Tips on buying a used DSLR?

[Syborg1211]

I saw a D7000 listed on craigslist yesterday for 1100, and I offered 900 thinking he would respond back with a higher number allowing me to say "meh, no thanks." He accepted though. Any tips on what I should look out for specifically when inspecting the camera? How can I test the AF motor in the body if all I have are AF-S DX lenses available? I'm planning to pick up a Tokina 11-16mm with no AF motor so I need this part of the camera functional.

Also, he has a copy of the original receipt. Will I be able to get warranty repairs with this?

Thanks!

 

[Sid59]

I saw a D7000 listed on craigslist yesterday for 1100, and I offered 900 thinking he would respond back with a higher number allowing me to say "meh, no thanks." He accepted though. Any tips on what I should look out for specifically when inspecting the camera? How can I test the AF motor in the body if all I have are AF-S DX lenses available? I'm planning to pick up a Tokina 11-16mm with no AF motor so I need this part of the camera functional.

Also, he has a copy of the original receipt. Will I be able to get warranty repairs with this?

Thanks!

There's some free software that will read the meta data of a jpg and it'll give you the number of shutter actuations.
Put the dial in every mode and take a shot.
Push all the buttons in a relevant menu screen to see if the button works
Enable image preview after taking a shot, see if it shows.
Push the flash button on the front of the camera to see if the flash pops up.

Those are the ones i can think of that don't include a physical. visual check.

You can't check if non-AFS lens work without a non-AFS lens. If you're gonna get the Tokina 11-16, that would be the first priority, making sure the AF works correctly.

Warranty, I guess that depends on how long ago the camera was purchased. 1 Year MFG warranty?

 

[blastingcap]

I saw a D7000 listed on craigslist yesterday for 1100, and I offered 900 thinking he would respond back with a higher number allowing me to say "meh, no thanks." He accepted though. Any tips on what I should look out for specifically when inspecting the camera? How can I test the AF motor in the body if all I have are AF-S DX lenses available? I'm planning to pick up a Tokina 11-16mm with no AF motor so I need this part of the camera functional.

Also, he has a copy of the original receipt. Will I be able to get warranty repairs with this?

Thanks!

You do not need a d7k to autofocus the updated Tokina 11-16mm: http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2012/01/new-gear-11-16mm-tokina-x-116-pro-dx-ii

Every lensmaker inflates the list price so in actuality it will probably cost about the same as the first-generation Tokina 11-16mm after initial demand settles down.

I also think the Tokina 11-16 is overrated for its price unless you need the f/2.8 speed, but that's just imho.

 

[RobDickinson]

Check it over for any obvious damage.

make sure all the buttons work.

Make sure it focuses with lenses, meters properly, produces images etc.

Shoot at F22 or smaller and make sure there are no marks on the sensor

 

[blastingcap]

Well if you are dead set on getting the d7k anyway, here is a long checklist:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/23/2727068/buying-a-used-dslrhow-to-avoid-getting-burned

 

[Syborg1211]

Thanks for the tips! Been exchanging emails with the guy, and he seems pretty nice. Hopefully the camera's as good as advertised.

Well if you are dead set on getting the d7k anyway, here is a long checklist:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/23/2727068/buying-a-used-dslrhow-to-avoid-getting-burned

The D5100 was actually a present I got for my wife, and we have both gotten into it to the point where sharing a camera has become cumbersome. This D7000 opportunity kinda just fell in my lap, and unless $900 isn't as good a deal as I think it is, I might as well hop on it.

 

[blastingcap]

Thanks for the tips! Been exchanging emails with the guy, and he seems pretty nice. Hopefully the camera's as good as advertised.



The D5100 was actually a present I got for my wife, and we have both gotten into it to the point where sharing a camera has become cumbersome. This D7000 opportunity kinda just fell in my lap, and unless $900 isn't as good a deal as I think it is, I might as well hop on it.

Ah, I see. I have a similar problem but got around it by getting a Panasonic G3 instead of a D7k since I don't need most of the advanced functions in the D7k. The D7k is a good camera--in my opinion the best APS-C/DX DSLR on the market. The price depends on condition, shutter count, etc. $900 for a like-new one (body only, but with all the accessories in the box) without a warranty would be a fair price, imho. Not a bargain but you could do worse. I wouldn't call it much of an opportunity, though, since ebay prices are about $960, +/- $30.