Josh Kilinc , Feb 06, 2012; 07:50 a.m.
Apparently for sale is a "MINT!! Nikon D1x + 24-85 AFS Lens + Extras" for, uh, $500.
Description says that the camera is: Like New! This camera has been babied since it was born and has only taken 8000 clicks in its life! bought new for a whopping $7200 in 2003 - its like brand new, barely a scratch on it
comes with 2 batteries
24-85 AFS f3.5-4.5 lens with UV filter
charger
and 512mb CF card
Now, I'm a Canon guy, I have a 5D MkII, which I use mostly for landscapes, but I prefer portrait photography. Most of the time at least. Sometimes I feel like the AF on my Canon is pretty lacking. I'm honestly wondering if it would be worth snapping this up to use as my portrait body with the Canon for landscapes. Then again, I don't know whether this is likely to just be an absurd rip off.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Peter Hamm 
, Feb 06, 2012; 08:05 a.m.
It's worse than what you have at any price...
Josh Kilinc , Feb 06, 2012; 08:07 a.m.
Well, can't really argue with that.
mark kittleson 
, Feb 06, 2012; 08:09 a.m.
Hi Josh,
Probably not a scam. D1x is older. Price sounds very good... I'm not a Canon guy, but shooting portraits and landscapes I can't imagine that I would consider the D1x enough of an AF upgrade to spend the 500 bucks.....
Jim Momary , Feb 06, 2012; 08:19 a.m.
Of course anything is possible, in fact my 3 legged 'possum can outrun a greyhound ... well, downhill anyhow. Wanna buy and race him?
Looking at completed auctions on Ebay, there were 14 D1x bodies (without a lens) that sold in the time period they tracked.
A good proportion came with an extra battery. All had a strap, at least one battery and a charger I think. The condition varied. Low price was $129.50 and the high $373.00.
The average was $210.28.
So ...?
Matt Laur 
, Feb 06, 2012; 08:32 a.m.
I like Nikon cameras and lenses. But at this point you could simply hand me a D1x - unopened in the factory box - and after half an hour of satisfying my curiosity, I would never touch it again. With a 5DII in hand already, you're far better off putting a few hundred dollars towards glass you might need, or (since you shoot portraits), looking for weak spots in your lighting line up - stands, radio triggers, light modifiers, more lights, etc. Lighting gear usually plays a lot more of a role in portraiture than AF performance.
Elliot Bernstein 
, Feb 06, 2012; 08:58 a.m.
I owned a 5D and a 5DMKII, and I don't recall any warning stickers advising against using the camera for portrait work. Am I mistaken?
On a more serious note... The AF on the 5DMKII (as with the rest of the camera) is not lacking... learn how to use it properly and you will get better results.
Walt Flanagan , Feb 06, 2012; 09:19 a.m.
Yeah, it does sound like a scam in that the seller is overcharging you. I wouldn't spend more than $200 for the camera. If you really want the lens it's ok but you could find it for less.
Josh Kilinc , Feb 06, 2012; 09:21 a.m.
Well, I said I new nothing about Nikon. Old Canon 1D or 1Ds series tend to go for about $700 - $1100 with no accessories. I thought it might have been a bargain seeing as I thought it was pretty good camera, not really realizing how out of date it was. Thank you for knocking some sense in to me. I will continue to love my Canon.
David Haas , Feb 06, 2012; 10:32 a.m.
Josh -
The body itself is only "worth" about $200.00 - with battery and charger. The D1x was a notorious battery hog - 100 - 200 photos - then boom - Dead as a door nail.
The value (if any) is in the lens that they are pairing with this - if it is the newer 24-85 then it is worth (lens) between $150-$200 - Keep in mind that this is a plastic consumer lens (if it is the newer one) not a heavy duty lens.
Since I'm a Nikon guy - I would be somewhat interested in this - but not at $500.00 - but since you are a Canon guy, I would see no reason for you to use this as a jump to Nikon.
As a side note: I have a friend in Florida who shots the 5DM2 for portraits and gets incredible results. We're talking national publication here.
Dave
