Opinions about selling my Contax Zeiss 35-70 3.4

[daas]

Hi folks!

I've got a 35-70 lying around here; doing pretty much nothing with it since I'm more of a prime guy (despite the 'one zoom beats them all' reputation the 35-70 has). I'm considering selling the piece but there's one fairly big cosmetic flaw. I think the previous owner has been messing around with the rubber focus ring since it doesn't seem to fit properly and has been badly glued back on etc. The focussing action itself is fine btw, it's just the rubber ring. In other words, the focus ring is a mess, the rest of the lens is in very good condition (optically excellent according to my own tests).

The lens usually goes for 300/400 euros on ebay; any indication/opinion on how much the focus ring issue devaluates the lens?

[aleksanderpolo]

I say it is totally worthless and better to give it away for free (to me)

Kidding aside, maybe you can take a picture of the focusing rubber and post it here to see if you can find someone interested?

[daas]

Yeah I was planning to take pics indeed, but my camera is not here at the moment. The ring itself in combination with some gaffer tape (that's how i DIY'ed it) does what it's made to do, but it doesn't look good ofcourse. I don't know if these rubber rings are still being sold as replacements or anything.

I might upload some pics tomorrow.

[Attila]

Look usual prices and give to buyer 20% discount

[AhamB]

The usual prices vary quite a lot. 300 euros is a good price if the mechanics are perfects and some not too bad marks on the paint, maybe a very small scratch on the glass. 400 is a reasonable price if it's almost mint. 450 for mint, 500 for unused in box.

I think the push-pull zoom/focus ring very strongly determines the ergonomics of this lens. If the rubber grip is loose/damaged, it can be even less nice to use than it already is. I am returning a copy of this lens because the focus/zoom is too stiff/squeaky (and big mirror clearance problems on my 5D).

I would definitely try to get a replacement rubber grip -- contact Zeiss Japan; I heard they still service MM lenses, whereas Zeiss Germany doesn't do any servicing of AE/MM anymore (this is what I've been told anyway).

If there is nothing else wrong with the lens and you can fix the grip, there is no reason why you couldn't get at least 325-350 euros.

[trifox]

this is fantastic lens ..

do not sell it ..

tf

[Himself]

[aoleg]

Unfortunately, lenses like this are often bought on the looks. If it's gofer tape on the focusing ring, it will likely fetch anywhere between 50-70% of the "like new" price if you auction it on eBay. Try getting the replacement rubber ring, or sending it out for a fix. This way, you'll get a lens with "like new" cosmetics (and most probably everything else if you send it to Zeiss) that will sell for more than the usual price.

Letting the buyer deal with the issue without giving a deep, deep discount for all the trouble is just not right IMO. And, finding a buyer who won't care for the badge and looks and will merit the lens by its optical performance won't be easy or fast without giving a deep (grin ) discount.

[a20010494]

I say we should trade

[aleksanderpolo]

[aoleg]

[daas]

Good to hear some opinions from you guys. I thought about getting some kind of replacement rubber, but I don't know any shop that would sell them. But like AhamB suggested, I might try to contact Zeiss Japan (Kyocera right?) and see what they are willing to do.

@Himself and trifox: I should clarify that my main interest is DSLR cinema; I shoot music videos, shortfilms etc. with my Contax Zeiss lenses, and occasionally some stills. I'm trying to get a hold on the Distagon 35/1.4 (which is pretty hard), and am currently using the 135/2.8, 85/2.8, 50/1.4, 28/2 from Zeiss. So no Zeiss blasphemy here ... the ergonomics of the 35-70 aren't really suited for my purposes but I do know what it's capable of.

[AhamB]