Jump to content

Scratch on rear element of 35mm 1.4 Asph..:-(


KM-25

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi gang, 

 

I have just got back on the wagon of having a 35mm 1.4 Asph and took delivery of what I thought was going to be a really clean one about an hour ago. At first, the thing looked fabulously mint. Then I saw a mark on the rear and looked at it under a 20X loupe and saw a 1mm scratch in the center 1/3rd of the glass. I then took some really close photos and it revealed that about .4mm is pretty deep, like it blew a little bulbous chunk of glass out. I did the usual test shots for this kind of thing and will have the film developed later tonight.

 

So I paid a decent price for it, $2,700. If I run into a bind and the day comes to sell it, how much would this knock off the price typically speaking and is it not even worth it to hang on to it? 

 

I plan on using this lens for years if not decades so I will be doing my own cosmetic wear, but scratched or damaged glass is a deferent animal entirely and is a shame on an otherwise flawless optic.

 

Looking for an opinion or two...

 

Thanks heaps,

 

Dan

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Another a bit closer...

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Closer still showing the full detail of the scratch ( yes, I know what it looks like, lol )...

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

I just heard back from the seller, he is being 100% fair, offered either to take it back for a full refund or I keep it and get a partial refund of $500. I'll run another roll, think about it and then make a decision. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I am bordering on THE most miserable sod ever, and normally I would accept the refund, and be happy.

 

However my last Summicron 50mm, purchased with a defect similar to yours, except coating only, and on the front element, annoyed the living daylights out of me, and I swore I would never buy a defective lens again. Especially a Leica lens. 

 

I agree with the comments above as well, the price was not fantastic in the first place, and while the $500 seems gracious, I'd start again.

Gary

Link to post
Share on other sites

If it were me, it would be a definite return.  The flaw would be on my mind every time I handled it.  The only scenario I would keep such a lens and be happy is if it were around $1k and part of a "beater kit" for use in unfriendly environments.

 

There are lots of 35/1.4/ASPH lenses on the market in that price range.  Look for a perfect one, maybe with 6-bit so you're prepped for a digital body.

 

Eric

Link to post
Share on other sites

If you think 6 months or a year later that the scratch will be pocking at your brain and sanity then return it.

 

I doubt the scratch will show in your shots so it has to do with your peace of mind especially if you have an obsessive compulsive trait.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The seller gave me a full refund last night so I am good to go now to buy another one but I am not seeing a lot out there to be honest. This one is 6-bit by the way and exhibits no focus shift whatsoever. Such a shame as the lens otherwise looks brand new. I in no way need 6 bit because in no way will I be using a digital M so that should open up some options, one would think...

 

I see one for sale on here for roughly the same price in Estonia that has a cracked hood, I sourced a replacement for about $100 u.s. The bottom line is that I don't want to pay more than I have to get some perfect example of this lens, I am going to put marks all over the body in using it professionally because that is what happens. Some make it sound like these lenses are a dime a dozen, I have looked for weeks, they have not been folks.

 

But yeah...a nick on the rear is a pain in the rear...

Link to post
Share on other sites

The seller gave me a full refund last night so I am good to go now to buy another one but I am not seeing a lot out there to be honest. This one is 6-bit by the way and exhibits no focus shift whatsoever. Such a shame as the lens otherwise looks brand new. I in no way need 6 bit because in no way will I be using a digital M so that should open up some options, one would think...

 

I see one for sale on here for roughly the same price in Estonia that has a cracked hood, I sourced a replacement for about $100 u.s. The bottom line is that I don't want to pay more than I have to get some perfect example of this lens, I am going to put marks all over the body in using it professionally because that is what happens. Some make it sound like these lenses are a dime a dozen, I have looked for weeks, they have not been folks.

 

But yeah...a nick on the rear is a pain in the rear...

Good you got the transaction sorted - sorry this didn't turn out but this cosmetic condition and 6-bit for this price, there had to be a catch :-(

 

I have seen 35/1.4 ASPH a lot on the diverse classified forums over the last few months - I tend to click on them to see what the market values this lens.

Most you see in these adds are around the ~2800 - 3000 USD range for a nice black copy, I have seen the odd (very beautiful) silver chrome sample, but they tend to be priced to the moon as of their rarity.

 

Be patient, you will surely find a nice one (better even, that you don't need coding and a barrel in used condition suffices).

Be sure to check the focus action on these lenses, this is a weak point with many Leica M lenses of this era (it simply shows as a mechanical play between optical cell and lens mount and is a simple fix by means of disassembly of mount and renewal of grease).

 

I would not worry about the lens hood. This one works like a peach without it (I usually have a  yellow filter on which keeps dirt and fingers away too).

If you need a hood for rain and curious fingers, get a E46 screw in hood or just re-glue the cracked one.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...