Gene Szucs 
, Feb 24, 2010; 01:06 p.m.
I just picked up a D700 and 24-70 online used at a pretty good price, knowing that the lens had some scratches and was not in perfect condition. Everything came in today, and I can clearly see that the glass is fine, no scratches, but the zoom ring is caught, very stiff, and that when focusing the lens, I am not able to move the focus points using the D700 controls. The barrel and base ring are also very loose. Should I try and repair, or just send back and wait till I can afford close to a new one? The D700 is in 'ok' condition, haven't checked the shutter count yet - will do that when I get home. But basically got both of these for the price of a new D700 body. Thoughts?
PJ Gaule , Feb 24, 2010; 01:20 p.m.
From all you say, Gene, you definitely seem to have a problem with the lens. I would be slow to spend good money trying to refurbish it, but it may be worthwhile getting a professional opinion on that. If you are unable to move the focus points using the AF Direction Pad, it may well be that the camera itself has a malfunction. If the camera, on inspection, proves to be in good condition, perhaps you could get it alone at a nicely reduced price.
Elliot Bernstein 
, Feb 24, 2010; 01:25 p.m.
Gene Szucs , Feb 24, 2010; 01:33 p.m.
Yeah, it was locked (DOH), and I should have realized that. BUT, the barrel is definitely jammed a bit, and loose. I paid $2850 for both the lens and body, and the camera seems in good working order save for a ding or two on the bottom, but I use the MB-10, so that takes care of that. No lens OR body caps, so I have to get those. Here are some pics. . .
Anthony Bez , Feb 24, 2010; 01:52 p.m.
I would be wary of future problems with the camera.... After a drop faults can occur from the impact at a later date.
Jay Poel , Feb 24, 2010; 02:29 p.m.
Looks like it was dropped and dragged or dropped from a moving vehicle.
Gene Szucs , Feb 24, 2010; 02:40 p.m.
Everything seems fine on the camera itself, and there are no scratches on the glass whatsoever. It's just the lens case itself that seems to be the issue. Any more thoughts? I have a few days to return it, I know that picking this up 'as new' would be a heck of a lot more expensive than this.
Ray - , Feb 24, 2010; 02:41 p.m.
Because I am so cheap, I would certainly look into the repair bills at a independent repairer ...
I cannot afford a flash set up like this new or used now maybe in good condition used when it is like 7yrs old :D Heck, I got my D2h mid 2009.
Peter Rafle 
, Feb 24, 2010; 02:54 p.m.
Wow! That looks like it was an ugly incident... I would assume the photographer was critically injured when the truck hit him. You might want to check the local hospitals.
when focusing the lens, I am not able to move the focus points using the D700 controls
Have you tried another lens? Can you move the focus point at all (assuming it wasn't just locked)?
It's hard for me to imagine that an impact like that didn't do all sorts of damage to the internals of the D700. I'll be interested to see what you find when you do a full test of the body. On the other hand, it's a great conversation starter -- I imagine you'll get a lot of questions about your experiences covering the Marines in Afghanistan.
Gene Szucs , Feb 24, 2010; 03:17 p.m.
No doubt. The body doesn't look bad at all except for that one ding. . . And yes, I'll get everything checked out, just waiting back from the seller to make sure that he'll let me assess everything before committing to anything. I don't need the best looking gear, but it all has to work. As I said, the MB-10 connected fine to the unit, the mirror looks good, all th internal electronics are responding pretty well. Going to check the shutter count when I get home. If the repairs add up to a couple hundred on the lens, I still think I came up kind of strong.
This discussion is closed.
