why hasn't anyone bought any Limited Lenses through the Massdrop deal that was posted

bladerunner6 · 02-26-2017, 06:51 AM

They have some pretty good prices, but so far, no commitments.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/pentax-smc-fa-limited-lenses-black

The prices are all better than what you get from B&H.

SLR Lenses, DSLR Lenses | B&H Photo Video

43 is $530 or $520, depending on how many sign up.

The 77 is $260 more, the 31 is $430 more.

Thus the 77 is $780/$790, the 31 is $960/$950.

Plus $7.75 shipping.

This compares to B&H prices of $597 for the 43, $897 for the 77 and $1097 for the 31.

bobmaxja · 02-26-2017, 07:02 AM

Whp supplies the lens? new , used , grey market . Very hard to know.
Just this insight

Quote:

Thanks to jham1496 for starting this poll! We've contacted the vendor on your behalf and they've made the SMC Pentax-FA Limited Lenses (Black) drop available.JaysonMassdrop Buyer

bladerunner6 · 02-26-2017, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by bobmaxja

Whp supplies the lens? new , used , grey market . Very hard to know.
Just this insight

If you scan to the bottom, they do claim a 1 year warranty and link to the Ricoh/Pentax page.

And on this page, they reference B&H.

https://www.massdrop.com/vote/Pentax-Limited-Lens

mee · 02-26-2017, 07:16 AM - **1 Like**

1) Didn't know about it until now
2) As bob mentioned, there is an unknown of the source of these and if the warranty will be supported
3) The discount isn't really that high - around 60 off of the base 43mm and 140ish off the 31mm.
4) What happens if you get a poor copy? Do you get to return and swap for a better one?
5) Not really interested in these lenses specifically. But if I were, and was comfortable buying with them, it would ONLY be because I was already planning on buying. Deal just isn't that great imo.

HopelessTogger · 02-26-2017, 07:31 AM

Like mee says above and also everyone's skint.

pschlute · 02-26-2017, 07:31 AM - **2 Likes**

I have always taken the view that it is better to cultivate a relationship with a long standing photography dealer than go simply for the cheapest price you can get. A recent expensive purchase I made which developed a problem was dealt with by the product being swapped for a new one the same day. With the massdrop, you will inevitably have to go back to the manufacturer via massdrop as by their nature they don't carry stock.

I am not against this kind of scheme per se, but remember that a proper retailer with a physical shop means you can try out gear and get advice. That all costs.

KiloHotelphoto · 02-26-2017, 07:34 AM - **2 Likes**

Never heard of them, but if I'm dropping a grand on a new lens I don't mind spending a little extra to get it from B&H because I know if I have a problem they are great to deal with. I also will have it next day from B&H and don't have to sign up for anything.

lesmore49 · 02-26-2017, 07:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto

Never heard of them, but if I'm dropping a grand on a new lens I don't mind spending a little extra to get it from B&H because I know if I have a problem they are great to deal with. I also will have it next day from B&H and don't have to sign up for anything.

I agree. I deal with a local dealer for the same reasons. So far...so good.

Not a Number · 02-26-2017, 08:14 AM

So they don't actually have anything to sell at this point. Just promises if they get enough commitments

Sort of like "group buys" people will organize to qualify for volume discounts and free or shared shipping costs. All it needs is for one person to back out at the last moment for the whole thing to fall apart.

Outis · 02-26-2017, 08:48 AM

Yeah. Definitely worth paying the premium through Adorama or B&H for (1) no question about warranty (2) no problem with exchanges if you get a bad copy (3) for me in Boston, lens arrives next day.

lytrytyr · 02-26-2017, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

a proper retailer with a physical shop means you can try out gear and get advice.

Only if you happen to be in their neighborhood!

**csa** · 02-26-2017, 10:20 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by bladerunner6

why hasn't anyone bought any Limited Lenses through the Massdrop deal that was posted

For all the reasons posted above. I prefer to buy from established retailers, to support them; and I know if there is a problem they will handle it quickly!

I also refuse to deal with any site that requires me to join FaceBook, etc., simply to see their site!

GeneV · 02-27-2017, 03:58 PM

I'm not even too keen on signing up, since I don't know who they are. the difference between $530 and $599 is not that significant in the scheme of things.

guinnessman · 02-27-2017, 05:02 PM

I've used Massdrop for an audio amp, they're legit.

Not sure how big of a deal you really get, I probably only saved about $20, some of the bigger deals are on limited runs of boutique headphones, similar models to German or Austrian made Sennheiser or AKG cans, respectively, but made in China. There you're trading location and manufacturing costs for similar headphone types. So instead of getting Sennheiser HD 650s sold through Amazon for $375, you'll get Sennheiser HD 6xx, but sold through Massdrop for $200. Essentially, the same cans, but where they're made is different.

I still generally prefer B&H, Adorama, or KEH, but then again I haven't seen a big physical store in ages, especially one that carries Pentax gear, I pretty much have to buy blind and online to an extent.

bladerunner6 · 02-28-2017, 04:05 AM

Originally posted by lesmore49

I agree. I deal with a local dealer for the same reasons. So far...so good.

I have no local dealers, unfortunately.

02-26-2017, 06:51 AM	#1
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	why hasn't anyone bought any Limited Lenses through the Massdrop deal that was posted They have some pretty good prices, but so far, no commitments. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/pentax-smc-fa-limited-lenses-black The prices are all better than what you get from B&H. SLR Lenses, DSLR Lenses \| B&H Photo Video 43 is $530 or $520, depending on how many sign up. The 77 is $260 more, the 31 is $430 more. Thus the 77 is $780/$790, the 31 is $960/$950. Plus $7.75 shipping. This compares to B&H prices of $597 for the 43, $897 for the 77 and $1097 for the 31.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FF lenses for the K-1 that can be bought new	Class A	Pentax Lens Articles	177	09-05-2023 06:39 AM
Are there any AF lenses that don't autofocus on Pentax DSLRs?	bladerunner6	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	09-04-2015 10:35 AM
Film Camera that hasn't been used in a decade	Codazzle	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	10	12-30-2012 05:40 AM
Question Marketplace- Someone bought something, but hasn't given an address	mediaslinky	Site Suggestions and Help	4	01-24-2012 05:26 PM
THAT's why I used Pentax Limited Lenses	Sperdynamite	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	12-14-2011 11:10 PM

02-26-2017, 07:02 AM	#2
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	Whp supplies the lens? new , used , grey market . Very hard to know. Just this insight Quote: Thanks to jham1496 for starting this poll! We've contacted the vendor on your behalf and they've made the SMC Pentax-FA Limited Lenses (Black) drop available.JaysonMassdrop Buyer

02-26-2017, 07:13 AM	#3
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080 Original Poster	Originally posted by bobmaxja Whp supplies the lens? new , used , grey market . Very hard to know. Just this insight If you scan to the bottom, they do claim a 1 year warranty and link to the Ricoh/Pentax page. And on this page, they reference B&H. https://www.massdrop.com/vote/Pentax-Limited-Lens

02-26-2017, 07:16 AM - 1 Like	#4
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	1) Didn't know about it until now 2) As bob mentioned, there is an unknown of the source of these and if the warranty will be supported 3) The discount isn't really that high - around 60 off of the base 43mm and 140ish off the 31mm. 4) What happens if you get a poor copy? Do you get to return and swap for a better one? 5) Not really interested in these lenses specifically. But if I were, and was comfortable buying with them, it would ONLY be because I was already planning on buying. Deal just isn't that great imo.

02-26-2017, 07:31 AM	#5
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Like mee says above and also everyone's skint.

02-26-2017, 07:31 AM - 2 Likes	#6
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	I have always taken the view that it is better to cultivate a relationship with a long standing photography dealer than go simply for the cheapest price you can get. A recent expensive purchase I made which developed a problem was dealt with by the product being swapped for a new one the same day. With the massdrop, you will inevitably have to go back to the manufacturer via massdrop as by their nature they don't carry stock. I am not against this kind of scheme per se, but remember that a proper retailer with a physical shop means you can try out gear and get advice. That all costs.

02-26-2017, 07:34 AM - 2 Likes	#7
KiloHotelphoto Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,030	Never heard of them, but if I'm dropping a grand on a new lens I don't mind spending a little extra to get it from B&H because I know if I have a problem they are great to deal with. I also will have it next day from B&H and don't have to sign up for anything.

02-26-2017, 07:56 AM - 1 Like	#8
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,343	Originally posted by KiloHotelphoto Never heard of them, but if I'm dropping a grand on a new lens I don't mind spending a little extra to get it from B&H because I know if I have a problem they are great to deal with. I also will have it next day from B&H and don't have to sign up for anything. I agree. I deal with a local dealer for the same reasons. So far...so good.

02-26-2017, 08:14 AM	#9
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	So they don't actually have anything to sell at this point. Just promises if they get enough commitments Sort of like "group buys" people will organize to qualify for volume discounts and free or shared shipping costs. All it needs is for one person to back out at the last moment for the whole thing to fall apart.

02-26-2017, 08:48 AM	#10
Outis Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 935	Yeah. Definitely worth paying the premium through Adorama or B&H for (1) no question about warranty (2) no problem with exchanges if you get a bad copy (3) for me in Boston, lens arrives next day.

02-26-2017, 09:34 AM	#11
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by pschlute a proper retailer with a physical shop means you can try out gear and get advice. Only if you happen to be in their neighborhood!

02-26-2017, 10:20 AM - 2 Likes	#12
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by bladerunner6 why hasn't anyone bought any Limited Lenses through the Massdrop deal that was posted For all the reasons posted above. I prefer to buy from established retailers, to support them; and I know if there is a problem they will handle it quickly! I also refuse to deal with any site that requires me to join FaceBook, etc., simply to see their site!

02-27-2017, 03:58 PM	#13
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I'm not even too keen on signing up, since I don't know who they are. the difference between $530 and $599 is not that significant in the scheme of things.

02-27-2017, 05:02 PM	#14
guinnessman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 175	I've used Massdrop for an audio amp, they're legit. Not sure how big of a deal you really get, I probably only saved about $20, some of the bigger deals are on limited runs of boutique headphones, similar models to German or Austrian made Sennheiser or AKG cans, respectively, but made in China. There you're trading location and manufacturing costs for similar headphone types. So instead of getting Sennheiser HD 650s sold through Amazon for $375, you'll get Sennheiser HD 6xx, but sold through Massdrop for $200. Essentially, the same cans, but where they're made is different. I still generally prefer B&H, Adorama, or KEH, but then again I haven't seen a big physical store in ages, especially one that carries Pentax gear, I pretty much have to buy blind and online to an extent.

02-28-2017, 04:05 AM	#15
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080 Original Poster	Originally posted by lesmore49 I agree. I deal with a local dealer for the same reasons. So far...so good. I have no local dealers, unfortunately.