Bridget in MD
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Jun 25, 2014 20:40:00 GMT
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jul 17, 2014 14:41:22 GMT
I have a Nikon D50, and then upgraded to the Nikon D5100 a couple of years ago. Shortly after I got the D5100, the D50 started taking wonky pictures - basically very overexposed (like, white, although you could sort of see the subject) and the left side was pink. Well, I got a hair up my butt and decided to send the D50 into Nikon up in NY (I'm in rural MD, so there's no where here I can take camera equipment to). They sent me back an estimate - approx $160 - to have it fixed. What do you think? I bought this camera in 2005, so it's almost 10 yrs old. However, I have lenses that don't work with the new D5100 (something about screw mounted lenses?). I just want to take pictures of my kids and on vacations, etc.. I don't think this $150 is terrible (and then I'd have a backup camera), but this is the 3rd time I've sent the camera in for repair (once I dropped it and another time, the shutter would not released when I pressed the button - not sure why it quit working). However, if I don't repair it, I am not sure what to do with equipment that works with older camera that I can no longer use... Any suggestions? Just curious what you think! Thanks!
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Post by birukitty on Jul 20, 2014 21:00:58 GMT
I can see where your dilemma is. On one hand it makes sense to fix it because you can use it with your older lenses. Have you heard of www.keh.com. It's a site that sells used camera equipment. They clean, check and rate each piece before they offer it up for sale. I just looked up the Nikon D50 just to check if they have any and what they are asking. They have a few actually that are rated EX+ which is their highest rating that they are selling with battery and charger for $119.00. You could go that way, save a little money and still have a D50 to use with your older lenses. DH has bought from this site before and has been happy with what he's received. Just an idea. I have no affiliation with them. Debbie in MD. |
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Bridget in MD
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,941
Member is Online
Jun 25, 2014 20:40:00 GMT
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jul 22, 2014 19:21:47 GMT
Thank you for your reply! I had never heard of KEH before! Now I am torn... I was thinking of having the camera body repaired, but not the lens (I could buy a new one for that $)... then again, others have said, why repair 10 yr old technology? sigh... I hate making decisions!
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Post by birukitty on Jul 22, 2014 20:51:28 GMT
Is it the lens that is broken or the body of the camera? Personally I think older cameras have a lot of value. I myself still shoot with a Nikon D40X which is 8 years old. I bought it new in 2006. It still works incredibly well, I've taken it overseas, have shot concerts, and all kinds of things. I'm a former pro who went pro in 1985. I'm saving up to buy a Nikon Df which is $3000. For now I'm happy with my old, still working Nikon D40X.
Why are old cameras still great? Because they were built better back then. Now everything is made in China. Well, most things. People just don't build things these days like they used to. It's true. DH and I like to say they don't make cameras anymore, they make computers disguised as cameras. But then we're old school. That's why I want that Nikon Df so much. They made it look like the Nikon's used to, but it's digital.
The value of either getting your old body fixed or buying that one of of keh.com for $119.00 is because it makes a great backup camera, plus you'll have something to use the older lenses with. Or you could just sell those older lenses and forget about getting the Nikon D50 fixed. Once I get my Nikon Df I'm not going to throw away or sell my Nikon D40X-I'll keep it for a backup. I also have a Nikon N90 that's a film camera. I keep that one because I can't get anything for it and because DH still likes to shoot film.
But it's your decision. It's a hard one. I'm surprised to hear that your D50 has had so much trouble. I'm never had an ounce of trouble with my Nikon D40X. But then, I'm a perfectionist-the second I'm done shooting the lens cover goes on and into the camera bag it goes. I'm sure most people aren't like that. My father has a new Nikon and he's always leaving his around the house without the lens cover on.
Debbie in MD.
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