I feel a Saga unfolding ...

[bilzmale]

... as I try to get my latest ebay purchase sorted.

My GAS has been bubbling away to add a small MILC to my pair of fixed lens cameras. Been looking at twin lens kits and put unsuccessful offers on a Nikon 1 J5, a Pen E-PL5 and a Pen E-P3 plus a new E-PL8 (unwanted prize). Of course I was reading all the reviews and researching extra lenses, flash, evf and cases etc.

I had given up as they were all in the $AU400-500 range when I spotted an E-P3 twin lens kit with a VF-3 electronic viewfinder for $299 and with 15 minutes left for a 10% ebay discount I paid $269 + post.

On reviewing my purchase I noticed the seller was a 'pawn shop' and the listing was short on detail and stated that the included photos were the 'description'. But the photos only showed the 14-42 lens and not the 40-150, although listed on the original carton, plus no photo of the VF-3.

I messaged the seller for clarification and 2 days later got a reply saying:
Hi there,

It comes as photographed, we are not very familiar with these type of items so i am sorry if it isnt right.

Please let me know how you wish to proceed,

Kind Regards,

I tried to clarify including images of the 40-150 and the VF-3. No reply so I rang the store in Adelaide (2700 km away) and was on hold for 20 mins and gave up. Was unable to get through on two attempts and the ebay feedback suggests they have 'form' in this area.
Will keep you updated.

 

[davect01]

Sorry man, best of luck.

At least Ebay has some pretty good buyer protections in place.

 

[Brian]

My worst was "I know nothing about cameras, but I cannot see any reason why this camera will not work".

It had been in a fire and the insides were melted.

 

[Luke]

I loved my E-P3 with that add-on tiltable viewfinder. I loved it so much I bought it three different times. I hope it works out for you, but my guess is that it won't.

FWIW, if you at least get the VF, camera body and the 14-42, I think the price is likely OK....and you can always chase down the 40-150

 

[bilzmale]

Yes Luke, the VF-3 was what sold me. Had an E-P2/VF-2 which I remember fondly and as for lenses I'd prefer the Pana 14-140.

 

[Mike G]

Not touching and associated barge poles springs to mind.
Bill how good are you at running a mile!

 

[davect01]

My worst was "I know nothing about cameras, but I cannot see any reason why this camera will not work".

It had been in a fire and the insides were melted.

Yikes.

This is why checking reviews and having the return process through Pay Pal (if that is what you used to pay) is so important.

 

[kyteflyer]

All this is why I dont buy from anyone on ebay that isnt a dealer thats known. Otherwise I buy new.

 

[bilzmale]

The good news is I finally got to speak to 'the boss' and he confirmed no VF-3 or 40-150 and he canceled my order and refunded my money.
Better news I'm bidding on a better kit which ends in 24 hours.

 

[Bobby T]

Glad to see this got worked out for you.

 

[bilzmale]

I won the auction at $203AUD. It's a black E-P3 (much preferred to the silver), a 14-42 kit zoom and a nice surprise - a Pana Lumix 14mm F2.5 pancake lens. This lens is often under-appreciated and will make a tidy/tiny walkaround kit.

 

[drd1135]

Nice kit. I used an EPM1 and the 14 at museums, where it worked surprisingly well.