anand@utastro.UUCP (Anand Sivaramakrishnan) (04/03/85)
In reply to buying used bodies/lenses being psycho.... Almost all of my equipment is used, and I've had no problems except with one very old Kodak view lens. I've bought 35, 2.25, 4x5 and 8x10 stuff used, I cannot see a good reason for buying new when there is lots of decent equipment around at half the new prices. If the equipment is not worn (look at it, open it, shake it about to see if it rattles, work it a few dozen times and you'll find out what kind of shape it is in. Don't buy lenses that have been dropped, or bodies that will scratch the film. Some of my 35 bodies have dents on them (when I got them), but the film pressure plates and the film guide rails were immaculate... and the shutters worked, that's all that's needed). Older heavier (stronger, more reliable, tougher) cameras are extremely good value for $. Develop a good relationship with a local repairman/used equipment dealer and it will help you tremendously. Don't read ads for flashy cameras in the mags. They just obscure the issues. (getting off the soapbox here...)