Graflex.org

[rickcollins]

Ok, I admit, I'm naive.
I was looking for a Graflex 4x5 Super D camera + lens.
I have been using a friend's Crown Graphic and enjoying it so I thought I would sell some other film gear and get my own 4x5 set up.
I couldn't find anything on the ebay so I dug a little deeper and found a shop near Cleveland, Ohio claiming to specialize in large format gear. They sold me what they said would be a "good, clean, working condition" SD with an Ektar 190mm 5.6 lens. I paid a little more than the going price on ebay, but I figured these guys are techs and it would be worth it. Especially because they said they warranty all their work and products.
When it arrived I discovered that the lens was an Optar, not an Ektar. And the lens was sticky in operation and making a noise on firing.
The handle on the top of the camera came off. It was dry and needs replacing. And there is a small break in the bellows in a hard to see spot underneath. On it goes... and not a surprise with a camera built in 1947.
I tried to make contact and when they did not return emails over several days I made a claim on paypal. Then the owner of the shop finally got back to me, furious that I would make a paypal claim. He said he would solve any problems I had if I would remove the claim.
Unfortunately I trusted him and removed the claim. Once removed paypal does not allow you to make another claim.
As soon as I did this the owner of the shop has not responded to phone calls or emails.
Now, I am awaiting a paypal rep to get back to me. I also filed a Better Business claim.
The reason I am writing here is to simply warn others to be wary and make sure you are protected. Don't do what I did.
I am a trusting person and I got burnt. Take steps to protect yourself when buying equipment online.

[45PSS]

See: https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/i-feel-like-an-idiot.5501820/
Welcome to the site.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.