Links

DV doctor .

This site is pretty oriented towards consumer electronics but even so it's surprisingly useful. It offers plenty of free advice including advice in a movie making section, advice on buying equipment, and  like the above forum it has a classified ads section.

My YouTube Channel

Mostly features video clips that I'm experimenting with at the moment, but I have also posted some .how to' videos about film making there.

My Vimeo channel

Again, this features some experimental video clips but also features some short practical diy 'how to' videos. I've moved on from this practical diy how to genre to creative short film making..

Bazzar's Bazaar (www.bblist.co.uk)

A website that specialises in buying and selling used professional video and film making equipment, I've actually bought stuff from this website and haven't been 'scammed' or disappointed yet.When you buy equipment from the website it holds your payment in Escrow until you confirm that you have received it are completely satisfied with it.

How to buy used video and film making equipment on video and film making forums

This article, which is based on personal experience, might  give some insight into the issue of buying used video equipment on film making forums.
I have bought  used video equipment from members of the above film making forum listed on my links page, and so far I haven't been 'scammed' or disappointed with my purchases. The forum members that I have bought equipment from have delivered the equipment as promised and the equipment has been exactly as described.
If you are considering buying used video equipment from film making forums, my advice is to firstly check out how long the member has been a member of the forum.
Secondly, check out how many if any posts he or she has made on the forum.
This doesn't guarantee that you won't be scammed or disappointed with your purchase\s, but it probably reduces the risks.
If the item that you are buying is a major financial purchase such as a used camcorder,  it's preferable to collect and pay for it at the seller's home, or arrange for him to deliver it to your home  if this is possible.
It probably isn't a good idea to meet the seller at a pre-arranged meeting place that isn't his home (or business premises.)
To establish trust, firstly give him your home address and contact details (ie. your phone number, preferably your landline phone number, for example) before you ask for his home address and contact details.