Ex-Demo Lens

[cliffp]

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I have seen a 135mm Apo Telyt for £1850 described as new but ex-demo. The lens has full warranty. I asked about the condition and there is apparently some dust on the outside of the front element which "should clean up" and some dust inside, visible only when a light is shone through the lens. This would not, apparently (according to the salesman) be visible in normal circumstances. They apparently received the lens from Germany and don't know its history, ie whether its been shown to one customer or 100. The serial number begins 411 so its likely to have been manufactured relatively recently.

 

Taking all of this into account, is it worth the 10% or so saving from the cheapest you can buy it new (I know its not in stock anywhere but I am not in a hurry)

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[Keith (M)]

...Taking all of this into account, is it worth the 10% or so saving from the cheapest you can buy it new (I know its not in stock anywhere but I am not in a hurry)

 

Unknown history, visible internal dust, only circa 10% saving, not in a hurry - hmmmm, I think you have answered your own question there!

[cliffp]

I haven't answered my own question - I am interested to know what others think of the facts.

 

The dealer assures me that even a new lens will have a very small amount of dust visible if a bright light is shone. I don't know if this is true.

 

Does unknown history matter if there is a full warranty?

 

I said I am not in a hurry as I didn't want the issue of non-availability to colour anyone's judgement.

[martinis]

Every twelve months Leica sell off their demo kit to dealers before it gets too "used".If the lens came from Leica it would have been taken to trade shows or maybe used in the Academie etc .That's why they offer a full warranty.

All dealers were( and probably still are ) allowed to buy a single (brand new) sample of each product at a demo price from Leica once a year for display/demo purposes in their store at a discount so they don't have to worry about opening a brand new box everytime.

[earleygallery]

I asked about the condition and there is apparently some dust on the outside of the front element which "should clean up"

 

Why on earth shouldn't dust on the outside of the front element "clean up"? It's dust, it should disappear with a blast from a blower brush surely?

 

Minimal dust inside a lens is not an issue and unavoidable.

[jacarape]

Is this a PSYCH 101 test question?

 

I would nerver buy a lens or marry a gal that was handled by more then 95 grubby men, who knows, maybe even some of them have a touched a Cochina lens. But then again a little soap and water goes a long way.

 

I have two used 135s. I'm sure neither has ever been to a Picadilly Circus peep show with Jethro Tull.

 

In all seriousness, dust happens. If you take photos, change filters, change lenses, you're going to dust off your lensesa few times a year or more. If you can buy a new lens for a discount that "may" have some dust on it, why not?

[cliffp]

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I agree the phrase "should clean up" is somewhat ridiculous and didn't inspire a lot of confidence. It gave me the impression the front element was so dirty, he couldn't be sure there wasn't some hidden scratch.

[masjah]

I've bought several ex-demo lenses, at a very much more substantial saving than your dealer seems to be offerrng - but maybe it's supply and demand - mine were R lenses. I paid around 60% of new price.

 

I did have a bit of bother with a 100/2.8 Macro I bought on this basis - the aperture diaphragm stuck open when the lens was fully extended to its closest focus distance. It went back to Milton Keynes, and was fixed within a couple of weeks - so obviously a minor alignment problem with the aperture linkage.

 

I could sell all my ex-demo lenses on commission through a dealer for what I paid for them, or sometimes even a little more.

[cliffp]

Thanks for all the responses

 

I think the laws of supply and demand are at play here. I think I'll probably look for a better deal.

[earleygallery]

Couple of points - have you tried negotiating the price? Are you buying remotely? If so the dealer should allow you to return the lens for a refund if you are not happy with their description of its condition.

[spylaw4]

Thanks for all the responses

 

I think the laws of supply and demand are at play here. I think I'll probably look for a better deal.

 

Given the lens supply situation at present, I would doubt that you would get a better deal on an ex-demo lens.

 

Martinis's posting is in essence more or less correct.

[cliffp]

James

 

I did try negotiating the price but they wouldn't budge. You make a good point about my right to return it. For the time being I think I'll keep looking!

[delander †]

Personally I think you have made the right decision. The ex-demo lens with issues might well have to be sent back to Solms and who wants that hassle and delay for just 10% off? It is simply not worth it.

 

Jeff

[Mmark]

Ex demo lens with 10% discount? It is joke. I have the same discount on new items with my dealer.

Don't do that.

 

Mark