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.

I started this thread because I wanted to know what others thought of the "Excellent" rating given with this obvious repair/modification installed. I also wondered if anyone else had seen such a thing and as it turns out, I found out that it was probably part of an add on filter system. Even though I wish it wasn't there, I have mellowed a bit about it and spent the entire weekend using the camera. Frankly, I really do like the camera, but will always feel like this sort of modification should have been disclosed prior to sale, especially since it doesn't appear to be removable. Frankly, the addition of the add on rubber grip should have been mentioned as well. Anyway, if this flange really is just an add on mod. rather then an improper repair, then I doubt that it effects overall performance and it might just be a better choice to keep it rather than return it due to this apparently cosmetic issue, especially since the used availability of this model is scarce to say the least. Anyway, the dealer's return policy is unconditional when notified within 7 days, so it really is my choice either way and as stated previously, I intend to discuss this issue personally with the dealer on Monday. Meanwhile, this thread has been both helpful and informative to me even with a few harsh statements from apparent trolls. Anyway, I thank all those that tried to help and hope I can return the favor some day.