Should I buy this used Fuji X-T2 with a spot on a sensor?

Hi all, I'm in a market for my first Fujifilm camera and I found reasonably priced X-T2 online. It's not in a perfect visual condition but good enough for me. The only thing that worries me is this pale dot on a bottom of the sensor.



I asked the seller about it and he replied that it's just some dirt and it does not affect the pictures as the camera is fully functional, but I'm not really experienced when it comes to buying digital cameras, so I'm not sure and thought you could help me figure it out.

So is this spot on a sensor a red flag or maybe it's nothing to worry about?

TottalyTypicalBob said:

Hi all, I'm in a market for my first Fujifilm camera and I found reasonably priced X-T2 online. It's not in a perfect visual condition but good enough for me. The only thing that worries me is this pale dot on a bottom of the sensor.



I asked the seller about it and he replied that it's just some dirt and it does not affect the pictures as the camera is fully functional, but I'm not really experienced when it comes to buying digital cameras, so I'm not sure and thought you could help me figure it out.

So is this spot on a sensor a red flag or maybe it's nothing to worry about?

Click to expand...

Did you ever see the Seinfeld episode where George had a white spot on his lip? He went to the doctor convinced it was Cancer, but the doctor admitted he didn't know what it was, and would have to do a biopsy.




That's kind of the way I feel about this sensor's white spot. It doesn't really look like dirt, but could be something that cleaning would take care of, it could be damage, or it might not be anything to be concerned about.



I think anyone who gave you an answer would be guessing.

TottalyTypicalBob said:

Hi all, I'm in a market for my first Fujifilm camera and I found reasonably priced X-T2 online. It's not in a perfect visual condition but good enough for me. The only thing that worries me is this pale dot on a bottom of the sensor.



I asked the seller about it and he replied that it's just some dirt and it does not affect the pictures as the camera is fully functional, but I'm not really experienced when it comes to buying digital cameras, so I'm not sure and thought you could help me figure it out.

So is this spot on a sensor a red flag or maybe it's nothing to worry about?

Click to expand...

Pass on this one. There are plenty of other X-T2's out there that don't have spots on the sensor.

I had a new camera with very similar spots. They did have an effect on my images. The spots did not come off even with over-vigorous scrubbing with a sensor cleaning swab+fluid. In my case, the store exchanged it for another camera.

I never found out what it was. I've just always assumed some dirt contamination during sensor assembly caused delamination of the sensor stack.

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Lance H

TottalyTypicalBob said:

Hi all, I'm in a market for my first Fujifilm camera and I found reasonably priced X-T2 online. It's not in a perfect visual condition but good enough for me. The only thing that worries me is this pale dot on a bottom of the sensor.



I asked the seller about it and he replied that it's just some dirt and it does not affect the pictures as the camera is fully functional, but I'm not really experienced when it comes to buying digital cameras, so I'm not sure and thought you could help me figure it out.

So is this spot on a sensor a red flag or maybe it's nothing to worry about?

Click to expand...

Anyone's guess about what that white spot is, is as good as mine. However, looking at the image to me it seems there's not just one spot, but a number of affected areas along the bottom edge of the sensor where some sort of contamination seems to be 'growing' towards the centre of the sensor. The spot you're referring to is the biggest, most apparent one.

Of course it could be dirt, but then this sensor is really grubby and dirt or dust on your sensor can show up in the images. It could also be some kind of oil or grease that somehow is finding its way out of the inner parts of the camera and onto the sensor. Which of course should not happen and could point to some sort of defect. And another possibility is corrosion, which of course is very bad news.

Whatever it might be, there are plenty X-T2's out there without this sort of sensor issues. I'd pass on this one!

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(We are only immortal for a limited time)

What do you mean by reasonable price? Do you mean at a price lower than others on the market?

If yes then the seller must know that spot is an issue and reduced the price accordingly in my view.

I'd pass if it was my decision. I've been good at not purchasing other people's problems over the years but in full transparency it is a very rare day when I purchase used.