[bikehead90]

I’m in discussion with a local seller who’s got the aforementioned DA* 50-135. She’s got it listed for $20 (yes, twenty dollars). The reason: the focus rings don’t do anything. They turn, but it not go from 50 to 135mm, and the fine focus ring doesn’t focus. Wile I haven’t seen the lens in person (yet), even if it’s optically sound, is it worth buying to get repaired?

[DeadJohn]

Precision (Ricoh's only authorized USA repair center) website states a base cost of $353 to repair the 50-135. If the repair can indeed be done for that price then the lens is a bargain. It could be more expensive.

$20 to buy the lens plus whatever for shipping it to Precision seems like a reasonable gamble. If Precision comes back with a too-high repair quote you can just abandon the lens.

You said the manual focus and zoom are broken. Does autofocus still operate?

[JohnX]

She might not realise that this lens zooms and focuses internally. It needs to be mounted on a body to determine if there really is a problem.

[steve_k]

I'd take the chance.

[bikehead90]

Precision (Ricoh's only authorized USA repair center) website states a base cost of $353 to repair the 50-135. If the repair can indeed be done for that price then the lens is a bargain. It could be more expensive.

$20 to buy the lens plus whatever for shipping it to Precision seems like a reasonable gamble. If Precision comes back with a too-high repair quote you can just abandon the lens.

You said the manual focus and zoom are broken. Does autofocus still operate?

I spoke with her and she said the rings do turn but don’t actually focus. I’ve been watching them on eBay, and I can get a decent one for around $450. I think you’re right, it might be worthwhile to take a gamble.

[shardulm]

$20 is worth a shot. You may be able to sell it for parts for more even if it is a dud on that front. If it really not focus ring issue then you just have won a lottery.

[RonHendriks1966]

Convert it to disabled SDM motor. Maybe all problems are gone then.