Advice regarding a second hand lens
Discussion
I've just bought a second hand lens from MPB.
It's described as being in 'excellent condition', which means, according to MBP: 'Item looks close to new i.e., only the lightest signs of cosmetic wear, buttons are in excellent condition. Any scuffs, marks or scratches are minor.' (Slightly edited.)
When I receive it, how do I examine it to make sure it is as described? I know MPB has a very good reputation, but I've just spent £hundreds on my first second hand lens that I haven't been able to check at the time of buying.
It's described as being in 'excellent condition', which means, according to MBP: 'Item looks close to new i.e., only the lightest signs of cosmetic wear, buttons are in excellent condition. Any scuffs, marks or scratches are minor.' (Slightly edited.)
When I receive it, how do I examine it to make sure it is as described? I know MPB has a very good reputation, but I've just spent £hundreds on my first second hand lens that I haven't been able to check at the time of buying.
I've got the lens. It's in excellent condition and functions perfectly. I'll post an image, taken by it rather than of it.
I'm quite pleased. First time I've bought something expensive (for me) s/h sight unseen.
I was especially pleased with the packaging. It was secure, almost to a fault. Would use them again.
I'm quite pleased. First time I've bought something expensive (for me) s/h sight unseen.
I was especially pleased with the packaging. It was secure, almost to a fault. Would use them again.
bstb3 said:
Yeah I have to say MPB have never let me down. The pictures on their website are the lens you buy, so I guess there shouldn't be surprises but it's always reassuring with the warranty and returnability.
There are cheaper routes, of course, but peace of mind counts for a lot & you do get that (as well as the convenience of home delivery).
Hope the new lens does well by you Derek.
Thanks for the good wishes. The lens was described as excellent, but if I was selling it on eBay, I'd say as new, and expect the purchaser not to pull me up on it.There are cheaper routes, of course, but peace of mind counts for a lot & you do get that (as well as the convenience of home delivery).
Hope the new lens does well by you Derek.
The lens I bought from MPB has developed a fault. Only happened over the last two days but it's a nasty one.
The stabiliser, OIS in Panasonic cameras, started jarring to the extent that the sensor moved. That's jarring! Switch off the OIS and everything is fine. It's a great lens, especially for the price, apart from it trying to jump out of my hand when moving the camera. (Bit of an exaggeration.) It's an expected complication with s/h gear. It's not clear whether, with a faulty item outside the 14 days, I am liable for postage as they demand that it is insured. Not cheap.
I'll let you how things develop.
The stabiliser, OIS in Panasonic cameras, started jarring to the extent that the sensor moved. That's jarring! Switch off the OIS and everything is fine. It's a great lens, especially for the price, apart from it trying to jump out of my hand when moving the camera. (Bit of an exaggeration.) It's an expected complication with s/h gear. It's not clear whether, with a faulty item outside the 14 days, I am liable for postage as they demand that it is insured. Not cheap.
I'll let you how things develop.
I messaged them over the weekend. Yesterday I had a reply, asking me whether I wanted a replacement or repair. There was only one identical item on their list, but the price had risen by £40. I pointed this out and was told it was as a result of 'normal price fluctuation' and I would not be asked to pay any more for an identical item. They will come and collect it on a day of my choosing.
All very slick, polite and helpful.
I'll update as and when.
I'm not sure what 'normal price fluctuation' amounts to. When I bought mine, some six weeks ago, there was a selection of 6 or so such lenses, I wondered if the fact that there's only one was a factor the fluctuating value.
All very slick, polite and helpful.
I'll update as and when.
I'm not sure what 'normal price fluctuation' amounts to. When I bought mine, some six weeks ago, there was a selection of 6 or so such lenses, I wondered if the fact that there's only one was a factor the fluctuating value.
BrokenSkunk said:
Thanks!
Now I'm wondering if there's a compatibility problem. Mega OIS isn't compatible with dual OIS.
I'd expect the G9 to just disable the camera body OIS when it sees a Mega OIS lens, but you're describing the sensor moving around, which means both lens and body OIS are enabled.
Have you tried disabling dual OIS in the menus? I'm sure I've seen it in there somewhere. I'd expect not to need to, but I don't know for sure as I swapped my Mega OIS 14-140mm for the Power OIS version when I bought the G9 body.
Thanks for the reply. I have another lens with Mega OIS and do not have a similar problem, nor any other come to that. I have tried the lenses on my other two Pan MFTs and they too have no symptoms with either the Power or the Mega OIS. Also, the 45mm developed a problem with focusing a day before the clicking started. It also refused to go into manual focus mode. I've made the unevidenced assumption that these faults are connected. Now I'm wondering if there's a compatibility problem. Mega OIS isn't compatible with dual OIS.
I'd expect the G9 to just disable the camera body OIS when it sees a Mega OIS lens, but you're describing the sensor moving around, which means both lens and body OIS are enabled.
Have you tried disabling dual OIS in the menus? I'm sure I've seen it in there somewhere. I'd expect not to need to, but I don't know for sure as I swapped my Mega OIS 14-140mm for the Power OIS version when I bought the G9 body.
When using either of my G9s, I normally switch off the OIS in my lenses unless I feel I need every ounce of stabiliser I can get. I was told it could malfunction when using video. I've tried it with both the Power and Mega on my other two lenses and have noticed no change, but have followed the suggestion. If the sole fault was with the OIS in the 45mm I probably would not have bothered with returning it. I have another prime lens without any form of OIS, and I don't notice its absence. But with the autofocus and manual focus messing around, I had no option.
I received my replacement lens around midday today. It appears immaculate.
I've tried it with the Mega OIS enabled and without; there were no noticeable differences. Tried taking a handheld shot, f4, 1/400, that's with full cameras stabilisation and the OIS on.
I can't fault the image for quality.
The response of MPB was as rapid as could be expected. I informed them Monday, sent the item on Tuesday, and received the replacement, presumably after their engineers checked my old one and said it was knackered, today, eight days later.
Obviously not pleased with the fact that it broke, but given the rapid response, I have no complaints.
I've tried it with the Mega OIS enabled and without; there were no noticeable differences. Tried taking a handheld shot, f4, 1/400, that's with full cameras stabilisation and the OIS on.
I can't fault the image for quality.
The response of MPB was as rapid as could be expected. I informed them Monday, sent the item on Tuesday, and received the replacement, presumably after their engineers checked my old one and said it was knackered, today, eight days later.
Obviously not pleased with the fact that it broke, but given the rapid response, I have no complaints.
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