7II 50mm lens value

[10to1]

Hi I was hoping some one could help me get an idea of value for a 50mm lens I recently purchased on ebay for my Mamiya 7II.

The lens was listed as in excellent condition and when it arrived it had a little more barrel marks than what I expected. More importantly there are several cleaning marks or light surface scratches on the front element that are observable under bright light. Almost looks like damage to the coating on the lens. I have no idea if it will show in the final image, but I will have to disclose this when I go to resell the lens in the future.

The ebay prices for these lenses are pretty low right now and I feel like I got a good price but not with the marks.


Wondering what you all would pay for a 50mm in good overall condition but with obvious signs of use and the marks on the front lens element. The rear element looks fine.

Also any idea if these marks will be observable on the negatives or prints?

Thanks

 

[dprees]

I have the Mamiya 7 50mm lens, and I too picked mine up on eBay (though in the UK, and a number of years ago now, so I can't offer guidance on pricing today). Mine too has some cleaning marks on the front element, at the centre, which at first gave me concern when I saw them. However, I can discern no impact from these marks on the images taken with the lens; if anything, I have been blown away by the sheer quality of the images from this 50mm.

My advice is: shoot some test exposures, at different apertures, in sunny conditions, allowing the sun to shine on the front element (though not visible in the photograph). Look at the pictures. Decide if there is any artifact in the image -- my guess is that there won't be.

You may have paid a little more than you should have done for your lens, but if you have in your possession a lens that can deliver good results, is it really that critical? It's a great optic, the 50mm, and you are going to get some great images with it. Enjoy!

 

[bobby_novatron]

It's unfortunate that sometimes on eBay the description is not always as complete or comprehensive as we might like. I recently bought a 28mm F2.8 lens for my Contax G1 from eBay, described as "mint" and "like new". When I received it, it has scuff marks on the barrel and corrosion on the mounting ring.

I think dprees' advice is correct -- try the lens out with a test roll and see how it performs. Chances are it will work well. My Contax lens works fine, despite the "flaws".

 

[10to1]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try to run a roll through it tomorrow and see how it looks. My number one concern is lens flare, so I will see how it handles a backlight situation and take it from there.

 

[EdSawyer]

Value

Value

I've been tracking the Mamiya 7 50mm lenses on ebay for a while, looking to get one. I did buy one not too long ago as part of a deal with a couple other lenses. Overall the average selling price for one in near-mint shape with box and viewfinder and caps, is usually around $850-900 or so. Lately some nice looking ones have sold for less than that. I got an exceptional deal on mine (since it was part of a group buy) for $600 for the lens,viewfinder both caps, and box. From the description of yours I'd estimate honest price on ebay (assuming marks are disclosed) of under $500 if it's the lens alone, maybe another $100 if including viewfinder. Generally the 43 goes for the most, normally $900-1100 with viewfinder, then the 50 (close to as much). the 150 is the most common and usually is about $475-550, w/o viewfinder. The 80 will usually bring about $400-450. The 65 will usually sell for about $450-600. Prices have been pretty steady over the last year or two, without major swings in either direction, from my tracking of ebay sales. -Ed

 

[gilpen123]

Here's one from SK Photo a reliable ebay store http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Mamiy...ilm_Cameras&hash=item4838fe88db#ht_3860wt_913

 

[Finder]

You can also clean the lens yourself.

 

[10to1]

Ed,
Your numbers sound about right to me. I paid a little over $600 with the finder and would not have bid on the lens had I known about the actual condition. I've notified the seller of the damage and he is going to get back to me. Thanks for the information very helpful.

Finder.... HUH??