Is buying a used EOS-1D X risky?
QA friend of a friend is selling his Canon EOS-1D X. I have had an EOS 5D Mark II for several years and I feel it’s time to move on. While the 1D X isn’t exactly what I had in mind, the asking price is very tempting. So is my destiny with this camera? I’ve done some research and I’m a little concerned that there are lots of reports of issues to do with the mirror mechanism, including oil splattering onto the sensor and focusing irregularities. I’m in that classic state of mind where I have convinced myself that a 1D X would be a good move, but I’m now having second thoughts. If there’s no risk of the unreliable features as I have described, I’ll go for it. Mitch Akers
AEarly EOS-1D X examples required a free Canon service to modify the mirror mechanism, which couldn’t cope with the very fast frame rates the camera is capable of, leading to imprecise mirror positioning and focusing problems, as well as lubricant spots on the sensor. Affected models had a serial number beginning with 0 and with a sixth digit of 1-7. If the camera doesn’t fall within that range, it shouldn’t have a problem, but even if it does, it could have been fixed by Canon. To identify whether the camera has already been modified, look out for an ‘A’ mark under the battery compartment door or a black mark on the silver bracket inside. If there is no mark, then give it a miss, perhaps.