Pre-meet proof

Evidence to request before you spend time travelling.

01Request model, serial photo and shutter evidenceAsk for a current base-plate photo and a recent original image file or maker-supported shutter-count screen. Treat third-party counters as estimates.
02Ask about professional, video and weather useClarify studio tethering, long video sessions, salt spray, rain exposure, drops and repairs. These uses create different wear than occasional stills.
03Agree on a known lens, card and battery testBring or ask for a compatible known-good lens and freshly formatted card so faults can be isolated to the body.

Physical inspection

What to inspect under bright light before powering on.

01Inspect mount, contacts and sensor chamberLook for bent mount tabs, loose screws, damaged contacts, oil, scratches or corrosion. Do not touch or dry-clean the sensor at a meeting.
02Check every dial, door and strap lugControls should register one step at a time. Inspect card and battery doors, terminal covers, hot shoe and lugs for cracks or distortion.
03Look for impact and moisture evidenceCheck seams, screws, viewfinder, ports and battery bay for white residue, rust, fogging or a body shell that no longer aligns.

Function test

A short, repeatable test of the device's expensive functions.

01Make a stopped-down sensor test framePhotograph an evenly lit plain surface at a small aperture and inspect the file at normal and 100% view for fixed marks, scratches or unusual bands.
02Test single and continuous autofocusUse a known lens on near and distant contrast, then a slowly moving subject. Check focus points across the frame and inspect actual files, not only the rear screen.
03Test burst, card slots, video and stabilisationWrite a short burst to each slot, play files back, record video with audio and test sensor stabilisation if fitted. Listen for abnormal mechanical noise.

Account & lock check

Confirm the next owner can activate and use the device normally.

01Reset custom settings and wireless pairingRemove the seller's phone pairing, cloud or FTP details and copyright contact fields, then perform the maker's settings reset.
02Check theft and service evidence available locallyCompare the serial with the receipt and any reputable stolen-gear registry used in your region. A registry check reduces risk but is not ownership proof.
03Confirm normal firmware and menusVerify the body starts without rental, organisation or service warnings and that firmware version and language options are appropriate for the model.

Price proof

Comparable facts to record before negotiating or paying.

01Compare body-only sales and shutter useUse completed body-only sales for the same regional model, cosmetic grade and approximate shutter count. Separate lenses and cages from body value.
02Record shutter and sensor service pricingA cheap body is not cheap if it needs shutter, stabiliser or sensor work. Use authorised or established repair estimates for your region.
03Inventory genuine accessoriesPrice original batteries, charger, caps and transferable coverage individually. Heavily used third-party batteries may add no value.

STOP

Walk-away signals

Pause the transaction when one of these cannot be resolved with direct evidence.

Serial labels are removed, altered or inconsistent with files and receipt.
The sensor has a visible scratch or fixed banding in test files.
A card slot corrupts, disconnects or cannot complete a burst write.
The mount is loose or the body shows corrosion inside protected compartments.

Safe-use boundary

Evidence helps. It does not certify the device.

DeviceProof is a general private-sale inspection aid, not an appraisal, authenticity certificate, electrical-repair guide or guarantee. Meet in a public place, keep personal passwords private, use only known-safe cables and accessories, and never bypass an owner, activation or organisation lock. Do not open mains-powered equipment or damaged batteries. Stop immediately for swelling, smoke, burning smell, exposed conductors, abnormal heat or threatening behaviour.