Buy a used PD 150? at DVinfo.net

Cameron Trejo · August 12th, 2003, 12:57 PM

I am looking to buy a used PD 150 with the following stats:

Purchased November 25th, 2001. Still under 4 year Mack warranty.

Hours are as follows: 400 Op, 210 Drum, 110 Tape, 580 Threading.

Accessories included:

extra Sony battery (model NPF-960)
Rycote mini windjammer
Hoodman LCD sunshade (model H300)

He is asking $2500.00. There is a photo posted on his website of the camera and it looks as if has been taken care of and is in like new condition. He seems to be a reputable cameraman who has taken good care of his equipment.

I would be interested to hear your take on this buy.

Thanks

Cameron

Don Bloom · August 12th, 2003, 01:08 PM

Hi Cameron,
The hours aren't any worse than either of mine and actually less than one of them BUT, looks can be deceiving. If the camera is somewhere where you can look it over and try some tape thru it thats the way to go, but I'll assume it's not so, here's my take on it. I think its a little overpriced for the hours and equipment he's offering but the remainder of the Mack warranty does help make up for it a little. Buying used or preowned equipment is always a crap shot and when its from a private seller that you don't know and is probably at least a couple of hundred miles away makes it even tougher. I'll not try to persuade you one way or another but I would look long and careful at the camera before dropping $2500 on it. For not much more you can get a brand new one with some astute shopping around of course. I'm kinda middle of the road on this one. Sorry I can't be more help but I always hesitate when it comes to helping someone else spend their money unless I know them really well ;-)
Don

Mike Rehmus · August 12th, 2003, 04:19 PM

Ask Mack directly if the warranty is transferrable.

Wow, lots of tape loads there.

Dave Largent · August 12th, 2003, 05:22 PM

Hi Cameron,
I'm in the same position as you: looking to purchase a PD150.
Let me share with you this. I have recently purchased four
pre-owned items through ebay from four seperate sellers, all of
whom had great positive feedback. All the items were described
as in excellent condition. Here's how things have worked out:

1. VCR for $400. Within about five hours of use, it
developed a known problem with playback image.
Estimated cost of repair is $200 plus shipping out of
state, hassle packaging, and insurance.

2. Camcorder. Discovered immediately, when shooting
in low light, that a CCD has "hot pixels" which show
as bright white spots on tape. Cam is only usable
in bright outdoor contrasty environment. Can't prove
previous owner was aware of problem. Estimated
cost of repair to replace CCD is $300+.

3. Telephone. Discovered immediately there was a short
in the handset which rendered the unit unusable.
Threw it in the trash.

4. Time base corrector. Haven't tested it yet.

These experiences have definately soured me to this type of
mail-order "deals". And like Don said, a new one isn't that much more. I wouldn't do it if I were you.
Dave.

Jun Galinato · August 12th, 2003, 06:47 PM

Hi Cameron, I have an auction at e-bay, if you are interested please email me at junprostar@aol.com. The camcorder is 40 hours drum run.

August 12th, 2003, 12:57 PM	#1
Cameron Trejo Tourist Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 3	Buy a used PD 150? I am looking to buy a used PD 150 with the following stats: Purchased November 25th, 2001. Still under 4 year Mack warranty. Hours are as follows: 400 Op, 210 Drum, 110 Tape, 580 Threading. Accessories included: extra Sony battery (model NPF-960) Rycote mini windjammer Hoodman LCD sunshade (model H300) He is asking $2500.00. There is a photo posted on his website of the camera and it looks as if has been taken care of and is in like new condition. He seems to be a reputable cameraman who has taken good care of his equipment. I would be interested to hear your take on this buy. Thanks Cameron

August 12th, 2003, 04:19 PM	#3
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	Ask Mack directly if the warranty is transferrable. Wow, lots of tape loads there. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 12th, 2003, 06:47 PM	#5
Jun Galinato Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 231	Hi Cameron, I have an auction at e-bay, if you are interested please email me at junprostar@aol.com. The camcorder is 40 hours drum run. __________________ Sony Z7U, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-105 F4L, Canon 70-200 F2.8L, Canon 580 EXII, Zoom H2.

August 12th, 2003, 01:08 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Hi Cameron, The hours aren't any worse than either of mine and actually less than one of them BUT, looks can be deceiving. If the camera is somewhere where you can look it over and try some tape thru it thats the way to go, but I'll assume it's not so, here's my take on it. I think its a little overpriced for the hours and equipment he's offering but the remainder of the Mack warranty does help make up for it a little. Buying used or preowned equipment is always a crap shot and when its from a private seller that you don't know and is probably at least a couple of hundred miles away makes it even tougher. I'll not try to persuade you one way or another but I would look long and careful at the camera before dropping $2500 on it. For not much more you can get a brand new one with some astute shopping around of course. I'm kinda middle of the road on this one. Sorry I can't be more help but I always hesitate when it comes to helping someone else spend their money unless I know them really well ;-) Don

August 12th, 2003, 05:22 PM	#4
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	Hi Cameron, I'm in the same position as you: looking to purchase a PD150. Let me share with you this. I have recently purchased four pre-owned items through ebay from four seperate sellers, all of whom had great positive feedback. All the items were described as in excellent condition. Here's how things have worked out: 1. VCR for $400. Within about five hours of use, it developed a known problem with playback image. Estimated cost of repair is $200 plus shipping out of state, hassle packaging, and insurance. 2. Camcorder. Discovered immediately, when shooting in low light, that a CCD has "hot pixels" which show as bright white spots on tape. Cam is only usable in bright outdoor contrasty environment. Can't prove previous owner was aware of problem. Estimated cost of repair to replace CCD is $300+. 3. Telephone. Discovered immediately there was a short in the handset which rendered the unit unusable. Threw it in the trash. 4. Time base corrector. Haven't tested it yet. These experiences have definately soured me to this type of mail-order "deals". And like Don said, a new one isn't that much more. I wouldn't do it if I were you. Dave.