OT-has anyone purchased thru Fred Miranda forum?

I'm currently in the market for a good used Canon 24-105 lens. Of course, I'll keep my eyes open here on NPN, but it seems the Fred Miranda buy/sell forum always has a LOT of equipment changing hands. Has anyone purchased through it? Is it reliable? Or just a way to get gyped out of your hard earned money? I'm also continuing to troll KEH and other used stores online, but does anyone have other ideas? I'm not crazy about e-Bay - have heard too many stories of scams there (which is why I'm leery about Fred Miranda...) Advice, anyone?

I would watch C-List. I litterally watch CL everyday, and I see 24-105's three/four times a week. I sell and buy from CL all the time. People are used to low-balling there so just offer what you can afford and see what happens. BTW, with CL, there are zero scams when you meet and inspect the lens yourself. Just don't ship when selling, and don't buy if it has to be shipped. NO SHIPPIING.

I would only add that if you meet anyone from Craigslist that you meet in a public place and if you are a female, bring a male with you. I bought a 24-105 on CL last year and got a great deal. One other thing...there is a number on the back of the lens that you need to look for to determine how new the lens is...try to get one with a newer date number. Here is link to find out what the codes mean:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

I sold a light meter through Fred Miranda recently and the transaction could not have gone smoother. I just bought a used 5D Mark2 through a seller there also. I don't have it yet, it ships tomorrow, but the seller has been a dream to work with. Also there are ratings listed near the names of buyers and sellers detailing how transactions went. I wouldn't have any qualms about the site at all, just be sure you ask questions especially if it's a first time seller without any ratings. I was that first time seller and I didn't rip off my buyer

I haven't bought used off any site, I prefer to buy new. I have sold one camera on Fred Miranda though and I believe the buyer was pleased with his purchase, a 1DII body. Anything I sell has to function well or I won't sell it, and I believe that the majority of sellers/buyers on Fred Miranda feel the same way.

I have always been pleased with used gear bought at KEH. They rate very conservative and warranty. I purchased a refurbished 5D2 through Canon last month after deciding against a mark 3. Looked newer than new. Zero shutter count. Plus at $1760 it was less than what folks were paying for used cameras with high shutter counts.

I think they were selling 24-105 at a great price too.

I have bought and sold on FM many times( like more than 20) and never had an issue. I think the prices are generally better than KEH, the people are better than CL and you can often find stuff there much easier. Its similar to ebay in that everyone has feedback scores -- so just find a lens that is sold by someone with good feedback and you should be set. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything on FM, again, finding someone who has a good rep is key -- but you should really feel safe in buying from FM. Plus you can pay with paypal and if there ever is an issue, you still have recourse.

I have also bought and sold a lot of gear on FM. And unlike most places I am actually still friends with a few of the sellers/buyers I dealt with there. I would consider it as good as buying from anyone here. If anything I would trust that better then CL since you can bet anyone reading FM is serious about their photography and therefore their gear (for the most part) and most of them have been contributing members for many years, not just a random stranger. Happy shopping

I've purchased, and sold, through the FM forum many times. It's been a good experience and it's a great place to buy and sell.