What would you pay for this lens?

[robonfilm]

I’m going to buy this Canon LTM 50mm 1.8 for around 90$. Based on the condition of the lens is it a good deal?
Fell free to elaborate!

 

[Donald Qualls]

Fairly dusty, assuming those specks I see in the rear cell aren't fungus. If the aperture works smoothly and especially if you're capable of cleaning it up, it might be a good deal. I'm not an expert on LTM lens prices, though.

 

[Saganich]

it's is difficult to tell from external images if a lens will perform correctly. I don't see any obvious evidence anyone took it apart, so that's a plus. No photos of aperture blades. Are they there?, lol. As Donald stated the rear element looks funky. I personally wouldn't spend more then $45.

 

[abruzzi]

I assume the rainbows are reflections of the lighting, and not separation?

 

[Sanug]

The Canon 1,8/50 is quite easy to deassemble and clean. Mine had little haze that was easy to remove. It is an exvellent lens. Check about the aperture blades before you buy it.

Other Canon lenses with haze might not to be cleaned so easily. Some haze is not removable due to a chemically damaged inner lens. I had this issue with a Canon 100 mm I bought from Japan. Wasted money.

 

[BMbikerider]

I find the best way to check a lens is to shine a light from the opposite side of the lens you are looking at because this will show up far more clearly and defect such as dust, separation, haze, and other defects far more clearly. This also includes a better idea where the problem lies. The 1st lens looks quite bad as it is, but a more accurate idea will be shown by shining a light from behind up through the optics.

As it appears on here I would not touch it.

 

[Don_ih]

This

looks not promising. That looks like haze and possibly fungus spots on the inside of the rear of the front element group. Canon lenses of this type are susceptible to a destructive haze.

That said, $90 is not much - especially if there's no additional shipping cost. If you can get it in your hand, hold it up to a light source and look through it. That'll tell you if there's a bad haze. Things can look pretty bad on photos such as these but ultimately have little impact on the use of the lens.

 

[Ian Grant]

I don't like the first photo. I wouldn't buy the lens. A good, really nice clean, one on it's own typically sells for around £145/$185. But you can usually get a complete camera with the same lens for that price anyway.

Ian

 

[Don_ih]

There are also other potential issues. The focus or aperture adjustment could be seized or very stiff. You need to ask about those things, as well.

 

[BradS]

based upon the first photo alone, hard pass. Life is too short to waste time and money on garbage. There are plenty of decent lenses around spend a little more and get something less shitty.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

Too many if. No, I wouldn't buy it at that price. Probably would buy it at a bargain price to try my hand and clean/repair it but not at that price range.

Wish you luck.

 

[250swb]

They aren't expensive and are pretty common, so I'd say anything from £60 - £120. Worth it though, they're sharp and balance nicely on a Barnack body. I didn't use mine for a year or so and when I came to use it again the lens was completely fogged on the inside with a dense white haze. But as others have said they are easy to take apart and clean and it was pristine again within a few minutes.

 

[GregY]

I'd look for a cleaner one, since, as mentioned there are lots of them available. I'm happy with worn lenses if the glass is clean, otherwise it costs me 2x a couple of hours drive and a minimum of $75 for servicing.

 

[robonfilm]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond!
The issue is that I’m struggling to find a good example for around €150 max at the moment.
I just offered €60 plus shipping for that lens. If the seller accepts, I’ll do my best to clean it!