Trying to grab a used a7III before my trip to Zion next month and I'm totally stuck on where to pull the trigger. My logic was to stick with MPB because their grading is super reliable but then I saw a decent deal on KEH and they have a promo code right now that makes it like $100 cheaper. Then there's the gamble of FB marketplace where I found one for $950 but the seller wont send a shutter count which makes me nervous. I really need to stay under $1100 total so I can afford a decent lens too... is the KEH discount actually the best out there or am I missing some secret site?
Honestly, sticking with big names like MPB or KEH is the smartest move for something like the Sony Alpha a7III 24.2MP Mirrorless Body. I wouldnt touch that FB Marketplace deal if they wont provide a shutter count. These shutters are rated for 200k cycles, but early batches of the a7III actually had some documented mechanical failure issues. If it dies on your Zion trip, youre looking at a $400 repair that wipes out any savings instantly. You might want to consider a few technical things before you buy:
- Verify the sensor is clean and free of pitting from bad cleaning attempts.
- Check the rubber port covers because they tend to stretch and wont stay shut on older units.
- Make sure the eye sensor for the EVF actually switches over when you put your face to it. The KEH discount is solid, and their Bargain grade is legendary for being way better than expected. I would suggest grabbing that KEH deal and then looking for a used Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens to stay under budget. Adorama used department is also worth a quick look tho, sometimes they have hidden gems. Just dont gamble on a high-mileage body right before a big trip... thats just asking for a headache.
Coming back to this, I actually disagree with just sticking to the big retailers if you're on a strict budget. While MPB and KEH are safe, their margins are pretty high. If you want a Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Camera Body and a lens for under $1100 total, you're gonna struggle there. In my experience, the real secret is the Fred Miranda Buy and Sell forum. I've used it for years and the community there is much more reliable than FB Marketplace. Sellers usually post the shutter count, sensor photos, and everything upfront because they actually care about their reputation. You can usually find a clean body for $850ish. That leaves you about $250 for glass, which is enough to grab a used Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS or a Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE. Honestly, that's the only way you're getting a full setup for Zion without blowing your budget.
Stumbled upon this discussion and wanted to chime in because I've been down that private seller road before. Like someone mentioned, the shutter count is a massive red flag if they wont share it. I actually bought one of my first bodies from a guy who seemed legit, but I was too excited to properly inspect the gear. Ended up with a sensor that had a permanent scratch from a bad cleaning attempt and the shutter failed shortly after. It was a total nightmare. Be careful with those deals that seem too good to be true because repair costs on these bodies basically make them paperweights if something breaks. Personally, I would suggest sticking to platforms with a return policy. Losing your whole budget is way worse than spending a bit extra for peace of mind... honestly, just make sure to check for sensor dust or mount wear too. You dont wanna get stuck with a lemon.
