I too was tortured by this decision.
In the end, I lucked out on an excellent copy of the 200/1.8L, and a great seller, an FM'r here.
I couldn't have been more happier.
I absolutely love it.
I will never sell it.
jcolwell wrote:
Assuming it's as nice on the inside as it looks to be on the outside, it should pull in about $4000 to $4200, gross.
Yes, I agree. In addition, as long as the paint job is the factory original, there aren't too many (LN-) copies left today.
(A few years ago, Lee from S.Korea sold an (LN) copy on ebay, apparently unused, however, even that one had some significant marks on the hood flocking. Lee certainly knew the original paint job from the Korean re-paint, however, in my mind the hood also had to look mint fresh before the lens could be called (LN). )
Since my question is regarding a 200 1.8L lens, I'll tack it onto this thread, even though it's a bit off-topic - but the OP has answered his question above (the reward IS worth the risk)...
I agree; I recently acquired one from KEH that is so close to cosmetically perfect (rated E+), that I'm a little afraid to take it into the woods...well, I did manage to overcome that feeling, but I do feel a kind of responsibility to maintain it in as good a condition as I received it...no more are being produced, the legend is as big as the lens itself, etc...sort of a caretaker role, maybe...
Anyway, in order to protect the groove where the tab tightens down the hood, I've put different kinds of tape there on the tab; reinforced packing tape, vinyl electrical tape, duct tape...they all wear out fast and often leave a thick adhesive residue that has to be cleaned off as well...
Do owners of this or other big whites have a preferred type of protection? (insert humorous innuendo here)
This sounds trivial, I know, but I do want to do The Right Thing regarding this beautiful example of photographic machinery...
