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Any advice for buying pre-owned kit?

  • 15-01-2013 1:53pm
    #1
    Ben D Bus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,151 ✭✭✭


    I haven't bought much since I got my pre-owned D70s. And at the time, once it turned on and off and I could see through the viewfinder, I was at the limit of my knowledge anyway.

    But I'm wondering now what I should be doing/looking for when buying second hand kit - bodies or lenses.

    I'd most likely buy from one of the shops around town so I'd still be able to bring an item back if there was a problem. But I'd still like to avoid walking away with a dud.

    Any advice from seasoned bargain hunters?


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    For lenses, take several test shots (generally at wider apertures, but be mindful that not all lenses give a stellar performance when at their fastest aperture).

    Shoot stuff close, far away, etc. zoom it in, zoom it out, zoom it in, zoom it out... disco lady. :D

    Generally lenses are not too bad, but third party lenses can sometimes be missing focus. I've had this issue before, but it seems to vary from (camera) body to body (and is a relatively inexpensive fix, so not too bad, ultimately).

    Use a range of apertures etc.

    Lenses are fairly simple by their nature. I'd be wary of buying camera bodies second hand, though. Camera bodies are very sophisticated pieces of kit. While I take every care to make sure mine are taken care of, they can die at any time, and you don't know if the prior owner has dropped it etc. so personally I tend to try to avoid bodies (mind you, I'm talking about adverts/ebay, etc. if you're getting 30 days to try it out with a store then I wouldn't be too put off).


    That's just me though.


  • #3
    flyingsnail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,777 ✭✭✭flyingsnail


    Zerohamster has some good advice in the first post of this thread.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056064910


  • #4
    pedatron
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭pedatron


    http://www.adverts.ie/digital-cameras/sony-alpha-100/2534507

    Would this do a complete beginner? Considering putting in an offer.


  • #5
    pixbyjohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,250 ✭✭✭pixbyjohn


    Its a 5 or 6 year old camera and technology has moved on a bit. But it appears to be good value for a 10megapixel camera and lens. If there are no faults with it then its a nice camera to start off with. Sony make great units. If you purchase, best of luck with your hobby.


  • #6
    pedatron
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 872 ✭✭✭pedatron


    pixbyjohn wrote: »
    Its a 5 or 6 year old camera and technology has moved on a bit. But it appears to be good value for a 10megapixel camera and lens. If there are no faults with it then its a nice camera to start off with. Sony make great units. If you purchase, best of luck with your hobby.

    Yeah I googled round a bit and saw it was a bit old alright John. That doesn't bother me though. I'd rather master an older piece of kit first and then move on. Thanks!


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