A used camera lens is a great way to get some creative flexibility for your camera system, without the budget pinch of buying new. But with many lenses available secondhand, you need to know what to look out for to avoid buying a dud. That’s where an in-person sale comes in handy – you can see the lens for yourself and ask any questions.
But even in-store sales can come with their own pitfalls, especially when you’re dealing with individuals. The best advice here is to be vigilant and thoroughly inspect the lens before handing over cash. This article will show you some of the most important things to check when looking at a used lens, whether it’s at your local store or on Craigslist.중고카메라렌즈
1. Scratches
The first thing to do is check the front element for scratches. It’s not as crucial as some people think, though – a few light scratches can be acceptable, but a lot more damage could make the lens unusable. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a reduced price if the seller says that there are a lot of scratches.
Next, it’s a good idea to test the aperture blades, particularly on older lenses with manual control (Nikon, for example). This can be done by pushing on the aperture lever in the back of the lens – it should snap open instantly. This will give you a good idea of how well the lens is working. If the aperture isn’t opening at all or you notice oil stains, it’s probably time to pass on that lens.중고카메라
You should also examine the focus and zoom rings to be sure they turn smoothly, and not with any resistance. If you hear grinding noises, that’s not a good sign and it could mean that there is dirt trapped inside.
Finally, you should look at the filter threads to be sure that they’re in good shape and not cross-threaded – a common problem on older lenses that can cause your filters to fall out of the lens when you use them.
2. Fungus
The last thing you want to do is buy a used lens that has fungus on it. This is one of the most common problems with secondhand lenses, and it’s a big reason to always buy from a reputable retailer who will offer a refund or replacement.
3. Cloudy Elements
Another common problem with secondhand lenses is cloudy elements – this can really reduce the quality of your images, so it’s always worth checking that a lens has clean and clear glass before you purchase it.
4. Focusing
The final thing you should do is to make sure the lens focuses correctly, which you can do by mounting it on your camera and taking some test shots. You should pay particular attention to how the lens focuses in low-light conditions and whether it produces sharp images.
As a final point, I would also recommend looking into the warranty on any lens you’re considering purchasing – many retailers have this, and it can be an excellent safeguard for buyers who are worried about getting a bad deal or buying a defective product.
