seeker613 Loc: Brooklyn, N.Y.

I was happy w/the performance of a refurbed D300s, but it's time to upgrade. Certain functions aren't as rock solid as b4; & technically speaking it's a bit of a dinosaur, resoultion & ISO range, low light noise, sensor, AF. So I'm seriously looking at a D500.

I heard fm a reliable source that Nikon will replace a shutter during refurb process _only_ when it .needs. to be replaced. But what constitutes that need?

Does the need for replacement depend on a certain pre-determined # of activations; or is it based on continued smooth, reliable functionality? & in general, what would be the signs that a shutter needs to be replaced (for my D300s)?

Anybody have experience w/a refurbed D500 & shuttter performance/reliability one way or the other- after X-amount of activations?

A shutter should work w/150K activations, but since it is rated @ 200K activations how optimally/reliably will it work, & when/how does it show signs of wearing out?

I heard replacing a shutter costs like $300 & you only save abt that amount on a refurbed vs. a new model; so anyone know about how many activations will a typical refurbed D500 have out of the box & how much does the # of activations matter??

All input fm those who got a refurbed D500 & checked on the shutter count @ purchase & can relate how well that shutter still performs after x-amount of more activations will be greately appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Eli

chemsaf Loc: San Diego

Refurb ok if you know source. KEH I trust. Private seller not so much.

CO

You can't know how many activations a typical refurbished D500 will have out of the box. Each one is going to be different. I used to shoot with a D300s. I now have two D500's and a D750. The D500 is a great upgrade from the D300/D300s. I'm not sure how you can check the shutter count at purchase. You would have to purchase it first and then check when you get it.

seeker613 Loc: Brooklyn, N.Y.

CO, was hoping people would chime in w/their post-purchase, pre-use shutter counts & get a bit of a sense on the #'s.

Do you have any insight on the signs of an aging / less functional shuttter? Thanks in advance, Eli

BebuLamar

If during the refurbish process the shutter is found malfunction then they would have to replace it. However, I think this is very rare because refurbished cameras weren't used a lot. If they base it on shutter count then none of the refurbished should not have any where near the estimate life of the shutter.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

If you are so concerned about it you might have more peace of mind just buying new. The life expectancy is an average failure number not a guarantee of what any instance of the body might do. How many photos do you shoot per year? Will you hit 200k in 2 years or 10 years...

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The D500 has a shutter lifespan upwards to 200,000+ shutter clicks. Other Nikon DX consumer cameras have 100,000+ shutter clicks. As, someone mentioned in an earlier thread, you wouldn't know the shutter count, until you purchased the camera. If the camera was bought used, from an individual seller, you could get a shutter count on it. Also, if you purchase a Nikon DSLR, that has had a new shutter replacement, the previous shutter count is not rolled back. One photographer, I met a few years ago, had a recalled D750 by Nikon USA, for a shutter issue. The shutter was replaced for free. The shutter count was not rolled back. However, the camera had a new shutter. Purchasing a Nikon USA D500 should be OK. The refurbished Nikon cameras come with a 90 day warranty. Instead of a one year warranty on a new camera.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Many happy re-furb buyers on UHH. I purchased a "refurb" Nikon D7200 from Adorama, Nikon "white" box, everything inside...the D7200 had 60 clicks (checked it myself) when received. Not a D500, but should give you an idea of what to expect. Others have reported anywhere from a handful to several thousand clicks on any refurbs bought from reliable vendors - B&H, Adorama, Nikon website, Cameta (I think they were sold, ??) Samy's, Hunt's, etc. and although KEH does not give count on used, MPB does, but both provide many like new, some with very low counts too.

Unless a private seller is selling one bought as a "refurb", I'd have my doubts, and would want to see receipts from Nikon saying so..

My "refurb" was done by Nikon, and has paperwork stating so, it was in the box.

If the number of acuations is low, and the paperwork is there, I'd call it a very safe purchase.

The only Nikon I've had with a shutter issue was a used D80, it started to skip a shot often, thne got to the point of no longer working (sit's in a case now as a "shelf queen" display, as it looks like new, but does not work, at all). It was not economical to repair and was replaced by a D90. That was a few years back, no issues since. I have D90, D7100 and D7200. Hope this is helpful info. Good hunting and good luck to you.

Opusx300

KEH doesn’t tend to sell refurbished. Can sometimes find at B&H or Adorama. Otherwise go to Nikon website directly.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If I had to buy a Nikon refurb camera Nikon would be my primary source. Cameta has them on occasions and they are 100% reliable.

I see the word "update" here often. If a camera is old usually the owner reasons that a new camera will do better compare to the "dinosaur" he or she owns. In your case I am going to say that the D300s is a great tool. If you need a superior AF, if you are the kind of person that needs to crop the image often, if you do a lot of night photography and are concern with noise then it is time to update. The D300s performs beautifully up to ISO 1600 although some files will require a denoise program. Its 12 Mp. are very capable of beautiful enlargements with plenty of resolution to show fine details.

The majority of refurbs are cameras that were bought by the owner and returned to the company that sold them. I cannot say much about shutter failure because I never experienced one. Modern cameras can go to 150 thousand shutter actuations without issues.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

You answered your own question in the next to last paragraph
If only saving $300 refurb. over new and the shutter count really matters to you Buy new!!!~

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

MPB lists the shutter count on ALL their used/refurbished cameras.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Buy new, then your mind will be at ease.

seeker613 Loc: Brooklyn, N.Y.

OleMikey, thanks for sharing yoor insights.

My D300s was a refurb. When Nikon does a refurb, they put stars, or asterisks on either side of the serial number on the body.

That's a hard rule; so you & all know for the future.

Thanks for the point on replaced shutters NOT getting rolled back.

seeker613 Loc: Brooklyn, N.Y.

What & where is MPB & are they Nikon authorized resellers?