Nikonians ultimate checklist for used gear

Eric Bowles (ericbowles) on February 17, 2021

Excellent article. We see a lot of comments about shutter count or activation count. While that is an indicator of camera age and life remaining, it's not foolproof. There are a number of repairs that cause the shutter count to be reset at zero - usually related to replacing the main board. Nikon does not trouble shoot electronic issues - it's more cost effective to just replace the parts. If you see a shutter count that is below 10,000, consider the possibility that the shutter was reset during a repair. This can be true for refurbished as well as original purchase gear. In the US, refurbished gear is normally packaged in a white box. Original purchase gear is normally packaged in a gold and black branded box with a serial number sticker on the box. The hotshoe or flash unit is a relatively common repair and not too expensive. The easy solution is to test an external flash unit as well as the pop-up flash. Cosmetic issues on camera bodies and lenses can be a good thing. These issues normally turn a working camera into a Bargain grade - often reducing value by $100-200 or more. Scratches and scrapes often have no impact on performance, so if you can find a camera with a scratch on the LCD, a scape on the body, or some loose rubber on the body, you have a good chance at saving money. With lenses, a small scratch or dust that has no impact on performance can let you negotiate a better price. Repairing gear you purchase is a mixed bag. If the camera or les is working but has a minor issue, you could justify a repair. Just keep in mind that repairs often cost $175-300 or more, so you need to negotiate a big discount. You might negotiate the discount, and then not fix the issue if it is minor.

I'd insert one of your memory cards and attach one of your lenses and take a number of images at high f stops to see how clean or dirty the sensor is. If you have one of your own cameras with you, take the same images with your camera and compare them. A comment on dents and dings. There are dents and dings that matter and those that don't. If they are cosmetics they become bargaining points on price. If they affect function they become much more significant. If you purchase the used camera from one of the major sources, you will have a return period and the confidence that they have given it a thorough inspection as well. I buy most of my gear used. I look for gear that may have cosmetic scratches and dents that do not affect function because I get the same functionality as a piece of gear that is pristine, but at a lower price and the dent or ding did no have anything to do with the image produced.

Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) on January 29, 2021

@PCassidy, yes good point for film. Will add a section for film cameras.

One item I don't see is for film cameras only, "Check the platen plate for signs of wear" Usually it may have two lines from the film transfer. If it is clean, smooth and no marks it is highly likely that it has had "Easy Use"