Has anyone bought used camera lenses on eBay? Just wondering whether it's worth doing or to play it safe and go brand new or even grey market. Does the glass or AF noticeably degrade?
Printable View
Has anyone bought used camera lenses on eBay? Just wondering whether it's worth doing or to play it safe and go brand new or even grey market. Does the glass or AF noticeably degrade?
Yes but not from eBay. Talk Photography Classifieds and MPB.com.
Currently have a Canon Fd 50mm macro which I use on my Sony. It’s 40 years old and gives very acceptable images.
Ffordes are great for secondhand lens.
Thanks. Any reason you don't use eBay for lenses?Quote:
Originally Posted by craig1912
I've recently used MPB to great results.
London camera exchange “used” section has always served me well
Mark
Feeling a little nostalgic a few months ago, I bought a couple of 35mm Contax bodies and then sourced a few Zeiss lenses from eBay.
All were very accurately described (e.g."Exc++" etc) and sent from Japan. Great lenses IMHO though perhaps not quite what the OP had in mind.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4719/2...4ea7edcd_z.jpg
No real reason- for some reason just don’t feel as comfortable, but if paid for with Paypal then you do have comeback as a buyer if anything goes wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironmonk3y
I tend to use photo equivalent of forums like TZ-UK, but have used Ebay in the past with good results. Just check on arrival for operations, marks on the glass and any internal fungus - and good to pick a seemingly decent seller if there's option to do so.
In recent past I’ve purchased 2 x Fujifilm X-T1 bodies and a couple of lenses off eBay. As with any eBay purchase, do your research and avoid any deals that look too good to be true.
Both bodies in as as good a condition as MPB’s “like new” description but that’s another story, probably best posted in the Bear Pit...
Yes. I got a beercan, which was equally as good as it is hyped-up to be. You won't find them in Wex. The glass doesn't degrade as far as I know. My bins are 2000 pre-unleaded Nikon glass, still a superb view. Fungus can grow inside the lens so this needs a check.
I’ve bought and sold lenses on eBay w/o problem.
Think certain other categories (mobile phones, computer components, watches) attract scammers and I’d be wary of those.
I sold a Leica Noctilux through ebay a few years ago but insisted that the buyer came to my home to inspect the goods and pay with cash.
Lens can suffer with fungus growth inside but you can see it if you hold the lens up to a light. It is however comparatively rare.
If I was buying, I would use ebay and pay with paypal and hence you have all the protection you need. I would also get the seller to confirm that there are no cracks, fungus or any other defect that requires a repair. That way you got him by the you know what.
Harrison Cameras of Sheffield are good to deal with, I've had various bits from them. They give a 12 month warranty on used equipment.
bought plenty of camera gear off ebay, alot of the big camera shops are on ebay, so you can buy new if you wish
Have a look at eGlobal Central. Their new prices sometimes cheaper than used on eBay.
Presumably a grey importer (which many people don't have an issue with) but worth being aware.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingstepper
I have, well worth doing. Just check out the seller the best you can. Some are 'proper' camera shops and also list on Ebay.
Very nice! I still have my 139 from my film photography days - I always wanted an RTS or RTS II but couldn't afford one back then.Quote:
Originally Posted by stiglet
I think I may also still have my 50mm f1.4 Planar T*, which was regarded by many as probably the best 50mm lens in the world at the time.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I'll check out the various websites to see what is available.
Me too! Had to settle for a Yachica FR - which was a very nice camera. I wish they made a digital SLR as small and simple as the old 35mm SLRs.Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilipK
Nice cameras, I had a 137MD.
Might be worth looking at the mirrorless Sony A7 series, i’ve just switched from Nikon partly due to the small size and excellent image quality from the Zeiss lens.Quote:
Originally Posted by David_D
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcangascompany
Thanks, I'll do that! I bought a couple of Canon DSLRs and they are great cameras but way to big and heavy.
Although size is (as ever important) it's also the confusion of options on a DSLR. The good old days it was shutter speed, aperture and focus - so you concentrated on the image not messing with settings all the time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by David_D
That's available on the settings dial marked M (manual) on most cameras even now, so I believe . . .
I have lenses that've never been used in any other setting.Quote:
Originally Posted by magirus
eBay is eBay, diligence is needed with complete strangers. I've bought (and sold) a fair number of lenses on there without a problem.
R
I purchased a lens for my Sony 6000 from of all places Computer Exchange, they had one available locally to where I was working at the time and offer a years warranty as well.
I went from Olympus EM-10 to a Sony A7iii. Use it with a Tamron zoom, a lovely manual Voightlander 40mm f1.2 and a couple of Canon FD’s.Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcangascompany
The Sony is nice and compact, takes loads of different lenses (with an adapter) and once set up very easy to use and full frame too.
Never purchased from eBay for used camera/ lenses.
I have used LCE , Harrisons Cameras, Cliftons Cameras, all with excellent results
There is a lot to consider buying used. Fungus on the glass, auto focus's and general condition.
I might consider eBay if it was for a manual lens but for complicated electronics I personally would not.
I recently purchased a refurbished XT1 camera and 18-135 lens from Fuji, fully guaranteed for 12 months and like new.
I’d prefer just the manual controls and smaller camera.Quote:
Originally Posted by magirus
It was! I had that lens on a 167MT and it was a cracker! :sentimental:Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilipK
Because although there seem to be a few happy ebay customers on here, ebay is also the place where people chance their arm at selling shite. No hope selling it to a reputable 2nd hand dealer so off to ebay it goes. You'll pay more at a dealer but guaranteed a quality product, ebay is mainly luck.
I’ve bought second hand from London Camera Exchange.
This is pretty accurate comment, you can find the odd ‘pearl’ but they are few and far between!Quote:
Originally Posted by spud767
I love comments like No dust in the lens ‘as far as I can see’ and ‘I don’t know how to get a shutter count’
:biggrin-new:
I must be very lucky then because I’ve never bought shite.Quote:
Originally Posted by spud767
As above, Talk Photography.
I've bought and sold cameras, lenses and all manner of accessories on there without issue. I am wary of eBay.
I bought a few lenses fro eBay, always turned out just fine. As long as the seller has a good rep you should be fine.