Any issues buying used HMC150?

M

mikemiho

Member
Is there anything I should be concerned with buying a used 150? Old firmware or hardware that I'm not aware of that would be a red flag?

Seems like prices range between $2k-$2800. I'm aware of the risks of buying used gear, but thought you guys might know something I don't specific to the 150. Thanks in advance.
 
A new 150 will run you $2995 for B&H today (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=hmc150&N=0&InitialSearch=yes) so $2800 for a used one is high.

There's an option in the menu settings (I forget where exactly and, to be honest, I'm just too lazy to go check) to see how many hours have been recorded on the camera so you can check that...it's like the odometer on a car.

It's a solid state camera and there is no tape mechanism and very few actual moving parts. If the cam is in good physical shape, the lens is unscratched, and the price is right, go for it.
 
Just make sure the hours don't say something like 34534518934, some units were displaying inaccurate time usage.
 
Thanks guys. I found one that I'm probably going to get to shoot videos for web. It has 350 hours on it, purchased in January 2009 and asking price of $2,000. Just want to make sure that the 2 year old 150 isn't an outdated model (like DVX-A or B). Because no tapes, the hours are less important right? Just shows that it has been used.
 
Yes because of no tapes you don't have to worry about worn out mechanical parts and the DVX for instance. A couple of things to check on any camera that you buy is:

- The focus ring, is it smooth with no sound? If you hear scraping sound, you have sand or something like that in it and it can get very costy to get rid of.

- The zoom/focus. Zoom in at an object at max, set the focus, now zoom out at max, then zoom in again, is the object still in perfect focus? If yes, fine, if not, the camera has issues that will cost A LOT to repair.

- XLR ports, do they work? These are known to be really great with few issues, but you never know that might have happend to it, connect a mic and check if you have constant sound gain even if you pull it gently at any direction.

- Eearphone connection - Also really good, same thing there as the XLR, check it!

- Dead pixels in the camera's sensor, if you can record a couple of seconds and watch at it on a TV just to be shure, this isn't a big deal for some since it can be taken away but shure an extra pain in the a**. =)

In the end, common sense is you best friend, if you see any dings, marks, scrapings, don't bypass it but instead ask how it got there and double check everything around the damaged part that it actually works.

Good Luck!
 
...and I believe panasonic warranties are not transferable, another consideration with used. HMC150 has 3-years after registration.
 
Guys thanks so much for the info. Great checklist for buying any camera I'm sure! I'll let you know how it turns out!
 
I have an HMC150 for sale lightly used. If anyone want to buy it I have all the box OEM parts and 3 full size batteries in addition to the small one that comes with the unit. This unit is in perfect condition I just want to get out of the biz. I will entertain all fair offers.
 
I have just purchased a new HMC150. I had planned to buy a used model, but found that most were being
sold for $2600.00+-. I saw the price of $2795.00 at B&H & decided to buy new. I believe that the extra cost
was worth having no hours on the camera, and the 3 year warranty. I ended up buying local--I found a
vendor that had a new open box camera at a great price.
 
Can you tell me where you are located and how much you are selling the camera for? I don't see private message or email as options. Thanks.
 
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