[Pablo Villegas]

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A lot of these cameras and lenses are used by professionals. Financing may not be available for used equipment. Most companies would balk at buying used equipment and would not allow it.

Thanks,
barondla

Maybe, for all I know 99% of photographers are freelance, even if professionals. They decide what and where to buy.

While I agree with the sentiment, there are a lot of people who buy new cars when there are lots of really nice used ones on the market. Why? Warranty maybe? Or "just because".

Well, cars last a lot less and wear a lot more than photographic lenses. Lenses can last a lifetime if they’re well taking care of, not abused. Regular use won’t wear them.

Warranty could be, there’s no warranty in my country, and from what it last, I don’t think you’ll ever use it on a lens, buying them for real cheap, makes the replace value cheap as well.

A rarely buy a new lens, unless it’s a cheap one.

We are not talking about saving a few bucks here, we’re talking about paying only 15-20% of what it costs new.

But yeah, to each his own.

[jatrax]

cars last a lot less and wear a lot more than photographic lenses.

My brother drives a 1979 Ford F-150...............

we’re talking about paying only 15-20% of what it costs new.

At that price of course it would be silly to buy new. But I don't think those deals come around all that often. I have purchased most of my lenses used and 70% of new is more common than 20%. At least for lenses that are in reasonable demand. And at 70% I think a lot of people will opt for the new warranty. But that is what sets the market.

If you can buy a good used lens for 20% of new that takes no thought at all. Who needs a warranty when you can buy 5 lenses for the price of one?

[Pablo Villegas]

My brother drives a 1979 Ford F-150...............

At that price of course it would be silly to buy new. But I don't think those deals come around all that often. I have purchased most of my lenses used and 70% of new is more common than 20%. At least for lenses that are in reasonable demand. And at 70% I think a lot of people will opt for the new warranty. But that is what sets the market.

If you can buy a good used lens for 20% of new that takes no thought at all. Who needs a warranty when you can buy 5 lenses for the price of one?

But that’s the thing, most Pentax 645 lenses are constantly at that price, this lens in specific is between $200-250 USD, all the time in Ebay.

" Near Mint " Pentax FA 80-160mm f/4.5 SMC Zoom AF Lens for 645 from Japan #305 | eBay

And it’s not the only one. I bought a 645D used with 3 FA lenses 45mm, 75mm and 200mm for $1,500 USD. Bought an FA 120 Macro for $350 USD.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Near-Mint-in-Box-SMC-PENTAX-FA-645-120mm-F-4-Macro-...wAAOSwZDlfQMIe

The 645Z it’s an amazing value right now, because lenses are very cheap, used. It’s by far the cheapest entry into medium format digital.

[w2ck]

Hi

I paid $290 for mine from Roberts in Indianapolis a few months ago, with a 90 day warranty.

I didn't need to use the warranty.

The lens was part of my low cost reentry into medium format based around a 645D at $1600. I didn't need to use the warranty on that one, either. Double


Stan

[RICHARD L.]

It's true you can easily find "LIKE NEW" used copies on eBay from Japan for 200 to 300 U.S. $