Thrift Find - EOS 5D Mark II
TL;DR: Gf’s dad found this while thrifting for $180, reached out to me for my thoughts but I’m no longer on the up and up with camera tech and specs. Told him to pull the trigger because I have some nostalgia for it. Did I do good or am I a bad future son in law?
My girlfriend’s dad has expressed interest in photography and has been in the market for an inexpensive DSLR. He found this EOS 5D Mark II while thrifting and reached out to get my thoughts on it. I know it’s showing its age at almost 20 years old, but I remember it being an amazing camera back in the day (always wanted one growing up). Gave him some cool history facts about its use is several movies/tv shows as well as being the camera used to take Obamas portrait!
Anyways, I used to be pretty involved with photography but I’ve been out of the game for about 10 or so years now, so I’m certainly not caught up with how this holds up anymore. They were asking $180 with a few other accessories and seemed to be in great condition (from the photos and description he sent me). Looks like the body alone sells for $200 - 400, and thought it’d be a great camera for him to play around with/learn on (albeit likely a bit advanced for a beginner), so told him to pull the trigger.
I know the lens is garbage, the infamous 75-300mm - was surprised to see someone had it on the 5D, but figured I’d get him something a little nicer as a present down the line if he got the hang of it and kept it up.
Was it a good deal or was I blinded by nostalgia and just made him blow $180?