50mm 1.8; new copy

[D_Ch]

As mentioned in passing on another thread, i was waiting for delivery of a new 50mm 1.8; i sent the original copy from my kit to Panasonic through the dealer i bought it from since it was decentered; right hand las 1/4 of the image, wide open, was clearly softer than the left hand side. I normally shoot new gear a bit before testing it more properly, and the 50mm already gave me hints of being a bit off (20-60 and 85 1.8 were good even after testing).
Panasonic decided to send me a new copy (different SN) and after a quick but controlled test, i can see the new one is quite good. Not much to see as far as inconsistencies, and it's actually an amazing lens; even at 1.8 contrast and sharpness are very good all the way to the corner.
Since normally we post more about problems, i though i'd leave a good note about Panasonic's service and the quality of this affordable but very good lens. And about the fact that the first was decentered, i came to assume it's part of the deal in this price range - at least you can get a better one if not happy.

 

[dirk]

Thank you for this feedback. It is important to show also the good news in forums. Most brands are afraid of forums, because they think only bad things are reported.

I do think this is not true for all forums. It also depends on the forum itself and what kind of discussion culture you have in a forum. Here is the proof.

 

[Oíche]

As mentioned in passing on another thread, i was waiting for delivery of a new 50mm 1.8; i sent the original copy from my kit to Panasonic through the dealer i bought it from since it was decentered; right hand las 1/4 of the image, wide open, was clearly softer than the left hand side. I normally shoot new gear a bit before testing it more properly, and the 50mm already gave me hints of being a bit off (20-60 and 85 1.8 were good even after testing).
Panasonic decided to send me a new copy (different SN) and after a quick but controlled test, i can see the new one is quite good. Not much to see as far as inconsistencies, and it's actually an amazing lens; even at 1.8 contrast and sharpness are very good all the way to the corner.
Since normally we post more about problems, i though i'd leave a good note about Panasonic's service and the quality of this affordable but very good lens. And about the fact that the first was decentered, i came to assume it's part of the deal in this price range - at least you can get a better one if not happy.

It would put me off buying one from Ebay snd I nearly did. I'd prefer to buy them new or used from the local Wex camera store in fear of a bad lens.

 

[D_Ch]

MPB is also an option i've used before and you can return if it's a bad copy. Indeed Ebay is low on my list, and i used to buy and sell stuff there...

 

[Oíche]

MPB is also an option i've used before and you can return if it's a bad copy. Indeed Ebay is low on my list, and i used to buy and sell stuff there...

I hate selling stuff on Ebay, had one ****** of a buyer last year (not for camera gear) and it put me off for good and I've sold loads on it for 25 years.

I've a few valuable legacy Pentax lenses still to sell and I don't know where else to sell them. MPB don't buy legacy equipment, only stuff from their database it seems. I haven't bought from MPB but I have a Wex shop 5 mins away for collection from any of their shops in UK so I can inspect it before leaving and return it in person if optically it is faulty. Tryingvto do thus by post us extra hassle and I hate hassle.

I hate selling stuff on Ebay now, I get anxiety thinking about it. I'd rather dump it in the bin!