To answer all of your questions, YES, this lens is REAL.
See attached page 131 from Gerjan Van Oosteen's book:
The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide, 1952-1977
Note the highlighted comments from the author.
The mount portion of this lens measures 42.06mm, hence it is in fact, the very rare P-Mount M42 Takumar f/1.9 83mm that never went into production.
---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 02:49 PM ----------
Originally posted by iht The seller does seem a bit abrupt - he begins the listing with, "If you ask me a question that is already answered below, I will not respond to you."
But, this IS a very rare lens, and it IS a very early version of the lens. His descriptions are not deceptive. For the rarity of the lens, it seems like it's in okay condition to me.
The price is definitely on the high side, but is it really THAT outrageous? Can anyone find another M42 83/1.9 on sale anywhere else? If not, the seller is offering something unique. The seller is obviously testing the market, and you never know - he might find a buyer who has been after this lens for years and couldn't find one. And in addition, the seller has 100% feedback and a high score, so maybe one should think twice before mocking someone on a public forum. (I should say at this point that I'm NOT the seller!)
As for postage, it's also on the high side, but then again, I'm of the school that as long as the seller lists everything up front, I'm okay with that - as the buyer you just factor it in.
Thank you for your comment.
I am the seller and you are correct, I have something that is very rare and very unique. I paid a high price for it years ago and since then, the dollar has devalued and the price of these rare Asahi pieces have increased.
As for shipping:
I ship via UPS. The store I ship out of offers a private insurance policy that costs me $3 per $100 of covered value. At $3,500, that is 35 units of $100 @ $3 per unit or $105 of for just the insurance premium. Remember, I am insuring MY risk because if this item were lost or damaged, you the Buyer would want your money back.
About another $50 of the shipping fee comes from $10 handling for me to take this to my shipper, and $40 for them to pack the heck out of it so that it is not damaged or crushed. The rest of the fee comes from UPS to transport and deliver the item.
The reason I will not cheap out and ship USPS to save the Buyer his weekly beer money is because I am the one at risk, not the Buyer. If USPS damages or loses this item, I have to refund the full price plus shipping. In the interim, I have to file a claim with USPS which can take over 90 days to resolve. During this time, I am out both the lens and my money. With UPS, my claim is paid within 10 - 14 days, no questions asked because the shipper is also the packer, so once they accept the item and I pay them, they are responsible for it from that point until it reaches the Buyer.
My reputation on Ebay is simple. I offer very high quality items. I describe them and photograph them in detail and with exceptional accuracy. I hold an MFA in photography and have over 28 years experience as a paid professional in that field. I am a master photographer and a master printer. I am selling my collection, but I am not giving it away.
There is nothing which states that any Buyer is special or entitled to have it for a low price and free shipping.
Anyone who has a problem with what I am charging for this lens has a very easy solution to the problem. Don't buy it. I don't need nor do I want your money or your patronage.
As Lee Iacoca used to say about the K-Car. If you can find a better car, buy it. Same applies to this lens, or for anything else I am selling.
---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 02:58 PM ----------
Originally posted by Wild Mark Im unsure this response was required. If you feel a little vulnerable about what you have done then perhaps talk about that. Unfortunately, it is hard to do this in a internet chat room where body language is absent.
To dispell your anxiety may I suggest you 'retract' the offer made before your bluff is called. Just a safe thought in my books.
Cheers
I am the seller of the 83mm Takumar lens referenced herein. Under the Uniform Commercial Code as well as Michigan Law which governs the offer as that is where I am located, if such an offer was made, and I never received it if it were, and had I accepted such offer, even if made in jest, a binding contract would have been formed and he would have been obligated to pay me the offered price or I could have sued him in Federal Court and I would win. This is Basic Contracts 101. Offer + Acceptance = Contract and Obligation for Performance. He would be obligated to pay me, and would be obligated to tender the item to him once payment was received. About time some people grow up. If you have a problem with an item that is for sale, best to simply accept it and move on. Otherwise, you may wind up digging a hole you find yourself paying a price to climb out of.