ebay store: Honest mistake, or misrepresentation?

Groundloop · 12-15-2007, 10:48 AM

Earlier this week I bought my first M42 lens, an S-M-C 135mm f3.5. I stumbled across the auction with about an hour to go, waited to last the last minute to bid and won it for $45. Well, the lens arrived today and, while it really is in superb condition, especially considering it's age, the lens is in fact a Super Takumar, not the advertised Super Multi Coated Takumar. The lens sitting on my desk is the same lens that was pictured in the auction, but the store (who I've purchased from before) doesn't photograph lenses head on, so I wasn't able to read all the information around the front element.

I'm not sure I wouldn't have bid if it had been described correctly, but my feeling is I would have let it pass. Returning the lens won't be a physical hassle, since the brick and mortar store is only about 20 minutes away from me.

So I guess my question is, is this matter worth pursuing?

roy · 12-15-2007, 11:23 AM

i would. the smc coatings make a difference

Joe_M · 12-15-2007, 11:31 AM

Business is business, get what you paid for.

If you made a little mistake and wrote them a bad check. Would they understand?

Tom · 12-15-2007, 12:11 PM

Return to sender and get your money back !

Mikhail · 12-15-2007, 12:44 PM

Did you read the entire listing though? If the listing said it was a SuperTak then you dont have much of a case..

Thanks

little laker · 12-15-2007, 01:07 PM

If you like the lens how about giving the store a call and talking to the manager.
There's a good chance that you can talk him into giving you an in-store credit towards some prints or something.

Groundloop · 12-15-2007, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Mikhail

Did you read the entire listing though? If the listing said it was a SuperTak then you dont have much of a case..

Thanks

Hi Mikhail,

Nowhere in the listing do they refer to it as a Super Takumar. Here's the listing:

ASAHI PENTAX SMC 135mm f3.5/SPOTMATIC/SPF/ESII/USED - (eBay item 280180866796 end time Dec-11-07 17:01:44 PST)

Stu, I took a couple of quick shots in the house and the lens seems sharp enough, but lacking in contrast. I think I'd really rather have the SMC version.

I just called the stores ebay department and it's closed. I'll send them an email today, and follow up by phone on Monday.

Mikhail · 12-15-2007, 01:39 PM

Oh I see, its never happened with Henry's before for me but im sure if you got in contact with them they would sort it out.

Thanks

*Eaglerapids* · 12-15-2007, 06:44 PM

I'd definitely be talking to them about that one, the lens was misrepresented.

Mike Cash · 12-15-2007, 06:49 PM

I have both the S-M-C and the Super Takumar in 135/3.5. There isn't all that much difference between them. I would keep the lens and ask for a partial refund. You paid too much as it was, even had it been the S-M-C version.

roy · 12-15-2007, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Cash

I have both the S-M-C and the Super Takumar in 135/3.5. There isn't all that much difference between them. I would keep the lens and ask for a partial refund. You paid too much as it was, even had it been the S-M-C version.

that's true. i just picked up the 135/2.5 K for <$19 delivered.

*tranq78* · 12-15-2007, 10:03 PM

Henry's is scrupulously honest. You won't have any problems if you are unhappy with your purchase.

I've bought thousands of dollars of gear from their online store, their bricks & mortar stores, and from their eBay store.

I've had to send a couple of things back over the years and they were instantly replaced without any hassle. All you have to do is contact them first and tell them what is wrong.

You may pay a bit more buying from Henry's, just as you may pay a bit more buying from KEH or B&H's used department. But you get peace of mind knowing you won't be cheated out of your money. Plus there is a 180 day warranty on used equipment.

Raybo · 12-15-2007, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Joe_M

Business is business, get what you paid for.

If you made a little mistake and wrote them a bad check. Would they understand?

Your post is not even in the same league.

Ray

little laker · 12-16-2007, 12:57 AM

Groundloop,
I've never dealt with Henry's, but I do understand that they are excellent. They'll probably help you out.

I just looked at KEH. And that's around the going rate for that lens, so you sure didn't get any special deal.

Lowell Goudge · 12-16-2007, 08:00 AM

I think you should have known it was not an SMC lens right up front. You state it was an M42 lens.

To my knowledge, SMC was not used in lenses until K mount.

BTW, I just bought an SMC 135 f2.5, passing over 2 other similarly priced Takumar 135 f2.5 K mounts ONLY because of the coating.

EDIT:
In terms of the price, however, I think what you paid is fair for the lens you got. I paid somewhat more for my SMC f2.5 above. There is a simple concept here, if the deal appears too good, it probably is.