How many shutter actuations is safe for a used D3s or D700?

I am looking on eBay at both D700 and D3s.  How many shutter actuations should I consider for a camera that I'd like to last at least a couple years?  Under 100,000?  Under 200,000?  Obviously, the lower the better, but some of the deals are not super low counts so I'm trying to figure out what I could/should consider?

FYI, I have 100,000 clicks on my D300 in 6 years so I'll probably add 15,000 or so per year myself.

jfriend00 wrote:

I am looking on eBay at both D700 and D3s. How many shutter actuations should I consider for a camera that I'd like to last at least a couple years? Under 100,000? Under 200,000? Obviously, the lower the better, but some of the deals are not super low counts so I'm trying to figure out what I could/should consider?

FYI, I have 100,000 clicks on my D300 in 6 years so I'll probably add 15,000 or so per year

Well, it's going to depend a lot on what the price is...if the count is high but the price is very good, then you'd be able to cover a replacement shutter if that were to go.

The D700 is rated at 150,000 cycles and the D3 is 300,000. You can have a look at http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/ to see what people have experienced.

I shoot 60-70K frames a year, I'd probably want to stick to under ~50K on the D700 and ~100K on the D3 but it's really going to depend on the price.

I would want a D3S under 50,000  It's somewhat rare to find one with lower actuations as most of these are pro owned. Here in Toronto, enthusiasts, who are more likely to have lower actuations than a working pro, tend to put a premium on low shots.

On a D700 there's no reason not to find one under 10k.  A lot more plentiful. There's probably only $200 or $300 separating the price between 10k and 100k, with the difference diminishing the lower the shots.

jfriend00 wrote:

I am looking on eBay at both D700 and D3s. How many shutter actuations should I consider for a camera that I'd like to last at least a couple years? Under 100,000? Under 200,000? Obviously, the lower the better, but some of the deals are not super low counts so I'm trying to figure out what I could/should consider?

FYI, I have 100,000 clicks on my D300 in 6 years so I'll probably add 15,000 or so per year myself.

I know this out of the area, my D700 bought new has about 30K and I just bought a D2X, and it has 32K and I paid $ 650.00, I too think if needed I'll have them rebuilt these two cameras do all i could ask for I'm very happy with them.

Good luck.  Rubicon:

Bender73 wrote:

Old thread, but I stumbled upon it in a search.

It completely depends on the price. I just purchased a used D4 with 250,000 clicks, but I paid $1500 less than the average price paid for a used D4 in today's market...paid less than a new D750. If I factor in the cost of a new shutter and mirror assembly (roughly $300-450 when I contacted Nikon) then I come ahead by ~$1000. It is pretty blemished and well-used, but works perfectly fine. I look at these things as tools and I want to find a cheap paint brush to make my art!

Just checked my Nikon D3. http://www.shuttercounter.com

Shutter count : 11,122 Just run in.

Must test my D3s next ( and my D2Xs )

Regards Peter

It is not difficult to find cameras like this owned by hobbyists that have fewer than 10,000 for the shutter count. The shutters are rated for 150,000 clicks on the D3s but why buy a high mileage camera that is been heavily used when you can buy one that sat in someone's camera bag most of the time?

calson wrote:

It is not difficult to find cameras like this owned by hobbyists that have fewer than 10,000 for the shutter count. The shutters are rated for 150,000 clicks on the D3s but why buy a high mileage camera that is been heavily used when you can buy one that sat in someone's camera bag most of the time?

I would have taken more, but, after my last overseas trip exactly four (4) years ago, I woke up in hospital one week after the flight home. A stroke caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis has slowed me down a little bit

Taken a long time to even think about to get around to take some photos. I recently purchased a new Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 ( not the latest 2015 model)

Even have the new Lucroit Filter holder for my Nikon 14-24 lens. Its quite impressive, with a 165mm x 200mm graduated filter.

Regards Peter

Bender73 wrote:

calson wrote:

It is not difficult to find cameras like this owned by hobbyists that have fewer than 10,000 for the shutter count. The shutters are rated for 150,000 clicks on the D3s but why buy a high mileage camera that is been heavily used when you can buy one that sat in someone's camera bag most of the time?

The D3s is rated at 300,000

Also, to answer your question...money. I just paid under $2000 (yes, under $2000) for a D4 with 250,000 clicks. Add $400 for a new shutter and that is still $1200-1400 less than the current market and with a Nikon shutter warranty from Melville.

Wow... sweet!

Bender73 wrote:

Old thread, but I stumbled upon it in a search.

It completely depends on the price. I just purchased a used D4 with 250,000 clicks, but I paid $1500 less than the average price paid for a used D4 in today's market...paid less than a new D750. If I factor in the cost of a new shutter and mirror assembly (roughly $300-450 when I contacted Nikon) then I come ahead by ~$1000. It is pretty blemished and well-used, but works perfectly fine. I look at these things as tools and I want to find a cheap paint brush to make my art!

And got a way better camera (for some), good for you. I think its fabulous that prices have come down so, largely due to competition and resulting Nikon's own D810 and D750.

Will hope to get a used D3s or D4 sometime next year myself, to go with my D610.

Now have a heads up to keep an eye on Fred Miranda sales too.

Enjoy.

NATURALE75 wrote:

T O Shooter wrote:

I would want a D3S under 50,000 It's somewhat rare to find one with lower actuations as most of these are pro owned. Here in Toronto, enthusiasts, who are more likely to have lower actuations than a working pro, tend to put a premium on low shots.

On a D700 there's no reason not to find one under 10k. A lot more plentiful. There's probably only $200 or $300 separating the price between 10k and 100k, with the difference diminishing the lower the shots.

i got a new one in 2020 with 7500 Clicks

now i have around 8000

You are replying to something I posted 7 years ago.  Usually when this happens (reply to old thread) there's no one here to reply.

I bought a 5k shot D700 in 2018.  Likely it has 20 or 30 more shots on it now.