What to look for when buying...

[Jsordia]

...a Canon 20D?

I am going to go look at a used 20D tonight. What should i be aware of or look for when inspecting the camera?

your advise is greatly appreciated.

Jorge

[Lupe Talamantez]

Hopefully, the user is just as careful as most people that love taking pictures.
I recall an instance where there was a loose clip that was part of the mirror mechanism. What gave it away was a slap clap that did not seem to be part of the shutter operation.
After having the 20D for over 2 years, I would suggest checking that the outer, visible moving parts operate as designed. For example, the battery door removes/replaces effortlessly, the built-in flash raises and lowers smoothly, the neck strap mounts/posts are OK, the rubber eyepiece clips on with a snap, all the buttons function appropriately, the tripod mount is not loose, no bent pins inside the battery compartment, and no indications that it has bounced off the pavement. Scratches are OK such as where a belt buckle would rub the bottom rear of the housing. Of course, test shoot, but begin with removing/inserting the CF card.
Good luck.

[Jsordia]

Thanks Lupe!

[toverman]

Hope it went well. I love my 20D and even when I upgrade I'll hang on to it.

[Jsordia]

Well, I brought it home with me!!! Seems to work pretty awesome...WOW It is so much faster than my Rebel Xt...the photographer I purchased from looked like an honest guy.

Thanks again Lupe, I did everything you mentioned.

Jorge

[Wes]

I agree with the advice above, but I would also add that you need to look at the number of actuations on the shutter. Take a pic and then look at the EXIF in something like Opanda EXIF Viewer to find out the number of clicks. I may be wrong, but I think that the 20D was probably rated for something like 40-50,000 actuations.

[mmcaleer]

Has the sensor been cleaned? Any spots? You might want to do it if it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Take it outside and shoot up at a blue sky in aperture priority mode on f/22 or better. Make sure nothing else is in the shot. Look at the picture on your computer and make sure there are no spots.

[Jsordia]

Yeah the sensor was prof cleaned on Tuesday.