-----Original Message-----
From: Barry B. Bean <bbbean@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thursday, July 08, 1999 11:59 AM
Subject: Re: [OM] Zuiko 28/2.8
>On Thu, 8 Jul 1999 07:30:19 -0700, John Hudson wrote:
>
>>Based on my experience of having examined a lot of used Zuiko lenses, I'd
>>say that less than one in twenty was in really top shape and worth buying.
>
>So you only buy new?
My only new item is an MC 50 / 1.8 I found at a local Olympus dealer for
Cdn$100 ..... all the rest is used. However, I have spent a lot of time
looking around for the one in 20 item, had my name and phone number at
various outlets, and was very particular about what I bought. I have taken a
few lenses for a test drive before buying them and the dealers have never
objected. Using the 50 / 1.8 as a benchmark every thing I have bought used
has been in almost as pristine a condition excepting only some
inconsequential exterior blemish marks. I might have paid a dollar or two
more than for items in lesser condition but as far as I am concerned what I
have bought has been equivalent to new. Having spent a lot of time looking
over used Zuiko lenses at established photo outlets and photo swap meetings
there is indeed a lot of well used and worn items looking for new owners.
>>By far the most common defect was scratches on the rear lens element
>>followed by tiny bubbles of air in the interior lens elements.
>>I for one would never buy a used lens on ebay. At best you're buying a pig
>>in a poke.
>
>1000f my lenses (except my 50/1.8s) and 500f my bodies are used,
>and I have never purchased a used lens with bad glass. The worst
>problems I have had were a sticky aperture on one zoom, and a broken
>aperture lever on another - both promptly refunded by the seller.
>
>I've gotten some real deals both through this list and through ebay.
>I'd encourage anyone looking to build a setup to consider both of
>these as potential sources for lenses, providing that reasonable care
>is taken.
I was careful not to say that I would not buy through this list. I think
that the odds of finding a fair and honest dealer on this list are far far
better than through ebay which is largely an anonymous free for all.
I make no apologies for being a fussy buyer ........ because there are no
warranties with used equipment!
jh
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