High mileage 1Dx reliability

I currently have a 1D3 that I struggle with ISO performance in low light sports environments (i.e. frequently can't get high enough shutterspeed to freeze motion even at ISO3200 & f/1.2) so have been looking at newer bodies that will help.

Locally, there is very high mileage 1Dx for sale that has around 500,000 actuations, that has just been serviced by Canon & had a new shutter fitted that is (just) within my budget.

My thinking is that a 5D4 would be similar performance but at least twice the cost of the very well used 1Dx just isn't possible financially.

Question really is around the reliability of such a high usage camera - I know how well built the 1D's are, but would it be daft to take on high mileage camera?

note - I'm in New Zealand & the economics of shipping a second hand unit from overseas rarely works because of the import tax.

Just remember that wear and tear isn't just on the shutter assembly. There are many other electronic components and subsystems that still have 500k actuation through them. Personally I would not buy a camera with that kind of mileage, no matter the price (unless it was perhaps 1/4 the price of new). Minimally, make sure you have enough pad to send it in for another repair in the future, and still have received a good deal.

Why not look for a 1d4? It is better than the 1d3 in all regards IQ wise and should be available at good prices.

If the price is good I'd do it.

A low shutter count body in good cosmetic condition may have done lot's of video, outdoors in full sun which could well have more effective 'wear and tear' due to high internal temperatures.
I still have a 1DS2. Who knows what the shutter count is, it was 9 years old when I got it. A year ago I poured fresh water all over it to rinse of the heavy saltwater spray it was covered with. No hiccups after that so it seems the rubber seals are still good 13 years after manufacture.

A friends 1DX stopped working due to water ingress at about 3 years old (he bought it new). It was only used in light rain, once.
He could see condensation inside the rear LCD (the small one, not the monitor).
He sent it to a 3rd party rep[air shop who returned it after a week, no fault found because it turned on and worked every morning.
Repairer charged him nothing. (Ziyad at Works Perfect in Sydney for any Aussies reading)
I have put my 1D4 under a running tap twice after spilling coffee with milk and 2 sugars over it.

So it seems I have been lucky with both these 1s. My point is they are built well and to last. But they are far from perfect.

The luck of the draw, if it was a 'Friday arvo special' etc is probably more relevant than mileage.

Mine has about 400K on it now, and a recently replaced shutter. I think for the most part, if its a good price than go for it. Yeah, it might need work at some point. But so could a cam with 100K on the shutter. if the price is right, and you are willing to roll the dice. Then go for it and have fun!

TeamSpeed wrote in post #18669378
...Why not look for a 1d4? It is better than the 1d3 in all regards IQ wise and should be available at good prices.

Yep, 60% more MP.

Thanks for the replies - I had thought about a 1D4, but didn't think the technology was enough of a change from 1D3 which I've had for nearly 8 years, plus this 1dx is around the same pricepoint as a 1D4. I'm needing to sell a lens to fund it anyway, so will see how that goes. Cheers.

joeseph wrote in post #18670221
Thanks for the replies - I had thought about a 1D4, but didn't think the technology was enough of a change from 1D3 which I've had for nearly 8 years . . .

The 1D4 is radically better than the 1D3 in many ways, including pixel count, ISO performance, and focusing reliability.

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joeseph wrote in post #18670221
. . . plus this 1dx is around the same pricepoint as a 1D4.

Really? WOW!

Here in the U.S., a good used 1D4 will now typically sell for around $900, while a good used 1DX will sell for around $2200.

If you can somehow actually get a 1DX for the price of a 1D4, then that would be a no-brainer. . Lucky you! . How did you ever find a bargain like that?

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It might be the other way, perhaps the 1D4 isn't available at such low prices in his location, so they might be within some tolerance of each other. Not all markets have such large supplies of either body.

Definitely agree with the 1D4 being a large step up from the 1D3, it fixed all gripes I had with the 1D3.

It's a bit of both - the 1Dx being very reasonably priced due to it's external condition & high shutter count, and the small number of 1D4's avail locally.
I'm leaning towards grabbing it, but my bank balance is holding me back...

Just my 2p. Having moved from the 1D4 to the 1DX there is QUITE a difference between them.

The 1DX is a very significant upgrade over the 1D4. If you can afford it go for it!

As to the mileage? A brand new camera can fail tomorrow and many 1DX cameras have exceeded 1m shots without a service - it's all a lottery

I'm now the proud owner of a very high mileage 1D-x... now just need to learn how to operate it properly. (and sell a lens before the accountant notices!)

CONGRATS. Is it heavy?

chuckmiller wrote in post #18672055
CONGRATS. Is it heavy?

thanks - I wouldn't say it's any different to the 1D3 to be honest, from memory the specs say it's a shade heavier but I don't think it's noticeable.

chuckmiller wrote in post #18672055
CONGRATS. Is it heavy?

joeseph wrote in post #18672297
thanks - I wouldn't say it's any different to the 1D3 to be honest, from memory the specs say it's a shade heavier but I don't think it's noticeable.

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Yeah, all of the 1D series are pretty much the same when it comes to weight and size. . I just used a 1DX2 for a week, and didn't notice it being any heavier, or lighter, than any of the other 1 series bodies I've owned or used.


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