I have been watching ebay for a couple of months now and at times am shocked at the high resale value/used prices that the EX1s are going for. For example, if you look at this auction that just ended:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=250366914280

, I estimate that the total value of everything in this auction would come to around $8000 at B&H, but just sold used (although very lightly) for $7471. Am I missing something here?

Here is a buy-it now that just went for $200 less than the price of new:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220354335766

One other benefit of going used is the lack of sales tax, but even still I am surprised at the high resale value. For my sake in looking at getting into an EX1, I wish that the used prices were a little lower. The savings don't seem like enough to offset the risk of buying used to me. Is this normal for cameras at this level of quality and features?

The EXx series of cameras are an anomaly in the market. They have zero competitors that can do what they do.

Shoot 1920x1080, with a pro codec that DiscoveryHD, NatGeo, etc. will accept, and can shoot uncompressed HD if desired. And do it all below $10k. Nothing else can touch that right now.

In fact, I don't believe there is another camera under $20-30k that can shoot full 1080p uncompressed (or maybe even compressed for that matter).

I'm always surprised how much used non-obsolete video/cinema gear goes for on eBay. As a seller this is great, however as a potential buyer it can be disappointing.

For example I've been in the market for a Lowel Pro-light, not necessarily a really 'hot' item like a EX1 and trashed units were going for 70% - 80% of what you could get brand new with a warranty. It's not worth it when you can get a new unit.

I've also been in the market for a nice Nikon zoom to put on the end of my Letus Extreme, again, trashed lenses are going for 80% of new street price.

You might be better off on Craig's list or just getting the best deal you can get new. What I find good about eBay are new foreign-made commodity items, like cheap step down rings, hoods and the like, or very obscure used items.

Good luck.

That makes sense. That second auction I mentioned really shocked me. The prices on these are fixed at $6100, and I know of one retailer selling some demo units for a few hundred less, but that's it as far as I know for looking for a deal. But, that one that just went for $5900 did save on tax, which for a NYS resident would amount to $488, so buying at that price would save me $700 minus shipping, so around $650. Not to bad, especially since these cameras have no moving parts other than the lenses.

I can't back this up, but I think tapeless cameras feel like a safer bet "Used" than anything with a finicky tape transport system with an unknown past. Can't hurt.

I've also been in the market for a nice Nikon zoom to put on the end of my Letus Extreme, again, trashed lenses are going for 80% of new street price.

We bought the Nikon lenses we use with our Letus Ultimate, used from KEH.

KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More. (http://www.keh.com)

I was very happy with the quality of the lenses. They were exactly as described on their website....if not a bit better.

People get caught up in bidding wars on ebay, some people just have to "win".

Paul.