50mm f/2 Planar with tiny rear element scratch

[kmansouri]

I've already looked through the existing treads, but couldn't find a thread that addressed this particular issue.

I bought a Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 Planar off ebay that was described as "new" on the listing. Upon receiving it, I promptly inspected the lens under a strong light to make sure the lens surface was ok. I noticed a hairline scratch on the rear element which you can see in the images below. The scratch is difficult to spot unless you have it at just the right angle, so I suspect it just might be the coating.

Will this kind of scratch really degrade image quality? Is this scratch a deal breaker?

 

[jonmanjiro]

I doubt you'll see any affect on your photos, but the scratch certainly reduces the resale value. Can you return it? Or get a partial refund?

 

[Keith]

I'd be returning it whether it affects image quality or not. It was described as like new ... which it isn't!

Or as jon said ... a partial refund.

 

[dacookieman]

I'd definitely return it if it was described as NEW but turned out to have had a scratch on its rear element.

What's the ebay link? can I have a look at the listing?

 

[ChrisN]

It almost certainly will not have any effect on your photos. (I have a similar scratch on the rear element of my 35 Summicron ASPH.)

However it does effect the value of the lens and will will impact your ability to sell it on.

 

[kzphoto]

Have you tried to blow on it? I had a hair on a lens that I thought was a scratch. Went away with a little air pressure.

 

[kmansouri]

Thanks for the responses. I bought the lens for $530 which is slightly lower than the going rate (based on completed listings) for the used 50mm f/2s. Here's a quote from the listing: "This lens is open box, but has not been used-100% good as new!" The lens does indeed have some signs of usage (nothing major), and using such definitive language for something that is clearly used is highly sketchy.

I don't mind hanging on to the lens if the scratch isn't a big deal, but what would be a reasonable price for this lens given the condition?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Keith]

I remember someone posting a thread ages ago about getting a brand new lens from a Zeiss distributor that came with a very similar scratch .... and I can't help wondering if this is the same lens?

Either way I'd be returning it or asking for at least $150.00 back!

 

[tj01]

return it, you paid for a lens described without the scratch.

 

[Ronald M]

Lenses with scratches are not As new.

 

[Paddy C]

I would return that without a second thought. That will really affect your resale value if you decide to move on in the future and it's not what was advertised.

 

[jsrockit]

If you were to decide to sell it, you will not get what you paid. That should answer your question.

 

[Mudman]

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.10.30/front-element-scratches

having posted that - I'd still return or ask for money back.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

you may have a chance to have a nice partial refund and have a gorgeous lens at lower price as this will not affect the IQ.

I missed a 90mm summicron last week with a small scratch on front element. It went for 435$ and I missed it by 5$!!!! I am banging my head to the wall! Can you believe it!?!

 

[MC JC86]

See if you can find completed listings for similar items that were sold for parts or repair, as a scratch that big could possibly bring it down to about that resale difference. If you don't mind keeping it, seeing as how IQ probably won't be affected, ask for the difference refunded... seller may or may not do it.

While I never, ever use words like "Minty" (coins are minted, not cameras, and even then they are either mint or not) I once sold a lens that I thought was optically flawless but turned out, according to the buyer, to have a little fungus in the periphery. I gave them a partial refund for the amount they specified to have it cleaned and everything ended amicably.

If you don't want the trouble, return it, as others have mentioned it's resale value is considerably lower than it would be if it was in the condition advertised.

Good Luck.

 

[Bavaricus]

http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.10.30/front-element-scratches

having posted that - I'd still return or ask for money back.

The nearer the harm is to the sensor, the bigger is the impact on the picture quality. So i would return it. Front element scratches almost in no case really harmful 😉