How to make a camera look marketable and not break it before selling it

Every second seller of used equipment makes a fatal mistake: either he displays a dirty carcass covered in dust and traces of fingers, losing 15–20% of the cost, or tries to “scrub” the matrix with a cotton swab and joins the ranks of our clients service to replace the sensor for 30,000 rubles.

As a service engineer, I will give a clear division: what you can and should do before selling yourself, and where with your hands It is absolutely forbidden to climb.

What you CAN and SHOULD do yourself

1. Cleaning the body and rubber bands:Wipe the housing with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (without alcohol!). A drop of isopropyl alcohol on a napkin works well to remove white residue from rubber grips. or a special conditioner for rubber products.
2. Cleaning the screen and viewfinder:use standard optic spray and a blower dust.
3. Cleaning the mount:Using a dry microfiber, gently wipe the contact group and brass ring mount from old grease and metal dust.
4. Preparing EXIF ​​proof of mileage:take a fresh shot and check it through online service to attach the result to the ad.

Where NOT to climb by independent means

• Shutter Curtains:Never touch the shutter blades with your fingers, cotton swabs or brushes! The thickness of the lamellas is a fraction of a millimeter; they bend at the slightest touch. Jammed lamella = replacement of the shutter.
• Dry cleaning of the matrix:do not try to blow with your mouth on the matrix (saliva leaves stains that are difficult to remove) and do not rub it with household wipes. Cleaning of the matrix is ​​carried out only with special mops in a clean area.
• DSLR focusing screen:The frosted glass above the mirror is scratched even with a soft brush.