Life expectancy of DLSR's
Sep 1, 2017 11:12:48 #
Shutter count seems to be the main thing on folks' minds when shopping for a used camera. I just sold my D750, and that was always the first question asked. I answered 10,000, and usually that sent buyers away, even though the camera is rated at 150,000. I take a lot of photos, and it would take quite a few years to wear out a shutter, and even then it can be replaced. Of course one can end up with a lemon, but if you take care of your camera it should last a long long time. By then you'll probably want the newer models anyway.
Sep 1, 2017 11:24:59 #
Tet68survivor wrote:
What is a reasonable life expectancy of DLSR cameras, either based on "Shutter Count" or other method! Just curious!
For a pro, about 2 years max. For an amateur about as long as they can take it without getting a case of GAS. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) GAS is very hard to defend against and there is no good vaccine against it other than death, jail, or bankruptcy. None of those antidotes are suggested as a form of recovery as they are bad for your health.
Sep 1, 2017 11:27:56 #
Shutters only cost about $400 to replace. No big deal if you like your camera.
Sep 1, 2017 13:19:49 #
Tet68survivor wrote:
What is a reasonable life expectancy of DLSR cameras, either based on "Shutter Count" or other method! Just curious!
A lot depends on how much and how you use it, as well as STORE it when it is not being used. As you can see from the other posts pros are getting 1 million+ clicks out of an older D3. There's no reason why a good mid-range or pro level DSLR can't last a decade or more, if it is cared for. It might need a tune up or re-calibration at some point.
One thing I will add: If you are an enthusiast (like me), and only infrequently use the DSLR, take it out often just to "flex" the shutter, mirror and lens linkages as inaction can be as bad as overuse (just like people). Always store your equipment with silica gel packs, and change them every couple of years, to keep moisture at bay - prevents corrosion, fungus especially on the expensive lenses.
Sep 1, 2017 13:39:07 #
Tet68survivor wrote:
My 5D MII is just about 10 years old now, don't know the shutter count ( maybe 300,000, or 400,000), I don't know, but i'll guess, I will be happy shooting it for at least another 10, 20 years!What is a reasonable life expectancy of DLSR cameras, either based on "Shutter Count" or other method! Just curious!
Sep 1, 2017 13:56:19 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Still shoot my Canon Digital Rebel from 2003, my 5D, 7D, 40D,. All function as designed with the exception of the 5D, which had a faulty mirror replaced free from Canon. I think the toughest of the bunch may be the 40D.
One of the biggest camera shops here used them for their rental inventory because they had so few or now problems with them. The store has since closed.
I also think handling, care, and maintenance, including cleaning, has more to do with longevity than shutter count. Like rehess posted, repairs may not be worth it. The other factor as recently discussed on UHH, is parts on a lot of models are inventoried for 10 years.
I would say rather than shutter count - a body is good for 10+ years.
One of the biggest camera shops here used them for their rental inventory because they had so few or now problems with them. The store has since closed.
I also think handling, care, and maintenance, including cleaning, has more to do with longevity than shutter count. Like rehess posted, repairs may not be worth it. The other factor as recently discussed on UHH, is parts on a lot of models are inventoried for 10 years.
I would say rather than shutter count - a body is good for 10+ years.
Sep 1, 2017 14:28:12 #
Really, huh. Or, "Which camera should I buy?"
Peterff wrote:
I can think of several better contenders this week, such as "Why do people take pictures?" 
Sep 1, 2017 14:30:24 #
Sep 1, 2017 15:24:25 #
Heck you just got it broken in, you should get years of use from it as long as you take good care of it.
Tet68survivor wrote:
Ah yes I should have specified, but it was a general question. I use the Nikon D5200 2 years old, in mint shape, and about 22,000 shutter actuations!
Sep 1, 2017 15:42:05 #
Tet68survivor wrote:
What is a reasonable life expectancy of DLSR cameras, either based on "Shutter Count" or other method! Just curious!
Others have said many ways already but my reasons below may be the best.
What kind of person are you?
One that goes for the minimalist approach, (It does what I need and I'm sticking with it.)
Or one that has a GAS problem, (I have to have the latest goodies and if for no other reason, new gear makes me look like a photographer.)
Sep 1, 2017 19:14:36 #
MT Shooter wrote:
There is no "pat" answer. I have seen ca... (show quote)
The Nikon D3S was announced on 14 October 2009, about 2878 days ago. That's about 625 exposures per day or 26 per hour for the 1.8 million camera. Add the other 1.1 million camera and you're just short of 42 exposures per hour - not quite a movie.
Sep 1, 2017 20:50:56 #
I had a Nikon 5300 that was about two years old with a little over 60,000 clicks but started experiencing shutter troubles at about 55,000 clicks, it was intermittent but there were times when the shutter seem to jam up and/or I had to turn the camera off and on and take a shot to clear the problem it seems like the gears were grinding
Sep 3, 2017 09:10:36 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
Tet68survivor wrote:
What is a reasonable life expectancy of DLSR cameras, either based on "Shutter Count" or other method! Just curious!
before any leica film or digital rangefinder body leaves the factory, it is subject to 100,000 shutter exposures. so, given that, my observation is that leica shutters do not fail. at least in my experience of 50+ years of using mine, in some very nasty places, i've never had any kind of failure from the shutter mechanism.
Sep 11, 2017 10:57:53 #
wj cody wrote:
before any leica film or digital rangefinder body leaves the factory, it is subject to 100,000 shutter exposures. so, given that, my observation is that leica shutters do not fail. at least in my experience of 50+ years of using mine, in some very nasty places, i've never had any kind of failure from the shutter mechanism.
Could you give a link to where you found evidence that every camera shutter is tests 100,000 times. I have been unable to find that. I did find that every camera shutter is tested for speed, but could only find reference (and not at Leica) to spot checking for greater testing.
Sep 11, 2017 11:11:51 #
Peterff wrote:
You ask a question that is almost impossible to an... (show quote)
My Canon F-1 had over 20 years on it--still worked as when it was brand new. But nowhere 100,000 clicks. Think about what 100,000 pics would have cost, just to buy andd process, forget printing, as only a small percentage would have been printed.
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