Tips on checking used bodies and lenses?

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SuperCNJ

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Chaps,

I've been offered a used Nikon D300 for a good price from someone I don't know (through work). I would like to know if you guys have any good tips/advice on what to look out for when testing it etc? And same with the lenses, obviously I will be looking over it for signs of scratches or damage, but is there anything that I should be checking for specifically when meeting up to see it?

Many thanks:thumbs:

SuperCNJ
 
There are a lot of functions on a D300. if you are not sure, do you have a friend that knows cameras or a local shop that can check it out?

Otherwise stick a lens on put a card in and take lots of pics at different settings.
 
Unfortunately I don't have anyone who knows cameras to help out. Yep, thats the problem with a complex camera like the D300, too much to check.

Is it possible to get dead sensor pixels as you do on LCD screens? Also, as we'd probably meet in a cafe somewhere, we won't be able to download the photos to check them I guess.

Is there a photo counter on the D300 menu system or do I have to check the EXIF data?
 
If file numbering is set to on then the camera remebers how many shots it has taken and when a new card is inserted runs from there. Works up to 9999 then resets.

If off it only shows how many on the card and starts from 0 each time so would need exif

Pixels can die on back screen and on the sensor
 
It may be naive, but apart from the obvious physical appearance, I just check that it takes a photo as it should and the that flash works.
 
I'd want to see a receipt for a £900 camera bought in a cafe, if there's a receipt and it doesn't look like someones played football with it i'd be happy enough at that.

surely a D300 will still be under warranty in any case
 
I'm pretty certain that the warranty only applies to the original purchaser, particularly if the warranty card has been completed and sent off.
 
PhotoMe is a good way to see how used the camera is and its a free download
 
Check the sensor for any scratches or damage that may have resulted from attempted cleaning as well which could suggest a reason for sale.

Also try and find out the shutter count and if you are happy with it performance wise then go throuhg with it.

As for hot/dead pixels, I have on on my D40X screen (doesn't show up on pixels but I read that they can occur on sensors so try and get a few sample shots from him) and it doesn't really bother me. Mine is a bright blue one and it only shows up on some backgrounds, but is invisible on whites and light colours. As its only on the rear monitor and it doesnt affect the images I'm not too worried. It could occur to any item thats electrical that you buy. I've also read that it is possible to get rid of them by running certain programmes that flash through colours or you can press on the screen but these could further damage the LCD or not work at all. Also they are only covered on warranty if there are a group of them all together which seriously affect the camera, one or two would not be enough to get Nikon to cover it.

Sorry for banging on so much about dead/hot pixels! Hopefully it wasn't a completely useless deviation and good luck on grabbing a bargain on a great D300 :D
 
Cheers guys, thats great :thumbs:
 
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