First lens

[futura]

Hi all,

My new R3A arrived today and I'm about to pull the trigger on a Nokton 40mm SC. My question is I've them on sale at Robert White where they mention its referred to as the Voiglander 40mm
f1.4 VM Nokton. I've also seen it advertised cheaper and new here - on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=300254439761&Category=3323&_trksid=p3907.m29
are they both the same of is the one from Robert White a newer and improved edition.

Thanks for your time,

Andy

 

[Sam N]

There isn't a newer or older version of this lens. I have an MC version and it's an excellent lens especially from f2.0 on.

I think "VM" just refers to the company and the mount (Voigtlander M-mount), similar to ZM for Zeiss M-mount lenses.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I don't see much of a difference in price. Robert White in the UK has a very good reputation.

 

[futura]

Thanks for the replies. I've dealt with Robert White quite a few times and have always find them knowledgeable. The difference is between the ebay seller and RW (incl VAT) is about a third of the cost. That said I would probably be without a local warranty.

 

[lngu81]

well, stephen gandy from camera quest has a free delivery policy for RFF members, so it's much cheaper. I'm in Aus and just bought a camera with free deliver. Since you will purchase a lense, it's safer in term of warranty, I dont think you need to worry much about the p/h

 

[__hh]

I have bought from the OP's link before, this exact lens & hood listing actually. I can personally vouch for this seller's trustworthiness.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Are you in the UK? If so, it's likely that you'll get stung for VAT and import duty, which will bump up the price of the lens to the same or greater than that charged by Robert White.

Even if you luck out, my experience has been that Robert White's after-sales service alone is well worth the extra expense.

 

[oscroft]

I don't know if I'm missing something, but Robert White's price is £225 plus VAT, and the eBay seller in Bangkok is asking for "approx £225.59" and you'd have to Pay VAT on import (your chance of an expensive package from Thailand not being stopped by customs is slim, and you'd have to pay the Royal Mail an extra charge of £8 for handling it).

The difference is the hood, which is included in the eBay sale, and for which RW charges £35 (plus VAT). So, comparing like with like (both without VAT), it looks to me as if the eBay price is approx 86% of RW's price once you include the hood, not two thirds. And that doesn't account for differences in postage, though the eBay charge is actually quite low (but I'd put a lot more trust in Special Delivery from RW in Poole, than postage from Thailand).

RW are excellent to deal with and you will get a proper guarantee and first class after-sales support.

(But having seen that auction, and as I'll be flying to Bangkok on Saturday, I would have been very tempted myself - and collect in person - had I not emptied my photography coffers recently by buying a 35/1.4 😀 )

 

[futura]

Thanks for the further replies, I thought I would give you an update. As mentioned, I've spent a fair few pounds at Robert whites and on this occasion decided to go with the ebay seller. After sending the money 5 days ago, the lens arrived today. I've ordered my portra and whilst I'm waiting for it to arrive I'll probably purchase a roll of cheap film from boots or similar and start shooting. Happy days!

 

[oscroft]

Congrats on the new lens. Out of interest, did you get stung for VAT in import?

 

[futura]

Congrats on the new lens. Out of interest, did you get stung for VAT in import?

Luckily no.... which is a bit of a change as I tend to get an 'extra' bill on things I order from Japan.

 

[payasam]

Maybe the ideal first lens, seeing that the 50 and 35 lengths vie for top spot.

 

[oscroft]

Luckily no.... which is a bit of a change as I tend to get an 'extra' bill on things I order from Japan

Excellent 🙂