Could someone translate this retailer-talk for me?

[Flash In The Pan]

"Although outwardly the lens is in a very visibly used condition this won't affect it's functionality"

Does this mean the lens....

a) is quite nice, but it has a few marks here and there

b) has quite a few scratches and scrapes, but still looks presentable for the £1500 asking price

c) looks as if someone has taken it to Basrah and then dragged it behind a Land Rover for 6 months

 

[Matt Sayle]

C

 

[Mikesphotaes]

"c" but it still works, honest Guv!

 

[glitch]

The barrel is probably missing some paint and has the odd chip, ding, dent or scrape here and there, but optically it's clean and in good condition.

At least that's what I'd expect from a description like that. Your mileage may vary.

 

[towershot]

You should buy this HUGE bargain as you would be a fool not to,ps ,sold as seen and if you don't have it some-one else is gonna snap my hand off.....................................so there.....

 

[Dangermouse]

its in ....err ...condition

 

[Marcel]

Being the cynical and untrusting chap that I am, I'd say D at a minimum

 

[Nod]

Depends on the retailer. Ask them for some pics of the lens and if it looks too beat up, pass on it! Some retailers offer a 10 day trial on 2nd hand kit so you can have a play and make sure it all works properly Mifsuds do a 3 month warranty as standard on 2nd hand kit and Ffordes up that to 6 months.

 

[Rob_W]

Probably been used as a door stop at Primarks over the Christmas sales...

 

[photon]

"very visibly used" covers a multitude of sins.

Ffordes don't use a photo of the actual item in question and weren't prepared to comment on their description of a returned lens, described as having "slight signs of use".

 

[dod]

Gotta be one of Arkady's

 

[Cobra]

Don't touch it the guy is an estate agent 'nuff said

 

[who?]

"Although outwardly the lens is in a very visibly used condition this won't affect it's functionality"

If they knew that the thing was fine surely they'd say doesn't?

 

[inaneredstripe]

battered to crap, but still works.

 

[Suvv]

I like that
What the functionality !!

 

[Flash In The Pan]

If they knew that the thing was fine surely they'd say doesn't?

That's a very good point Mind you, it's the same seller mentioned here with regard to their condition reports

 

[Steep]

You wouldn't pay that sort of price for a 2nd hand lens without trying it first would you?

 

[Grockle]

It's knackered, but we'll still take your money and fuly guarantee the product until it leaves our building.

 

[bindex]

Well... being serious for a moment, it sounds as though it's battered to Hell cosmetically but would work ok.

If that's reflected in the price then fair enough. If they're asking as much for it as you could get a mint copy somewhere else then walk away.