used Fuji S5 - what to look for

[marilynb]

Hello,

Tonight I'm going to check out a used S5 that I found on an online classified

ad. What should I specifically test out and look at to make sure it's

operating well? I've never bought used before. The price is decent. I'm

afraid it'll go quick if I don't grab it.

Thanks, Marilyn

[elnoralouisa]

So...what's the price?

Main question--are they just getting rid of it because they are upgrading?? Then you should be fine. If there are lens with it, check for scratches. Make sure the flash works ok, etc, etc. Take some pictures with you. You should be able to tell if things are ok.

[marilynb]

He's asking $1250 (Canadian). It's retailing here for about $1850. Too good to be true?

[ned1]

The shutter's only good for 100,000 images. You can get the number of actuations off the setup menu. Find out how many have already been taken.

[frank_skomial]

$1250 for used camera is actually "too bad".

[walterh]

Used can be 2 days fondling or 2 years at war. Used for 2 days with no indication of use and almost full warranty and 600 $ less sounds fair - anything older than that I follow Frank.

[ShunCheung]

B&H is still selling it at US$1800. Are you sure that it is around Canadian $1850 new? I know that C$ is almost on par with the US$, but generally prices are much higher in Canada.

 

The S5 was introduced earlier this year, so any used one cannot be all that old. I wonder why they are selling it at such a low price. I am afraid that there is a catch.

 

I would double check whether it was originally purchased in Canada; ask for the original receipt, warranty card, etc.

[jack_l3]

It's not a good deal if it's defective. Offer to pay to have it checked at a local shop. If the seller balks, you should pass.

[mawz]

The S5 is a very unique camera, it's quite possible that someone bought it and was unsatisfied (It's a fair bit slower than the D200 it's based on, as low as 1.5fps when using the dynamic range expansion, and the UI for the menu system is odd to say the least).

[ShunCheung]

I can understand that somebody bought an S5 but it turns out not the camera he/she wants. The question is that Canadian $1250 seems to be unusually cheap for an S5 that is at most a few months old. Essentially you want to make sure that it is not defective and is sold by the rightful owner.