FS7: the downside of electronic primes

[JPNola]

Sony 85mm GM prime currently for sale on Ebay with the following in the sale description:

"Up for sale is a Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens.

The problem with the lens is that is totally dead not working at all. No manual or auto focus. The lens was sent to Sony for repair and they advised due to high cost of parts this lens is beyond economical repair. Sony wanted over $1500.00 for repair. It is possible that lens suffered impact damage but I can not see it.

THIS LENS IS BEING SOLD AS A NON WORKING AND TO USE FOR PARTS."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-FE-85mm-f-1-4-GM-Lens-E-Mount-Sony-SEL85F14GM-repair-parts-only-/172400368061?hash=item2823dcd9bd:g:FXMAAOSwal5YH15X




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I suppose I should have titled this "Another downside of electronic primes in addition to the crap focus action, the lag time of electronic internal servo, and the tendency to go into macro when performing fast manual zooms in manual focus mode.

Is the Sony 85mm G master turning out to be a lemon of a lens? I read where still photographers are returning the lens because of how noisy the AF.

Just to clarify, I am not the one selling that inoperable lens. I just happened across the listing. There was a time when I was considering purchasing that lens. No more.

 

[Fotojorno]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-f14.htm -problem solved, for life. Mine is 30 years old and as smooth and precise as new.
"This is the most precise and well-built 85mm f/1.4 lens ever made by anyone. Not even LEICA has ever made an 85mm f/1.4." -Ken Rockwell

 

[BarryLichtner]

But have you taken a look at the Milvus 85mm f/1.4? It achieves performance so close to the Otus that some people would call it the "better" lens. And the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is coming real soon...

I'm just messing around, stick with what works! Haha.

 

[BarryLichtner]

That is brutal. So someone bought it gray market and was instantly out ~$1,500? Sony should have just fixed the lens just to keep secret the impression that their top of the line, expensive lenses aren't ticking time bombs... If I owned that lens I'd think long and hard about keeping it past the warranty date. In fact, I don't think I would. Focus goes out, and that's it? That's more than a flawed design, that's a flawed design philosophy.

 

[Run&Gun]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-f14.htm -problem solved, for life. Mine is 30 years old and as smooth and precise as new.
"This is the most precise and well-built 85mm f/1.4 lens ever made by anyone. Not even LEICA has ever made an 85mm f/1.4." -Ken Rockwell

I have a fantastic fully manual 85mm/T1.3. The Canon CN-E 85. But it'll cost you just a tiny bit more... ; )

 

[Run&Gun]

That is brutal. So someone bought it gray market and was instantly out ~$1,500? Sony should have just fixed the lens just to keep secret the impression that their top of the line, expensive lenses aren't ticking time bombs... If I owned that lens I'd think long and hard about keeping it past the warranty date. In fact, I don't think I would. Focus goes out, and that's it? That's more than a flawed design, that's a flawed design philosophy.

I don't think the OP or seller said anything about it being 'gray market'. The OP only said Sony wouldn't repair it because it didn't make economical sense.

 

[BarryLichtner]

Since the lens hasn't even been out a year, I assumed the only way you'd end up with this issue is if you bought it gray market sans a warranty.

 

[Clermond]

thanks to the precious hint and advice from Ben Scott (many many thanks!) I purchased a bunch of Contax Zeiss CY lenses. The 85/1.4 (500€) is an absolut fantastic lens. I am even thinking of selling my CP.2 (18/35/100)