Hi all.

I have the option of buying a second hand EX1 (first version, 4 years old).

What should I test? Backfocus? Recording media? Zoom?
The tips are welcome.

Thank you.

The utmost important one is asking for the latest firmware. If the firmware is below 1.15, you will have to send it into Sony again to have the firmware updated. If the camera's firmware is 1.20 or higher, it should be fine.

If any of the switches look worn out, ask if they are still functional as well.

OK.
Thanks for the info.

The cam shows Hours (sys): 560.

It's OK? Much hours?

The text of the button1 "Lens Info" and button 3 "Histogram" seems a little erased for use.
Rest seems OK.
Tomorrow I will test the cam.

Thanks.

Having owned a few EX1 and loved them I would suggest you buy a EX3. Different form factor, same great chips and opens up some options with glass. Just a thought.

I would not worry about the hours. The EX series are very durable being solid state and no moving parts. I would consider 500 hrs just broken in.

The early cameras were known for having the paint wear off, again not an issue if all the controls work well and picture quality is there.

You should check for dead pixels! (using long exposure)

How much do you pay?

Good point Thomas,

I have never experienced dead pixels on any of my CMOS cameras but my 2/3" CCD cameras it happened at times flying.

Do have an honest idea about why the person is selling it?

John

look at the overall camera appearance, you can always tell if the equipment was in good hands, check both media slots accept media without any errors, and of course check the lens for physical damage and accurate focus, like Paul says hours is your last concern, it's 1400 on mine and since there is no heads it doesn't really matter

Thanks all for the inputs.

At last, the cam has a purple spot on the center of the sensor. It appears on lcd screen and records it (we test it on Final Cut).

The camera was good overall. In the end I did not buy for that issue. :(

Thanks again for the info.

Good catch,

Sounds like you do not want to buy gear from that person.