Cost of a Canon 50mm f1.8

[Steve Ruddy]

So how much should I expect to pay for this lens? Looking for no haze, no separation, good coating, and little if no scratches. I found two that are listed on the auction site but neither have good photos and both are near $200. One says oil on blades but operates smooth. I can disassemble to clean, if not to complex. Seems like non of the sold ones went for more than $100

 

[Graybeard]

I've been using these lenses, happily, since 1963; first on a IIIc then on a IIIf.

Go for an (aka) "Serenar" 50mm/1.8 or a silver bodied Canon 50mm/1.8. These seem to not have the fogging problems of the black bodied Canon 50/1.8's.

Slight wipe marks are common and won't cause image defects. 40mm Skylight/UVfilters, the size required for Canon 50mm lenses, are readily available again as they fit some digital cameras. Buy several while you can check eBay.

A price of $200 seems a bit rich. IMHO, $150 is more on the mark for a clean, but not necessarily perfect, copy.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'm not sure they are shipping via air from Japan at this moment.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-50mm...780838?hash=item1a9595eea6:g:UoYAAOSwOfxejofo

Igor(Camera) has one for 125.

 

[Goody]

I was going to suggest Igor as well -- he's got the Canon (black) Ex++ as well as a Serenar (silver) with "a few coating marks" Ex for less. No connection - just occationally shop there.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Thanks all, I liked this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-rang...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055359.m2763.l2649 but couldn't get him lower than 180 before tax and shipping so I went for this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/264505547259 for 142 all in and it has a hood. Keeping my fingers crossed it's good. I really liked this one because it has the Serena name on it but the seller wouldn't budge. It must be any early model. It's all shiny chrome vs mat and shiny chrome.https://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-rang...-1-8-leica-screwmount-very-clean/223806378698

 

[splitimageview]

Quality seller, good choice!

 

[superultramega]

Serenar much heavier and seem to be better build quality. I really like mine. If you’re patient $100-150 should be possible.

Actually try these guys, they have way more lenses than listed on the website: https://glasskeycamera.bigcartel.com/category/lenses

 

[AlexBG]

Really bad time to buy at the moment so you may have to spend a bit more. Plus it seems like all film photography gear goes up in price every day. I sold my serenar 50mm f1.8 last year for £160, bought it for £90 a couple of years earlier.

I always buy the more expensive items from the big auction site, there's usually a good reason for them being sold for more and I (touch wood) have never had a problem.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

I think I got ripped off. The seller said in the description

The focus and aperture are smooth, the aperture functions properly,

The truth is the aperture blades are very stiff and stick, and the blades look like they may have rusted. I kept trying to work it loose but no luck. My service tech said don't force it and it would be $85 to repair. The seller has yet to agree to a refund to cover the repair cost. They just want me to send it back and they are denying that it was not as described. The glass is very good and it has a hood so I want to keep it, if they don't do something for me I will have to return it. If it comes to that, I think I'll keep it until I get another with good glass.

 

[splitimageview]

Careful, don't force the aperture ring, it could break the blades...

Good luck...

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Canon lenses are better lenses comparing to Leitz for DIY repair. This one should be no exemptions.
eBay is total scam for issues like this. If you paid by PayPal ask them. Those are real people at work, not eBay bots.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Canon lenses are better lenses comparing to Leitz for DIY repair. This one should be no exemptions.
eBay is total scam for issues like this. If you paid by PayPal ask them. Those are real people at work, not eBay bots.

I can’t seem to find a good video to walk me through the process. Seems like the tools I need will be more than sending it out, but I have other lenses I could use them on.

 

[hap]

Strange...the ebay pictures of lenses linked show lots of dirt and dust. Perhaps that is just an artifact of magnification and lighting. I have black Canon 1.8 and 1.4 with very good glass and function. They were not all that hard to find with some patience.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Looks like the seller is going to repair it, this is good so I don’t have to start over, but won’t have a lens in the meantime. I’m going to purchase lens tools anyway. I have a Summitar and a Summaron that I would like to open. No big deal if I break either of them.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Strange...the ebay pictures of lenses linked show lots of dirt and dust. Perhaps that is just an artifact of magnification and lighting. I have black Canon 1.8 and 1.4 with very good glass and function. They were not all that hard to find with some patience.

I know, I just went by the description. The photos were horrible as most seem to be. Most sellers won’t clean lenses and or filters if they are just flipping a piece.
After I cleaned it I found some super fine and light scratches on the front element. You have to rock it in the light to make them out. I was under the impression the LTM lenses were hard to find without any so called cleaning marks.

 

[zenza]

Was thinking $120 would be a good price, surprised to see people are asking for $200...

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Was thinking $120 would be a good price, surprised to see people are asking for $200...

That’s what I paid and it has issues. The seller said they would repair it but are blaming the aperture sticking on shipping. They wrapped it in a single layer of small bubble wrap. The kind you would use for jewelry not on a heavy metal lens. On top of that they threw it into loose peanuts. The lens arrived against the box bottom and the hood got dented. This is from a camera retailer mind you. I also received a camera from a camera shop in Japan. It was wrapped the same way and the impact broke the cameras metal body. A lot of sellers do the least amount possible and bet on the odds. It’s a crime. I have had an online retail store selling delicate lighting products including fluorescent tubes. In 30 years I think I may have had one damaged package.

 

[hap]

50mm ltm

50mm ltm

Steve
I think it would be a good idea (in future) to place WTB posts in Photrio, RFF, and FM forums. It would likely get you a response and wake up some folks who might not have been really motivated to sell but knowing a buyer around, could be interested. It certainly induced me to think about moving one or more of my ltm 50's out. Although I'm glad you found something and eventually it will be right for you.

 

[zenza]

That’s what I paid and it has issues. To bad you didn’t show up before I purchased this broken one.

Mine definitely isn't perfect. Has some faint scratches on the glass and I bet it looks scary holding a flashlight up to it. I don't see the point in doing that though. Holds up well even when shooting wide open into the sun on slide film.

The lens is great, I'm sure you'll enjoy it once yours is all cleaned up!

 

[superultramega]

Looks like the seller is going to repair it, this is good so I don’t have to start over, but won’t have a lens in the meantime. I’m going to purchase lens tools anyway. I have a Summitar and a Summaron that I would like to open. No big deal if I break either of them.

I’d return it and buy one from a respectable seller.