Expert: Erin Reid Coker - 5/12/2007

Question
Hi Erin,

There is a very hard to find Nikon Tele Converter for sale on the Internet. The price is right and they are EXTREMELY hard to find as they have been discontinued and are of the highest quality. The problem with this particular lens is that it was dropped onto the carpet and received a dent on the front edge of the outside rim. The person selling the lens says that the glass is perfect and the lens works perfectly. What is your opinion of a heavy Nikon lens with this damage? Is it likely to be OK and able to withstand this kind of damage?

Good ones are selling for almost twice the price, but none are available right now, and seldom come up for sale.

Any help that can offer will be greatly appreciated, as I have to decide by Monday, Thanks and Regards, Ken.

Answer
Interesting question... I have dropped my converter a few times, including once yesterday so with that I think it's a risky buy.  Maybe you and the buyer can come to an agreement where if it is damaged to the point that it affects your photos then he could refund your money.  It's a tough world and I  would be shocked if he gave you that option.  If he is a reputable photog or an ebay power seller then I say do it.  You may want to find out more details on why he is selling it etc... if there is an ebay link or something like that feel free to send it to me, I would be interested in seeing the damage.  In the end it's a risk buying something damaged.  I recently purchased a used TV on ebay that the seller said worked perfectly, just a few scratches and after a few months, the tv barely works.  Anyway, best of luck.