Jump to content

Actual condition of lenses


alandash

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have been interested in buying a 50mm chrome Summicron for my M4 and M9, because my M3 DR Summicron may damage the M9.

 

Years ago, the printed quarterly LHSA buy/sell list accurately described the condition of the cameras and lenses for sale, but now I see no mention of condition anywhere, so I am hesitant to buy "blind". How do I know it won't be a battered dog of a lens?

 

Any guidance on this issue will be greatly appreciated.

 

Alan Dash (Boise, ID)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Firstly, the DR Summicron should work fine on the M9 - I'm just not sure about whether you can use the close up facility, but other lenses wouldn't have that anyway.

 

As for condition, if you can't buy in person then buy from a trusted dealer whose descriptions should be accurate and where you have the option to return if not satisfied, thus eliminating all risk.

 

Buying privately off ebay may net you a bargain, but equally you could find the sellers idea of 'mint' isn't the same as yours!

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Unfortunately human nature takes over rather than objectivity......

 

The seller is nonchalantly half blind.......

 

....... and the buyer is suspicious and has x-ray vision.

 

There is no standardisation whatsoever .... and unless you buy a lot from the same seller you cannot compare at all.

 

I recently bought an R 80-200/4 described as 'excellent' and expected a view dings and scratches .... in fact it is unmarked and I would call it Mint/Like New.

 

I've bought a fair few things here (in Europe) from Leicashop Vintage Cameras:

 

https://www.leicashop.com/index.php?lang=en

 

They're classification seems pretty decent and I've yet to have anything that wasn't a bit better than I expected. They have a lot of things listed, plus pics so it may pay you to have a look and see how a reputable dealer classifies things.

 

Several of the bigger sellers on your side of the pond (on ebay) set the bar a lot lower .... but at least they show pictures that show up their hopelessly optimistic opinion of their wares.....

 

Depends if you want a bargain or want to play safe ......:rolleyes:

Link to post
Share on other sites

It can be modified to fit the M8/9.

It is far simpler to buy a rigid Summicron of the same era, which is an identical lens. That the DR is "better" or "selected"is a myth. There is nothing in literature or tests that confirms this rumor.

Link to post
Share on other sites

It can be modified to fit the M8/9.

It is far simpler to buy a rigid Summicron of the same era, which is an identical lens. That the DR is "better" or "selected"is a myth. There is nothing in literature or tests that confirms this rumor.

 

Indeed all the books I have read specifically mention the internal design being identical.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The DR Summicron definitely has problems on an M9. I cannot use it on my MP, so I would think very carefully before buying one.

 

Mine works great on my M2, though.

 

Sorry I wasn't aware of that, I'd just heard about issues with using the CF attachment on some models.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Alan, over many years I have worked with KEH.COM (Georgia USA) and they are the model for correctly rating condition. They accept returns if you are unhappy.

 

To date I have purchased items graded as merely EX. In two cases (An M7 and a motor winder) arrived still in the original plastic wrap in original boxes. When I asked why one item was only graded as EX, they responded, "We saw that a battery was missing." I saved a lot of money.

 

Buy & Sell New & Used Cameras – Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Leica & More - KEH.com

Edited by pico
Link to post
Share on other sites

I've bought a number of "bargain" rated items from KEH, and they tend to be much better than you expect. Now and then they overlook something. A couple years ago I bought an "Exc" rated 50 Summilux (ver 1) which indeed looked very good, but the focus action had a serious bind. They took it back with no problem.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...