Buying a Nex for Next to nothing: Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite vacuum cleaner died a sudden death and I needed to replace it. Off I went to my local PC Richards and...

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite vacuum cleaner died a sudden death and I needed to replace it. Off I went to my local PC Richards and picked up a new Dirt Devel. On the way out, I had to pass by the camera department. They had a floor sample Sony Nex5N for only $300.00 Only problem was the lens wasn't attached, exposing the sensor to the environment. On close inspection, there was a fingerprint on the sensor. Assuming that is all that's wrong, is it worth it for me to buy it. The lens, battery, charger, etc are in the original box?

Kestrel1029 Loc: Philadelphia, PA

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite v... (show quote)

If all of the pieces are there and assuming it works correctly it is a good deal. I got that same camera at Christmas from Best Buy for $400.00 as it was an open box item. I love it. It takes great pictures and has the same size sensor as my DSLR. Make sure it still has the original factory warranty too.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

How hard was that finger pressed on that sensor to leave a print?!!
I'd just as well let someone else find out !
But you sound like one for who money is no object, so..... :)

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Hey, coyote, if money was no object I would have bought a Miele, or at least a Dyson, instead of the Dirt Devil, and I would have been looking at a Leica, or at least a Sony RX1 and not a floor sample Nex5. People have a stereotype of all physicians being millionaires. As a General Practicioner in an urgent care center, I make a low six figure income. Given the cost of living in NYC, I can't go out and buy every last toy the catches my eye.

Kentee Loc: Southern California

Surprising that a reputable merchant would put that camera out for sale at any price.

You get what you pay for, but, in this case, you have no idea what you are getting.

Pay the other $100 and get a new one, if that is the camera for you! IMHO

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

... I make a low six figure income.... I can't go out and buy "every" last toy the catches my eye.

OK gotcha ! :) lol

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

why not look for factory refurb?
at least it is checked out, and less that retail

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite v... (show quote)

The camera is advertised as having a "touchscreen." Maybe the customer got confused. :D

A dealer isn't about to analyze and service every floor model he wants to replace. He just wants to get it off the floor and replace it with something else. Hence, the low price. I wouldn't worry about the fingerprint. Just get the appropriate cleaning kit and follow directions.

And Doc, thanks for being there for people who need help. :thumbup:

marki3rd Loc: Columbus, Indiana

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite v... (show quote)

If the sensor was not damaged from too much pressure distortingits mount or something, the sensor can be (carefully) cleaned with cleaning kits that are available from several sources. Here is an idea...... The price of floor models can often be negotiable. Ask to speak to the dept. manager and point out the fingerprint to him/her, and ask if $300 is the best price they can do. I have used this ploy on more than one deal. Don't be afraid to ask!!!!

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

If under warranty go for it send it to sony and let them clean it

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

Last Thursday, my 15 year old Eureka Mighty Mite v... (show quote)

If you didn't buy it yet, you can a refurb directly from Sony for $339. Even if you did buy it, sell it on eBay and then get the refurb from Sony.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

marki3rd wrote:

If the sensor was not damaged from too much pressure distortingits mount or something, the sensor can be (carefully) cleaned with cleaning kits that are available from several sources. Here is an idea...... The price of floor models can often be negotiable. Ask to speak to the dept. manager and point out the fingerprint to him/her, and ask if $300 is the best price they can do. I have used this ploy on more than one deal. Don't be afraid to ask!!!!

Exactly! That's my philosophy as well. All they can say is NO.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

marki3rd wrote:

If the sensor was not damaged from too much pressure distortingits mount or something, the sensor can be (carefully) cleaned with cleaning kits that are available from several sources. Here is an idea...... The price of floor models can often be negotiable. Ask to speak to the dept. manager and point out the fingerprint to him/her, and ask if $300 is the best price they can do. I have used this ploy on more than one deal. Don't be afraid to ask!!!!

And see if there is any warranty or return policy if it doesn't work. Do you have a lens to use with it?

Nikonista Loc: England

There is a camera body on display with a fingerprint on the sensor?

Probably rubbish. How did he get the mirror up and the shutter open to see the sensor?

He almost certainly means there were marks on the mirror which as it's surface silvered still needs careful cleaning.

Kestrel1029 Loc: Philadelphia, PA

Nikonista wrote:

There is a camera body on display with a fingerprint on the sensor?

Probably rubbish. How did he get the mirror up and the shutter open to see the sensor?

He almost certainly means there were marks on the mirror which as it's surface silvered still needs careful cleaning.

There is no mirror. Hence the name mirrorless camera.