Refurbished or USED Excellent condition

ImageAmateur · Mar 31, 2015

For USA Models.

Maybe a strange question, but I am seeing Refurbished D800's for roughly the same price as used Excellent + condition bodies, both at reputable, recognized online retailers.

Logic says that Refurbished is gone over by manufacturer (Nikon USA). Thus, 'should' be better.

Excellent + Used 'should' mean the retailer has checked it, and it is working well.

But, the Excellent Used may not have been gone over as Refurbished, so, may not be as 'finely set up'?

Does anyone know if Refurbished units are re calibrated for AF etc. I have seen posts indicating that they are done to factory spec, but often, does that mean much?

'Human' thoughts...... maybe the Used body is better, as it is sold used but working well, thus no issues. The Refurbished went in for a reason before being 'fixed', is it good now?

So, as I said, may be strange question, but anyone has any advice re Refurbished vs Excellent + Used?

Regards and thank you.

--
Wishing You Good Light.

hehbr · Mar 31, 2015

Refurbished does not necessarily mean something was wrong and fixed in the camera. It could be a camera used in a show or one returned because the customer tried it and did not like it. I have owned two refurbished camera bodies and several lenses and all have been in perfect condition when I received them. No troubles at all with any of them.

axcentphoto · Mar 31, 2015

When the D900 arrives (LOL!!!) I will be selling my one year old D800. I expect to get $1700 for a Mint camera with only 5,000 clicks. Never a problem with this camera and that will include the Battery Grip. However a factory refurbished cam is a good idea plus you get a short warranty.

herbymel · Mar 31, 2015

axcentphoto said:
When the D900 arrives (LOL!!!) I will be selling my one year old D800. I expect to get $1700 for a Mint camera with only 5,000 clicks. Never a problem with this camera and that will include the Battery Grip. However a factory refurbished cam is a good idea plus you get a short warranty.

Hope for $1500, unless you've got an E...by that time I very much doubt anyone will give you $1700 for a D800 no matter the quality.

ImageAmateur · Apr 1, 2015

axcentphoto said:
When the D900 arrives (LOL!!!) I will be selling my one year old D800. I expect to get $1700 for a Mint camera with only 5,000 clicks. Never a problem with this camera and that will include the Battery Grip. However a factory refurbished cam is a good idea plus you get a short warranty.

Thanks guys. Looks like refurbished is a mite better deal for the same price.

If however it is gone by the time I buy, I will get a used in Excellent + condition.

Cheers

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

ImageAmateur said:
For USA Models.

Maybe a strange question, but I am seeing Refurbished D800's for roughly the same price as used Excellent + condition bodies, both at reputable, recognized online retailers.

Logic says that Refurbished is gone over by manufacturer (Nikon USA). Thus, 'should' be better.

Excellent + Used 'should' mean the retailer has checked it, and it is working well.

But, the Excellent Used may not have been gone over as Refurbished, so, may not be as 'finely set up'?

Does anyone know if Refurbished units are re calibrated for AF etc. I have seen posts indicating that they are done to factory spec, but often, does that mean much?

'Human' thoughts...... maybe the Used body is better, as it is sold used but working well, thus no issues. The Refurbished went in for a reason before being 'fixed', is it good now?

So, as I said, may be strange question, but anyone has any advice re Refurbished vs Excellent + Used?

Regards and thank you.

ImageAmateur · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
ImageAmateur said:

For USA Models.

Maybe a strange question, but I am seeing Refurbished D800's for roughly the same price as used Excellent + condition bodies, both at reputable, recognized online retailers.

Logic says that Refurbished is gone over by manufacturer (Nikon USA). Thus, 'should' be better.

Excellent + Used 'should' mean the retailer has checked it, and it is working well.

But, the Excellent Used may not have been gone over as Refurbished, so, may not be as 'finely set up'?

Does anyone know if Refurbished units are re calibrated for AF etc. I have seen posts indicating that they are done to factory spec, but often, does that mean much?

'Human' thoughts...... maybe the Used body is better, as it is sold used but working well, thus no issues. The Refurbished went in for a reason before being 'fixed', is it good now?

So, as I said, may be strange question, but anyone has any advice re Refurbished vs Excellent + Used?

Regards and thank you.

Click to expand...

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

For camera bodies, make 100% sure the seller show's you a Nikon USA receipt with date indicating

REFURBISHED

NEW SHUTTER INSTALLED

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

For Refurbished Lenses make sure seller can produce a receipt from Nikon USA with date indicating

LENS OVERHAULED AND CLEANED

(means lens opened up and dust removed from both sides of each glass element)

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
For Refurbished Lenses make sure seller can produce a receipt from Nikon USA with date indicating

LENS OVERHAULED AND CLEANED

(means lens opened up and dust removed from both sides of each glass element)

If the Nikon receipt says "CLEAN AND CHECK" then it is not an overhaul, thus NOT a refurbish'ed product.

They only just cleaned the outside lens surfaces or the camera body, then mounting the lens/camera on a test rig and ran a bench diagnostic software program.

The receipt MUST say "Overhaul" (lenses) or "SHUTTER REPLACED" (bodies).

Digital Shutterbug · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
Immense Dude said:

For Refurbished Lenses make sure seller can produce a receipt from Nikon USA with date indicating

LENS OVERHAULED AND CLEANED

(means lens opened up and dust removed from both sides of each glass element)

Click to expand...

If the Nikon receipt says "CLEAN AND CHECK" then it is not an overhaul, thus NOT a refurbish'ed product.

They only just cleaned the outside lens surfaces or the camera body, then mounting the lens/camera on a test rig and ran a bench diagnostic software program.

The receipt MUST say "Overhaul" (lenses) or "SHUTTER REPLACED" (bodies).

I have purchased many Canon lenses refurbished by Canon. In the past 2 or 3 months, I have purchased a Nikon Df and 3 Nikkor lenses, all refurbished by Nikon USA. Not a single product has been supplied with any kind of receipt showing what was done during the refurbishment process. Where are you getting these detailed receipts?

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

Digital Shutterbug said:
Immense Dude said:

Immense Dude said:

For Refurbished Lenses make sure seller can produce a receipt from Nikon USA with date indicating

LENS OVERHAULED AND CLEANED

(means lens opened up and dust removed from both sides of each glass element)

Click to expand...

If the Nikon receipt says "CLEAN AND CHECK" then it is not an overhaul, thus NOT a refurbish'ed product.

They only just cleaned the outside lens surfaces or the camera body, then mounting the lens/camera on a test rig and ran a bench diagnostic software program.

The receipt MUST say "Overhaul" (lenses) or "SHUTTER REPLACED" (bodies).

Click to expand...

I have purchased many Canon lenses refurbished by Canon. In the past 2 or 3 months, I have purchased a Nikon Df and 3 Nikkor lenses, all refurbished by Nikon USA. Not a single product has been supplied with any kind of receipt showing what was done during the refurbishment process. Where are you getting these detailed receipts?

If it's purchased directly from Nikon or Canon you don't need the receipts. But if it's from an individual then they can claim anything so you need proof. If it's from a dealer then they often grade the gear themselves and may not have had the shutter replaced nor lens overhauled, so beware.

larrywilson · Apr 1, 2015

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

larrywilson said:
Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

ImageAmateur · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Both Cameta and Roberts note 'Factory Refurbished' and are Nikon dealers.

Surely that should qualify as 'official' refurbished?

Regards and thank you for your concern.

herbymel · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Seems a silly standard...many cameras just get returned for minor reasons and can no longer be sold as new. I guess you aren't going to be buying many refurbished items then.

larrywilson · Apr 1, 2015

herbymel said:
Immense Dude said:

larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Click to expand...

Seems a silly standard...many cameras just get returned for minor reasons and can no longer be sold as new. I guess you aren't going to be buying many refurbished items then.

+1, most cameras bought with a rating of excellent or higher has not been worn out. No reason to replace a shutter on a camera with only a small portion of releases below the shutter life. No reason to take a lens apart that is in excellent condition or higher since very little if any dust is present. I would rather a piece of equipment that is in excellent condition or better not be taken apart introducing dust into the equipment or a bad seal not installed right.

Larry

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

herbymel said:
Immense Dude said:

larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Click to expand...

Seems a silly standard...many cameras just get returned for minor reasons and can no longer be sold as new. I guess you aren't going to be buying many refurbished items then.

Many dealers misrepresent items which is why proof should be obtained before payment. I call Nikon with the dealer provided 'service invoice #' and verify that the work was done.

Items which have not been refurbished can be sold as "LIKE NEW" or "EXCELLENT".

Legally "REFURBISHED" means the item has been overhauled, dissassembled, re-built, and worn parts replaced.

Car Engines, Hard Disk Drives are often disassembled and each part inspected by factory technicians.

Petruska · Apr 1, 2015

Immense Dude said:
herbymel said:

Immense Dude said:

larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Click to expand...

Seems a silly standard...many cameras just get returned for minor reasons and can no longer be sold as new. I guess you aren't going to be buying many refurbished items then.

Click to expand...

Many dealers misrepresent items which is why proof should be obtained before payment. I call Nikon with the dealer provided 'service invoice #' and verify that the work was done.

Items which have not been refurbished can be sold as "LIKE NEW" or "EXCELLENT".

Legally "REFURBISHED" means the item has been overhauled, dissassembled, re-built, and worn parts replaced.

Car Engines, Hard Disk Drives are often disassembled and each part inspected by factory technicians.

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13651/~/what-is-a-factory-refurbished-camera%3F

All it means is that if the camera is tested and meets factory specs it is sold as refurbished. No parts need to be replace, no overhaul, as long as it meets the specs. There are plenty of Nikon refurbished cameras sold with many shutter clicks, shutters are not automatically replaced.

If the camera need repair and parts they do so, but normally the refurbished cameras come from returns, Nikon shows.

Bob P.

Immense Dude · Apr 1, 2015

Petruska said:
Immense Dude said:

herbymel said:

Immense Dude said:

larrywilson said:

Buy used equipment from a reputable dealer such as keh you will have no problems with equipment rated excellent or above. I am sure reburnished does not mean that a lens is taken apart and inside glass cleaned. I would rather buy a lens rated as excellent or above than to buy a lens that has been used hard and reburnished whatever that means?

Click to expand...

I would not buy from anyone who claims "REFURBSIHED" unless they can substantiate with proof that the

Shutter was replaced

or

Lens disassembled and dust removed from each glass surface

Click to expand...

Seems a silly standard...many cameras just get returned for minor reasons and can no longer be sold as new. I guess you aren't going to be buying many refurbished items then.

Click to expand...

Many dealers misrepresent items which is why proof should be obtained before payment. I call Nikon with the dealer provided 'service invoice #' and verify that the work was done.

Items which have not been refurbished can be sold as "LIKE NEW" or "EXCELLENT".

Legally "REFURBISHED" means the item has been overhauled, dissassembled, re-built, and worn parts replaced.

Car Engines, Hard Disk Drives are often disassembled and each part inspected by factory technicians.

Click to expand...

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13651/~/what-is-a-factory-refurbished-camera?

All it means is that if the camera is tested and meets factory specs it is sold as refurbished. No parts need to be replace, no overhaul, as long as it meets the specs. There are plenty of Nikon refurbished cameras sold with many shutter clicks, shutters are not automatically replaced.

If the camera need repair and parts they do so, but normally the refurbished cameras come from returns, Nikon shows.

Bob P.

The dictionary definition of 'refurbish' reads:

To make clean, bright, or fresh again; renovate.

That opens Nikon, eBay sellers, amazon sellers, and dealers to a lawsuit for gross misrepresentation. The FTC should be notified of these facts.

Refurbished or USED Excellent condition

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