Still about a couple of days left on this e-bay auction. 200 f/1.8
However, the bidders are proceeding cautiously. The lens seems complete and in a pretty good cosmetic condition for an early production copy, just that it is being sold "as is" although it "works fine" .....apparently has a dust problem too.
If dust is the only lens element concern, a good independent shop in USA and Canada can deal with that. However, if elements are etched with fungus or are marked otherwise, then that's permanent.
Also, full functionality, focus calibration and good IQ are obviously not guaranteed by the seller. ("works fine"....but sold "as is").
Yet, if you are a bit of a risk taker, this might turn out to be a very good deal on a very special lens.
The fact that the lens is in Japan may be deterring some bidders - though typically things heat up in eBay auctions in the waning minutes rather than days.
Original link was to an FD mount lens in Japan ... current one links to EF 200 @ Adorama.
(I think this is how they dispose of slow moving trade in gear. Personally, I wouldn't want to bid without being able to inspect - too much of a gamble)
Now, I have seen Adorama offload some of their slow selling lenses to their e-bay seller before.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if this was the $2,500 "V" grade lens they had been trying to sell for more than a month and eventually it disappeared from their site a few weeks ago.
I am pretty sure that this is that lens which Peter speaks of. I called about that lens a couple months ago, and it asks to refer to item number 333137, which I think is the same as the lens I'd called about, as well as the fact that it is a UF date code, the same as the one I'd called about. I'm not 100% sure that was the item number, but it sounds right.
KINGOFKNGS wrote:
I am pretty sure that this is that lens which Peter speaks of. I called about that lens a couple months ago, and it asks to refer to item number 333137, which I think is the same as the lens I'd called about, as well as the fact that it is a UF date code, the same as the one I'd called about. I'm not 100% sure that was the item number, but it sounds right.
OK, there you go. If some dust is the only issue with the lens, then $2,500 was almost a steal. Even the hood looks in unusually fine condition, the case too.
That's not how eBay works. 85% of bids on eBay are within the last 15 minutes of the auction. Plenty of people probably have the lens on snipe for a price that's far from cheap.
Taylor Barrett wrote:
That's not how eBay works. 85% of bids on eBay are within the last 15 minutes of the auction. Plenty of people probably have the lens on snipe for a price that's far from cheap.
That's fine, but an informed, knowledgeable buyer who also understands what's involved in any remedial work on the lens, has a substantial advantage because they will either....
* get the lens for a good price albeit perhaps not dirt cheap, or
* pass on the lens if it becomes overpriced.
Yakim, If you're refering to feedback rating, 98.8 % for a high volume retailer isn't particularly good (but not so low as to set off alarm bells). If you're seriously considering bidding, it's worth wading back through some of the seller's detailed feedback to see what the issues were & whether there's a pattern in the complaints - sometimes it's just picky customers but sometimes there's a consistent theme to the gripes. (NB: This comment is not directed specifically at the seller refered to here).
Update: I asked for a picture taken with the lens. He said he can't. His e-mall address ends with @adorama.com and this item is shipped from NJ. I asked if he is working in the Adorama store and am waiting for a reply.
globalkiwi wrote:
Yakim, If you're refering to feedback rating, 98.8 % for a high volume retailer isn't particularly good (but not so low as to set off alarm bells).
I agree, not good at all.
Plus, the lens has probably so much dust in it that it turns the lens into a permanently dialed soft focus. Besides, with that much dust, how can one tell if there is fungus on the elements or not.
All that lens is probably good for is spare parts.
Worth $1,500 maximum IMO. Yeah, that's it.
I suggest nobody bids on it more than $1,500.
Adorwin is Adorama's used department on the bay. I have bought from "Adorwin", reliable...but don't expect FM's quality service when you ask questions.
kirry007 wrote:
Adorwin is Adorama's used department on the bay. I have bought from "Adorwin", reliable...but don't expect FM's quality service when you ask questions.
Also, the 800 number in the auction is listed on Adorama's "Contact Us" page.
