How old and how used is my RED Scarlet

[Filipe Silva]

Hello,
I want to buy a RED Scarlet, Price is good, Camera looks good.
Seller says that is was not used much and is like new etc..
Is there any way to know on the camera or with a software (MAC) how old and how used it is?
AND what if the seller doesn't "unsubscribe" from RED or isn't even "subscribed", what does that mean for me?

Thank you.
Filipe

 

[William Albertini]

Check the number of hours.

 

[ericyoung]

If you can't see and inspect the items of sale in person, then you should do a lot of checking!

Check the serial numbers are not on Red's stolen equipment database.

Get detailed clear photos of the items (not stock manufacturer photos) preferably with a bit of paper with the sellers name and date on it in shot - proves they have the items in their possession.

If they have no Red history or Reduser history, ask them for Ebay ID and check their feedback there.

If they don't have an Ebay history, ask for their full names, address and phone numbers and google the hell out of them (with and without keywords such as scam, con or stolen).

Ask if you, or a friend near them, can collect in person and pay cash (even if you don't intend to, or can't travel there) - a yes answer is a good sign, a no answer is inconclusive as they may not want people knowing where they keep expensive gear.

Ask them lots of questions - if they are very forthcoming with answers that's a good sign.

 

[Les Hillis]

The owner can find the information you want by starting up the camera and pressing Settings/Maintenance/System Info.

That will show a screen that contains -

Scarlet-X (Name of camera type.)
Version: *.*.** (Firmware version that's installed.)
P.I.N: ***-***-*** (Unique personal identification number for the camera.)
SVN revision: ***** (Revision number of the firmware.)
Hours of operation: ***.** (Number of hours the camera has been turned on.)

There's also a serial number printed on the back of the camera.

You should get all that information from the seller and check it with RED to see if the camera is on their stolen list.

RED also provides a transfer of ownership service where, for a fee, the camera can be sent to them to be examined before being passed on to the new owner.

Even without having the camera examined by RED, you need to have ownership of the camera officially transferred and registered to you so you can download updates to the camera firmware from the RED website. You'll also need to be the registered owner if you want to upgrade the camera to an epic or Dragon in the future.

In my opinion, if the seller can't or won't give you the information you need, don't buy the camera from them.

 

[Filipe Silva]

This is really good information you got here.
Thanks a lot.

I will be sent the camera for testing and checking for 30days, in case something isn't ok (stolen etc..) I send the camera back and get my money back. (secured German Postal service)
Also waiting for an answer if the user deactivated the RED or not, if not do I have to pay the fee or does the old user?
And if I really understand I have the choice of sending it to RED or not?
Even if I just transfer the names does that come with extra costs?

Sorry for the questions but I don't want to lose loads of money or sit on a camera that I can't use.

Cheers

 

[Brian Merlen]

sending it in ensures its in working order...plus gets you a 90 day warranty...i did it when i bought mine back in the day...in retrospect i wish i had just bought new with a full extended warranty...its at least worth considering...its not like scarlets are that expensive these days, even new..

 

[Dom Gend]

If you can't see and inspect the items of sale in person, then you should do a lot of checking!

Check the serial numbers are not on Red's stolen equipment database.

Get detailed clear photos of the items (not stock manufacturer photos) preferably with a bit of paper with the sellers name and date on it in shot - proves they have the items in their possession.

If they have no Red history or Reduser history, ask them for Ebay ID and check their feedback there.

If they don't have an Ebay history, ask for their full names, address and phone numbers and google the hell out of them (with and without keywords such as scam, con or stolen).

Ask if you, or a friend near them, can collect in person and pay cash (even if you don't intend to, or can't travel there) - a yes answer is a good sign, a no answer is inconclusive as they may not want people knowing where they keep expensive gear.

Ask them lots of questions - if they are very forthcoming with answers that's a good sign.

This post is correct I believe, it's the safest way to trade