Pawn Shop: Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop? I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a...

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

Why not if it meets your needs.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Jules, I would. If you've looked at the lens carefully and it works on your camera, why not? The only consideration I'd have is the price difference between the pawn shop vs. either new or used from a reputable dealer. If the savings is significant, again, why not. I've purchased cameras from pawn and antique shops and have never had an issue with any of them.
--Bob

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

MSW

I've made a bunch of purchases at pawn shops with excellent result.

dicker like a fiend! anyone who pays what is says on the sticker pretty much deserves to get stuck, so take no prisoners...

if you know what you're doing, pawn shops are fun, if not, well caveat emptor.

(OK- that's my rant for today - it's safe to come out now)

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

I've no issues at all with buying from pawn shops, have several cameras and lens from various PS. You can get great deals, and the shops are generally honest in their ratings and descriptions, and usually offer refunds. My first PS camera was a Minolta 7000 that I still have, and it still works after 20 years. That's a nice lens, I'd grab it! Pawn shops are usually more trustworthy than the average Ebay seller. And yes...dicker, negotiate, trade etc. You should be able to get something knocked off the price.

BebuLamar

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

I don't know if that's a fair price for that lens in good working condition. But if the price is right I much rather buy from a pawn shop which I can examine the lens before I buy it than buying online sight unseen.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

rmalarz wrote:

Jules, I would. If you've looked at the lens carefully and it works on your camera, why not? The only consideration I'd have is the price difference between the pawn shop vs. either new or used from a reputable dealer. If the savings is significant, again, why not. I've purchased cameras from pawn and antique shops and have never had an issue with any of them.
--Bob

Hi Robert
This same lens at B and H is around $800.00. The sticker at the shop was $480.00. I offered three hundred, the manager says no, come back at $400.00. I was thinking of the lens for volleyball and basketball.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

It’s not that different from eBay right? And you can actually try out the lens before you buy.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I've bought a few photography items from pawn shops in the past and have not been burnt but that was me. I know nothing about the specific lens you are interested in and nothing about the shop you are looking in. If the lens is worth the price they are asking and they have a return policy if there is something wrong with the merchandise, go for it. If you don't really have a use for the lens and not a lot of extra money to burn, think about it.
If I were in the same situation as you I'd probably buy it.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Jules Karney wrote:

Hi Robert
This same lens at B and H is around $800.00. The sticker at the shop was $480.00. I offered three hundred, the manager says no, come back at $400.00. I was thinking of the lens for volleyball and basketball.

Did you determine if the lens is grey market? Also, I would check the serial number with the police department to make sure it is not hot. Remember that if you inadvertently buy stolen property and its sale is later traced to you, the police can confiscate the lens and you will be out your $400. If everything checks out, only then would I consider buying it.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

My first camera came from a pawn shop- Canon AE-1

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

tradio wrote:

My first camera came from a pawn shop- Canon AE-1

Wow now that brings me back. I used that one too. Good camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

I think pawn shop owners have to be as careful as any other buyers when they accept items, and they're probably good at spotting problems. What you have to be concerned about is the integrity of the shop owner. As the Romans used to say, "Caveat emptor."

DannyKaye Loc: Sheffield now but soon moving to Blanzay

Check the serial number on the nikon registry and anywhere else you can think of. If it is nicked don't buy it. If they don't let you copy the serial number before buying assume it is nicked!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Jules Karney wrote:

Would you buy a lens from a pawn shop?
I saw a 105 micro 2.8 if G lens at this pawn shop yesterday for around $400.00. l put it on my D4 and it worked fine. Should I take a chance on this lens?
Comments and experience from others appreciated.
Jules

If you put it on your D4 and it worked fine you think when you get home it will not work fine? Is that what your asking? Would I take a chance on the lens? Yes, I would. BUT, you see, I am not you. Only you can prevent forest fires and make a decision on this lens.
That lens is one of the sharpest lenses ever produced. If the condition is also good what are you waiting for.