Hello everyone,
A store next to where I live, is selling a used D3s "in mint condition" at a very good price.
Could you please advise me what things to look out for, when I buy a used body?
Thank you.
Things to look out for, on a used camera body
(18 posts) (14 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
-
Basic info: Shutter count? Age (date bought)? Warranty ?
Inspection: cosmetic condition, check the mount, check the tripod mount, check if it works (bring and AF-D lens and a memory card) etc.And I often like to ask the reason why the previous owner sold the camera, even though there isn't always an answer to that question.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'd try to check all the features work properly - which takes a long time with a complex camera like the D3s.
Get a warranty from them so you can take your time to check it out.
It seems a good idea to buy from a local store like this - you can take it back and ask questions.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Jplatanou said:
Hello everyone,
A store next to where I live, is selling a used D3s "in mint condition" at a very good price.
Could you please advise me what things to look out for, when I buy a used body?
Thank you.Here's a thought. Bring Memory card, take some images of a monochromatic backgrounds and take manual images of the lens cap. Then go home and review them to check the sensor for flaws(hot pixels, dead pixels).
Posted 1 year ago # -
As dormant said, you can't possibly check everything while standing in the shop, so as long as it is sold as fully functional and comes with even 1 months warranty, you've got plenty of time to buy it, use it, enjoy it. If something turns out to be a problem, it won't be yours.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Rather than check the Camera check who you buying from
If it turns out not to be in mint condition, do you trust them to give you your money backCheck the wording of the warranty some has clever get out and exclusion clauses
Years ago the electrics on second car went wrong. The dealer decided it was caused by "water ingress"
needless to say "water ingress" was not covered by the warranty
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for all the info. Good idea to get a card with me to shoot some samples and check them back home. :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Although I broadly agree with what has been said above, I can't think of too many 'mint' cameras that have been abused. If people abuse stuff, it shows in the general condition. I would take the serial number and drop a dime on Nikon to see if they had seen it for repair though...
Posted 1 year ago # -
-
zlik said:
Basic info: Shutter count? Warranty ?None of that means a thing - shutter counts can be reset, Warranties can not be transferred.
Get a return policy from the store - if they won't take back it, then they suspect it could go bad quick.
+1 on everyone else - check AF G & D lenses, focuses and meters correctly, make sure it doesn't smell "musty" from water, no rattles, shoot video, and photos till the buffer and a small card fills.
IF you get it, test the hell out of it.
Pro bodies are made to take a real beating, it is doubtful that anything will go wrong with it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
One thing to check is the reputation of the seller. A retailer will have a storefront and reviews. If more than one or two highly negatives reviews are present, one might be suspicious that if a problem develops with the camera you may be stuck. And, if the retailer says they will cover it for 30 days, make certain this is in writing and read it to make certain it does not exclude everything. Internet purchases are very dangerous and if a seller does not have a storefront, one that can be seen on Google maps at Street level, I would be suspicious. My personable gullibility has lost me almost $1000 in crooked retailers on the internet who delivered something less than was ordered or did not back up the product when it failed.
TaTeJared has the best advice. "Test the hell out of it" Then take it back in a few days if any problems are present. Also, if a problem is present when it is sold, and you discover this, I would simply get my money back rather than allow them to fix it. One problem may suggest more to come.
Good luck and enjoy.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Posted 1 year ago # -
Obviously the functionality of the camera, but personally a lot can be said by the condition of the outside of the body. I baby my equipment and it all looks brand new. When I sold my Fuji P&S the person said they couldn't even tell it had been used. On the other hand I have seen many "pro" level things for sale that look like they have been rode hard and put away wet. Wear on the grips, wear on buttons, rubbing spots and dings. I think those are all good indications of excessive use. I would also compare what they say with what the condition actually looks like. If it has 1000 shutter count and it looks like it has been used heavily for years then that would be an auto red flag to me.
Also if there is any damage then maybe think about how the damage might have occurred. A large ding might indicate it was dropped. I saw a used body where the battery door was bent and wouldn't close...seems like something someone that didn't care about the camera would do and I can't really imagine doing this anyway.
Posted 1 year ago # -
One thing I would suggest is to check the alignment on the mount: shoot a flat test chart with a fast prime and check to make sure you can get all of the corners in focus at the same time (you'll probably want to stop down a stop or two to remove aberrations). I'd shoot with a variety of lenses to make sure you can get equal performance on all of the quadrants. Obviously, you need to test your lenses on an FX body that you know works first.
I would check the CF card slots for any bent pins, and check to see that all of the doors and flaps close properly.
I'd also check the sensor for excessive dust, and even scratches. I wouldn't be too concerned about body scratches or wear (especially if it was cheap) as the build quality should be good, but the overall functional of the camera must be perfect.
Posted 1 year ago # -
+2 on the shutter count bring in a memory card snap a shot with the body and check with an online program like shutter counter etc. Very important. Usually many used bodies are going to be in seemingly fine shape. I have had experiences with the control circular button on the back of cameras being quite loose and "mushy" as was the case with my D700. Bring a good flash light and hold it up to the light in the shop to check the sensor. Jplatanou is the shop offering any kind of warrenty? If not is the camera still under nikon warrenty? Check the serial to see if its Japanese, US or Grey market. Let us know which way you decide to go! :) Good luck.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Can shutter count be faked?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I don't know about "faked", but I have heard it can be reset and it would be reset if a new shutter was ever put in by Nikon and possibly any other repair place.
Posted 1 year ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.
