Is it advisable to buy camera bodies second hand?

I currently have a Nikon D100 and I would really like a new body, though I don't have much money to throw around.

I've come across a good deal on a second hand, but fairly high end, model. However, apparently this particular unit has two problems:
- difficulty connecting to the computer via USB for transfer and remote control
- difficulty recognising older (non AF-G?) lenses

I'm not overly concerned by the first item on this list. As for the second, this may well mean I wouldn't be able to use Nikon's AF-D 50mm f/1.8 which I've been considering buying. Does it make more sense to get a body in better working order so I can save on lenses, or would I be better off saving for the f/1.8G anyway?

Also, do these problems perhaps suggest that the camera isn't in great shape and might not last that long anyway.

PS: It says it's had about 35000 shutter actuations. Is that considered a lot?

If you know how to qualify a used body, it should be fine but if you are not sure, better buy a brand new low end body and kit lens.

Buy a body from somewhere that has certified the camera is 100% operational and offers a 30day money-back return, in case it is kaput.

While the first issue may just be his computer is not setup correctly, I would be wary of any camera that had the second issue you described. The owner should fix the problems if they want to sell it.

On the other hand, if you can get it for chump change, then you could always have it repaired yourself. By chump change, I'm meaning $50 tops, if that is the only thing wrong with it.

If the owner balks, tell them that is because you have to have the camera repaired, and there may be other latent defects that are unknown or disclosed.

Always go into a purchase of a used body with a bit of skepticism, and a body in less than 100% working order, with a lot of pessimism. Consider anything less than %100 operation as broken, and price accordingly.

35K actuations is not a lot for a high-end camera.

If you do buy a used body, buy one from ebay or adorama. You could pick up a used D3000 body for about $300 or so. A new D3100 body will cost you about $500 (maybe a little more… ) 35, 000 isn't that many. You can use the 50 AF with a body that doesn't have an in-body focus motor (such as the D3000, D3100, D5100, etc) but you won't have autofocus. The camera you're mentioning sounds kind of beat up - If you find a camera that's having difficulty recognizing lenses, don't buy it.