Need help please.

[chesjamrosgerx]

Hi to all,

Is there anyone knows how to determined a Canon 5D camera usage.I am going to buy a Canon 5D Mark I camera, as I have known most of the 5DMKI has been phased out.I want to make sure it is new or not been use even a single shot.I would like to know how to detect a  5DMKI if not use or not.

Thanks and have a great day.

Alvin

[Bob Atkins]

I don't think there is any user accessible shot counter in the EOS 5D. You can get the shutter count on the 1D series cameras and there are unofficial utilities which seem to get the shutter count for some of the DSLRs using the DigicIII and DigicIV image processing engines, but the 5D (MkI) isn't one of them.  The 5D uses a Digic II processor and the Canon Software Development Kit (SDK) doesn't allow access to any sort of counter in the Digic II cameras.

It is believed that Canon can read shutter count on all EOS bodies via some sort of proprietary interface and software.

Here's a link to the Digic III/IV software - http://astrojargon.net/EOSInfo.aspx - use at your own risk!

[bmpress]

Why do you want to know this? It is probably impossible to find one with zero shots because Canon must do some amount of testing in production.

If your goal is to find a new one, the best way is to get it from a reputable dealer. But, if you are really interested in one with both a low price and little use, then I suggest looking at the telltale signs of wear and sheen on the plastic and rubber parts. Also look at marks where the lenses fit into the body, and check for dust in the optics and on the sensor. Finally, if you plan to use eBay, only buy from a seller that has a perfect sales record.

[whizkid]

Very interesting question.  The count may be contained in some of the concealed exif data as some exif freeware claims to be able to access shutter count info. Can't vouch for any of it but a count is certainly something that should be as readable as an odometer is on a car. I read somewhere once that Canon pro film models when sent for shutter repairs had the shutter count determined first and Canon wouldn't repair it if the shutter count was near or exceeded expected shutter release life expectancy. Citing things like the film transport may fail soon if the shutter is repaired and returned. Cost for a complete overhaul was said to exceed the price of a new model so they declined repairing such models.