Great new lens...packaged terribly

[horacekenneth]

Got a fujinon 90mm EX in the post today. Advertised as in excellent condition and it looks it too BUT it was packaged loose inside its enlarger lens holder (the plastic bubble type). So while the holder was surrounded very securely with bubble wrap the lens itself bounced around inside for the long journey from Japan.

1. I'm going to print an identical photo to one I've done with my older 90mm. What's the best way to compare them to judge if this new 90 became a dog?

or

2. Should I just return it? It still looks great but I need a really good 90.

 

[chris77]

if the lens surfaces look exellent there is no reason why the lens shouldnt be as well.
no need to worry too much.

 

[MattKing]

My guess is that the seller probably screwed the lens on to the thread in the bubble, but did nothing to make sure that it didn't unscrew itself in transit.
Unless, of course, the customs people inspected it and didn't return it to the threads.

 

[MattKing]

1. I'm going to print an identical photo to one I've done with my older 90mm. What's the best way to compare them to judge if this new 90 became a dog?

I would check for alignment issues and see if there are any signs of loosened elements.
You can check alignment by setting the enlarger up to do a big enlargement using your old 90mm lens, and then compare the sharpness at the corners with the new lens.
Also check that the aperture mechanism seems to be functioning correctly, including the detents.

 

[Hilo]

Let the seller know what happened and tell him you will make some tests !

 

[zanxion72]

It is a simple lens that can withstand a lot. If all looks o.k., it will perform as expected too.In these packages, with rough handling the plastic top is what goes down first. Lucky you got it like this.

 

[railwayman3]

Let the seller know what happened and tell him you will make some tests !

I'd definitely test it, and return it if you have any doubts. You say yourself that you wanted a good lens, and (if you're anything like me!) you'll not enjoy using it if you're not entirely happy with it, or feel doubtful that you're getting the best possible results.

 

[craigclu]

I once bought a Rodenstock APO enlarging lens that arrived in a small bubble envelope. Not even a good quality envelope but luckily, all seemed well in usage. Who could anticipate this sort of thing and know to coach the seller? I do now and make certain to comment on the packing of anything I buy that has the potential to suffer in shipping.

 

[M Carter]

I always check eBay for vintage photo paper - "Look! Ektalure". There's a photo of the package. Then a photo of the black bag. Then... a photo of the paper itself, often beautifully fanned out...

Yeah, I always message them

 

[horacekenneth]

Thanks guys I ended up discovering some faint fungus behind the front element so I asked to return it (untested). Bought a second one. First seller refunded me and told me to keep it so I'll have two to compare I guess!

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Thanks guys I ended up discovering some faint fungus behind the front element so I asked to return it (untested). Bought a second one. First seller refunded me and told me to keep it so I'll have two to compare I guess!

If he refunded you, you should return it!

 

[Nige]

First seller refunded me and told me to keep it so I'll have two to compare I guess!

haha! I have a 90/5.6 EX and I reckon it's better than my 80/4 Componon-S, although the Componon has the stop down lever which is a great attribute in usage.

 

[railwayman3]

Thanks guys I ended up discovering some faint fungus behind the front element so I asked to return it (untested). Bought a second one. First seller refunded me and told me to keep it so I'll have two to compare I guess!

That's a good outcome and a genuine seller. I've had the same thing happen where a seller doesn't want an item returned.....perhaps they're just wanting to get rid of stuff they no longer need, but I always make a clear offer to return the faulty or incorrect item, just feel it keeps some Ebay goodwill, when people seem more interested in complaining about bad experiences.