What to check when buying a used Canon 5D?

I'm about to buy a Canon 5D tomorrow. It has been used for about 40 weddings.

Tell me, what should I check?

How do you check how many exposures that have been made?

You cannot. The file numbers flip at 9999 so it could be 300 actuations or 40,300.

Bring your own card, do some test shots, open all the battery doors, card doors, etc, make sure there is no 'gunk' apparent like anything has gotten in... I don't know, it is a tough question... I would bring a meter or another camera so you can see that the shutter is going at the right speed and the meter generally agrees with your calibrated sample.

Look at the mirror and sensor as well and check if they're not full of gunk.

The viewfinder almost certainly will be, though. Mine came from the factory with some lovely specs and they never leave, so no fault to the owner there.

no weird noises, no signs of heavy usage. Dont fret too much about the hotshoe - it can be repalced for $10 - also the lcd cover in the back can easily be replaced.

make sure it seems to focus.

Thank you guys! I'll check the thread in 10 hours just before I go and meet the 5D owner. He will bring his laptop so I can take some samples and review the photos.

Good night! I'm so excited!

40 weddings = 20k - 40k clicks.

and i would assume the number of weddings has been lowballed .

i wouldn't pay more than a grand for this workhorse .

ed rader

After reading all the things on these threads it would seem shutter count was not accurate on the 5D. I just purchased a used one, don't really know how many clicks. Condition is great, and thus far it works great. I paid $1195 for it. It has a 3xxx serial number. I figure even if it does act up, and I have to send it in, it will still cost less than a new one. We will see what time brings..

I bought it!!! No scratches, nothing! It looked like a brand new camera. House, original battery grip, 2 batteries, manuals, cds everything except the box for $1200. (I know you might find it cheaper in US but I live in Sweden).

congrats! seems like a solid deal to me