Has anyone actually had good luck with Craigslist?

Nope. It is always overpriced here for what is being offered.

bought a number of goodies off craigslist.. first SLR was a 30D with a 28-135 lens that I bought from someone who lived less than a mile away from me... imo most people selling decent gear take good care of their equipment. the ability to test it out before you buy is nice as well!

I've always had good luck with CL. I also always make sure we meet at my credit union and we stand right in front of the cameras. If I'm showing up with a lot of cash to a transaction I'm going to take a few precautions...

-F

Just picked up a 20D for $200 off of Craigslist, 7500 actuations. With battery, charger and 2gb Ultra II card.

Love CL for camera stuff - there is a lot of overpriced stuff, but if you're patient you'll find things just as underpriced.

I picked up a 28-135MM kit lens for $200 (never used), and also a 1.4 50mm for $275, still under warranty. It's also nice to be able to look at & test the equipment before handing over any cash.

I just bought a pretty cherry 15mm Fisheye on Satuday. It was priced fairely. I've had some good experiences on Craigslist.

I got a 580EX flash, Vivitar flash, and a 35mm Rebel body, all for $115. How's THAT for a deal. LOL

It all depends on your locale. In cities with lots of computer savy online folks, it tends to be pretty good, such is the case in Austin TX. I found my 70-200 2.8L and 100-400L zooms via Craiglist along with a 50 1.4 . I sold my 40D body in one day, as well as a Kit lens and some Kelby books for older versions of Photoshop. I check it daily if that tells you anything.

snyper77 wrote in post #7951211
I got a 580EX flash, Vivitar flash, and a 35mm Rebel body, all for $115. How's THAT for a deal. LOL

Were they stolen!? Wow!

Here's a smokin' deal on a film camera from my local craigslist!

http://boise.craigslis​t.org/pho/1177880787.h​tml

Is this just a product of not paying ANY attention at all to the market since purchasing this equipment ions ago?

I just picked up a second 30D for $400 and a second 430EX flash for $160 off of CL. I like actually meeting the person and being able to back out of deal if I get there and its not as advertised.

Here in Miami there's always a handful of 1D series and 5Ds up on there. Lots of Rebels too, never many good lenses though. Usually see the 28-135 IS show up a lot, and older model Canon flashes.

I use it more for car parts though, I have more luck finding things I can afford, hah.

I have found excellent deals on CL. Got 2 5Ds, 70-200 2.8 IS, 100-400, Bikes, one car etc for very good prices.

Selling always attracts those who want it for 50% off, starving students who can only afford 70% and scammers of all kinda. The nigerian style ones are easier to detect. The local scammers who try to sell grey market/ebay as under US warranty items are somewhat harder.

The problem with the pricing is that many of them would have purchased items from local bestbuys and have paid much more than amazon/B&H would charge. They naturally list higher prices on selling but rarely get any hits.

When you do buy, make sure you speak with the person and get a feel for them. The scary scenario is that they take your money and then follow you to your car and take the sold item back as well. Take a friend with you when things look iffy etc. Always be suspicious. I however have always been able to filter out scammers at the email level and everything has been smooth.

Try not to do any exchanges at home if you can avoid it.

Others have been giving some good advice for safety, etc. If it is any kind of a "big ticket" item (over $400, say) then I will meet them at the bank (their bank or mine, depending on who's buying) so the buyer can make a withdrawal right there and not have to carry the cash around; also it gives the seller peace of mind that it's not counterfeit money since it was withdrawn from the bank right in front of them. Of course it's also a public place so that helps everybody feel better about it too. If it's a cheaper item, it just depends. If it is furniture or something big, then you pretty much have to meet at their house. If it is small I usually meet at a Wal-Mart or grocery store parking lot, or if they're close by and comfortable with it, just at their house.

The photo section off Wyoming's CL is pretty slow. Almost to the point of being non-existent, and what is posted up is usually old film stuff (and usually Nikon at that). You have better chance of finding something in the newspaper here than on CL. The vast VAST majority of listings on CL for Wyoming are also on the other side of the state from here, a 5-6 hour drive one way.

Only thing we've bought off of CL was a house.