27mm Pano for $200???

[traveller]

I stumbled this on ebay today http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/190579175215?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Seems great price for a 27mm pano, BUT... if you look closely at photo 4, there is a chip on the inside of the barrel at about 1 o'clock position. I suspect that it's chipped when the EP was dropped.
I tried to contact the seller, but apparently ebay in the US gives the seller the option of not answering questions (try it for yourself).
Still undecided if I should take the gamble, what would you do?
:help::question::thanx:

[mercedes_sl1970]

Hi - I had a look at the photo and it looks like a small dab of glue to stop the retaining ring from moving? But others may have another opinion.

Seems odd that you haven't had a response to your question - I've bought a few items from the US and always had replies. Hmm... Doesn't fill you with confidence, even if all was ok.

Good luck.

Andrew

[apaulo]

Hi
I purchased one from this forum six months ago for $215. They will come around if you wait. I always say if in doubt save your money.
I don't really like ebay, at least with IIS the people are apart of a small community and you can believe they are trying to do the right thing.
As for Ebay Nah, I will wait!

Regards Paul.

[traveller]

Thanks Andrew and Paul, yes, I must admit it tripped up a few wires when I couldn't email the seller. Might give it a miss and use the money saved on some other lollies...
Bo

[Fox]

Bo, it doesn't look like a chip to me, and I sort of think it would very hard and peculiar to chip that area on the inside of the barrel. Agree with the other post, to me it just looks like a clear glue dab that shines over the matt finish.

Also, have look at my 27mm Panoptic, glue spots on the same underside ring area...!

Fox

[MikeyB]

The discussion is pointless - this item isn't even available to Australian bidders, as the auction states that the seller posts to the United States and doesn't mention anywhere else. That means bidding is restricted to the US unless the seller decides to let others bid for the item, which is presumably why your questions are blocked, just as your bids would also be blocked if you tried.

[ausastronomer]

I agree 100% with Andrew. I would even go so far as to say it looks like a dab of "superglue". Basically just to stop the retaining ring working loose, which they can do.

Cheers,
John B

[traveller]

I have bought a number of items off ebay US site, all you have to do is ask and 90% of the time, the seller is willing (they have to go to the post office anyway). Most small packages can be sent to Aust for about $15 US, which is comparable to Aust Post prices. It's the fact that you cannot contact the seller at all that buffled me.

Andrew, John and Fox, thanks for your eagle eyes, time for me to visit the optometrist again :lol:. Might give this a miss and look for IIS classifieds.
Cheers, Bo

[Profiler]

Bo

I have no connection to Bintel but while the AUD is still reasonably strong why not buy new? As soon as the dollar slumps a little bit more the prices are going to rise (here and the US). A new 27mm Pan is $350 from Bintel and this one on ebay is going to work out about $230 with PPH. However, for roughly a $120 more you get peace of mind as well as an absolutely brand new EP with no issues of any faults etc and the pleasure of knowing you are the only one to have used the EP etc etc. To my mind that extra bit in cost is outweighed by all the extra benefits you will get in the long run from buying new.

[GrahamL]

When I bought a 27 pano a few years back it was just over $550
and landing one from the US wasn't a lot cheaper either

Yes its certainly a time to buy new or used atm .

[traveller]

Yes, saw the same one from Bintel for $350 as well. But that $150 can get me a decent diagonal. Anyway, someone bought the EP already, so will just have to wait for a local seller to pop up. :)
Bo