Interesting discussion.
Put me in the camp of people that would grab this deal if available.
It's a bit patronizing to presume that a person selling something that is way undervalued doesn't know what they're doing. If they're savvy enough to post something for sale on Craigslist, they surely know how to do basic internet research to get a clue as to the value of something.
In one of my earlier transactions on the forums I listed something for sale that was far below its market value. Someone actually messaged me to tell me that I was selling myself short. It made me mad. Do you not think I know what I'm doing? (I have over 30 feedback [counting only feedback that's been collected, it's way more than that]. I know what I'm doing)
Here are valid and non-nefarious reasons why someone might sell something for well below its value.
- They need quick cash (emergency)
- They don't want to deal with the hassle of a prolonged sale (their time is more valuable)
- They just don't care
Today I upgraded my crappy home office chair to a nice(r) faux lather one. It was being sold at a garage sale for $5. There were 8 more chairs like the one I bought, and a dozen more of differing styles. There was also a slew of office equipment there going for super cheap, so I called my mother and she came along with my dad and their truck and got some nice stuff for really cheap too. I asked the sellers why they were doing this, and they said that some random non-profit just abandoned it all and they didn't want to deal with it. They just wanted it gone. Should I have told them that they could have gotten way more for their chairs and office equipment through Craigslist?
Anyhoo, I've gotten my fair share of lens deals on Craigslist. It's allowed me to try out many of Pentax's fine lens offerings, and make some side bucks in the process. Plus, I enjoy the hustle.
At the end of last year I snagged an FA 31 for quite the steal. No apologies from me.
I once tracked an FA 50 1.7 (If I remember correctly) through the local Craigslist listing. It was being sold for $20. I emailed, but just missed out. I saw it later on Craigslist again, this time for a higher amount (I think over $100, still a good deal). I emailed, and again just missed out. The next day, I saw it on the forums for its used market value.
I bet I'm the only person (aside from the seller) to have tracked that lens through its entire journey.
To whoever managed to snag those lenses, have fun with your new toys! A great deal makes a great story.