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top-quark · 07-11-2012, 04:18 PM - **3 Likes**

Reminded of a recent occurrence by this thread:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/192079-theft-taking.html

There was some woman selling her late father's K-2 camera and assorted accessories. I clicked on the listing and saw in the item details "...blah blah blah and a 50mm F1.2 lens". I did a double take and mailed for confirmation as to whether it was 1.2 or 1:2 (that little bit of punctuation makes such a difference, does it not?). She confirmed that it was, indeed, a K1.2 and I was faced with a dilemma: take advantage of the fact that she didn't know what she had or do the right thing and tell her.

My conscience got the better of me and I told her that she should be selling the lens not the camera body. She relisted it and it ended up going for more than I was prepared to pay.

**luftfluss** · 07-11-2012, 04:51 PM

Since you're human, a little of both, I'd imagine.

My own, personal opinion: research is so easy these days on the Internet, the onus is truly as much on the seller as on the buyer when it comes to these transactions.

Oh, and oddly enough: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/192079-theft-taking.html

vonBaloney · 07-11-2012, 04:54 PM

If someone doesn't know what they have and it is an auction format, I'm not going to tell them, because usually others will notice as well and the price will be plenty high. If they are giving something away with a BIN sale, I'd probably tell them, but maybe along with an offer that is fair but still a good deal for me...

Docrwm · 07-11-2012, 05:04 PM

Good for you! Good deeds are their own reward.

Last edited by Docrwm; 07-11-2012 at 05:33 PM.

magkelly · 07-11-2012, 05:31 PM

It really depends upon what it is and the person as to whether or not I'd advise them. I do that with people I like a lot. I don't like to see people get ripped off but a lot of the time you chat with someone on CL or wherever and they're total arses. I'm not going to help someone like that out. Nor am I going to be totally nice to the point of being stupid. If some guy has a pristine black SPII and a nice Tak or three listed for $40 do you really think I am going to tell him that he's an idiot and that he needs to do his homework? All it takes is a 30 second Google or a quick look on Ebay to realize that a set up like that is worth several hundred dollars. I'm nice, but I'm not THAT nice. Most of the time if it's something I don't particularly want I do actually email and advise people. In fact I just did that with some guy and a lens on CL. He had a Viv in a mount I don't use priced way under what it should have been. I let him know what mount and how much and he was very grateful to read that. I pick my moments to be helpful at least when it comes to strangers. I'm much better with people I hang with on boards and at doll shows. There's a certain code of honor with acquaintances and friends. With total arses on CL? I just smile, just take it, and RUN.

Voe · 07-11-2012, 08:04 PM

No offence, but I think is foolish to think you are a saint. But what you did i find it noble.

everydaylife · 07-11-2012, 10:22 PM

That was very kind of you. If I had been the seller I would have offered it to you at a discount but tnen agiain I am no saint I just sold a slightly fungus damaged lens to a dealer and got good condition money for it. Aren't I a bad boy. Still smiling.

m42man · 07-11-2012, 10:49 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Good for you! Good deeds are their own reward.

+1.

My sentiments exactly.

bdery · 07-12-2012, 04:49 AM

When I see something underpriced, I usually make an offer that's higher than the asked price, but still a good deal for me, while telling the seller that the item is worth more than the asking price. If they want to research and sell for more, too bad, if they accept, good for both of us! I figure if they get more than they expected, then to them it's a good deal, and I'm not stealing anything.

Docrwm · 07-12-2012, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by bdery

When I see something underpriced, I usually make an offer that's higher than the asked price, but still a good deal for me, while telling the seller that the item is worth more than the asking price. If they want to research and sell for more, too bad, if they accept, good for both of us! I figure if they get more than they expected, then to them it's a good deal, and I'm not stealing anything.

I think that's a creative approach that would make both parties happy.

I've seen some make a distinction between buying from an individual or from a store. I too hold professionals to a higher standard, so if a camera dealer is selling it I will buy it without comment as they ought to know their trade. However, if an individual is selling it - particularly a family member of the deceased - then I feel an obligation to point out their lack of knowledge may well harm them financially. Everyone has to make these decisions for themselves.

vonBaloney · 07-12-2012, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I think that's a creative approach that would make both parties happy.

I've seen some make a distinction between buying from an individual or from a store. I too hold professionals to a higher standard, so if a camera dealer is selling it I will buy it without comment as they ought to know their trade. However, if an individual is selling it - particularly a family member of the deceased - then I feel an obligation to point out their lack of knowledge may well harm them financially. Everyone has to make these decisions for themselves.

Yeah, I've cleaned up on deals from the camera store several times. And places like the antique mall where you can't even talk to the actual dealer even if you want to. Always amusing when I get something rare for 1/3 of what it is worth (or sometimes something valuable out of the junk bin for basically nothing) and then also in the case they've got super-common items for triple the common price.

psychdoc · 07-12-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by top-quark

My conscience got the better of me and I told her that she should be selling the lens not the camera body.

That was very kind.
And in this day and age: definitely a saint.

Nick Siebers · 07-12-2012, 04:57 PM

A lady here was selling "Some pentax stuff" for $1. Listed in an odd category, so had been there for a week or two. Included a K35/3.5, mentioned in the ad, which was in fine shape when I went to check it out. I gave her $20, for which she was quite pleased. I'm no saint!

**Lowell Goudge** · 07-12-2012, 06:00 PM

an honest person, nothing more , nothing less. be satisfied with that

Docrwm · 07-12-2012, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

an honest person, nothing more , nothing less. be satisfied with that

Wise words.

07-11-2012, 04:18 PM - 3 Likes	#1
top-quark Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Aylesbury, Bucks Photos: Albums Posts: 492	Am I a saint or a fool? Reminded of a recent occurrence by this thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/192079-theft-taking.html There was some woman selling her late father's K-2 camera and assorted accessories. I clicked on the listing and saw in the item details "...blah blah blah and a 50mm F1.2 lens". I did a double take and mailed for confirmation as to whether it was 1.2 or 1:2 (that little bit of punctuation makes such a difference, does it not?). She confirmed that it was, indeed, a K1.2 and I was faced with a dilemma: take advantage of the fact that she didn't know what she had or do the right thing and tell her. My conscience got the better of me and I told her that she should be selling the lens not the camera body. She relisted it and it ended up going for more than I was prepared to pay.

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07-11-2012, 04:51 PM	#2
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,629	Since you're human, a little of both, I'd imagine. My own, personal opinion: research is so easy these days on the Internet, the onus is truly as much on the seller as on the buyer when it comes to these transactions. Oh, and oddly enough: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/192079-theft-taking.html

07-11-2012, 04:54 PM	#3
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	If someone doesn't know what they have and it is an auction format, I'm not going to tell them, because usually others will notice as well and the price will be plenty high. If they are giving something away with a BIN sale, I'd probably tell them, but maybe along with an offer that is fair but still a good deal for me...

07-11-2012, 05:04 PM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Good for you! Good deeds are their own reward. Last edited by Docrwm; 07-11-2012 at 05:33 PM.

07-11-2012, 05:31 PM	#5
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	It really depends upon what it is and the person as to whether or not I'd advise them. I do that with people I like a lot. I don't like to see people get ripped off but a lot of the time you chat with someone on CL or wherever and they're total arses. I'm not going to help someone like that out. Nor am I going to be totally nice to the point of being stupid. If some guy has a pristine black SPII and a nice Tak or three listed for $40 do you really think I am going to tell him that he's an idiot and that he needs to do his homework? All it takes is a 30 second Google or a quick look on Ebay to realize that a set up like that is worth several hundred dollars. I'm nice, but I'm not THAT nice. Most of the time if it's something I don't particularly want I do actually email and advise people. In fact I just did that with some guy and a lens on CL. He had a Viv in a mount I don't use priced way under what it should have been. I let him know what mount and how much and he was very grateful to read that. I pick my moments to be helpful at least when it comes to strangers. I'm much better with people I hang with on boards and at doll shows. There's a certain code of honor with acquaintances and friends. With total arses on CL? I just smile, just take it, and RUN.

07-11-2012, 08:04 PM	#6
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719	No offence, but I think is foolish to think you are a saint. But what you did i find it noble.

07-11-2012, 10:22 PM	#7
everydaylife Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 268	That was very kind of you. If I had been the seller I would have offered it to you at a discount but tnen agiain I am no saint I just sold a slightly fungus damaged lens to a dealer and got good condition money for it. Aren't I a bad boy. Still smiling.

07-11-2012, 10:49 PM	#8
m42man Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Southern England Posts: 624	Originally posted by Docrwm Good for you! Good deeds are their own reward. +1. My sentiments exactly.

07-12-2012, 04:49 AM	#9
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,363	When I see something underpriced, I usually make an offer that's higher than the asked price, but still a good deal for me, while telling the seller that the item is worth more than the asking price. If they want to research and sell for more, too bad, if they accept, good for both of us! I figure if they get more than they expected, then to them it's a good deal, and I'm not stealing anything.

07-12-2012, 05:44 AM	#10
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bdery When I see something underpriced, I usually make an offer that's higher than the asked price, but still a good deal for me, while telling the seller that the item is worth more than the asking price. If they want to research and sell for more, too bad, if they accept, good for both of us! I figure if they get more than they expected, then to them it's a good deal, and I'm not stealing anything. I think that's a creative approach that would make both parties happy. I've seen some make a distinction between buying from an individual or from a store. I too hold professionals to a higher standard, so if a camera dealer is selling it I will buy it without comment as they ought to know their trade. However, if an individual is selling it - particularly a family member of the deceased - then I feel an obligation to point out their lack of knowledge may well harm them financially. Everyone has to make these decisions for themselves.

07-12-2012, 08:40 AM	#11
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Originally posted by Docrwm I think that's a creative approach that would make both parties happy. I've seen some make a distinction between buying from an individual or from a store. I too hold professionals to a higher standard, so if a camera dealer is selling it I will buy it without comment as they ought to know their trade. However, if an individual is selling it - particularly a family member of the deceased - then I feel an obligation to point out their lack of knowledge may well harm them financially. Everyone has to make these decisions for themselves. Yeah, I've cleaned up on deals from the camera store several times. And places like the antique mall where you can't even talk to the actual dealer even if you want to. Always amusing when I get something rare for 1/3 of what it is worth (or sometimes something valuable out of the junk bin for basically nothing) and then also in the case they've got super-common items for triple the common price.

07-12-2012, 10:07 AM	#12
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	Originally posted by top-quark My conscience got the better of me and I told her that she should be selling the lens not the camera body. That was very kind. And in this day and age: definitely a saint.

07-12-2012, 04:57 PM	#13
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	A lady here was selling "Some pentax stuff" for $1. Listed in an odd category, so had been there for a week or two. Included a K35/3.5, mentioned in the ad, which was in fine shape when I went to check it out. I gave her $20, for which she was quite pleased. I'm no saint!

07-12-2012, 06:00 PM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	an honest person, nothing more , nothing less. be satisfied with that

07-12-2012, 06:19 PM	#15
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge an honest person, nothing more , nothing less. be satisfied with that Wise words.

Am I a saint or a fool?

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