Deenoe wrote:.

So, I'm meeting a guy soon, selling a D40 for 590$ with 18-55mm IIlens, battery, etc... the kit camera from Nikon. 2 months old,supposively barely used, etc...

Before you do anything.... check this out.

Http://www.dpreview.com/shop/merchants.asp?id=nikon_d40.

Many reputable dealers are selling that camera plus lens for $524, so $590 doesn't look like much of a deal for a used camera.MartyPanasonic FZ7, FZ20, FZ30, LX2Olympus C4000, C7000..

Deenoe wrote:.

So, I'm meeting a guy soon, selling a D40 for 590$ with 18-55mm IIlens, battery, etc... the kit camera from Nikon. 2 months old,supposively barely used, etc...

So, my question is, what should I start looking for when I meet theguy (and the camera). Is there particular things I should really lookfor? I know I'll be requesting shutter count for sure, but beyondthat, I'm pretty much clueless..

I would first decide if you really want a D40, it is the sort of camera that people have for a few months and decide that they should have bought someting better..

And, if you do want a D40, then you need a better price..

Brian A...

I meant 590$ in Canadian dollars..

In Canadian dollars, a new Nikon D40 with kit lens retails at 700$. 800$ with tax...

Again, I'm talking about 590$ Canadian..

I'm having maybe 210$ in savings over that camera if I buy it...

My advice would be to go for a D80, it will be a more economical investment as it will grow with you, you will out grow the d40 in a short space of time...

Hi,.

So, I'm meeting a guy soon, selling a D40 for 590$ with 18-55mm IIlens, battery, etc... the kit camera from Nikon. 2 months old,supposively barely used, etc...

So, my question is, what should I start looking for when I meet theguy (and the camera). Is there particular things I should really lookfor? I know I'll be requesting shutter count for sure, but beyondthat, I'm pretty much clueless..

It's too expensive. Prices have dropped a lot recently and your seller may not be aware of this. $CAN 590 is equivalent to 280 in the UK. At the moment (until the end of August) there is a 'cashback' offer from Nikon which makes the NEW price 270:.

Http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/photo/digicameras/Nikon.html#d40.

And you can get one in Canada new for $CAN 649, plus delivery:.

Http://www.parsonsfoto.com/nikon_digital_cameras.html.

So really it's not worth buying a used one unless the price of it goes down a lot. I'd ask, for sure, to the see the receipt and the warranty. It is supposedly still in it's guarantee period and if there is a problem you'll need the recipt as proof of when and where it was purchased..

Good luck.

Mike..

First, what you want to look for is the condition of the camera body. Nicks, blemishes, etc. I'm not sure how to find out how many shutter "actuations" there have been but read through the instruction book and see if that's possible (I suspect it's in the EXIF data somewhere)..

Next, look at the lens/lens mount. Does it mount/come off easily. How's the focus..

Bring a small flashlight, look through the lens for dust/fungus. I can't imagine fungus being in a lens that new but for all I know the guy lived on a boat and the camera was damp 24/7..

My favorite benchmark for the absolutel highest amount you should pay for used equipment, keh.com, doesn't have any D40s in stock..

Cameta Camera, a dealer that advertised heavily on eBay has a factory demo D40 w/18-55 and 1GB card for @$470.00 U.S. on a buy-it-now. Factory demos are typically equivalent of top-of-the-line used gear. Figure in the Canadian currency conversion (and obviously allow for other duty and taxes I'm not familiar with what Canadians must pay for buying U.S. mailorder) and you have a really good maximum price..

If you're happy with everything after doing that hands-on camera research and the math, then it's a good deal. If you're not happy after doing all that, then go ahead and pass it up. Remember, it's your budget don't let online peer pressure steer you one way or another..

Good luck,.

'Nice pen, bet you write good stories with it.'..