Bruce Nikkor Lee wrote in post #6336171
I recently discovered this wonderful website after becoming interested in getting back into photography after many years. I have an old Nikon 35 mm SLR and a more recent Canon Rebel 35 mm SLR so now it's time for the latest technology and a cheaper alternative to film. I have had my sights on the Canon 50D and the Nikon D300. Due to budget restrictions I am also interested in a used 30D or 40D but I am concerned about buying used equipment. What inspection specifics should I look for to make sure that there are no issues with the camera and lens?
Im no expert but here\s some thoughts
First buy yourself a CF card. use that to test the cam,era etc, take some shots , take them home and examine them on your computer
Camera: take shots at f22 against an out of focus sky (manual focus) and check to see the state of the sensor - make sure there's no invsible scratches etc.from bad cleaning
Check there's no scratches in the inside ( set on 'clean sensor' and inspect with the mirror up.) With lens off look through the Viewfinder (VF) check for scratches don't worry about dust. ame usre te camera makes all the right sounds , i.e. shoot at fast shutter speeds and slow speeds. Check motor drive doesnt sound sluggish ( sign of a tired mirror spring or overused camera.) External belemishes like worn paint on the back or bottom just means it's been carried a lot , not that its been used a lot , you could get a very good ca,mera with a lot of external wear but few shutter actuataions! Don't be shy take lots of test shots but most ipoirtant of all - write yourself a list of test to do otherwise you'll never remember them all
Lens, huff on front and back elements very gently in good light to see if there's any abrasions fromto enthiusuastic cleaning. take shots of newspaper to check no major OOF ( out of focus) areas from trhe lens having been dropped etc. Any dents anywhere suggest it's been dropped. Scratches arent so bad theyre just cosmetic usually it's the dents you have to lkook out for especialy round the filter threaqd. Ideally take a filter or ask the seller to bring one and check oit goes on and off smoothly. Shhot at wise open and three f-stops down also at f5.6/8 and f22. make sure the exposure is the same for all apertures ( ie.e. adjust shutter speed - ideally on a tripod or shoot/inspecton a bright subny day
OH and check to see if the seller has good ratings here on POTN
Good luck , there should be quite a few 40Ds for sale now the 50D is out
