How accurate is the shutter count

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

05/30/2013 03:49:37 PM · #1

I am watching a Canon 40D on Ebay that is shortly to end that reports having a shutter count of only 931. This seems incredibly low for a camera that of this age. Is the shutter count pretty tough for people to adjust or can it easily be tampered with?

As much as I like the idea of the 50D this would suit my wallet better and be cheaper than the repair of my own Canon 40D which must have about 100,000 actuations and has definite signs of wear and a big scratch on the LCD panel.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

05/30/2013 04:48:15 PM · #2

Shutter count should be mostly accurate, but I'm sure it can be tampered with, or they could be lying. Who knows.

My advice remains.

The repair is comparable in cost, and you end up with a very much known quantity.

If you're going to change bodies, upgrade - there's no real benefit to you (and some risk) in switching to an unknown 40D and saving a few dozen pounds.. It just doesn't make sense - at least not from my perspective. :)

ETA: They can also replace that scratched LCD for about 10 pounds most likely. Worth inquiring about if it really bothers you.

Message edited by author 2013-05-30 16:50:12.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

05/30/2013 04:51:15 PM · #3

I'd have to agree with Cory. Get your own 40D fixed and you have basically a refurbished camera with a limited warranty from Canon.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

05/30/2013 05:02:36 PM · #4

Thanks guys - very sensible advice. Unfortunately I read it too late as looks like I won the auction. Ah well at least I will have a camera again - hooray! I still want the 50D but will have to wait a wee bit longer.

Hopefully I haven't bought a lemon:)

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

05/30/2013 05:16:02 PM · #5

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Pretty unlikely. Most used cameras are just wonderful.

I'm betting you'll love your new/old/familiar friend. :)

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

05/31/2013 02:42:58 AM · #6

Thanks Cory - can't wait for it to arrive as not having much fun with the cheapo Canon A495.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/31/2013 06:13:15 AM · #7

when canon replaces the shutter assembly doesn't it start a new count? maybe the 40D on eBay was already repaired and its 931 actuations on the new shutter.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

05/31/2013 06:18:10 AM · #8

Originally posted by Mike:

when canon replaces the shutter assembly doesn't it start a new count? maybe the 40D on eBay was already repaired and its 931 actuations on the new shutter.

Yeah I wondered about that. I think it is a genuine seller and the camera just hasn't been used much. Well I hope so anyway:)

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/31/2013 06:35:37 AM · #9

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Originally posted by Mike:
when canon replaces the shutter assembly doesn't it start a new count? maybe the 40D on eBay was already repaired and its 931 actuations on the new shutter.

Yeah I wondered about that. I think it is a genuine seller and the camera just hasn't been used much. Well I hope so anyway:)

still 931? my 60D when i sold it after 18mos had 17,000K on it.

mariahdc

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

05/31/2013 06:40:11 AM · #10

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:
Thanks guys - very sensible advice. Unfortunately I read it too late as looks like I won the auction. Ah well at least I will have a camera again - hooray! I still want the 50D but will have to wait a wee bit longer.

Hopefully I haven't bought a lemon:)

Pretty unlikely. Most used cameras are just wonderful.

I'm betting you'll love your new/old/familiar friend. :)

Congratulations on your new-to-you camera. I agree with Cory - I'm sure it will be fine. Seems like it was well cared for, but just to ease your worries, my 30D has been dropped numerous times and was even dropped into the river recently, submerged for about five minutes. IQ is the same as when I first bought it.

Update us when you get your camera. :)

05/31/2013 06:55:46 AM · #11

Originally posted by Mike:

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Originally posted by Mike:
when canon replaces the shutter assembly doesn't it start a new count? maybe the 40D on eBay was already repaired and its 931 actuations on the new shutter.

Yeah I wondered about that. I think it is a genuine seller and the camera just hasn't been used much. Well I hope so anyway:)

still 931? my 60D when i sold it after 18mos had 17,000K on it.

I am hoping they just didn't use it much however I could easily take that many photos on one outing taking photos of the dogs on the beach.