking.

I search CL everyday for two things: Bikes and photography gear.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #15266436
I never find good deals on Craigslist. I wish there was a secret.

Is it because I'm in a large market? (Atlanta)

I always see gear at or above what they should be asking.

I search CL everyday for two things: Bikes and photography gear.

You just have to be lucky really.

Folks who are reaping the greatest CL benefit are REGULAR CL browsers. It must be part of a regular daily routine to scan through what is being offerred and pick the good stuff out FAST! Finding it is only Part One . . .evaluating it and closing the deal . . .without getting clunked over the head and relieved of your $$$ is the very big Part Two!

The evaluating part is the hardest part.

id10t wrote in post #15265952
I have over many years purchased a lot of items at very low prices and resold them on ebay and other forums. That is how I raised enough money to purchase the gear I now have. So when I spotted this deal I jumped on it knowing what it's worth and what I could sell it for. When the seller said he needed rent money by today and had put it on craigslist Sunday morning early, I was the first to respond. When I first spoke to him I was not convinced it was legit but some things he told me and the way he said them made me a little less skeptical. He said he was a student and bought the camera for a advertising class where they were learning to photograph water droplets. That seemed like something that one would not make up, but maybe he's a clever thief or I'm an easy target. Anyway now my doubts are resurfacing and you are probably right about not reselling it but now if I keep it and it needs service I may have trouble. I wish I could find out from Canon without devulging my identity and run the risk of the camera being confiscated from me. I would never knowingly buy stolen items with the intent on reselling them for a profit.

That was the first sign that the camera was likely stolen. Everyone knows you have to have nothing less than a 1D series for shooting water droplets.

id10t wrote in post #15265952
I have over many years purchased a lot of items at very low prices and resold them on ebay and other forums. That is how I raised enough money to purchase the gear I now have. So when I spotted this deal I jumped on it knowing what it's worth and what I could sell it for. When the seller said he needed rent money by today and had put it on craigslist Sunday morning early, I was the first to respond. When I first spoke to him I was not convinced it was legit but some things he told me and the way he said them made me a little less skeptical. He said he was a student and bought the camera for a advertising class where they were learning to photograph water droplets. That seemed like something that one would not make up, but maybe he's a clever thief or I'm an easy target. Anyway now my doubts are resurfacing and you are probably right about not reselling it but now if I keep it and it needs service I may have trouble. I wish I could find out from Canon without devulging my identity and run the risk of the camera being confiscated from me. I would never knowingly buy stolen items with the intent on reselling them for a profit.

if the camera is hot then you dont need it in your life... it is not worth it.
I get the gut feeling you are nervous over this camera.
farmer 1957