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Photography Looking for advice on buying used lenses, Always good to be careful

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TSAxelredan
post Mar 5 2018, 03:43 AM, updated 8y ago

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Hi, I was wondering if there are any tips on buying used lenses safely.
For example if I were to buy from mudah and cod:
What are the precautions I need to take?
How do I check the condition of the lens to detect any faults?
What else should I check?

PS: Im a noob and thinking of buying Canon EF 50mm f1.4 usm lens for 900rm.

Thanks all smile.gif
goldfries
post Mar 5 2018, 09:15 PM

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Check
1. glass element, any scratches
2. check body for any dents / scratches / worn out surface
3. focusing - does it focus properly
4. focusing - does make awkward noises. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 has USM motor, that lens is silent in focusing and will not make noises like that you encounter on 50mm f/1.8.
OOtaii
post Mar 5 2018, 09:54 PM

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QUOTE
Credits to : zrasang
Firstly, check the outlook for both Body and Lens, if you're happy with it, then proceed to the next stepsssss.  cool2.gif

For the Body:
1. check the Shutter Count, the lower the SC, the better it is, just like a car's milage. Google has a clearer explanation.
2. if the Body has motor and top LCD, make sure they both work well, it's sux if the motor doesn't work, it's sux if the top LCD can't light up.
3. test the Body with various memory cards, you don't want to have error while shooting, don't you? (sometimes it's the memory card that give trouble)
4. test Continuous shoot, will the shutter jam?  rclxub.gif
5. basically you'll have to test everything, every single functions and settings of the body, like ISO, pop-up flash, the condition of hot shoe, the buttons etc etc

As for the lens:
1. it's important that the rubber is still firm.
2. make sure it works on more than ONE Bodies.
3. play with aperture, the zoom if it has, play with it like a toy.
4. if the lens got dust and fungus inside, you can send it for cleaning.
5. if the contact points are dirty, gently use eraser to clean it.
6. if the lens is AF-S, make sure the motor inside is silent while auto focusing, no loud squeaky sound.

what else?  hmm.gif  hmm.gif

Remember, these are based on my personal experiences, correct me if I'm wrong  notworthy.gif
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=82146534

This post has been edited by OOtaii: Mar 5 2018, 09:55 PM
lwliam
post Mar 6 2018, 12:42 AM

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In aperture priority mode, take a pic with aperture wide open, then, stop down the aperture to about f/8, take a series of pic (about 7-8 bursts), does it change in brightness. If there's no change, then good to go, if 2nd pic is too dark, then aperture isn't closing as it should. In the 7-8 bursts, are there any fluctuation in brightness, if there is, then the aperture blades are sticky.
TSAxelredan
post Mar 6 2018, 09:45 PM

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Alright thanks guys smile.gif

 

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