How would you inspect a used HVX200/HVX200A for purchase????? Any advice appreciated.

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1ban

New member
Greetings Everyone,

I am new to this forum and to prosumer cameras and was wondering if anyone can help me out.

After researching what is on the market I have been dreaming of buying an HVX200/200A for quite some time now. I recently sold my car that I have been building for years to put together funds to purchase this camera. It did not amount to much in this down economy but its enough to purchase a used HVX200 or an HVX200A. After further research, i think the HVX200A is probably what i should buy (given its better low light sensitivity) if i can get a good one used.

I live in Southern California so as i look through ads on craigslist i see many HVX cameras for sale in the nearby Los Angeles area that I can inspect first hand before purchasing.

I would like to buy a camera that is "low hours" (less than 100 hrs). But am flexible on this. Everyone says they have "babied" their equipment or that it is in "perfect condition," but I just want to be cautious as this is a big purchase for me.

My questions are:
1. How do I tell if a camera is in good condition? (other than how clean it is, or if there are any scratches on it)

2. What would be a series of test "you" would run on a used camera before buying one?

3. Are there any signs (visual or audible) to look/listen for when i go to test the camera?

4. Are there places where i can have the camera inspected for me (even if for a fee)?

5. I often read that the camera has "just been professionally cleaned/serviced," does anyone know of any places in Los Angeles/Orange County that I can take the camera to once i do purchase it?

6. How often does the HVX200A need to be serviced (in hours)?

In your responses, please keep in mind that i have never owned a prosumer camera before. I have used a dvx100 twice in the past, but only very briefly.

While I am a newbie, I don't consider myself to be an idiot. I can figure things out pretty quickly if given a general sense of what i need to do or look for.

I appreciate any help or guidance the people of this forum can provide. I look forward to your repsonses.

Thank you,

1ban
 
First thing I would check is hours.

Then the firewire port to see if it still works and is tight.

Then hours on the heads if DV has been shot.

Condition of the lense as well.
 
Test run it also. Shoot a plain white image (white paper out of focus), and a closed iris image to check if the chip is not damaged (dead pixels or dust).
Also shoot something with it with different settings and open it on your computer with P2CMS to check it. You can even try to offload through firewire to see it it's working fine.
Also, if it has cracks and scratches on the outside, it may be damaged on the inside.
I'm not sure about water dots like Apple has on every gadget...
 
Thank you David S & Phenixone. This is good stuff. I'll be sure to run those tests.

If anyone else has more to add i look forward to it.

Thanks,
1ban
 
1) Carefully examine the lens for scratches, etc.
2) Thoroughly test the OIS and be sure it's smooth and not jerky in any way.
3) Test all jacks and ports.
4) Test all zoom controls, the focus control, and the iris control.
5) Make sure the focus and zoom control ring on the lens turns smoothly with no gritty sounds coming from it.
6) Examine the camera for any signs of being dropped.
7) Try and get a look at what the seller has shot with the camera. Was it skate stuff? A lot of hand held stuff? Did he shoot in the rain? Etc?

.
 
Also try the focus in both auto and manual to see if the brains are still working properly.
How old is the camera ? Any record of maintenance by panasonic/anyone else ?
 
the most common problems that we see on used cameras are related to dead pixels, dead ports, and boogers or scratches on the glass.

to check the CCD block for dead pixels you need view the image on a monitor, put the lens cap on, open the iris and turn the gain up. if there's dead pixels, they'll jump right at you.
 
Thank you everyone, this is exactly what i needed to know. This information is invaluable to me, and i hope it helps anyone else looking to purchase a used camera.. I'll keep checking in on this post as i get closer to buying my camera.

1ban
 
Make sure you get all the little do-dads that accompany it in the box...

The manual, charger AND cord, component cable, mic and assorted connectors, lens hood, VF cover, etc. Some of these are proprietary. Definitely check the tape deck (lots of moving parts) and the FW/HP ports are excellent suggestions.

I wouldn't limit yourself to 100 hours or less...that seems pretty low. I'm not sure how long they're good for, but I have well over 1000 on one camera and 2000 on an original 200! They're still in perfect shape and I've never serviced either of them. Hours on the DV deck are a different story, if you plan on utilizing it.

Otherwise, good luck...there are some phenomenal deals on 200s all over the place! I was just looking at one on ebay with 20 hours, a 16gig card, CPF, UVF, I think he even had a couple of ND filters...a few extra goodies....just under 3k! Amazing deal
 
Yea, price is something not talked about here, lowest I paid was $1750 (no P2) most I paid was $5k (with a 16gig P2, new cam). They are all over the board. $2k is about right now with no P2.

EDIT: for an original 200
 
Docrock: 1000+ & 2000+ hours and no service yet. wow, thats awesome. I plan to shoot mostly P2, if i can. it just sounds easier to deal with compared to DV tapes.
ChipG: thanks for the price info (and your previous post as well), it will come in handy and its always good to know current market value. Right now i'm leaning towards buying a 200A or (if i can afford it) an HPX170.
Donald Gregory: Thank you. I will be sure to try this test.

And to everyone who posted before (phenixone, Chris Santucci, Terry Nixon,and David S.), thank you. I'm taking notes. I need to pay the rent for the month but i should be ready to buy before the end of the month. (hopefully). I'll keep checking posts if anyone has anything to add.

1ban
 
1 ban,

There is a used hpx170 with a P2 card (might be 8 gig, can't remember) for sale here on the board with an asking price of $3300. It's a better camera.
 
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