Advice on Refurbished Gear

[shep]

if anyone has ever gotten anything that was a refurb, where did you get it? where you happy with it? i am just wondering where the best place to buy refurb cameras might be. i am looking for a D700, but cant really justify paying the price for a new one. any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. thanks in advance.

[sk66]

I buy most of my stuff used...Ebay, Craigslist, etc...not much refurbished. I did buy a refurb (SB800) from a major powerseller on E-bay (they have gold medals associated with them) and it was fine, but you usually save more buying used from individuals. (e.g. I bought my D3 for less than 3k)

I prefer to be a little "behind the times" exercise some patience, and save a ton. I've probably paid not much more than 60% of current value for my gear.

[RustySterling]

Both my 40D bodies, a couple of my lenses and a 580EX II were all purchased as refurbs from Adorama.

The thing about refurbs is that they are generally returns for one reason or another and they go through a more stringent QC process than items off the assembly. That's because they really don't want it get it back again.

I have never had a problem with refurbed equipment.

If you look at Adorama you need to look in their overstock area to find most refurbs. But I looked and didn't see a D700 available as a refurb from them. B&H also sells refurbs. Go to their used section and look for refurbs.

[shep]

Thank you both. Sounds like you made out like a bandit on your D3, sk66.

Thanks for the info on refurbs Rusty. That is very interesting, and I've never thought about the QC issue you talked about. I feel much better about buying used and refurbs.

I will keep checking Adorama and B&H. Thank you both for the help.

[johndavid]

Good luck! Adorama occasionally posts new stuff as stock is updated

[PamEli]

I'm always finding more time at the end of my money and purhcase my D40x as a refurbished at Adorama. I've beene extreemly happy and am now looking to add lenses the same way. I've used he D700 that belongs to a friend and it is a beautiful camera...if you find a good price on a refurbished one I wouldn't hesitate...especially from a reputable dealer/store like Adorama.

good luck

[HelenOster]

Originally Posted by RustySterling

Both my 40D bodies, a couple of my lenses and a 580EX II were all purchased as refurbs from Adorama.

Thank you

Originally Posted by RustySterling

The thing about refurbs is that they are generally returns for one reason or another and they go through a more stringent QC process than items off the assembly. That's because they really don't want it get it back again.

For more info on what refurbished actually means, check here:

Everything you wanted to know about Adorama Camera........but didn't know who to ask!: Considering buying refurbished Canon from Adorama Camera?

Originally Posted by RustySterling

If you look at Adorama you need to look in their overstock area to find most refurbs.

You can also just type refurbished into the search box on the top left of the home page, and everything currently in stock should show up