Hi Everybody
I have a mint condition zuiko 8mm fisheye lens that I've had for some time now. I got it very cheap as a package deal on an olympus om-1 camera. I'm not sure if I should sell it or not. I've been trying to figure out what it's worth but since it's such a rare lens I can only find one similar lens for sale on ebay with a fixed price of 2600 dollars and I doubt it's worth that much (or is it?)
I could of course just put it on ebay with a low starting price and see what will happen, but it would just be nice to know in advance more or less how much I can expect to get for it.
Unless you actually need the money I'd say to hang onto it for now. Rare lenses in good condition are a decent investment, especially if you didn't pay much for them.
I haven't heard of this lens but the prices on non-Leica lenses is sometimes erratic. I've seen the 40mm f2.0 zuiko go for $50 and $500. OK, this isn't ultra rare but you get the point. If you're really looking into selling it, then I would track ebay more carefully for a while.
Check the rear element group for haze. Many of them have it and it can't be cured. This affects value greatly. Average value for these is 500-750usd genrally. Search for JCowell's lens$db, it has good historical price data on OM lenses.
Here is an old 'Unofficial Olympus Lens Page.' It lists the 8mm Fisheye, used, at $1090.USD
It's a handy used price guide, but old...last updated NOV, 2004.
Hope it helps,
Either this seller had/has two of theses lenses...or it's back up for sale again.
At almost four times the previous price, though...$2000.USD this time.