5D MKII, dead

[van_man]

If a 5D MKII just dies, as in nothing anymore, would could be the issue(s)? I'm considering purchasing said body from a private seller, but I'm hesitant because of the condition of it. It's a gamble.

Thank you for any help! 

Van

[Skirball]

As in, it won't turn on at all?  Who knows, could be half a dozen things.  First things I'd check are the battery, and that the battery and card doors are fully closed.

I wouldn't hesitate getting another 5d2 from a private seller, any more than I'd hesitate buying any camera from a private seller.  It's not something I care to do, but many, many people do it often.  It'd have to be a tempting price for me.  Otherwise I'd pick up a refurbished from Canon.  Or more likely, a refurbished 6D if I could find one.

[van_man]

Thank you for replying! The seller is asking $300. That's why it's such a tempting gamble. I'm just concerned the fix will cost more than I'd spend for a refurbished body. 

But therein lies the intrigue of a gamble. 

[Skirball · Accepted solution]

Oh, sorry I misread.  The camera he's selling just dies?  Unless I could confirm that it's just a battery then I wouldn't touch it.  Well, I'd touch it long enough to determine if it was just the battery. 

Why waste $300?  It's a great price for a working 5d2.  But it's an expensive paper weight. 

[van_man]

And you helped me break out of the "what if" realm. Thank you! I'd be better off sitting on that $300, and saving for a good-quality, working body.

Best,

Van

[Skirball]

I've been taking things apart to see how they work, and sometimes fixing them, since I was a little kid.  I went on to get my degrees in mechanical engineering with a specialization in control systems.  And there's no way I'd take that offer.  As much as I'd like to see what I could do, I wouldn't pay more for that camera than I was willing to throw away.  $20.  Maybe $40 tops.