Sounds like classic bait-and-switch? You might post more details, for example the serial number and shutter count discrepancies, as evidence. With that info the seller should be booted off the forum, but that doesn't seem like enough. Connections with muscle in Houston?
Kirk
Thanks for the post and asking. This seller received some not-so-flattering feedback on Fredmiranda site as a seller so I was cautious and asked detailed questions, as well as for additional pictures. The major discrepancies are summarized as follows:
(1) This seller indicated the Serial No starting
439. It turns out to be
3971241.
(2) This seller wrote that "The shutter count is around 4000. I'm estimating since I bought it and it's pretty good estimate! Haven't used it much though". Through another senior pro member's kind help, I got to confirm that the last shutter count in the seller's possession is
13419, not 4000 or anywhere close.
(3) One important aspect I wanted to confirm is the sensor condition, especially at f8~f16, and I indicated to this seller how to look for sign of corrosion for confirmation. This seller assured me more than once that the sensor is in perfect condition and he/she did not see any sensor corrosion at those aperture. As it turns out, the sensor has some very visible corrosion spots, even visible at aperture wide open (f2.5) with 35mm f2.5 Summarit, not to mention very visible at f8~f16 (with or without enlargement) in my initial testing.
When I informed the seller, the seller completely denied it and refused any resolution, saying he/she didn't know what Serial No is, sensor is perfect, why so nitpicking when I did not overpay, told me to sell it to others to recoup the money, etc. There is no need to detail those unpleasant messages here, as those were most upsetting. I will take action to get the money back and hopefully get the seller booted off the forum.