Of shutter actuations

[Lauffray]

Perhaps someone better versed in digital cameras can explain to me why exactly are shutter counts so important when looking for used digital cameras ?

I understand that the shutters have their own lifespan, but surely they can be replaced in the worst case no ? I'm sure my M4 must have seen exposures well over what the design intended, is there another reason this is particularly relevant to digital ?

 

[Paul Luscher]

Probably because now the camera can count them for you.

 

[James24]

It gives an indication of how much use a camera has had. A Nikon D700 with 100,000 clicks on it is probably going to show more wear everywhere else than one with 2,000 clicks on it. Not necessarily because some shooters carry cameras around all day without actually using them, but probably true. I find it very useful and I would be reluctant to buy a used dslr, M8, M9 or whatever without knowing the shutter count.

 

[Lauffray]

I see, so a high count and a well preserved well functioning body is a good deal then ?
Would you buy a film M without knowing the shutter count ?

 

[santino]

usually nobody knows the shutter count of a film M. BUT I bet that film Ms don't get as much clicks as digital bodies.
Let's say a roll of film costs 5 bucks, with 10000 shutter actuations you would have to spend 50000 bucks !!! (off course one can "dry-fire" without film in the camera, but I usually don't do that). Sigh, SD cards are less expensive 😉

 

[angeloks]

Same reason why you check the mileage on a used car. It gives you an idea of the general mechanical wear although it's only an indicator. An Impreza WRX with 15k can be in worst shape than a Yaris with 90k... It also depends on the previous owner. Digital cameras do have moving parts that can wear and fail.

 

[froyd]

usually nobody knows the shutter count of a film M. BUT I bet that film Ms don't get as much clicks as digital bodies.
Let's say a roll of film costs 5 bucks, with 10000 shutter actuations you would have to spend 50000 bucks !!! (off course one can "dry-fire" without film in the camera, but I usually don't do that). Sigh, SD cards are less expensive 😉

Divided by 36 or 24, no?

In any case, I get your point. On a week's vacation I might come home with 5 rolls of 24 (120 frames), but if I take my digicam, I usually end up with many more frames... ...and, ironically, less keepers!

 

[santino]

Divided by 36 or 24, no?

In any case, I get your point. On a week's vacation I might come home with 5 rolls of 24 (120 frames), but if I take my digicam, I usually end up with many more frames... ...and, ironically, less keepers!

you are so damn right :bang: my bad 🙄

it's still a lot of cash, isn't it?

 

[250swb]

If the information is available use it when buying a second hand camera. A well worn body with only 2000 shots may lead you to think the camera hasn't been very well looked after. A clean body with 100,000 shots may indicate a pampered but productive life.

Steve

 

[mugget]

Yes, absolutely shutters can be replaced when they eventually wear out.

I think alot of fuss is made because now you can count the actuations with digital cameras.

In my experience the wear on the camera (scuffing, 'brassing', scratches etc.) will be a fair indication of the use and shutter count.

Personally I would not be too concerned about buying a digital M with 100,000+ actuations. I'm not sure of the 'service life' of the shutter, but just think how much shooting even 10,000 photos would be...

The only place where shutter actuations are a concern for me is if someone is trying to sell me an M8 with 100,000 actuations for as much as (or more than) an M8 with say 20,000 actuations. But then again you'll likely see the wear on the body and won't pay as much for a better worn camera.