TIPs in buying 2nd hand DSLR cameras. Must Read before buying.

[blueubeblack]

UP for sticky.

Additional tips on shutter actuation check, maybe you can ask the seller for a sample image that is unedited taken recently by the camera, and examine it's EXIF data.

There are several ways to do this, if the seller has a flickr account, you can ask if he can upload an unedited image and then from there click on more properties, since the flickr uploader (as of this writing) will not strip down the EXIF data. Actual Shutter Count can be found on the image's EXIF.

Or you can ask the seller to email you the sample image and then use a free utility that reads EXIF data. One such tool is the exiftool by Phil Harvey

[vanix09]

@aykiman: tnx bro.. i'll try to contact them..

@blueubelack: tnx for the additional info bro.. noted! ^_^

UP UP UP para ma sticky unta..

[wilford14]

Sana nga ma STICKY to. This is very helpful bro. A+++

[sushiro1988]

In order to follow the processes outlined above, I think one should just bring a PRO with him; otherwise you might just do more damage with the camera especially when exposing the sensor.

And also, since making test shots will "affect" the shutter actuations, I suggest for the seller to sell the cam "as is, where is" or perhaps let the buyer buy it first and then test it right there and then, if there's no defects then it's good to go. If there are defects, then the seller will return the money and abort the deal.

Only sure buyers should test the product, because a lot of unsure buyers who keep on testing the product will just contribute to the product's degradation.


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[vanix09]

@ wilford14: btaw bro.. maynta.. hehe
@ sushiro1988: tnx for the info bro..

UP UP UP.. maynta ma sticky.. x.x

[sushiro1988]

If you want to know the actual shutter counts of your Canon DSLR, this link will help, astrojargon - EOSInfo

[vanix09]

@ sushiro1988: tnx for the info bro.. mao diay na ang pang CANON bro? kay sa nikon man gud OPANDA ang gamiton.. tnx though..

UP UP UP UP... ^^

[vanix09]

UP UP UP para ani.. maynta ma sticky.. UP UP UP

[vanix09]

Up up up.. ^_^

[alfer]

to the buyer also.
know the price of the 2nd hand camera you are buying then hangyu gamay.
ayaw ninyo ihanyu barato na kaayo na murag pangayuan nalang ninyo.
and also, send inquiries if you have the intention of buying the unit.

[vanix09]

@alfer: btaw bro.. sakto jud.. tnx for adding up.!

UP UP UP.. wa nay chance ma sticky ni kay dapat sa photography section daw unta ni.. kason lang i wud prefer it here kay before mangita ang buyer ug slr, makakita unta sya ani nga thread ba. at least maka tabang niya gamay.. anyways, UP UP UP lang ta..

[therealmacoy]

Allow me to add to this thread. This is something I got from tamron.com

How to Buy a Lens, Tamron USA

The following is the excerpt:

HOW TO BUY A LENS (What to check)


1) A First Look Looking into a quality lens is like looking into a dark well filled with clear water; deep and dark, with no internal reflections. This appearance is the result of careful finishing, state-of-the art multi-coatings, and blackening of all reflective surfaces including the edges of lens elements. It’s one of the most important factors in lens performance, because stray light reflections detract from picture quality.
2) A Closer Look With the lens focus set at minimum distance (if the lens is a zoom, set both the focusing and zooming rings to bring the maximum number of elements into a forward position), angle the lens slightly to reflect the room lights. Count the number of colors you see. Three or less means the manufacturer has reduced the number of costly and time-consuming multiple layer coatings, which are necessary for superior light transmission and accurate color balance. Both sides of every element in each Tamron lens are multicoated with Tamron's patented BBAR (Broad Band Anti-Reflection) multi-coatings to assure optimum image quality.
3) A Quick Physical Turn the control rings over their entire range from end-to-end. Focus and zoom action should be silky smooth, with no play, looseness or binding. The action of the zoom ring in particular should be well damped and hold its position well. Diaphragm click-stops should be positive, with no slippage. Any problems encountered in this test mean awkwardness in use, and are an indication of poor machining and assembly.
4) Ergonomics Now mount the lens on your camera and see how it feels. The manual focus ring should be wide enough to grasp easily and securely and the lens should be well balanced and, compact enough to work in some of the tight spaces you may find yourself in.
5) Open Wide Check the maximum aperture. It's not only important for light-gathering power, it also determines the brightness and clarity of your focusing screen under low-light conditions, and can affect focusing accuracy when focusing manually. For example, an f/2.8 lens transmits twice the light than an f/4.0 lens, and lenses with apertures smaller than f/5.6 may be difficult to focus manually, especially in dim light.
6) Now, close down Check the minimum aperture as well. If you're using higher ISO settings such as ISO 800 and 1600, you'll need to stop down to f/22 or f/32 in some daylight situations or risk over-exposure. Small f-stops like f/22 or f/32 also provide the best depth of field. Working at long telephoto focal lengths in the 200mm or greater range requires very small aperture settings to ensure good depth of field.
7) Fine Tuning The manual focus ring should operate smoothly and hold their settings well. Lenses with aperture rings should lock at their minimum aperture when using the AE Program mode to prevent accidental incorrect exposures. If the lens is a push-pull zoom (not too common with newer lenses) point the lens upwards and downwards to be sure the zoom ring doesn't slip; it should stay in place.
Get Up Close Check that the lens you are considering provides continuous focus from the normal distance range settings right down to the macro settings. In real life, you usually don't have time to take your eye away from the viewfinder to focus on a close-up subject. Note that the very best lenses will provide full zoom action even at macro distances, a great convenience.
9) Investment Most photographers ultimately invest a lot more in their lenses than in their cameras. Even weekend enthusiasts use a variety of different lenses for different shooting situations. So it's a good idea to protect your investment in lenses by making sure they have superior quality optics that will stand you in good stead for the long haul.
10) Warranty Fine lenses are built to be rugged and reliable. A good indication of just how rugged they are is how long the manufacturer warranties them. Top optical companies such as Tamron provide the longest warranties in the business.

[Lunch]

Quote: Originally Posted by esc Please don't try opening ur sensor in the car while naka aircon Mao hinuon na ang cause for dust to enter your sensor. Mas maayo to have it check sa pro.

i agree.

i would also be hesitant to have it checked like this.
much better esc's idea to check the image in the laptop

[vanix09]

@ therealmacoy & Lunch: tnx mga bro sa additional info.. salamat! ^_^

UP UP UP ta ani..

[dbgg1979]

Im putting this up for sticky. Then moving this to Sub forum -> Photography. I'll leave a redirect so people will still find the post.

UPDATE: Thread moved to Photography and no "sticky".

Thread starter vanix09:
It would be nice if you can compile all the suggestions from others into your first post. When this thread gets longer, people won't be reading other important tips scattered across the thread.

To the rest, RATE the thread if you can It's on the upper right corner.