wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

As we all know there are pros and cons with purchasing a Refurbished camera or lens. If you purchase a manufacturer refurbished camera from a reputable company, you can normally get a great deal. I have made such purchases several times and have always been very happy with the items I received.

I received a Nikon Refurbished D7100 yesterday that I bought from a reputable seller. There was absolutely no difference in the appearance of this camera and a brand new one. I was a little shocked when I checked the shutter count and saw that it was 42,909. Although I feel sure it would have worked for a long time, I really didn't want a camera with a third of the shutter life used up.

I do understand that when purchasing Refurbished from Nikon USA or any of their authorized dealers, there is no guarantee what the shutter count will be. Once Refurbished, Nikon does not check the count, and the dealers don't open the sealed boxes to check the count, so it is somewhat of a chance we take.

The other cameras I have purchased were some of the first units that were Refurbished for that particular model; so I assume most were returned when the customer received them and saw they had a problem, or just changed their mind, therefore, they were used very little. Because the 7100 has been on the market for a long time, I suppose that means some were returned under warranty after being heavily used, maybe used by a pro.

Since I did purchase from Cameta, they immediately sent me a return authorization, so I returned the camera today. I'm out the postage, but it is worth it not to have a camera that looks brand new and has 43k shutter actuations.

Now I have to decide if I order another Refurbished unit for $579, go for a new one, or just go ahead and get a 610? It is hard to beat the deal of a 7100 for $579.

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

Do you really think that when they refurbish a camera, the entire shutter system is not refurbished?

MtnMan Loc: ID

Yes. Refurbished means clean and repair of any defects. I'm sure they do nothing to operable parts that meet specifications.

All my Nikon refurbs have had zero or very low shutter counts.

wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

From the conversations I've had with Nikon and the dealers, including one a few minutes ago, the shutter is not replaced unless it isn't operating properly.

The last refurb I purchased had about 200 actuations on it.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I'm confident that a manufacturer refurbished camera would perform flawlessly for a period of time extending well beyond any apocryphal shutter life period. Neither cameras or well-maintained cars have a strict USE BY date these days. And Cameta's warranty on refurbished gear is pretty generous. I DON'T disagree with a decision that is obviously yours to make, but under similar circumstances IMO I would have probably not sent it back.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

"Now I have to decide if I order another Refurbished unit for $579, go for a new one, or just go ahead and get a 610? It is hard to beat the deal of a 7100 for $579."

It's not hard to beat if you go to Adorama. Price for a Refurbished Nikon D7100 is now $499.
Good luck.

wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

That's exactly what I did about 30 minutes ago. They were $599 UNTIL THEY STARTED THIS SPECIAL. That will make up for the shipping I lost plus about $50 more in savings.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Tried to see what came with it, Says Body only. I don't think you get battery, charger or anything with it. I'm probably wrong, help me find out.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

IF it is a "factory" refurbish, it should come with all the items that would be in a "new" unit. IF not, I'd question who refurbished.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I received a Nikon Refurbished D7100 yesterday that I bought from a reputable seller. There was absolutely no difference in the appearance of this camera and a brand new one. I was a little shocked when I checked the shutter count and saw that it was 42,909. Although I feel sure it would have worked for a long time, I really didn't want a camera with a third of the shutter life used up.


Reply - Had the same experience with another model Nikon, and returned. I'm sure it would of had a long life, but considering that it might be my last purchase (I'm not getting any younger) I wanted to make sure it outlived me :-D

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

My 7d from B&H had 1800 clicks, and looked brand new. It cam with all the things that a new one would. The key is "factory refurbished".

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

I purch my 7100 refurb @Adorama. Shutter count was 572. It's kinda like "you pay your nickle & take a ride" as to shutter count.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

The D610 is full frame.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Got one from Adorama yesterday. Has battery, charger and all with it. And only 29 shutter actuations. 90 day warranty.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Oh, and wrapped manual(s) and front and back lens caps. Just like new but just a white box instead of the Nikon box with the pretty pictures. (-: