Got some $$$ - Need tips on buying used camera

[iCapture]

Hey there guys! Well, I recently got $2300 for some equipment I sold to my roommate and its time for the Rebel XT to be replaced. I am pretty much set on the 5D. I am starting an internship with a local photographer so I need something that I can work with professionally and I heard that the 5D is what I need.

Now, a lot of photographers I have talked to say that buying used can be just as good as buying new. Ive noticed people who are serious about photography treat their gear extremely well. I know if I ever dropped any of my gear I would feel a physical pain in my bones.

So this is my question. When shopping around for a used 5D body and perhaps a lens or two, what are some things I should look out for? What are some questions I should ask the seller? What is the most important part of the camera? If its clicking does that mean that its pretty much good to go? Whats a good shutter count? under 10k? under 5k?

Thanks a lot,

adam

[tsw910]

the usual questions are some of these

where was the camera purchased?
what datecode is on the lens?
when was the items purchased?
is the seller on forums or ebay? if so, how's his feedback?
are all boxes, books and items came from factory included?
what was the camera being used for?
and why is he/she selling?

and of course with the shutter, the lower the better but that doesn't mean 10K clicks is bad either ...

thats just some questions i ask when i recently bought my 5D w/ 10K clicks