Originally posted by builttospill Come on PB, just because you don't agree with what I have to say doesn't mean there's no substance to what I write.
Generally, this is true. You add a lot to the discussion and I can accept that your point of view regarding photogear (and the practice of photography) is just as valid as mine. However I wasn't even taking about the merits of the FA 43. Half of your post was discussing my "bias" against the FA LTDs (not really that accurate), but more importantly, was not even what I was discussing, so I think I'm justified in saying that there was not much substantive content in your post. I was simply suggesting to the OP, who has no way of trying the 43 out for himself before purchasing it, a way to try the lens with no risk of losing a single penny. The OP should be aware that it might require a bit of work, but money ALWAYS requires work. It's worth it IMHO.
I've used this system myself. The DA 40, 70, and 50 1.7 have moved through my collection, and in the process I've made about 100 dollars. The retail markup and tax are costs you will never recover, but it's easy to recover the *actual* value of the lens.
I'd hope that is a helpful contribution to the discussion.