I saw something disturbing tonight.

[Lionheart]

I just got back from a Christmas program at one of the local churches, and one of the photographers in the back was shooting with an EOS-1V, with pb-e2 booster, a blue op-tech neoprene neck strap, 70-200 f2.8L, and had a second camera, a Rebel 2000, with a 28-70 f2.8L, and later hefted out a 20mm f2.8 as well, from a Tamrac backpack that is identical to the one that got stolen from me 2 years ago. I'll let you guess what was in my backpack 2 years ago. This is a really small town (3500 people), what are the odds this guy bought the gear from a thief or a pawn shop that the thief fenced my gear through? Unfortunately, the warranty cards were also in that backpack 2 years ago, and I (stupid me) don't have a record anywhere else for the serial numbers on the equipment (i've never registered my equipment, even now). I didn't want to nose around and ask him where he bought his gear, and I don't think someone who is a church goer would be a thief, and my home owner's insurance (state farm) paid 75% of brand new for my stolen gear, but my stomach sure was churning.

[Mr.U]

I would have asked him.....Tho I understand why you did not....But I have been known to be EXTREEMLY Confrotational(especially in public) . I hate theives. If it was your stuff meaning you knew the Serial numbers of the equip. Then he would have been the thief....I worked at a pawn shop and there is no way in hell they would have sold that as a package....Would have been sold indivisually to maximise sales....Now Chek this out! What are the odds of a guys in the same town going to a pawnshop to but equip and just happens to pick evething up and the actuall bag they came in? I think you had him. But I also have been known to read into things to much.

[Mr.U]

Yeah I hope that made sence...lol I type as well as Bush speaks. Sorry about that.

[natatbeach]

Keep in mind that not everyone at church has necessarily the same mindset as you or the same ethics... ALL types of people good and bad...go in and out of church. I can only imagine how you must have felt and still do...seeing what looked like your "babies"

Just keep in mind on the small inkling of a chance that he may have bought it or taken it....

regardless---- his day of reckoning will come ...so there's a sweet justice in it somehow...

just be patient
;)

[paulnj]

And what are the odds that this guy bought a 1V-HS and 3 VERY common lenses from a legit dealer with boxes to boot. then bought a backup body? The op-tech straps are in EVERY camera store due to price point. Now the TAMRAC backpack sounds fishy though ;), who would pay full price for one of those?

Give people the benefit of a doubt, since you can't prove or disprove prior ownership and have moved on anyway.

AH , but I would have been getting his name atleast to further investigate ;)

[Lionheart]

And what are the odds that this guy bought a 1V-HS and 3 VERY common lenses from a legit dealer with boxes to boot. then bought a backup body? The op-tech straps are in EVERY camera store due to price point. Now the TAMRAC backpack sounds fishy though ;), who would pay full price for one of those?

Give people the benefit of a doubt, since you can't prove or disprove prior ownership and have moved on anyway.

AH , but I would have been getting his name atleast to further investigate ;)

I feel better this morning about it after a nights sleep. Who cares at this point. At least the gear is being put to good use. btw, looks like I'm going to get that 400 f5.6 after all, with an extra 1.4x II, an EOS-3, and a Tamron 28-80 lens. I'll probably put the 1.4 x and the Tamron back up on ebay after I get them. The seller emailed me last night and said he'll try to get them out today if there's a Mailboxes Etc. open, otherwise it goes out tomorrow.
It'll be nice having a film body again, especially the level of the EOS-3 (it'sjust an EOS-1V in plastic trim afterall). Think I'll order some AGFA RSX 50, Provia 100F, and Velvia 50 from BH this week some time.

[paulnj]

GOOD DEAL on that 400 and EOS 3 ! You do know you E6 films I see.... but grab a rolls or 2 of the SW kodak too ;)

BTW. I am in need of more reach If you still have the 1.4x II for sale after this #%^&& holiday that is draining me.... I may be interested ;)

drop me an email if you want with a price(I don't haggle... yes or no is what I say)

[another view]

I'd be a little beside myself too, but there's not much you can do. At least the insurance company settled up with you so I'd probably let it go. To tell you the truth, a friend of mine and I have a lot of the same gear - even similar bags (although I had to get my Domke in canvas just to be different, such a rebel ;)). The best gear is used by a lot of people and it's not impossible for someone else to have the same stuff. Like Paul says, that bag might throw it off a little. If you had the serial numbers, were 100% sure it was your stuff and had his name, it might be a different story...

Sorry to say the obvious, but keep the warranty papers, receipts and maybe a separate list of serial numbers at your house. It's the only way to prove anything.