Re: Newcommer Seeks Advice Re Microscope Purchases Made

"woden" <nmacaulay@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
All of these microscopes are supposed to be in an excellent condition,
barring only the AO 580 (and that only because the seller could not
get the "Leeds lens" to work).

Buying used equipment on eBay is fun in the same way as as
shooting craps or playing roulette: it is more or less a gamble.

You can't get a valid answer to your questions until your items
arrive and others can benefit from *your* descriptions of them.

Last month I bought an Olympus Model KM scope that was described
in two places as in "good condition" and offered as being "from
a working lab". The pics looked good too. Item #200080381361,
take a look at the description! The seller had nearly 100
transactions, and a 100% positive feedback rating too.

On arrival it was found to be "made for eBay", pieced together
with broken parts, and about 80% non-functional. (The seller no
longer has 100% positive feedback...)

The hilarious ending is that the only parts which did work just
happened to be what I needed to repair a previously purchased
partially functional Olympus Model E scope (which had been
accurately described, see eBay Item #260087856582). I expected
to get one operating unit from the two, and did.

If it helps, I have posted some photographs of the microscopes,
together, at http://tech.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Microscope/photos/browse/a6f7";.

Three quick questions:

1. Are these good deals, or do I just think they were? You guys
would certainly know more than I on this.

Perhaps they are (if the descriptions are accurate), or maybe
not. After you get them you'll be able to determine, maybe with
help from others, what if anything, you need to bring them up to
the condition you need. Patience... :-)

Sometimes (especially with the older models) obsolete equipment
is inexpensive enough that it becomes economic to buy 2 or 3 of
them to get all the parts to make a functional unit. That also
assumes you have the time and the inclination to putter around
restoring old equipment.

Your expectations are clearly that you will buy one piece of
equipment, at a bargain price because it is old, and it will be
fully functional. That might happen, but you can't rely on it.

--
Floyd L. Davidson <http://www.apaflo.com/floyd_davidson>
Ukpeagvik (Barrow, Alaska) floyd@xxxxxxxxxx
.

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