Photographers fear that SLR cameras stolen from a dealer in Essex have turned up on the online auction site eBay.

Last month thieves escaped with more than 40 limited-edition Minolta Dynax 7 film-based SLR cameras from a shop in Ilford run by camera dealer David Leung.

Launched in 2001, the Dynax 7 ‘Limited’ cameras cost around £800 each.

Since Amateur Photographer reported the theft, online forums have been alive with speculation from photographers worried that the cameras are being sold on eBay by a user based in nearby Romford.

Photography enthusiasts have bombarded Leung with emails calling for him to release the serial numbers of the stolen models.

But Leung told us he does not have a record of the serial numbers and denied claims he is not keen to retrieve the cameras.

He said he has received dozens of emails from photographers, plus one sent by a concerned police officer based in Manchester.

Yet Leung said that London’s Metropolitan Police, which are dealing with case, have been slow to react. ‘I have tried to liaise with police but they have been dragging their feet,’ said Leung who was away on business when the thieves struck. ‘It’s so frustrating. Police in Manchester say that [the eBay link] is so obvious.’

He continued: ‘I want the person who burgled the place to be caught. Only then will I get some peace.’

There is no suggestion that the eBay seller is the thief, however. They may have acquired the cameras innocently.

The Met had yet to issue a response to AP at the time of writing.

It was the second time this year that Leung has been burgled.

In February more than 25 Gold Mamiya RB67 Pro-S ’50 Years Limited Edition’ cameras were stolen, among other equipment.

Anyone who can help is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 020 8345 3436, quoting crime reference number ‘4422029/09’.

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