BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I have the opportunity to purchase a D300 with <10,000 shutter actuations. The camera is body only, but comes with several high-end accessories including a Metz 44 series flash. The only problem with the camera, per a Nikon technician, is that the built-in flash tube is inoperative. Repairs would cost at least $200 (although I haven't yet checked with Discount Camera). The hot flash shoe and all related features seem to work properly. I am willing to use the camera without flash or with an off-shoe flash (via cable).

Now the financial issue. Asking price is $400, but the store is going out of business and I think I can get the package for $200 with no warranty. I would be purchasing the camera as a backup to my D3200. Since all my lenses are AF-S, it should focus with everything.

The Nikon tech is not certified; his certification lapsed when the stote's status as a dealer was down-graded, but he has worked on all my Nikons for years and I trust him completely. He says $200 is a fair price, but does not have access to a new flash tube. Your comments would BR appreciated. Thank you.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I have a D300, and rarely used the built-in flash. Perhaps only used as fill-in/lighten shadows, during an outdoor shoot. The biggest pitfall, is the shadow which could be caused by the lens/lens-hood, unless a physically short lens is being used. I'm more likely to slot on the SB 600 than bother with the built-in flash.

Miamisburg Jim Loc: Miamisburg, Ohio, USA

I have a D300 as a backup to my D800. The 300 is a very rugged beast and I wouldn't hesitate to get it at $200. I too used it on occasions as a fill flash if I had a short lens on, but would normally use a more powerful flash that is triggered by the flash in the camera. This command mode should work and I would test it before shelling out $200.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

The $400 price is probably a "fair" price from the sound of it. At $200 is would be really difficult to walk away! (Even for someone with no need for a D300!)

The D800 is the only DSLR I've owned that even has a built in flash. I almost never use it. Over the years, with different models starting with a D1 and now with a D4, I've acquired several hot shoe mount flash units. With a SB600 and SB800 there isn't much need to upgrade. (Note that I'm not a fan of using flash except when absolutely necessary, so that is very biased.)

Hence the flash might just be a total non-issue. For someone with a D3200 that D300 might be very interesting in many other ways. The D3200 is very much the bottom end entry level model, but it is also much newer technology (2012) than the 14-bit depth but only 12 MP D300 that is 5 years older in a time of very rapid technical advances.

You'll probably like almost everything about the D300 better than the D3200... except the D3200's high pixel count and better noise at high ISO's. If you don't use those facilities, the D300 is fantastic for $200! Features like the pentaprism vs pentamirror viewfinder might just make the D300 your primary camera and the D3200 the backup.

catfish252

You may want to see if Commander mode still works if you use off camera flash, just a thought.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

That only makes a difference if two flash units are needed and used.

If the actual problem is as stated, that the builtin flash tube is bad, there is no reason to think commander mode would not work with the appropriate external flash.

Of course the included Metz flash works only as a remote flash, not as the master. Hence to use two flash units, one remote controlled by the other, that camera and flash combination will require purchase of flash unit that can be the master for Commander mode. (A Metz 58, a Nikon SB800 or SB900 are examples.)

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I'm still using my D300 even though I have a D7100...Almost never use the built in flash on either unit as I have multiple external units...

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

In entire agreement with Pablo. The D300 is an excellent tool with a very good AF system, well built and ready to take some of your most beautiful shots. As all old sensors it is not the best camera if you work often in low light requiring high ISO settings.
You will be better off using a flash in the hotshoe or off camera flash than using the in camera flash. For $200 it is a bargain and it will give you many years of good service.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I still have my D300. It was the "standard" when it was introduced--and it's a bargain at either price-- especially with only 10,000 actuations. Like Scott, I use mine as a back-up to my D7100.

The $200.00 is more of a D200 price-- but if you can get it for $200.00, go for it.

I bought mine locally and it was a "toss-up" between the D90 & the D300. When I held both in my hands, it was a clear choice for me.

Lionel1954 Loc: Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

The D300 is probably more than you expect. By getting that camera you open yourself up to "D" lenses also "AI" lenses. Depth of field preview, mirror lock up as well as mirror up for cleaning, die cast body, weather sealed and the list goes on. At either price it is a good deal, sorry about the flash but the 10,000 activations make up for it. It would not surprise me that you may just use the D300 as your go to camera. One word of caution, keep the ISO low, it gets noisy above 800 ISO worse the higher you go.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

UPDATE:

Well, I picked up the camera today. It is a U.S. model (not grey market), but has an after-market battery and charger (a situation I will rectify). And it had the printed manual. No cables, no card, but they are easy to get. Also bought a Giotto screen protector. Body, battery, charger and manual - $225 + tax. Now to spend some time going over the camera and reading the manual before I try it out.

One humorous observation (at least to me). My 35mm f/1.8 sure looks a lot smaller on the D300 than it does on my D3200......