Buy a used PD 150?
 

I am looking to buy a used PD 150 with the following stats:

Purchased November 25th, 2001. Still under 4 year Mack warranty.

Hours are as follows: 400 Op, 210 Drum, 110 Tape, 580 Threading.


Accessories included:

extra Sony battery (model NPF-960)
Rycote mini windjammer
Hoodman LCD sunshade (model H300)

He is asking $2500.00. There is a photo posted on his website of the camera and it looks as if has been taken care of and is in like new condition. He seems to be a reputable cameraman who has taken good care of his equipment.

I would be interested to hear your take on this buy.

Thanks

Cameron

Hi Cameron,
The hours aren't any worse than either of mine and actually less than one of them BUT, looks can be deceiving. If the camera is somewhere where you can look it over and try some tape thru it thats the way to go, but I'll assume it's not so, here's my take on it. I think its a little overpriced for the hours and equipment he's offering but the remainder of the Mack warranty does help make up for it a little. Buying used or preowned equipment is always a crap shot and when its from a private seller that you don't know and is probably at least a couple of hundred miles away makes it even tougher. I'll not try to persuade you one way or another but I would look long and careful at the camera before dropping $2500 on it. For not much more you can get a brand new one with some astute shopping around of course. I'm kinda middle of the road on this one. Sorry I can't be more help but I always hesitate when it comes to helping someone else spend their money unless I know them really well ;-)
Don

Ask Mack directly if the warranty is transferrable.

Wow, lots of tape loads there.

Hi Cameron,
I'm in the same position as you: looking to purchase a PD150.
Let me share with you this. I have recently purchased four
pre-owned items through ebay from four seperate sellers, all of
whom had great positive feedback. All the items were described
as in excellent condition. Here's how things have worked out:

1. VCR for $400. Within about five hours of use, it
developed a known problem with playback image.
Estimated cost of repair is $200 plus shipping out of
state, hassle packaging, and insurance.

2. Camcorder. Discovered immediately, when shooting
in low light, that a CCD has "hot pixels" which show
as bright white spots on tape. Cam is only usable
in bright outdoor contrasty environment. Can't prove
previous owner was aware of problem. Estimated
cost of repair to replace CCD is $300+.

3. Telephone. Discovered immediately there was a short
in the handset which rendered the unit unusable.
Threw it in the trash.

4. Time base corrector. Haven't tested it yet.

These experiences have definately soured me to this type of
mail-order "deals". And like Don said, a new one isn't that much more. I wouldn't do it if I were you.
Dave.

Hi Cameron, I have an auction at e-bay, if you are interested please email me at junprostar@aol.com. The camcorder is 40 hours drum run.