MFL Buyer's FAQ

[Attila]

I opened ...

Please put your information here how to buy MF lenses.

[Orio]

Excellent suggestions, ElanR.

My checklist would be identical to yours in many points, so I don't repeat it.
I only add a few things I do, that you didn't mention.

- I photograph a painting or print or poster, something rectangular and flat. This serves several purposes:
a) control amount of distortion
b) check corner performance
c) make sure that the lens performs evenly on all sides; if it doesn't, then it probably was dropped or hit, typical case if one side is much more blurry then lenses are misaligned

- I photograph a portion of flat sky (if available), to check for light drop-off at all apertures

- I make large movements on focusing ring, followed immediately by small adjustment movements, this reveals is the focusing ring is smooth or needs lubrication. Also I listen for low noise while focusing, if there's some, it means there's dirt in the mechanism (sand or big dust)