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Checking second hand lenses


cliffp

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When buying a second hand lens, is it possible to judge the condition of the outer element using reading glasses or do you need something better like a loupe (I tried a 10x loupe but found it difficult to focus on the lens surface and was worried about bashing the loupe into the surface). Any suggestions on how experienced buyers inspect lenses would be much appreciated.

 

The acid test I suppose is in the quality of the images produced but when you don't know how good they should be (you may have read favourable reviews of the lens but haven't seen the evidence) and the conditions in which you take the test photos are difficult to control.

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I just look at the element under a strong direct light, getting it to reflect off of every part of the surface. You will soon see if there is anything serious wrong with the surface of the lens.

 

Look through from back to front into a strong light too.

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Thanks Andy

 

I have done those things and it seems ok. I think I am being a bit more nervous than usual, it being a Leica lens costing £1640 (supposedly in mint condition). It is a 28mm Cron ASPH 6-bit so if the description is accurate I have saved £660. It doesn't have a box, paperwork or warranty however.

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I bought it from Ebay, from someone with a 100% positive feedback of over 600. There is no returns policy. It was clear from the ad that only the lens, front and rear caps, hood and leather case would be included, so no deception there.

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If it looks clean and clear at the front, then I am sure you will be fine.

 

I have a 19mm Elmarit-R that got sand-blasted on a Welsh beach. The front element is beyond repolishing, but it still takes a decent, if somewhat softer than before, photograph.

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Wind-blown.

 

This is a shot taken on the day of the damage (I picked up 3 points on my licence that day too - serves me right for driving into Wales ;) )

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/landscape-travel/11172-horseman-riding-pt.html

 

And this one is post-damage.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/landscape-travel/86851-carlaverock-castle-scotland.html

 

Just needed some more sharpening than usual :)

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I bought it from Ebay, from someone with a 100% positive feedback of over 600. There is no returns policy. It was clear from the ad that only the lens, front and rear caps, hood and leather case would be included, so no deception there.

 

No returns policies are not enforceable when goods are defective or mis-described.

Where the seller is a trader, you will always have a 7day window to return the item. Even if they don't describe themselves as a trader, the feedback will soon tell you whether or not they are trading.

 

Of course, enforcing these rights may not always be straightforward

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I bought it from Ebay, from someone with a 100% positive feedback of over 600. There is no returns policy. It was clear from the ad that only the lens, front and rear caps, hood and leather case would be included, so no deception there.

 

Given the price of the lens, a no return policy would be a no go for me, no matter how reputable the seller.

 

It's also very very hard to see if a lens has problems from pictures on the internet.

 

A badly scratched lens can also produce ok images. Although it would not be a problem for phototaking, it would be hard to sell it on to another buyer who is most likely to scrutinise the lens very closely as is typical of many Leica buyers.

 

Anyway, I hope your purchase went ok.

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