Things to check for when buying a used D30

[drifter]

Hi,

I currently have a G1 and very happy with it. However, I have an opportunity to purchase a used Canon D30 from a pretty reputable store.

I already saw the camera and took a few shots with it just to see if it worked.

I was wondering if there were any issues with older (1 year old) D30 or if there is anything I should double check before buying a used digital.

Thanks.

[mrbobco]

hi drifter...

i'll state the obvious here : )

see how many pictures have been taken with it (although i have a feeling it can be reset but the name of the picture IMG_XXXX or CRW_XXXX is in sequential order...for instance...i bought my d-30 new...the first picture was named IMG_0001; currently it reads IMG_6300...therefore...i think you understand : )

secondly...see which version of firmware the camera has installed...i believe the most recent version is 1.0.1.0...not a big deal to update it but good information to have anyhow...

i searched the forums but didn't find anything else to add here...

anybody else out here have any other thoughts?

bob

[Pekka]

mrbobco wrote:
hi drifter...

i'll state the obvious here : )

see how many pictures have been taken with it (although i have a feeling it can be reset but the name of the picture IMG_XXXX or CRW_XXXX is in sequential order...for instance...i bought my d-30 new...the first picture was named IMG_0001; currently it reads IMG_6300...therefore...i think you understand : )


But numbering can be reset to zero at any time... and it jumps to 0001 after 9900. Is there an internal counter that counts all photos?

anybody else out here have any other thoughts?

Some more:

-Put on a plain 50mm lens and check that there's no slack in the connection.

- See if the camera lens connectors (the golden ones) are worn.

- check that the mirror is not scratched - look inside and check that everything looks untouched and normal.

- shoot test photos, look for dead pixels

- check LCD for dead pixels (but that's not a big problem in my opinion)

- shoot white in highest aperture to check dust level.

- check hot shoe with a flash - is there too much slack (shoe can be replaced)

[drifter]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I'll check it out again tonight (if it's not already sold).

[mrbobco]

thanks for that info pekka...although i already have new D-30 i'm going to save this very info (for prospective buyers) for when i do finally sell it (...perish the thought i KNOW : ) but...in the oft chance that canon will tempt us again in the near future with something other than the 1 d : )

it WOULD be nice if the D-30 had a sort of "mileage" meter inside, huh?

: )

bob