Buying used S lenses

[aksclix]

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I recently got a used S lens which was advertised as having “no visible marks” but there are a couple of clearly visible marks. I can actually live with that because the rest of the lens looks nice enough. 
what I couldn’t get over was that the seller said it would packaged well and when I opened the package, there was not even a bubble wrap around the lens! Just a plastic cover wrapped around.. there was some packing material but NONE of it was actually protecting the lens.  The lens in its slim plastic cover was resting against the cardboard and obviously might have taken some abuse from the package carrier.. the lens seems to be working alright and I don’t hear any loose parts upon shaking it a bit. What would you do if your seller wasn’t honest as stated above? It’s still a good deal on the lens but the dishonesty with the condition and terrible packaging has me thinking about a return.. any advice?

Edited April 1, 2021 by aksclix

[ocean2059]

It happened to me as well in the past. The way that I dealt with was to check the mechanical and optical performance of the lens first. If there is no problems that I cannot live with and the price is good, I keep the lens but won't deal with the same seller again in the future.  

[aksclix]

1 hour ago, ocean2059 said:

It happened to me as well in the past. The way that I dealt with was to check the mechanical and optical performance of the lens first. If there is no problems that I cannot live with and the price is good, I keep the lens but won't deal with the same seller again in the future.  

yea the price is definitely good and much lower than what I've seen anywhere.. mechanically and optically it seems fine, no issues so far! 

 even with the packing material included in the box, it should have been easy to secure the lens well.. I find it very odd that someone who owned an S lens didn't know how to pack it properly 

Edited April 1, 2021 by aksclix

[darylgo]

Is this lens under warranty from Leica?  New motor or has the motor been replaced?

Sometimes I will evaluate a lens that was not as stated, in those cases I will contact the seller and let them know my  concerns and the need to evaluate the lens more fully to make a good decision.  

There's many good S lenses available at great prices, it's surprising to me how little these beautiful lenses are priced on the used market.  

[Jeff S]

I would rather pay more to a trusted dealer for a lens with new motor, warranty (dealer and/or Leica) and return/service policy.  But that’s just my approach. Others have certainly done well by other methods.  At a minimum, I would have a discussion with the seller and reassess.

Jeff

[aksclix]

1 hour ago, darylgo said:

Is this lens under warranty from Leica?  New motor or has the motor been replaced?

Sometimes I will evaluate a lens that was not as stated, in those cases I will contact the seller and let them know my  concerns and the need to evaluate the lens more fully to make a good decision.  

There's many good S lenses available at great prices, it's surprising to me how little these beautiful lenses are priced on the used market.  

Of course not, I got the lens for 1/4th of the original price. No warranty, don’t think motor has been changed either but I am ok with that because this isn’t going to be my primary camera.. if something were to happen I’ll send it in for replacement then.. 

26 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

I would rather pay more to a trusted dealer for a lens with new motor, warranty (dealer and/or Leica) and return/service policy.  But that’s just my approach. Others have certainly done well by other methods.  At a minimum, I would have a discussion with the seller and reassess.

Jeff

Ahh!! Not for S lenses which don’t have a remotely good resale value.. reputed dealers sell at a very high price tag! Twice as much minimum 

[Jeff S]

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1 hour ago, aksclix said:

Ahh!! Not for S lenses which don’t have a remotely good resale value.. reputed dealers sell at a very high price tag! Twice as much minimum 

And that’s why you’re posting here instead of out shooting.  I don’t buy for resale.  There are still some good deals around if one researches.  Different strokes....

Jeff

[aksclix]

2 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

And that’s why you’re posting here instead of out shooting.  I don’t buy for resale.  There are still some good deals around if one researches.  Different strokes....

Jeff

Don’t understand what you’re even saying.. posting here instead of out shooting? I posted here for a very specific reason and and ocean2569 had a direct, relevant response. 
And who said I am not out shooting? I have shot with this lens and that’s how I know it’s not faulty and functions as intended. 
You and I don’t have to buy gear for the same reasons.. I buy some for work and some for fun and the S system is essentially for fun.. if I don’t end up using it much, some of it might be sold in future and I don’t want to lose a big chunk of it when I decide to do that.. it’s just common sense. And I am not interested in fixing something that isn’t broken so I don’t mind using the ones that don’t have replaced motor. The next best deal I found for the lens was a 1000 usd more. Anyway, I don’t regret my decision.. if there is a real issue with the lens then I can involve eBay (which is where I bought it)

[Jeff S]

4 minutes ago, aksclix said:

Don’t understand what you’re even saying.. posting here instead of out shooting? I posted here for a very specific reason and and ocean2569 had a direct, relevant response. 
And who said I am not out shooting? I have shot with this lens and that’s how I know it’s not faulty and functions as intended. 
You and I don’t have to buy gear for the same reasons.. I buy some for work and some for fun and the S system is essentially for fun.. if I don’t end up using it much, some of it might be sold in future and I don’t want to lose a big chunk of it when I decide to do that.. it’s just common sense. And I am not interested in fixing something that isn’t broken so I don’t mind using the ones that don’t have replaced motor. The next best deal I found for the lens was a 1000 usd more. Anyway, I don’t regret my decision.. if there is a real issue with the lens then I can involve eBay (which is where I bought it)

As I said, no right or wrong; whatever works for you.  The comment about posting refers to the need for you to take time to deal with the problem, solicit opinions here, follow up , worry if you got a good deal, etc. I prefer to pay a bit more, not worry and just use the gear, trusting that any issue will be readily addressed.  That’s all.  Just different philosophies.  And I’ve seen some great deals over the past couple of years from good dealers, even less well known ones.

Jeff

[darylgo]

@aksclix Enjoy your lens, it sounds like a great price and you are very happy with it.  

[aksclix]

9 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

As I said, no right or wrong; whatever works for you.  The comment about posting refers to the need for you to take time to deal with the problem, solicit opinions here, follow up , worry if you got a good deal, etc. I prefer to pay a bit more, not worry and just use the gear, trusting that any issue will be readily addressed.  That’s all.  Just different philosophies.  And I’ve seen some great deals over the past couple of years from good dealers, even less well known ones.

Jeff

I’ve shot over a 100 images with it and don’t see any issues so far.. I was only worried about the unknowns... whether or not I should be concerned about the terrible packaging it came in.. the body doesn’t show impact bruises as such.. it was a great deal and that’s why I feel it was worth it 

[Jeff S]

4 minutes ago, aksclix said:

I’ve shot over a 100 images with it and don’t see any issues so far.. I was only worried about the unknowns... whether or not I should be concerned about the terrible packaging it came in.. the body doesn’t show impact bruises as such.. it was a great deal and that’s why I feel it was worth it 

That’s all that counts.  You asked for opinions and I gave mine, including that I would have a conversation with the seller.  For me, relationships and trust matter, not just the product, which is why I use dealers.  I would be  concerned about anyone without the common sense to wrap a lens, and would wonder about how he treated his gear.  But I hope it’s problem free and that you remain satisfied.

Jeff

[aksclix]

4 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

That’s all that counts.  You asked for opinions and I gave mine, including that I would have a conversation with the seller.  For me, relationships and trust matter, not just the product, which is why I use dealers.  I would be  concerned about anyone without the common sense to wrap a lens, and would wonder about how he treated his gear.  But I hope it’s problem free and that you remain satisfied.

Jeff

I agree with all that you said.. I also buy from trusted dealers/sellers with sufficient reviews.. even here, I bought from a seller who has no negative feedback.. even reputed dealers sell duds sometimes.. I have messaged the seller already.. will resolve with eBay if needed anyway

I would not even consider buying S lenses at dealers prices.. even at half price they’re insanely expensive.. with so many other systems I use, getting an S system itself was a major privilege and a luxury for me.. 

I am also baffled and angry about the lack of common sense with packaging.. with included packing material the seller could’ve packaged a lot better 

[Jeff S]

He told you no visible marks...wrong.  He apparently didn’t save original packaging... generally not a good sign with Leica customers.  He didn’t carefully wrap the lens...bad.  I would care about how he responds to you.  But if the lens works well, of course that’s key.  As long as you’re prepared for expense and time if at some point the AF motor fails.... unpredictable.  Good luck.

Jeff

 

[aksclix]

2 hours ago, Jeff S said:

He told you no visible marks...wrong.  He apparently didn’t save original packaging... generally not a good sign with Leica customers.  He didn’t carefully wrap the lens...bad.  I would care about how he responds to you.  But if the lens works well, of course that’s key.  As long as you’re prepared for expense and time if at some point the AF motor fails.... unpredictable.  Good luck.

Jeff

 

Yes.. I’ve bought 3 S lenses including this and all have old motor and functioning without issues. But I fail to understand the general paranoia with AF motor in S lenses.. I guess it’s because they won’t have a backup if it suddenly gives up.. but to me it’s a non-issue as I have several other camera systems I use primarily 

[Vieri]

These days, S lenses are very affordable (relatively), and widely available (at least in my local), so it would make sense to buy from a reputable dealer rather than taking a chance on the bay or elsewhere. E.g., this is my trusted dealer's current selection: http://www.newoldcamera.com/Prodotti.aspx?Oper=PR&Marca=LEICA-S&Tipo=OB&Bottega=Usato 

Best regards,

Vieri

[Stuart Richardson]

If it works, count yourself lucky and move on. I once bought a 150mm APO Sironar S at a very cheap price on a web forum along with some other gear. The price was so cheap that it was a decent deal even without the lens. When I first went to shot with the 150mm, which I had bought because it was one of the most modern, sharp 4x5 lenses, it worked, but was not particularly sharp. The more I tested, the more I was convinced something was wrong. I sent it in to Rodenstock for service and they said that the entire rear assembly of the lens was from a 150mm Schneider APO Symmar. Like taking apart your Summilux ASPH and replacing the back half with a Zeiss Planar. On their own, both very good lenses, together some sort of Frankenstein's monster. Needless to say, the seller did not have much to say other than "it was sharp for me". Luckily, I got enough stuff out of the deal to feel ok, but it was a disappointment. If your lens works, then I would just count your blessings and take it as a lesson learned. I personally think Ebay is fine, but it does have risks. This was one of them. If you don't want that risk, then dealers or trusted friends are the way to go.

[BernardC]

12 hours ago, Jeff S said:

And that’s why you’re posting here instead of out shooting.

Jeff, is that your April Fools comment? If so, well played.

[Jeff S]

25 minutes ago, BernardC said:

Jeff, is that your April Fools comment? If so, well played.

Post #9

Jeff

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Hallo,

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[aksclix]

5 hours ago, Vieri said:

These days, S lenses are very affordable (relatively), and widely available (at least in my local), so it would make sense to buy from a reputable dealer rather than taking a chance on the bay or elsewhere. E.g., this is my trusted dealer's current selection: http://www.newoldcamera.com/Prodotti.aspx?Oper=PR&Marca=LEICA-S&Tipo=OB&Bottega=Usato 

Best regards,

Vieri

Yes Vieri, it’s “relatively” affordable.. but still we’re talking 1800 vs 3800 here  

5 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

If it works, count yourself lucky and move on. I once bought a 150mm APO Sironar S at a very cheap price on a web forum along with some other gear. The price was so cheap that it was a decent deal even without the lens. When I first went to shot with the 150mm, which I had bought because it was one of the most modern, sharp 4x5 lenses, it worked, but was not particularly sharp. The more I tested, the more I was convinced something was wrong. I sent it in to Rodenstock for service and they said that the entire rear assembly of the lens was from a 150mm Schneider APO Symmar. Like taking apart your Summilux ASPH and replacing the back half with a Zeiss Planar. On their own, both very good lenses, together some sort of Frankenstein's monster. Needless to say, the seller did not have much to say other than "it was sharp for me". Luckily, I got enough stuff out of the deal to feel ok, but it was a disappointment. If your lens works, then I would just count your blessings and take it as a lesson learned. I personally think Ebay is fine, but it does have risks. This was one of them. If you don't want that risk, then dealers or trusted friends are the way to go.

I do trust eBay but not all sellers.. I’ve bought a lot of gear from eBay and never had an issue.. I check feedback, items sold previously, other items for sale if any, quality of images and so on before buying.. even now, like I said I can live with the minor dishonesty in hiding the 2 clearly visible marks on the lens but I couldn’t wrap my head around how carelessly it was packaged.