D3s Bargain

Iansky

Senior Member
After getting rid of my D700 a while ago I have had that nagging pain and longing for another full frame even though I am delighted with the results from my Olympus EM1.

We were on a trip to Bath the other day and as usual I made a point of looking in both well known and long standing camera shops (Ace Optics & London Camera Exchange), Ace had a couple of used Nikon's but they were expensive and I had thought about but then ruled out the D800 series (personal choice).

I then looked in LCE window and they had a nice D800 for £1300 as well as a D700 for around £900, I then noticed they had a used D3s for £1099 so thought interesting and went in to have a look and play with it...............that was it, it had been owned by the Police and was in very good condition with just a couple of very minor "dings" in the base area where they could do no damage, no scratches or marks to screens or covering and the lens mount and internal area was nice and clean - to top it all it only had 9,700 shutter actuations all complete and boxed with a 6 month guarantee.

I was very tempted and wanted the 24-120 f4 ED lens as well so asked them for a price, they gave me a very good deal as I have bought from them a number of times before...

Well, they let me have the camera+new lens (24-120 f4 ED), genuine Nikon UV filter for the lens and Lexar high speed 16GB card (£76 full price) all for just under £1900.00 so needless to say I am delighted and on bread and water for the next 6 months.

I know it is a heavy beast and even more so when fitted with the 24-120 but the ease of operation coupled with lightning fast AF more than makes up for it - just loaded the current firmware today and AF seems a tad faster still!

I tend to shoot a lot of documentary style images as well as shots of my wife and her events and this will be the perfect workhorse as well as being versatile.

Here are a few of my first images with the kit (now need to get a flash and covet the current 80 - 400).

Pultney bridge.jpgShe 3_pp.jpgThe skeleton.jpgTaking the photo.jpgGlos cloisters 4.jpgInterlocking.jpgWhite on blue.jpg
 

Iansky

Senior Member
Thanks Moab Man,

I am enjoying the camera (getting used to lugging 4lb around) and the IQ is stunning - I will still use my EM1 but this will be my workhorse for paid jobs.

I am sure all is ok and any faults will show within the 6 month guarantee.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I like the shots, especially the red jacket, but the guy on the bike doesn't look so healthy!!;)

Looks like a good combo the rest of us can be envious of. I almost purchased a D3x before I got my D700, but I paused and while I did, someone else grabbed it!

WM
 

Iansky

Senior Member
Thanks Whiskeyman and Mike,

I consider myself very lucky and it was a case of "right time right place" coupled with my previous purchase history with this retailer allowed me to get a great deal.

It is a superb camera that I am sure will give me years of good service - a real beast size and weight wise but well worth it and the results justify the means.
 
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