Serviceman Manifesto: Buy used Nikon wisely

Over the years of working in the service, I have seen hundreds of happy customers and dozens of upset people who brought freshly purchased “corpses” with curtains falling off. This final guide is a concentrated summary of the experience of our service center, which will save your money and nerves when buying any used Nikon camera on Avito or at a second-hand store.

Step-by-step Checklist for checking a used Nikon camera (7 Steps)

1. Step 1: Remote Request for RAW File (.NEF):Ask the seller to make a fresh frame and send it as an uncompressed file (via Telegram or Yandex Disk). Upload the file to our service - you will receive honest mileage `ShutterCount`, serial number and camera model in 3 seconds.
2. Stage 2: Checking the mileage for the model class:
   • Up to 30,000 frames - Almost new camera.
   • 30,000 - 100,000 frames - Excellent working condition (70% stock).
   • 100,000 – 180,000 frames - Used carcass, a 25% discount is required.
   • Above 200,000 frames - Prepare for possible shutter replacement.
3. Step 3: Inspecting the curtains under the flashlight:Raise the mirror through the `Lock mirror up` menu. Petals The shutter should be matte, perfectly flat, without oil, dents or scratches.
4. Step 4: Test shot at 1/8000 sec:Shoot a white sky or wall at 1/8000 sec - at The photo should not have black stripes or gradients of curtain lag.
5. Step 5: Checking the sensor at f/22 (Dust, dead pixels, oil):Close your aperture to f/22 and remove the light wall. Check for scratches and oil emulsions.
6. Stage 6: Checking the operation of the autofocus driver (“Screwdriver”) and the aperture ring:Make sure The bayonet release lever is returned by a spring without jamming.
7. Step 7: Verifying the EXIF ​​serial number with the bottom of the case:Make sure the serial number in the file matches with a nameplate on the body.

Master's resume

Buying used equipment is always a balanced calculation. The main thing is to believe not the colorful promises in the ad, but the dry ones digital facts from EXIF** metadata.