Purchasing a camera under sketchy circumstances -- advice sought

[Count_Blucher]

@Randy_Seltzer

She asked him what brand the lens was, and his answer was “ultrasonic,” which is a brand of lens motor, not a brand of lens (the words would be printed on the side of the lens). Anyone who knows anything about cameras would know this. Plus, he’s missing the charger, both bundled cables, the manual, and all the CDs. And the battery doesn’t work, so my friend will have to get another one. To top it off, he’s only charging $1350 for it, which includes the body and a lens. This camera body retails for about $1800, and my friend suspects the lens might be worth about $300.

I’ll let go the whole receiving stolen property thing, as you are aware & it won’t dissuade the deal. However, am I out of line bringing up the whole meet a guy from Craig’s List who knows you have a wad of cash in a place where his crew can jump you and take it because you’re in a situation
where you’re not likely to report the theft because you’d have to admit to trying to receiving stolen goods scenario? Incidentally, how good is this friend that you’re willing to get jumped & robbed for her? And if she’s cheaping out to go stolen for $750, will she still be your friend if you get robbed
& lose her $1350?

Inquiring minds, etc.

Oh, you wanted reserarch links:

http://bit.ly/mJUxwa

http://cbsloc.al/jgOB19

[Jackmannii]

I’d return the “wad of cash” to my friend. This situation smells.

And that’s my shot at “mitigating” the circumstances.

[Randy_Seltzer]

@Otara

The first link was to a very comprehensive lens checking article. The second linked to several articles at the top with useful info while making the point that you don’t seem to have done a lot of work yourself.
Otara

I need advice on checking a camera body, not so much a lens. There are a couple of promising-looking articles with very little actual info. The only useful thing I found on google is here. It gives a nice little checklist, but I was hoping for more from the dope.

I appreciate that LMGTFY sometimes has its place, and is a fun way to make yourself feel superior to someone on a message board. But I don’t think this is one of those times.

[Otara]

A Guide to Buying Used DSLR Gear

Well given it brought up the link you gave as the first reply,

the second is this:

A Guide to Buying Used DSLR Gear

Which references this at the bottom of the page:

Checklist for Buying Used Cameras and Lenses on Craigslist

I think perhaps a wee bit of snark was in order.

Otara