How to buy used camera lenses.

Digital cameras are highly affordable now but that's not true for new lenses.

 Second hand lenses can be got for a real bargain, e.g. a new Nikon 105 f2.8 Micro would cost Rs.43,000, I got a slightly used one for Rs.20,000-the chap was switching to Canon, and if you don't mind manual focusing the amazing new Nikon D7000 can be used with Nikon Ai and AiS lenses made as far back as 1977. The SONY Alpha series is compatible with Minolta Maxxum lenses made as far back as 1986. For a complete list of Auto-Focus Maxxum lenses see here: http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

But there are a few things to look for when you buy second-hand lenses.

1) Check for fungus inside the front and rear elements, if not extensive it can be easily cleaned by several service centers in Mumbai, but factor that in your cost.

2) Check the aperture blades, they should not stick, try shooting at various f stops, if you get constant over exposure means the lens is not closing to the selected aperture a sign of sticky aperture blades, can be serviced, but should bring down the price by at least Rs.1,000.

3) Look for marks and scratches on the lens, some scratches may not interfere with picture taking, but take a body along and shoot with the lens, if you have a laptop you can blowup the picture and inspect it closely. A lens with deep scratches is worthless.

4) Check that the Auto focus works properly, the focusing, zooming and aperture rings should move smoothly and should not have excessive play(a sign of wear). Again check auto-focus with the help of your laptop.

5) If the front of the lens has been banged you may have problems putting filters, check for this, on a metal barrel, this can be easily fixed, another reason to have a UV filter permanently on your lenses.

6) If I think of any more check points will post them here.

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