Used camera buying advice

BigMonka

I'm looking to buy a new camera set-up (preferably Fuji X-T20 or X-T30 v1 with XF 18-55 f2.8-4) but for budget reasons it'll have to be used. The likes of MPB are good but notably more expensive than places like Facebook marketplace and eBay (clearly due to the warranty and service!).

So, aside from working out the scammers from legit sales, if you were to buy a camera or lens from marketplace what do you need to look for? I guess I could ask shutter count? Do I need photos through the lens? Sample photos? Specific photos to look to dead pixels?

RaymondLin

Try LCE,

XT20 for £350

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T20-Body---Silver_411067.html

Although personally I would get a XT2 for £380.  Boxed.

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T2-BODY-*BOXED*_410640.html

BigMonka

RaymondLin said:

Try LCE,

XT20 for £350

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T20-Body---Silver_411067.html

Although personally I would get a XT2 for £380.  Boxed.

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T2-BODY-*BOXED*_410640.html

Thanks @RaymondLin I've had a tab with that first link open for a few days! I'm liking the XT20 over the XT2 as I'm looking for something as small and light as possible (but better than the XT200 series).

What do I need to look for if not buying from an online business though?  

RaymondLin

BigMonka said:

RaymondLin said:

Try LCE,

XT20 for £350

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T20-Body---Silver_411067.html

Although personally I would get a XT2 for £380.  Boxed.

https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/FujiFilm-X-T2-BODY-*BOXED*_410640.html

Thanks @RaymondLin I've had a tab with that first link open for a few days! I'm liking the XT20 over the XT2 as I'm looking for something as small and light as possible (but better than the XT200 series).

What do I need to look for if not buying from an online business though?  

Ask for a photo of the camera sensor.
Ask for a RAW file (of anything, a new photo).  This you can check if they actually have the camera and that it works at the time of asking. with EXIF data.  If they link it to the Fuji App, it will even show GPS location.  You can also check for hot or stuck pixels. (but some times they are hard to spot, although not a problem really as it's not a new camera and you are getting it cheap and pixels can be mapped out).

Check photos of all angles of the body.  Sign of box and accessories can be signs of how the camera is taken care of.  

As its Facebook Marketplace then I assume you are collecting? Then just test it out.  Reset the camera to factory and then bring a SD card with you to take a few photos. 

sev112

What excellent practical advice 

dazzajl

sev112 said:

What excellent practical advice 

Yup, you can always count on Raymond for wisdom and diligence.

A small X-T of some sort with that lens is a fab choice for real quality at best value.

ThePrettyDamned

+1 for lce.

I do like mpb and wex as well. Regardless of where you buy, check everything on arrival - sometimes things are missed. 

And, as ever, everything Raymond says is good advice!