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Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

pasblues
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I wondered how people feel about purchasing a high end Sony body used vs. new?

I'm considering an A1 but it's a very high cost. It looks enticing to buy a used body for $2K less - but the trade-off is no warranty.

I'm writing this having NEVER used a warranty on any camera. So, am I just a worry-wort for nothing?

Your thoughts?

Dec 14, 2023 at 11:18 AM

Zayne12
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I only buy my cameras used to save tax and a little extra and never had an issue. Always test the cameras of course check the af check to see if the shutter functions as it should where it be single shutter or the higher frame rates. And check the ports work thats all usually takes.

Dec 14, 2023 at 11:37 AM

chez
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

Buy used from a reputable member and if there is truly something wrong with the camera, I’m sure you can work with the original owner to resolve the issue.

Dec 14, 2023 at 11:47 AM

pasblues
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I don't think it would be the seller's fault if something failed 3 months later - but some non-user failure could be fixed if the piece was under warranty. It's just one of those things that "buy the warranty and not use it or don't get a warranty and need it" - but, yes, I agree, I've been lucky for a long time.

Dec 14, 2023 at 12:18 PM

chez
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

pasblues wrote:
I don't think it would be the seller's fault if something failed 3 months later - but some non-user failure could be fixed if the piece was under warranty. It's just one of those things that "buy the warranty and not use it or don't get a warranty and need it" - but, yes, I agree, I've been lucky for a long time.

Electronics are either lemons right out of the box, or they work for years.warranties are there to cover the lemons. Something can fail 3 months after your warranty expires just as easily as failing 3 months after purchasing it used.

Dec 14, 2023 at 12:37 PM

PaulCStudios
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I buy and sell gear on here. Have purchased and sold a few camera bodies not only Sony. Only used FM members with good ratings and ask the right questions. Everyone I have purchased from has been great, same with the ones I have sold too.

Dec 14, 2023 at 12:42 PM

grahamgibson
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I've bought both new and used. I did have a shutter fail within the first year on a new camera so it was fixed free under warranty. Sony coordinates with Precision camera for the work in the US.

I assume it would be a few hundred dollars to fix if not warrantied, so buying used might net the same cost even if you do have an issue, although there is some value in piece of mind. For an A1 or A9 series though, I'd expect they get a LOT more e-shutter use, so I'd be even less concerned with them failing than an A7 series. Vet your seller and the camera condition, and there are great deals out there.

Dec 14, 2023 at 01:04 PM

nehemiahphoto
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I’ve been buying and selling bodies used for over a decade with only 2 minor issues. Both times I was the buyer, and both times it was resolved easily. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from solid FM’ers or retailers.

With retailers, I found them to be a bit loose with lens condition or description at times.

Dec 14, 2023 at 01:23 PM

wordfool
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I have no qualms buying used. I've also never had to use the warranty on any new camera I've ever bought and, while that may be down to luck, my general experience with any new electronic gadget is that if something is going to go wrong then it'll happen within the first few months.

The one caveat of buying used, however, is how well the camera has been looked after. Things like water damage can be hard to detect and could take months to manifest after purchase. I've also no idea how much the sensors and other electronics degrade over time if used for a lot of heat-generating continuous video recording (and AFAIK there's no way to know how many hours of video has been shot). So, yes, there's always a risk of buying used, but IMO it's still worth it for the savings.

Dec 14, 2023 at 01:38 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

Used lenses I do it all the time but bodies not so much as I’m a little nervous on the electronics but I have few times. Never turned out to be an issue but for Pro work I’m just more careful. I only buy used gear on this forum as members are quite good.

Dec 14, 2023 at 01:55 PM

pasblues
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

GMPhotography wrote:
Used lenses I do it all the time but bodies not so much as I’m a little nervous on the electronics but I have few times. Never turned out to be an issue but for Pro work I’m just more careful. I only buy used gear on this forum as members are quite good.

100% agree on everything you said. I guess I could have just used the like button but I'm feeling chatty today.

Dec 14, 2023 at 02:58 PM

sonofjesse2010
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

used only, unless your a business.

Dec 14, 2023 at 03:00 PM

dshombert
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I've bought lots of used gear here on FM and, as others have said, dealing with established members with good feedback makes it comfortable. Don't forget about the choice of buying used from someplace like KEH - you'll pay a little more, but you'll get a six-month warranty. In my experience, KEH is great to deal with.

Dec 14, 2023 at 03:23 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

pasblues wrote:
100% agree on everything you said. I guess I could have just used the like button but I'm feeling chatty today.

Chatty is good.

But issues you may not ever get an answer to is did it get wet or did it drop . Even in extreme humid conditions . I lost a Canon in Amazon jungle due to humidity and a lens. So they may say no but they also can't prove it either. Now like I said I ONLY buy here on FM used . I don't trust anyone outside this forum. I will buy from BH since ive been there for close to 50 years but again I'm careful. Saving a few extra dollars is just not worth it sometimes and that old saying to good to be true always rings out

Dec 14, 2023 at 03:56 PM

patotts
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

There was a time I bought new right at launch, but those days are over - my gear isn't to make income so I need to practice patience and save some money?

Also, I tend to like to try new gear so buying used and selling here on FM is more like paying cheap rent.

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:01 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I buy used on Ebay. Lenses and bodies usually offer awarranty. If it is over $100 I get the warranty. YMMV

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:07 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

Okay eBay I sell anything that's not worthy to sell to members here which I won't sell any crap here. What's that tell ya. That's the mindset for many

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:09 PM

InFocus2014
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

In the last ten years, I have successfully purchased six used cameras off of FM B&S.

For me, the key is to purchase from sellers with a positive history rating and only purchase items with detailed photographs. I only buy items in close to new condition. Of course, I realize that I am, to some degree, rolling the dice. As an example, if a camera has been exposed to salt-water, the (catastrophic) failure might not occur for months into the future. However, I have been impressed with the overall integrity of sellers on FM, so I think the exposure is minimal.

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:14 PM

chez
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

I bought a lot of my gear used at a savings of at least 25% over new. That’s many thousands of dollars saved over buying new. Many people here on FM jump at new things at release only to sell them months later for a good discount. I’ll gladly save money in my pocket having the early adopters pay the cost of being first in line.

Pick long standing members, ask a lot of questions on the condition of the gear and how / where it’s been used…and if things look good, don’t hesitate buying used. If something does not add up, walk away and try another member.

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:27 PM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Buying used vs new Sony camera bodies

InFocus2014 wrote:
In the last ten years, I have successfully purchased six used cameras off of FM B&S.

For me, the key is to purchase from sellers with a positive history rating and only purchase items with detailed photographs. I only buy items in close to new condition. Of course, I realize that I am, to some degree, rolling the dice. As an example, if a camera has been exposed to salt-water, the (catastrophic) failure might not occur for months into the future. However, I have been impressed with the overall integrity of sellers on FM, so I think the exposure is...Show more →

I agree and why I buy here is I trust the members . Always a risk obviously but try to lower the risk

Dec 14, 2023 at 04:29 PM

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