Newbie needs advise

[yelowrose109]

My mom gave me a Minolta Maxxum 400si (doesnt work) with a Tamron 28-300AF lens. I found a place to get it looked at but was told if there are no parts needed, they charge $120 for the repairs. Is any part of the camera or lens worth that much or would it be better to just sell it as is?

Eventaully I will be upgrading to either the Nikon D3100 or the Cannon Rebel T2i

[texkam]

What about it doesn't work? Does it just need a new battery?

$120 or less can buy a good 35mm body.

[aksthem1]

It's not worth spending $120 to get it repaired.

KEH.com sells the 400si for as low as $1.29. No, that's not a typo. lol

Though for a $120 you can get something much better.

[PhotoByLeal]

I would spend the money on a NEW body, B&H has the Nikon D3000 kit with lens for $500 or the D3100 kit with lens for $600........

good luck.....

[wapiti]

I would definitely use the $120 on a new body.

[yelowrose109]

I will definitely check into it...i have thought of buying either the Nikon or Cannon used but I have heard that digital cameras have an internal counter or something so that after so many pics (like 1000+ or something) they quit working....any truth to that?

[yelowrose109]

Originally Posted by PhotoByLeal

B&H has the Nikon D3000 kit with lens for $500 or the D3100 kit with lens for $600........

I would love that but right now its not in the budget

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by yelowrose109

I will definitely check into it...i have thought of buying either the Nikon or Cannon used but I have heard that digital cameras have an internal counter or something so that after so many pics (like 1000+ or something) they quit working....any truth to that?

None that I have ever heard of. Most shutters are tested to work to 100,000 cycles and then if the shutter breaks, you can replace it and get a new one in the same camera.

I am certain that there are some members on here that are well past 100,000 frames on their current cameras.

[texkam]

Dani, what doesn't work????

[SCone]

There are DOZENS available on eBay for $50 or less

[yelowrose109]

Originally Posted by texkam

Dani, what doesn't work????

Wish I knew, my mom got it from someone else and they didn't know either. I'm going to buy a new battery tomorrow to rule the easiest problem out. I'm really just going to use it practice with and get the hang of an SLR.

[groovyone]

Skip it. I have a 400si and it is lousy. I used it for a roll of film then snagged a Maxxum 7 for $125 or so.