What do I need to know before I buy a used lens? I am still in pursuit for good used lens for my Panasonic GH1. When buying a lens did the mfg Say Nikon or Olympus make different...

goodluckman61

I am still in pursuit for good used lens for my Panasonic GH1.
When buying a lens did the mfg Say Nikon or Olympus make different quality lenses for the same model? Would the serial number reveal anything?

I am just a beginner trying to educate myself

thanks

Robert

Reinr Loc: Staffordshire. UK

As far as I am aware, the serial number merely tells the manufacturer when the lens was made. For example, if a defect becomes apparent, then lenses with a certain serial sequence might be recalled.
When looking for a used lens, it is best to see the lens and have a good look at it, especially for any mould growth behind the glass. Does the focus ring etc move smoothly? If you can, put the lens on the camera and rattle off some shots.
It is usually safe to buy from a reputable dealer without needing to test the lens.
Auction sites like Ebay can be good and bad. Read the description carefully. Has the seller got a lot of good feedback? Ask the seller questions if not enough info is given.
I have bought lenses from Ebay and been lucky with my purchases. I have also bought second hand from shops.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

goodluckman61 wrote:

I am still in pursuit for good used lens for my Panasonic GH1.
When buying a lens did the mfg Say Nikon or Olympus make different quality lenses for the same model? Would the serial number reveal anything?

I am just a beginner trying to educate myself

thanks

Robert

A Nikon lens requires an adapter. If you do not want to use an adapter, you will need a Panasonic or Olympus μ4/3 lens. Are you looking for a long or short lens?

goodluckman61

I am looking for a fast short lens. I will buy an adapter. Right now I am open to any lens that would work on my camera' I have a 14 to 42mm lens. just got outbid for a 50mm 1.8 Olympus for $20.50. in the last 20m minutes I was the only bidder then some swooped in and got it for 20.50. Ebay sure is frustrating. Any better resource for used manual prime lenses?

Robert

Mogul wrote:

A Nikon lens requires an adapter. If you do not want to use an adapter, you will need a Panasonic or Olympus μ4/3 lens. Are you looking for a long or short lens?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

61, Don't know if it makes any difference to you, but if the lens is out of production, the OEM will probably not work on it for lack of parts.
That said, I hear of very few problems with lenses. If your looking for an old manual lens, I don't imagine anything can go wrong, so as long as the glass is clean and it works well. SS

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

goodluckman61 wrote:

I am looking for a fast short lens. I will buy an adapter. Right now I am open to any lens that would work on my camera' I have a 14 to 42mm lens. just got outbid for a 50mm 1.8 Olympus for $20.50. in the last 20m minutes I was the only bidder then some swooped in and got it for 20.50. Ebay sure is frustrating. Any better resource for used manual prime lenses?

Robert

Sign up at MU43:

http://www.mu-43.com/forum.php

and try their classified

Dave B Loc: Ramsey,Cambridgeshire UK

goodluckman61 wrote:

I am still in pursuit for good used lens for my Panasonic GH1.
When buying a lens did the mfg Say Nikon or Olympus make different quality lenses for the same model? Would the serial number reveal anything?

I am just a beginner trying to educate myself

thanks

Robert

Not sure why you would want to put a Nikon lens on a Panasonic "micro 4/3rds" camera. I understand that there is a good range of lenses from Panasonic or Olympus which don't need adaptors.

goodluckman61

As I am told that the quality of these old Nikon or Olympus prime lenses are very good and not very expensive.

That's why

Robert

trklover

Nikon lenses are for Nikon cameras only.Canon lenses are dedicated to Cannon cameras.Nikon is an optics company.You need to ck on independant lens makers for a lens that is compatible to your Panasonic.Example: Tamron,Sigma,Tokina.Ck out what they offer for your Panasonic.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Check out keh.com Superb outfit for used gear... I have bought several lenses from them.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Not true... Why do you think Canon shooters buy older manual focus Nikkor lenses for their cameras...For video mainly...The micro 4/3ds cameras can use practically any brand lens on the market regardless if it's an OEM from a different maker or not. There are adapters for practically any cross use, although Nikon, with it's longer flange distance is the least adaptable... Should one go that route, for the most part it's more of a pain than a real benefit, but to flat out say they can't be used is a misconception...I Shoot Nikon & have used older M42 mount lenses on it with both mechanical & optical adapters..Worth doing so ? Not for me, but maybe for others.

trklover wrote:

Nikon lenses are for Nikon cameras only.Canon lenses are dedicated to Cannon cameras.Nikon is an optics company.You need to ck on independant lens makers for a lens that is compatible to your Panasonic.Example: Tamron,Sigma,Tokina.Ck out what they offer for your Panasonic.

trklover

Thanks for your report.I once had a Tamron Adaptall adapter for a Cannon F-1 body allowing any Tamron lens of my choice for that body.Not aware that universal adaptors (for any lens) are available to adapt to my modern camera bodies (D600,D5200) and still function fully with that specific body computer. Any specific adaptor brands to recommend? Thanks for your help.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

As I stated in my last post, Nikon is one of the worst when it comes to adapting other OEM lenses to it due to its long register distance. You can find plenty of mechanical adapters on ebay, but they will not allow the adapted lens to focus to infinity (makes them basically a semi macro lens). There are other adapters that have an element that do allow for infinity focus, but they reduce resolution (cheap element)...I don't use any of the adapters I have as I found it's just as easy to find older manual focus lenses in Nikon's F mount from Nikon & any number of 3rd party makers...Now if you get a 4/3rds mirrorless camera, your Nikkors will be able to be used on them with adapters & no loss of infinity focus.

trklover wrote:

Thanks for your report.I once had a Tamron Adaptall adapter for a Cannon F-1 body allowing any Tamron lens of my choice for that body.Not aware that universal adaptors (for any lens) are available to adapt to my modern camera bodies (D600,D5200) and still function fully with that specific body computer. Any specific adaptor brands to recommend? Thanks for your help.