Value of used lenses dropping?

[Jonathan F/2]

If it is true that used lens prices are dropping, would part of the reason have anything to do with the 10 year estimated lifespan that is now shown on all electronic equipment ? I can't recall what they call it, but it has something to do with the no lead solder.

I think the meaning of that number has something to do with the time period before that particular electronic item will leak out hazardous material. I believe most modern Nikkors are rated for 10 years. The new Leica T lenses have a rating of 50 years!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_RoHS

 

[Jonathan F/2]

Ah yes...the 'whiskers' syndrome....

I think that's an urban legend vomited by Ken Rockwell.

You got rid of your 400 2.8 too?? your daughter's gonna be playing sports soon

The D800 changed the way I shoot! I'm using a 300 f/4 AFS as a stop gap. I think I'll be going with the Sigma 120-300 Sport in the near future!

 

[Panther]

I think that's an urban legend vomited by Ken Rockwell.

Actually, not an urban legend...but rather very true...
-> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)
-> http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21151552/.../t/danger-lead-free-electronics-tin-whiskers/

 

[Jonathan F/2]

Actually, not an urban legend...but rather very true...
-> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)
-> http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21151552/.../t/danger-lead-free-electronics-tin-whiskers/

I'd rather deal with tin whiskers than deal with this (from links provided):

Lead is a serious health concern. In children, it can cause learning or behavioral problems and has been associated with anemia and kidney problems. In adults, exposure has been linked to high blood pressure and reproductive organ damage.

The whole tin whisker scare in cameras/lenses was perpetuated by KR anyhow. Time stamping goods and products is just a way to get people to buy more new stuff!

 

[Chris101]

Desmond, heh. When I read the title, I thought you were doing some sort of new experiment that involved dropping lenses. Glad it was just economics.

Since I never ever sell my gear, it's merely a matter of curiosity. I suppose that some lenses - especially high end, unique optics - do not lose their value as fast as do the mass produced newer stuff.

 

[Desmond]

Desmond, heh. When I read the title, I thought you were doing some sort of new experiment that involved dropping lenses. Glad it was just economics.

Since I never ever sell my gear, it's merely a matter of curiosity. I suppose that some lenses - especially high end, unique optics - do not lose their value as fast as do the mass produced newer stuff.

Well actually........... not a bad idea. Pure coincidence but my 18-200mm lens died 10 minutes ago. I picked the camera up and pointed it at something and it would focus - then it would, then it wouldn't..... now it won't manually focus closer than about 2m. Time to sell it as scrap

 

[Chris101]

Well actually........... not a bad idea. Pure coincidence but my 18-200mm lens died 10 minutes ago. I picked the camera up and pointed it at something and it would focus - then it would, then it wouldn't..... now it won't manually focus closer than about 2m. Time to sell it as scrap

Or drop it!

 

[Desmond]

Or drop it!

Do the old 'drop test eh' [ my Canadian wife says 'eh']
I just emailed the dealers to find out if it's even worth sending in for repairs.

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

If you've got a small boat, use it as an anchor......

 

[Kingfisher]

I'd rather deal with tin whiskers than deal with this (from links provided):



The whole tin whisker scare in cameras/lenses was perpetuated by KR anyhow. Time stamping goods and products is just a way to get people to buy more new stuff!

This whole lead thing is utter nonsense. First it was lead paint. Who the hell would let their kids use a window sill as a teething ring? I prefer lead solder much more than the new crap, it just flows better. The other issue is these consumer devices are pretty much sealed and the chances of anyone disassembling them and touching the lead is slim to none. Plus, when this stuff is manufactured they should be using a fume hood and scrub the "contaminants" out of the exhaust. There's a reason most of these electronics devices aren't made in the US other than cost, to skirt environmental and worker safety issues.

I don't think most people even know or care about the meaning of that symbol. The problem is we are in a throwaway society that is conditioned to buy a "new upgrade" at regular intervals and toss the previous version. Look at the cell phone industry as a perfect example of this.

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

Sorry that the lead/tin whiskers subject seems to be hijacking this thread, but the situation is real, & I suppose it may be having an effect on products holding their perceived value. Older lenses don't have that problem, as they don't have a lot of electronics in them & they predate the RoHS ruling.

 

[bpdougd]

This whole lead thing is utter nonsense. First it was lead paint. Who the hell would let their kids use a window sill as a teething ring? I prefer lead solder much more than the new crap, it just flows better. The other issue is these consumer devices are pretty much sealed and the chances of anyone disassembling them and touching the lead is slim to none. Plus, when this stuff is manufactured they should be using a fume hood and scrub the "contaminants" out of the exhaust. There's a reason most of these electronics devices aren't made in the US other than cost, to skirt environmental and worker safety issues.

I don't think most people even know or care about the meaning of that symbol. The problem is we are in a throwaway society that is conditioned to buy a "new upgrade" at regular intervals and toss the previous version. Look at the cell phone industry as a perfect example of this.

First, the issue with lead paint was/is real. And it is more that just kids teething on a window sill. Either you don't have kids or simply forgot how much goes into their mouths totally beyond your control. And the reason that lead was removed from solder wasn't just because of the risk to electronics assembly workers. How many weekend hobbyists have exhaust hoods? I won't go on and add to the hijack of this thread but you are very wrong. Please PM me if you wish to discuss further.

 

[wembley]

Yeah an EX+ 80-200 ƒ2.8 with hood & case at KEH is $1000.00+...

Doesn't mean they sell at these prices. I've had an 80-200 f2.8 afs on the marketplace board here for about 2+ weeks for $850 shipped and pay pal-ed and not 1 bite

cheers
wembley

 

[Beagledog]

Ok with the lead thing, when the removed tetra ethyl lead from gas back in the seventies the average IQ in north America started going up. But remember correlation does not mean causation. Lead, tin, cadmium mercury are all heavy metals and bad in excess.

The growth of whiskers can happen, but I would be surprised if it was causing significant damage to the camera systems.

The dropping lens prices is a good thing in that young people starting out in serious photography will be able to get better equipment.

cheers,
alexis

 

[Panther]

Doesn't mean they sell at these prices. I've had an 80-200 f2.8 afs on the marketplace board here for about 2+ weeks for $850 shipped and pay pal-ed and not 1 bite

cheers
wembley

We really don't know what sells at KEH without asking them - You can't just say they don't sell at those prices..

 

[wembley]

[/QUOTE]

We really don't know what sells at KEH without asking them - You can't just say they don't sell at those prices..

Thats right and I didn't say they don't sell at those prices. I said it "doesn't mean they sell at those prices". It's still available right? It will probably still be there in another months time or Keh might drop the price to move it.

cheers
wembley

 

[Panther]

It's still available right? It will probably still be there in another months time or Keh might drop the price to move it.

cheers
wembley

It or they?
Do you know how many copies they have in that condition?

 

[wembley]

It or they?
Do you know how many copies they have in that condition?

No I don't.
Mmmm, this might be going round and round here.

cheers
wembley

 

[Kingfisher]

First, the issue with lead paint was/is real. And it is more that just kids teething on a window sill. Either you don't have kids or simply forgot how much goes into their mouths totally beyond your control. And the reason that lead was removed from solder wasn't just because of the risk to electronics assembly workers. How many weekend hobbyists have exhaust hoods? I won't go on and add to the hijack of this thread but you are very wrong. Please PM me if you wish to discuss further.

Agree, I don't want to hijack the thread and delve into off topic subjects, but it isn't worth discussing in PM either, so I will keep this short. I will say the lead paint and asbestos scam has been the biggest farce perpetrated on the American people in the 20th century. We've created a cottage industry of abatement and litigation for both asbestos and lead.

As for lead free solder, this is on topic for this discussion if the consumer perceives it as a possible reason to sell/dispose of their consumer products (lenses) earlier than they normally would, which would, in theory, drive prices down. Again, lead free solder is a sham, period. So much so that the military won't use it or allow products they use to have it. Here's a good read on the subject of lead free solder if it interests you.

http://www.ecnmag.com/articles/2011/12/was-lead-free-solder-worth-effort

As for "How many weekend hobbyists have exhaust hoods?" why would they when most won't use more than a 4 ounce roll or rosin core solder in their lifetime. It's kind of a moot point and proves the foolishness of the lead solder ban.

I think there are other factors driving lens prices down. One reason could be digital photography is now so mainstream that it is a dieing fad since most people can now capture reasonable good images on their cell phones. You have to wonder how many of the younger generation want to drop thousands of dollars to buy gear the won't carry around unless they are being compensated for it. I think the days of advanced amateurs and hobbyists that wouldn't think twice about dropping $30K-$40K on gear are rapidly diminishing. I know I now think hard before I buy any new gear. And if I got to think more than 30-seconds about it I either don't want it bad enough or truly need it.

 

[Desmond]

Ok with the lead thing, when the removed tetra ethyl lead from gas back in the seventies the average IQ in north America started going up.
cheers,
alexis

Actually I think that was about the time South Africans started immigrating there