Buying a second hand camera body

Tractor Boy

Tractor Boy

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Nick
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Hi Folks,

Looking to buy a s/h D300 in the next few weeks if funds permit and was wondering if there were any pearls of wisdom to consider.

I will either buy from TP Classifieds or somewhere reputable like Grays of Westminster so I know the risk is reduced but, how much should things like actuations factor in my decision.

Grays currently have a few D300, some nearing 20k actuations - I know that is not much when they are rated for 150k+ but for me it is a lot of dosh to be spending and I want to try and do it right :thinking:.

Thanks

Nick
 
If your buying from Grays there will be a warranty with the body i would think so you will be ok. I know people with well over 100k on there D300 and have had no trouble.
 
I would make sure you ask any questions you may have to each seller, so that you have soem come back if the item is not as described.

things like shutter count dont meen much, but how well its looked after does. look at what extras are with the camera (could it have been owned by a pro?) as that can give clues to how well its looked after.

and make sure you trust the seller, do they seem genuin?
 
I can't advise you on digital cameras, but I can vouch for Grays Of Westminster and they do give you a 12-month warranty with their used gear. Over the years I've bought various lenses and a couple of bodies from them, and when they say 'Mint' they really are virtually as new. I wouldn't say they were the cheapest place to buy used equipment from, but I've always found them trustworthy.
 
Icee said:
If your buying from Grays there will be a warranty with the body i would think so you will be ok. I know people with well over 100k on there D300 and have had no trouble.
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I have asked and Grays give a 12 month warranty which is very good.

Danger_Mouse said:
I would make sure you ask any questions you may have to each seller, so that you have soem come back if the item is not as described.

things like shutter count dont meen much, but how well its looked after does. look at what extras are with the camera (could it have been owned by a pro?) as that can give clues to how well its looked after.

and make sure you trust the seller, do they seem genuin?
Click to expand...

Thanks Danger Mouse. I have ruled out Ebay and other such things as you don't know who you are dealing with. I figure that the classifieds on here are fine and also established resellers like Grays and MPB. I know you can never be certain and it may well be a friday afternoon special but just want to try and do the right thing.

Thanks for the prompt replys :thumbs:
 
Always ask for a discount!

Most people/shops will always give one if you research the cost.
Knowing what you can get elsewhere for less, most people will match or reduce.
 
Characteristics said:
Always ask for a discount!

Most people/shops will always give one if you research the cost.
Knowing what you can get elsewhere for less, most people will match or reduce.
Click to expand...

Good point - I might se if they will chuck in a CF card as I only have SD :thinking:

Cheers

Nick
 
GingerNinja said:
I've been looking at a D3000 is this far inferior to a D300 ?
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Fraid the D3000, good as it is, is a lower end consumer model and the D300 is a semi pro body.
 
If only I could find a Jessops with it in stock at that price I would be a very happy man!!
 
i bought a body once from fixation...it had 110k on it and when it arrived it didn't have a scratch on it, and I got a lot of use out of it. Something that has 20k on the shutter should be fine....20k is nothing really. That said, the 150k quoted figure is a mean average for failure. A shutter can go pop at any time, which is why wedding togs carry second bodies.
 
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