Whether you are buying a used camera online or at a store, thoroughly inspect the camera before making your purchase. This will help prevent any surprises after the sale that can potentially cost you time, money or image quality.

Much like miles on a car, a camera’s shutter count is an indication of its age. Knowing the number can help you determine how much life is left in your camera.

Inquire About the Shutter Count

Like any mechanical component, camera shutters have a lifespan and, as the number of actuations increases, the camera is getting closer to the point where it will need to be replaced. Shutter actuation counts are often mentioned by sellers and can help you determine whether a used camera is worth buying.

Most digital cameras store a shutter count in each image as EXIF data. Although some image editing programs don’t display this information, there are a variety of free and purchasable tools that will do so.

Just as with odometer miles on a used car, a higher shutter count may indicate that the camera has been heavily used. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will fail sooner than a camera with a lower shutter count. There are many other factors that can influence the condition of a used camera, including how it was handled and stored.

Check the Service History

When purchasing a used camera, you can do your part to avoid paying more than market value by comparing prices from multiple sources. Search eBay for completed listings that feature the same camera make and condition you’re considering to get an idea of what buyers paid recently.

Inspect the camera body and lens for dents, scratches or other visible damage that could impact function or longevity. Look for evidence of previous major repairs or an indication that the camera may have been exposed to poor weather conditions or other environmental factors that might cause problems down the road.

Be sure to check that any included accessories work properly, including batteries, memory cards and cameras bags. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money and avoiding disappointment when it comes time to use your new camera. If you buy your camera from a reputable second-hand store like Cash Converters, they’ll often include a warranty on the purchase that will give you extra peace of mind.

Inspect the Camera Body and Lens

As you test the lens, look carefully for signs of physical damage. Then, use the camera in various modes to see how it performs. For example, shoot in burst mode and check how quickly the shutter opens and closes. Also, turn on the flash and see if the autofocus moves to the subject. Lastly, activate the bulb (or “B”) mode to see if the shutter mechanism is having issues with timing or if there are any delays.

If the camera has a removable body cap, remove it and inspect the inside of the camera around the mirror, focusing screen, and lens mount contact for signs of oil. This is a sign that the internal components are not functioning properly and can cause serious problems if left untreated.

Additionally, examine the exterior of the camera for dents and other heavy wear. If there are any significant dents, this could indicate the camera has been dropped. Also, check the condition of the lens mount and electronic contact pins. They should be free of dust, dirt, and bent or broken pins.

Test the Battery

Many film cameras, especially older ones, require a battery to operate. It’s a good idea to test the battery (or check that there is one) before you purchase a used camera.중고카메라

A dead battery can wreak havoc with the electronics in the camera. The internal resistance of a battery increases over time and even if it looks okay when tested with a multimeter, its voltage can drop dramatically during use and cause a lock-up or unceremonious shut down.

A cheap battery tester can help you determine whether the battery is still usable. It will also give you a better sense of how well the battery has been maintained. If it’s been charged shallowly, for instance, that can cause leakage and corrosion. To test a battery, apply the probes of the tester to each of the battery’s terminals and see what the results are. If you find a battery that doesn’t measure up, consider passing on the camera.중고카메라매입