File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
I'm looking for a used camera [Nikon D80]. I have found good deals on craigslist, but I ask, when I'm checking out a used camera, what sort of things should I beware of that wont be obvious? Should i try to take a few pics with it or something? Guide me
>> sunshine
Bought my second body, a D70, on craigslist.
Assuming this is a DSLR:
Ask for actuations just in case. Take photos to check for hotspots or anything of the like. Check the LCD, make sure it's working well. Bring a lens to make sure it goes in smoothly and there aren't any issues that way, if you're buying body only. If you're buying with a lens, turn the focus ring and make sure it's smooth, and turn the aperture ring (if applicable) from lowest to highest f/stop. Make sure you can see the aperture getting smaller in the lens.
Other than that, make sure to check for any scratches/dust/etc in the interior of the camera, including on the mirror and sensor - just in case. If there are any scratches or a large amount of dust on or in the body you didn't know about, negotiate for a lower price.
Hope it helps, although follow your judgement before any of these tips.
>> Anonymous
No, don't ask for actuations. I just bought a D70 as well. Ask them for a sample shot from it then use an Exif viewer to see how many actuations. If you ask they might spoof the Exif. If they don't know that's what you are looking for then you are better off.
>> Anonymous
>>303223
Basically this

Just try out as many of the features of the dslr as you can, within reason. I've never bought a body of craigslist but Ihave bought a couple lenses. What I do: Look at the lens, make sure no fungus, oil on blades, dents, scratches, ect. Then put the lens on the body you brought, set your camera to Av, snap off a couple test-pics and try each F-stop in full-stop increments, make sure they all work. Then tryout (provided it's a AF lens) different AF points and make sure it's working with no grinding noises/ect. Then set your camera to MF and try that out. Once again make sure no grinding/ect. Then pop the memory card into the cardreader you brought which is hooked up to the laptop you also brought. Look for any problems with the lens. If this all works, ask the guy if he'll take $50 less than the offered price. The worst he can say is no. Let the guy know in advance you plan on firing off test shots and bringing a laptop to make sure everything's working. Chances are if he seems reluctant to let you do this, the lens is busted.
>> Anonymous
>>303255
Also, in the process of looking at the test shots on your computer you can look at exif for actuations. It'd be pretty hard for the guy to fuck with the exif of the pictures you just took.
>> Anonymous
Not seeing actuations in EXIF data.

Is this called something else?
>> Anonymous
>>303274
It wont show up in some programs... I can't remember what site 4chan sent me to that had an online EXIF viewer that had it... Of course I can't go back and look because of the great thread purge. Hopefully someone here will be able to recommend you one.
>> Anonymous
>>303275
I'm using ExifTool
> http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool/
It seems pretty fully featured. Can't imagine it would be leaving this out if the cam recoreded it.
>> Anonymous
Oh wait here it is
> http://regex.info/exif.cgi
It's under "Image Number"
Simple enough, eh?
>> Anonymous
OP here

whats an actuation?
>> Anonymous
>>303286
# of shutter trips
>> Anonymous
>>303287
so how many times he has taken a picture with the camera?

I'm going to find this on the photos around here, so that i know what im looking for, but no luck. tips on find out this number?
>> sunshine
>>303291
Read the EXIF of the most recent shot.
An EXIF viewer was posted by an anon above.
>> Anonymous
>>303280
Hmm, I've taken over 3K pictures on my camera, but one of my latest images is giving me an Image Number of "32". Hmmm. I haven't reinstalled new firmware or anything.

What's up?
>> Anonymous
>>303301
Nothin' much. You?
>> Anonymous
Keh.com FTW!
Craigslist is about the same as soaking your money in gasoline and waiting for the fire to start. Half the time the shit is either a scam or stolen. Either way you're going to get burned.
>> Anonymous
>>303342
thanks
>> Anonymous
>>303342
I think you are full of lies.
KEH stuff is great though. Even their bgn+ stuff is known to be not shit.

I've done about 15 photography purchases on CL, and the only times I got burned were the first 2 when I didn't know jack shit about photography.

An informed consumer is a happy consumer.
>> Anonymous
>>303342
no D80s

fail