Zuiko 40mm f/2

M

mr. cooper

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Aug 12, 2009
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Hi

Anyone know just how rare/difficult to find this lens is? I recently purchased one and the aperture diaphragm does not not stop down/up when the aperture ring is adjusted, so it is wide open all the time. I paid a hefty price (US $450) and I am wondering if I should return the product or just be happy to have found it at all and dish out the extra $100 or so to get it fixed? Did I pay way too much in the first place? Thanks! BTW I am aware of the website with the zuiko ebay pricing information that was compiled back in 2001 - I am wondering what they are going for these days. Thanks again.
 
They seem to go for that, sometimes more, sometimes less. I know that's not very precise. It's too much for my budget, especially with the diaphragm issue. BUT, it is a very good lens, so I would seek a concession from the seller and get John Hermanson @ zuiko.com to fix it.
 
I bought one a few months ago for $499, it is mint and never comes off of my OM4t. It is not the sharpest lens out there but it has a real unique character, nice OOF, and tiny. I recommend getting a discount fromt the person you bought it and use the discount to repair it.
 
Nice call on the discount. Hopefully the seller will agree. I hadn't even thought of that. If I could get a discount for enough to get it fixed then that would be the perfect solution.

I've heard it isn't the sharpest zuiko out there though - anyone know of any reviews of this lens? I love the zuiko lens tests on 16-9 but haven't found any tests for this particular lens.
 
In my experience most sellers seem unwilling to discount defective merchandise after it arrives, preferring to just take a full return. I guess in their minds the buyer might be trying to pull one over on them, since the equipment out of their possession it's not like they can verify. Personally I think it's lame (especially since I've almost always had to eat the cost of return shipping) but that's how eBay seems to work.
 
I've gotten discounts many times from sellers and have given discounts for several items in the past. It does not hurt to ask, in my experience, most seller would rather give the discount that get the thing back.
 
prices for a lot of zuiko glass now seems unreasonable
a good alternative would be the Voigtlander 40/2 on good F or K mount body
 
FA Limited said:
prices for a lot of zuiko glass now seems unreasonable
a good alternative would be the Voigtlander 40/2 on good F or K mount body
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...which presumes one has an F or K mount body :rolleyes:. Given what other glass often costs, I don't think prices for Zuiko lenses are that out of line - based on performance, build quality, and yes - rarity. This lens costs a lot of money these days - for a Zuiko - because they are rare. Maitani had a thing for these pancake lenses, but Olympus never prodcued them in quantity (see the 38mm f2.8 for Pen).
 
I'd return it. The thing is, there's a couple ebay sellers hoarding them and trying to get $600 for them now; the real market value is about $450-500. Wait it out, you'll get one. I have one that a friend sold me cheap. It is a magnificent lens for street photography. It is not very sharp wide open, but from f2.8 down it is very good and has far better bokeh than Olympus' 50mm f1.8 lens (which is sharper wide open but makes ugly photos if you use a large aperture because the bokeh is THAT harsh).

thom-gandhi1.jpg


If you paid $450 for it and have to spend $100 or more to fix it (if it can be fixed, if it needs parts it may be unfixable...ask John Hermanson, he's the OM system repair expert) then you paid to much.
 
I respect Chris' opinions, but if it were me I would get it repaired, contingent on getting a somewhat decent seller discount. John's basic repair price is $99 plus shipping. Returning to the seller takes time, effort and shipping costs and while prices on eBay MAY come down, you don't know when or how much. Just getting it done means you can be shooting with it relatively soon. Waiting for a better price means you have no lens for X number of months ... or longer.
 
It's difficult to determine the fair market value of that lens since any recordable sales are few and far between; and the market does swing up and down now and then. For many years they were $600. Its inflated value is due to its rarity and cult following and not its performance. Its performance is certainly good, but not outstanding.

If I were you I'd either get $100 back from the seller, or return it for a full refund. I know it may be a while until you find another, but that's what I'd still do.
 
I say: ask for a discount. Given the hassles of taking the lens back, getting it fixed and then re-listng it (presumably at a higher price to recoup repair costs) the seller might well decide to cut his losses and kick a bit of money back to you. It never hurts to ask.


- Barrett
 
The seller was cool about the discount and just asked that I supply an invoice for the repair cost. Not that she was doing me any favors seeing as how it was listed as "mint." John Hermanson sounded confident that he could fix it, so all in all it should work out. Damn that lens is compact! Put it on a black OM body and leave the RF at home...:eek:
Thanks for the input.
 
mr. cooper said:
The seller was cool about the discount and just asked that I supply an invoice for the repair cost. Not that she was doing me any favors seeing as how it was listed as "mint." John Hermanson sounded confident that he could fix it, so all in all it should work out. Damn that lens is compact! Put it on a black OM body and leave the RF at home...:eek:
Thanks for the input.
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I have been through this whole thread looking for someone to tell you that all Zuiko lenses do not stop down when the aperture ring is turned. The stop down only occurs when the camera is fired, or when the stop-down button on the lens is depressed.:bang:

Regards, Paul C.
 
I guess we all assumed the OP knew how operate the lens -- good point, though. As a Zuiko addict, I would know how to tell, and I think someone spending thar much on a Zuiko would have the knowledge.
 
Price is entirely due to rarity and hype. A good lens but not any better than the Oly 50/1.8.

The CV Ultron 40/2 is the same size, optically superior and notably cheaper. The only reason to get the Oly as a working lens is if one is especially fond of 40mm's and OM bodies.
 
mawz said:
Price is entirely due to rarity and hype. A good lens but not any better than the Oly 50/1.8.

The CV Ultron 40/2 is the same size, optically superior and notably cheaper. The only reason to get the Oly as a working lens is if one is especially fond of 40mm's and OM bodies.
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That is TRUE, in fact, all Zuikos are like that, so now you got your discount and dont need to do any repair.
 
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