I recently wrote an entry called What Camera … What Purpose? I Finally Figured It Out … For Me!. In it I mentioned I’ve been using the standard Mamiya 100mm 3.5 lens that came with my Mamiya Universal camera. It’s a Tessar design, but the results have been quite good. Nevertheless I’ve been on the prowl for a 100mm 2.8 Planar design … only because the Planar design is said to be sharper than the Tessar in this application. If it was truly better, that would become my go to lens.
Fortunately the lens like all those Mamiya made for the camera are inexpensive and probably one of the best screamer bargains for film photographers! Generally about three to four hundred bucks for something in nice to mint condition. Price not withstanding it made sense for me to give it a try, given the focal length is the primary one for that camera and I would use it ninety percent of the time or more.
eBay was the place to hunt for my Mamiya 100mm lens experiment, and a couple of weeks ago, I received a notice in my inbox of a “Mint” one located in Japan. That’s where most of the decent Mamiya Universal gear for sale seems to be located. No problem … all my other Mamiya stuff was purchased there. I eagerly pulled up the ad and all seemed to check out with the description. And the pictures looked all right. I tell you this because I’ve come to find out that many descriptions of camera gear from overseas sellers are somewhat exaggerated. “Near Mint”, “Mint” and drum roll please … “Top Mint” are not always as promised and you can end up being disappointed. So do ask questions before you purchase and make sure there is a legitimate return option!
My examination of the pictures provided in the ad indicated the lens was not truly “Mint”, mostly due to tiny scratches on the focusing ring. This is common and I could live with it. Nothing that my black Sharpie couldn’t fix. What’s most important of course is for the glass to be clean and without any lens separation or fungus. Also that shutter needs to work properly. I don’t want something that has had hard use or misuse. Whenever I buy a lens this old I send it off to be checked by a top notch camera repairman. It’s rare that something doesn’t need to be done, such as lubrication of the focusing mechanism.
With a little due diligence I pulled the trigger and purchased the lens. It arrives just a few days later. Amazing … faster than getting something from the next state by mail! Unfortunately the excitement caused by the fast delivery was dampened by my examination of the lens. There were more scratches that weren’t visible in the pictures and focusing was a mess. Worst of all, when looking at the glass with the shutter wide open showed what looked to be separation in the lens elements. Deal breaker! I was prepared to spend perhaps half the cost of the lens for a standard CLA, but this would likely cost much more.
After a conversation with my trusted camera guy I decided to return the lens to the seller. Oh well. Thankfully there were no issues in getting a refund with paid return shipping, so off the lens went.
I’m debating whether I will continue to keep on the lookout for another one or not. In the meantime I’ll continue to use what I have. Maybe it’s a sign! In any case, don’t let my saga dissuade you from making international purchases of gear from eBay. Almost all of my experience buying overseas, and from Japan in particular, has been without issue. In many cases, Japan is the best place to find what you’re looking for and most sellers are reputable. Just be careful and you won’t be disappointed!
Stay well,
Michael