The Dangers of Buying a Used Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N model is an improved version of the legendary second-generation “one”, which received an increased memory buffer for longer bursts and a larger display. Like the original version, this device was intended exclusively for reporters and sports photographers. The 8.5 frames per second speed allowed for endless bursts of shooting, making this camera an extremely risky buy on the aftermarket today.

Years after its release, the chances of finding this device with low mileage tend to zero. Most of them worked in news agencies, newspapers and sports arenas, where the shutter made thousands of clicks in a single game. The outer magnesium case may look like new after replacing the rubber bands, but the mechanics are not forgiving of such use. Checking the mileage is the only way to avoid buying a beautiful piece of magnesium with a crumbling bolt.

Safety margin of a sports flagship

The 1D series bolt group is a masterpiece of micromechanics. The use of ultra-strong alloys allowed Canon engineers to guarantee the operation of the mechanism for 200,000 operations. In the mid-2000s, this was a phenomenal indicator of reliability, unattainable for amateur equipment.

Often these shutters survived 300 thousand frames. However, over time, materials age. Degradation of the lubricant and microcracks in the lamellas can lead to jamming of the curtains at short shutter speeds (1/8000 sec). If the mileage of the camera under test has exceeded 150-180 thousand frames, you should be prepared for the fact that repairs may be needed at any time.

How to extract mileage data from old DIGIC II

Old Canon DIGIC II processors have their own specifics for recording metadata. Unlike modern cameras, where mileage is sometimes hidden, professional “ones” have always kept honest records. This figure is not reset when the settings are reset and is stored in the deep depths of the carcass software.

To extract a counter from an image file, standard Windows tools will not work. The information is encrypted in a MakerNotes block in RAW format (.CR2). Our service is able to correctly interpret old Canon algorithms and extract the exact number directly from your original photo.