Olaf Greve wrote:
>
> Hi guys,
>
> Well, as there were no takers for the two lenses offered last week, I ended
> up selling them last Saturday at a local 2nd handed gear dealer for somewhat
> less than what I asked for on the list (because of the inevitable lower
> dealer-turn-in-prices, and because of the blemishes on the rear element of
> the 50/3.5). At the end of the day, this was about as good a deal as it
> would get, I guess, and it saves me from having to live of bread and water
> only for yet another week ;)
>
> Either way: while I was in the store, I noticed a used 28/2 (yes, a Zuiko),
> and as the seller and I were having some post-sale small talk, I jestingly
> asked about the price. He said he didn't know what to do with the thing yet,
> as the coating on the front was heavily damaged (he showed it to me, and the
> coating damage really _IS_ terrible), but strangely enough, when holding it
> against the light (looking through the back of the lens) it all looks very
> clean, so I guess it really is _only_ the coating which is damaged. He said
> he obtained the lens for Hfl 50,- (USD $22 !) in a package deal. At first I
> wasn't so interested, because of lack of funds and because of the severe
> coating damage. But then lateron I started thinking that if I can maybe get
> this lens for some Hfl 100,- (i.e. some USD $45), I might just be able to
> get the front element replaced (if necessary) or somehow fix up the coating
> (or get it fixed up).
>
> Now the questions:
> -Would you guys buy this lens if only the coating on the front element is
> this damaged, and there are no further scratches (which I'm not certain
> about, but which I'd check before buying the lens)?
> -Does anyone know (John Hermanson in particular!) if this front element is
> still available, and how much replacing it would cost?
> -Is there anyone that happens to have a damaged (e.g. Beyond Economic
> Repair) 28/2 of which the front element is still intact? Or does someone
> else has access to a new or 2nd handed front element for this lens?
> -Suppose I'd leave the lens in an as-is state, what do you guys think will
> be the visible effect on the pictures? Should I only expect (heavy) flaring
> in counterlight situations, or is it likely that the effect is worse?
>
> Thanks in advance, and tomorrow I will inquire about the going price of the
> lens... If the going price will be dirt cheap, I might just pick it up...
>
> Cheers!
> Olafo
>
Strange how these damaged 28/2 seem to pop up in so many places. What are people
doing to them...?
I tried out one a few months ago, where the front lens looked almost sand
blasted.
Not just coating marks, but small pits blasted into the glass. It was still
sharp
as a tack, but had more flare than I like in back-lit situations. Still in all I
was surprised how well it performed in spite of the damage. The flare was not so
much that it was unusable. I could scan a sample picture. E-mail me off-list, if
interested.
As for the one you ask about, I'd buy it at that price, if it is only the
coating
that is damaged. It will probably work OK, but you may want a return option.
One small trick I find useful when buying a "new" lens: Shine a strong
flash-light
into the lens to learn how much it flares. The flashlight is also a good tool to
inspect the glass in the shop. Be warned that even good lenses can appear quite
dirty when subjected to this procedure (that can of course be used to improve
ones
bargaining position).
Regards
Lars
--
Lars Haven <mailto:lhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> http://home.worldonline.dk/~lhaven
"If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried"
R. Llewellyn
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