Buying a used Epic

[Steven Borja]

Hi,

Currently looking at purchasing a low hour Epic camera. Shipping to Red for inspection first is not an option, however, I do plan on transferring ownership to my name once I get back to the USA. After talking to the current owner, who is a long time RedUser, I'm confident in what I would be getting, but I want to make sure I know what red flags to look for. I know this isn't the ideal situation when buying a used camera as expensive as a Red Epic, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has also purchased a used Red camera and knows what to inspect besides turning the camera on. I searched and didn't find a topic on this, but if there's already a discussion, please point me in the right direction. Thanks for the help!

-Steven

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Why don't you wan't to send it to Red for inspection? I mean, they will fix any problems and give you a 90 days warranty on it.

 

[Steven Borja]

Red inspection will definitely take place, but I will have to buy the camera before sending it in. Camera is in Canada, where I have a project in a month. I will ship it for an inspection once I get back to the States.

 

[Tony Harris]

Watch it there was a scammer from Canada...tell them to send the camera to red first and let Red inspect the camera and contact you If everything is ok then make the payment. See what he says, If it were me I wouldn't have an issue with that.

 

[Steven Borja]

This is not a scammer, I'm inspecting the camera in person. I'm flying into Toronto, Canada for a gig already, so the timing is on point. If I pay for shipping from Canada to California (Red HQ), and let's hypothetically say I bail and don't want it anymore for whatever reason, he would be responsible for return shipping any custom/duty fees, right? That puts him at risk, doesn't it? Is there a way to eliminate that risk for peace of mind on his end?

-Steven

 

[Bob Gundu]

Watch it there was a scammer from Canada...tell them to send the camera to red first and let Red inspect the camera and contact you If everything is ok then make the payment. See what he says, If it were me I wouldn't have an issue with that.

Yes there is that legend of that one scammer in Canada. I hope to catch him one day. :wink:

 

[Steven Borja]

Yes there is that legend of that one scammer in Canada. I hope to catch him one day. :wink:

Maybe we could work together on finding this elusive scammer? haha

Any feedback from anyone on the original question, though?

 

[Steven Borja]

Nevermind, buying an Epic without having it inspected first is stupid. However, the rep mentioned shooting a grey chart, etc. would be a good test to see if there were any color casts from sensor damage and a few other tidbits.

 

[Michael Dalton]

Hi,

Currently looking at purchasing a low hour Epic camera. Shipping to Red for inspection first is not an option, however, I do plan on transferring ownership to my name once I get back to the USA. After talking to the current owner, who is a long time RedUser, I'm confident in what I would be getting, but I want to make sure I know what red flags to look for. I know this isn't the ideal situation when buying a used camera as expensive as a Red Epic, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has also purchased a used Red camera and knows what to inspect besides turning the camera on. I searched and didn't find a topic on this, but if there's already a discussion, please point me in the right direction. Thanks for the help!

-Steven

Steven, maybe one of us Canadian's knows him. I'm sure guys like MPdot, Bob or myself would not mind helping.

 

[Steven Borja]

Excuse me, what I meant to say is that buying an Epic without having Red inspect before paying is not an ideal situation. I'm confident that after having a look at the camera with the help of other Redusers, I'd feel comfortable knowing it's a good deal and in good shape. But that doesn't completely mitigate the risk of buying without an inspection first.

Thank you for the offer, Michael. It's definitely appreciated.

 

[Paramon Ivanovich]

Steven is talking here about buying camera from me,
not having Red inspection facility anywhere in Canada makes things a bit more complicated, because in case if buyer will change his mind that inspection trip will cost a seller from Canada, in my case Ontario - around $3K, on return customs will charge me
$2400, like they did when i got my Epic upgrade, telling them that it is only $10K value coming into the country, not $20K didn't work, it is a very short conversation, you want it? pay, fill out the form for return of the difference and wait, i am still waiting,
even sending my side handle for repair , on the way back they charged me $130, still waiting for that refund too;
i offered Steven to shot any tests for a week, if he wants to, but i think it's still less then 90 days;
there is a Red certified repair shop in Toronto, but they are not authorized to transfer ownership and don't issue warranty certificates.
not sure how to sell my Epic, should i keep it?

 

[Tony Harris]

Can't you drive to the states with your camera? Buy a PO.box at UPS and have it shipped there and do your transactions? Leave it in your trunk and if you get stopped you
were doing a job and for got you had it in there.. Just an Idea. Toronto is next to Boston and 4 hours away from Detroit. I travel all the time. Just don't stop at duty free because that's an instant pull over.

 

[Wil Wong]

Steve, I recommend that you:

1. fly to Toronto and fully test and checkout the camera.

2. If everything works, pay with a certified Cheque (that you have ready) or something like Interac e-transfer (where Paramon doesn't have to worry about the funds).

3. Take the camera with you back across the borders (carry-on not checked).

This camera is worth the flight (to make sure you don't get screwed) and to take possession. Is it cheaper then buying new? Maybe or maybe not. Worst case is you don't buy and you lost merely the cost of a flight - peace of mind is huge).

4. As for the name transfer? I sold a Scarlet that still hasn't had a name transfer. It's not a make it or break it option (unless you plan to upgrade to Epic or Dragon). Get the ownership transferred at a later date if you want (hopefully not when there is a repair required due to accident or wear and tear).

Buying a Scarlet is a huge investment and you must be satisfied that you did all the work to ensure you don't get screwed. If both parties are legit, neither will.