Bought "broken" lens in Korea - recourse?
Jul 7, 2015, 1:16 pm
#1
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Bought "broken" lens in Korea - recourse?
I bought a used Nikon 18-200 VR lens at an electronics kiosk in Seoul. I tried it out a few times while in the shop and it seemed to work fine. The next day, however, I noticed the AF was sluggish and wouldn't focus in a lot of different lighting situations. Manual focus seems to work fine.
I went to Nikon in Tokyo and they ran an assessment on the lens, quoted $350 in repairs. :/
I called Chase (cc I used for the transaction) when I retruned home to see if either the purchase protection or return protection would help cover it. They suggested a merchant dispute which I submitted online. Any thoughts on whether that was the right course of action? Part of me thinks this was a lesson learned and I should just move on.
I went to Nikon in Tokyo and they ran an assessment on the lens, quoted $350 in repairs. :/
I called Chase (cc I used for the transaction) when I retruned home to see if either the purchase protection or return protection would help cover it. They suggested a merchant dispute which I submitted online. Any thoughts on whether that was the right course of action? Part of me thinks this was a lesson learned and I should just move on.
Jul 7, 2015, 2:59 pm
#2
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typically used stuff is bought and sold "as is" unless some sort of warranty is mentioned. If it worked in the shop there's no way of knowing when it was damaged. So it seems like holding them responsible isn't fair.
Jul 7, 2015, 3:19 pm
#3
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That seems fair. I might cancel the dispute I have opened and just try to sell the lens to B&H or Andorama; they may still be interested given the defect.
Jul 9, 2015, 12:55 pm
#4
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You might also try KEH. They buy and sell a lot of used gear. I sold a bunch of my old gear to them last year. It was just collecting dust. In the end of course it was nowhere near what I paid for it all. I could have tried selling it myself but it was easier to just take their offer. It was all in very good/excellent shape. So, a broken lens might not get you much.
Jul 12, 2015, 7:30 pm
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You might also try KEH. They buy and sell a lot of used gear. I sold a bunch of my old gear to them last year. It was just collecting dust. In the end of course it was nowhere near what I paid for it all. I could have tried selling it myself but it was easier to just take their offer. It was all in very good/excellent shape. So, a broken lens might not get you much.
Still out some and now need to come up with a new travel lens but lesson learn - buy used but from a reputable place.
Doing a little more research, this issue with the focus seems to be pretty common in this lens with lots of posts online reporting a similar issue.
Jul 12, 2015, 7:32 pm
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The offer I got above is good for two weeks. I just sent in supporting documentation to the CC company for the dispute. I will let it ride for a bit and see how it plays out.
Jul 13, 2015, 7:13 am
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The 18-200 is an AF-S lens and there's no way it should be sluggish. On the other hand, the fact that it doesn't focus properly in 'some lighting conditions' would point to a body problem. The only thing that I can think of in the lens that would cause focus issues in low light would be if it isn't opening up to the maximum aperture.
I've sold and seen literally hundreds of this model lens and it's been pretty trouble free. I'd suggest cleaning the rear contacts on the lens with some denatured alcohol and then doing the same to the body contacts. You're completely AF by wire on this lens so dirty contacts could create an issue. Hope this helps.
I've sold and seen literally hundreds of this model lens and it's been pretty trouble free. I'd suggest cleaning the rear contacts on the lens with some denatured alcohol and then doing the same to the body contacts. You're completely AF by wire on this lens so dirty contacts could create an issue. Hope this helps.
Jul 13, 2015, 12:53 pm
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The 18-200 is an AF-S lens and there's no way it should be sluggish. On the other hand, the fact that it doesn't focus properly in 'some lighting conditions' would point to a body problem. The only thing that I can think of in the lens that would cause focus issues in low light would be if it isn't opening up to the maximum aperture.
I've sold and seen literally hundreds of this model lens and it's been pretty trouble free. I'd suggest cleaning the rear contacts on the lens with some denatured alcohol and then doing the same to the body contacts. You're completely AF by wire on this lens so dirty contacts could create an issue. Hope this helps.
I've sold and seen literally hundreds of this model lens and it's been pretty trouble free. I'd suggest cleaning the rear contacts on the lens with some denatured alcohol and then doing the same to the body contacts. You're completely AF by wire on this lens so dirty contacts could create an issue. Hope this helps.
http://photo.stackexchange.com/quest...-focal-lengths
Sometimes it will just click when attempting to AF at certain focal lengths and in lower contrast settings. Turning the camera on and off again seems to get it to work a bit as does changing the focal length or using manual focus.
I have tried this lens on two bodies with the same issue. Cleaning the contacts is a good idea though - I will give it a try.
Last edited by TTT; Jul 15, 2015 at 11:38 am
Jul 24, 2015, 5:58 pm
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Bought "broken" lens in Korea - recourse?
Did you try out the lens with your camera or one in the store?
Jul 27, 2015, 8:36 pm
#14
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I tried it with my camera. Have since tried with a second body with the same issue.
It was marketed as used so no issues there.
Currently pending with Chase. Will see if the merchant responds, they have 2 statement cycles. Even if they lose they still got the lens I gave as trade, a Sigma 18-250.
Currently pending with Chase. Will see if the merchant responds, they have 2 statement cycles. Even if they lose they still got the lens I gave as trade, a Sigma 18-250.
