[MoxMonkey]

hey,

i might be picking up a used d70 body with ~35k actuations (pro's former backup) with a nikon 18-70 and 70-300

what would be a fair value for this stuff used?

 

[dj_mocok]

It all depends on the condition of the camera and lenses.
I probably wouldn't pay more than US$500-550.

But if you asked me personally, I'd rather get a newer version of the camera. eg. D50 or something.

 

[MoxMonkey]

i'm sure the equipment is in good condition as it's being sold by a local pro who teaches at a local photography school (and enthusiasts tend to value their gear more than the average person and treat it better as a result)

as to a d50 not an option as this is a local used sale

 

[Uncle Erik]

The D70 body seems to go around $400-$500 on eBay. The 18-70 is the kit lens, right? Those are going around $150-$200. Now, I think there's a VR version of the 70-300mm and a consumer version. I bought the consumer version new for about $120. I'd think they'd be around $75-$80 used. The VR version of the lens looks like it's going around $450-$500.

I do recommend this setup, though. I've got a D70s with both these lenses and a 50mm f/1.8 prime, also a consumer version. I absolutely love the setup. Consistently great photos and I've knocked off over 1,100 photos in a day *without* killing the battery.

Also, I believe you can install a free firmware update on the D70, which makes it into a D70s. I'd also recommend picking up one of Nikon's flashes (I use the SB-600) and I'm fond of the 50mm prime - it takes great shots and is fast.

 

[MoxMonkey]

18-70 is the one shown at this link (which i'm pretty sure is the kit lens)

LINK!

the 70-300 is the non vr version

he's also selling the 50mm f1.8 prime but it's between that and the 70-300 (which i think the 70-300 is the better choice for the time being due to budget constraints which also prevents purchasing a flash for now)

 

[fabool]

You should also keep in mind the average life expectancy of the shutter.
I don't think Nikon ever officially told what the life expectancy was for the D70, but I believe it's generally thought to be 50k shutter actuations give or take. Of course, it doesn't mean that the shutter will fail at that time, but it's something to keep in mind when thinking of buying a used camera with a lot of shutter actuations on it, even if it was in pristine condition otherwise.

 

[MoxMonkey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabool /img/forum/go_quote.gif You should also keep in mind the average life expectancy of the shutter. I don't think Nikon ever officially told what the life expectancy was for the D70, but I believe it's generally thought to be 50k shutter actuations give or take. Of course, it doesn't mean that the shutter will fail at that time, but it's something to keep in mind when thinking of buying a used camera with a lot of shutter actuations on it, even if it was in pristine condition otherwise.

yah that's one concern i have but even then i think it's still a good deal he's also selling a d200 body with 121k which is far more and it's still operating just fine

 

[jzhang1013]

I sold mine for around $360 with around 56kish shots and my 18-70 for around $160.

 

[dan1son]

My father's first of two D70's has about 40k actuations and shows no signs of failing. Nikon DSLR's have a pretty good track record with that. But like anything that wears you just never know how long it's going to last. Maybe 37k, maybe 150k. A new shutter is probably around $300 so it's probably not worth replacing.

Consider it like buying a used car with 70k miles. It's getting close to the 100k expected life, but if it was well taken care of it might go another 100k.

 

[dangtong]

If I were you, I would not pay more than $425 for the body, $150-180 for the kit lens and $70-$80 for the 70-300 non VR lens.

35K acutation is not bad for the D70 if used under normal weather condition, I think it'll still has lot of life. But as previous poster said, it's a hit a miss with these.

Good luck.