Bison Bud

I've posted several times here about wanting a quality compact camera and was primarily interested the Sony RX100 series, but was open to other options and if the Lumix L10 had an EV, I probably would have gone that way and purchased new. However, I just couldn't seem to pull the trigger on a new Sony, due to the price, and ended up shopping for a used model. I recently sold an antique pocket watch that really helped me justify spending the money on a used RX100-5VA that I found on one of the used equipment dealers often recommended on this site. I settled on the 5VA because the 5 was the first one in the series with the phase detect focus system and I also decided that I'd prefer the brighter lens with less zoom over the newer lens on the VI and VII models that zooms out to 200 mm (not to mention the $100.00 difference in price).

Anyway, I spent what is major money to me on the used RX100-5VA and was really excited about it until it arrived yesterday. This camera was rated as in "Excellent" used condition and overall it looked pretty good. However, there has obviously been some sort of repair and/or modification made to the front of the lens and that really bothers me! There has been some sort of flange installed in the front of the lens that doesn't appear to fit very well and the lip of this flange half covers the original lettering on the front. It also appears to have some marks and scratches on this flange, which tells me it wasn't an easy thing to install. While I will admit, the camera does appear to function, I have no real way to tell if the lens is up to par with an original and I have decided to send it back.

At least to me, "Excellent" used condition would at least imply original condition and this one has obviously been modified for some unknown reason. I'm not saying that the dealer was trying to pull a fast one and I also have every reason to believe that I will get my money back, but I do feel that this sort of thing should have been at least mentioned in the product description and that it shouldn't have been sold at the premium price I paid. Frankly, I am very disappointed as I thought I had found my new compact camera, but now it's back to looking again or doing without.

Anyway, I'm going to post a photo that I hope helps everyone understand what I'm talking about here and hopefully get your thoughts as to whether my decision to return the camera is justified. Frankly, the lens is one of the primary reasons I bought this camera and I just don't feel like I'm getting what I thought I paid for here. I welcome your input once again! Good luck and good shooting to all.

(Download)

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

All that matters is that you are unhappy with the camera. Return it. You’re the one who is using the camera, if if doesn’t seem right to you what difference will it make if I say it’s okay? Return it.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

As another member pointed out this is only your decision. None of us can really offer anything more than, do what you think is best. It is your money. Having said that, I spend my money on a number of fine things from fishing rods to firearms and cameras. I have no problem buying used equipment so long as it is in excellent condition, that is close to new. Your camera does not look excellent to me and I would send it back too.

Dennis

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Just for reference, original condition would normally be described with the words "like new" or "mint." You need to read your seller's definitions, but I have always considered "excellent" to allow for ordinary signs of use. That certainly could include a competently executed repair.

The flange that you describe does seem to be a borderline issue. Is it a leftover from some accessory that was previously installed? Perhaps it can be removed. Is it a kludge holding the lens together instead of the correct part? Then I agree that it should go back...that is not a sign of normal use.

Some of the used dealers have spoiled us in recent times. That is not really a reason to expect it to happen on every item ordered. But this looks like a mistake, and you likely may have good justification for a return.

Bison Bud

I guess I could have been more concise, but I thought the title and the narrative pretty much stated that I have made my decision to return the camera and I have already notified the dealer of this decision. Since it's the weekend and I didn't send them the e-mail until late last night, I probably won't get their response until Monday, but it is on record according to their guidelines. I guess what I was really most interested in is what others think of the "Excellent" rating on this camera. Several have commented on this as hoped and I appreciate their input on the subject. Good luck and good shooting to all.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

One point I would like to add. If you mentioned where you bought the camera I didn’t see it. But certainly the terms used by sellers used to describe their goods varies a lot. If from KEH, B&H etc. then Excellent usually means pretty close to new looking. But from a private seller on eBay the seller may indeed claim Excellent but it truly isn’t in the opinion of most. Looking at your camera I would never claim it is excellent.

Dennis

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Based on what I did with my original RX100 (version zero), it looks like yours has the stickum left from a magnetic filter mount. When mine was new, there was no other way to attach filters. The brand was "Magfilter". It worked very well!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

It is an adapter to allow fitting filters to the RX100. I would return the camera unless it is possible to remove the ring.

The "excellent" rating with body scratches is why I only purchase used gear with KEH. They would have rated and priced this with a lower rating. Excellant from KEH means practically new out of the box.

Bison Bud

I hadn't thought about the flange being part of a filter add on system, but looking up Magfilter doesn't seem to show what is installed. I guess it could be the Kase filter system. In any case, I don't think it's coming off without damage and I will discuss it further with the dealer on Monday. As for not naming the dealer involved, I thought it best to give them a chance to make things right before identifying them here and I intend to stick with that game plan.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

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Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

Have you tested the camera?

agillot

I think you are unfair , what you see is a add on that allow to add some filter .See if you can remove it [ google ] , and road test the camera to see .

whitehall Loc: Canada

You are complaining about a cosmetic issue. Does the camera perform as it should? I have the RX 100va. It is an great camera I would loath to let it go by reason of cosmetics

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes. If you're not satisfied, why keep it?

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

Agree, send it back. I think the company should have disclosed the adapter. It looks like the previous owner also added a Sony handgrip. From my used buying & selling experience this would be rated “good” at best if it was fully operational with a corresponding price reduction. Excellent normally implies a “near new” appearance and functionality.