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Buying used 40D, what to be aware of?

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Kenneth Darling Soerensen

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Hi,

Looking at a used 40D with a shutter count of 5000, still 2 months of warranty left.

Any common issues I should be aware of or check the camera for?

I'm going to take a look at it in 3 hours, so quick replies would be much appreciated :-)

--
Regards
Kenneth Darling Soerensen
 
Have a 20D now with 24-105L, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, 35 f/2, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 and 70-210 f/3.5-4.5 and 580EX if there is anything in particular with these lenses and flash..
--
Regards
Kenneth Darling Soerensen
 
I think the most important thing is taking your time to check the focus with your favourite lenses. The 40D doesn't have AF micro adjust so if your lenses don't focus correctly on that body you're going to have to send it in.

Other than that, after doing a full reset of custom functions/settings, check the metering and make sure it's mostly exposing correctly. Also examine the sensor for significant smudging/damage both visually and by taking some shots at f22. Make sure the flash works and press all the buttons/dials to check for any sponginess.

If you like, you can also check the AF sensor/mirror alignment by testing how far the centre AF point extends in all directions from the centre of the viewfinder.

I think that pretty much coveres everything I'd do if I was buying a second-hand DSLR.
 
I and others have experienced partial failure of the shutter release button. The symptom is a higher than normal finger-pressure required to release the shutter.

In the beginning the symptom is intermittent and subtle, but as the problem progresses, the force required becomes so great that it is difficult to hold the camera still when releasing the shutter.

Mine was repaired under warranty by replacing the top dial assembly. (Apparently the adjacent button is part of that assembly.) I Have no idea what it would cost if I had to pay for it.

I suggest you fire the shutter several times, paying attention to the release pressure required. If you get the feeling that the shutter should have fired before it does, that camera probably has the problem.

Aside form that potential issue, it's a wonderful camera.

Good luck.

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JerryG

My galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/jerryg1
 
just the standard

1) can it focus correctly
2) has it been dropped as evidenced by body scars
3) is the shutter count really that low

4) is there any marks or blemishes on the sensor from a botched sensor cleaning attempt.

Good luck!
 
Use the AstroJargon utility and see how much he lied about the shutter count, just curious....
 
I just bought a used 40d as an upgrade from my XTi and I love it.

How many actuations can you expect from these cameras?
 
I'm thinking about selling my 7D and buying 2 40Ds.

I don't see much difference in IQ, but sure... the 7D has more features.

The 40D was great, better than the 50D for sure (even this site says the images are cleaner). 10MP is plenty to work with for most applications too.

I kept the 50D cause it had a better screen, i could create folders on the fly (in camera) and a few other little features. If I would've been able to try one first, I'm not sure I would've upgraded to the 50D from 40d.

the 40D is great, i took 1000's of great photos and many 1000's of dollars with it.

dave
michigan

--

lenses make the image, the camera only records it. my zoom is my feet, not my fingers, don't be lazy, buy primes :)
 
dwill23 said:
The 40D was great, ... . 10MP is plenty to work with for most applications too.
Click to expand...
True that 10MP is more than you need for web posts and small prints, but more looks better in 12x18 and larger prints. I love my 40D, but sometimes wish it had a few (5?) more MP
dwill23 said:
the 40D is great, i took 1000's of great photos and many 1000's of dollars with it.
Click to expand...
You "took ... 1000's of dollars" with your 40D???

--
JerryG

My galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/jerryg1
 
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