Dear Tris,
Let me just say hello on my first direct email to you. Thanks for sharing
some of your advice and experience on the list. You almost always have
something worthwhile to say on most topics. I guess it comes from extensive
experience. I am an ophthalmologist in Australia and I've gotten back into
photography in the last 6 months after a long break.
In the process of my refound interest, I've accumulated alot of very good
Olympus equipment. I had announced to the list that I may be interested in
swapping a mint 40mm in box for a 21/2. At that point a few list members
interceded privately and said that it would be a mistake to do so as the
21/2 is a much rarer and more useful lens, suggesting that the 40mm has
collector interest rather than any real appeal to the photographer. (See
Olaf's posting I've excerpted below).
I also have a 21/3.5 in mint condition with its case thats available for
sale for $380 US. I would swap that lens for the 40/2. In regards to the
questions you've asked about the 21/3.5 you're considering. The 21/3.5
(I've had two through my hands) have a different aperture feel in my
experience than other lenses. Perhaps its a design thing. Its not so much
being stuck but they have a different and more positive click to the
aperture detentes. Maybe this is what he means. On the other hand I have
owned a 50/3.5 that stuck and required force to free but that was a BGN
lens I picked up for the hell of it and it had evidence of being dropped.
In my experience the 21/3.5 is a great lens in terms of sharpness and
contrast. I don't have a scanner to show you but my most recent set of
prints 6x9" taken with this lens are just brilliant. The only issue which I
haven't compared to the 21/2 is the vignetting that can occur with thick
polarising filters. I'm sure this is an issue with the 21/2 also but can't
say until I have the next set of slides back. I'm pretty certain that all
super wides including the 21mm length need slim line filters or a step up
filter.
My gear is listed on: www.zuiko.net
if you want to check out what I have available. So yes I have a 21/2 and
21/3.5 available for sale, I would consider a 21/3.5 to 40/2 swap. The
21/3.5 is MC has a case but no box. Also I'll accept a return for any
reason for 14 days post sale/swap if you are interested.
Best Wishes
Oben
PS: This is an excerpt from Olaf Graeve's email to me on the wisdom of the
40 <-> 21/2 swap:
"
> I remember XXXXX wanted to swap one for a 40mm f2. I'm just wondering
whether a 21/2 is too
> much to swap for a 40/2.
Well, I know XXXXX personally and I certainly am not against seeing him
getting a steal deal (even though he has had quite a few of those lately
;) ), but in this case I feel I must advise against doing so. IMO the 40/2
is a way overrated lens and the only reason prices at times are high for
this lens is that it is somewhat rare (though you can find them at good
prices if you look around a bit). The 40/2 AFAIK is nice, but is by no means
a stellar performer (which is something that does not apply to the 21/2, as
that one does have a very good reputation). Then regarding the simple math:
XXXXX paid $190 AUD (!) for his 40/2 and the lens is not LNIB; I guess that
answers the question whether a 40/2 <-> 21/2 would be too much...;)
Anyway, XXXXX bought the 40/2 with the intention to use it, but if someone
would offer a high amount for it, he would sell it (of course), so I'll
leave that decision in your hands. Finally, regarding rarity: I've seen a
lot more 40/2s than 21/2s....;)
"
By the way: are you the gentleman who, a few weeks back, asked me about a
possible trade (or at least temporary exchange) of your 21mm f2 for my
40mm f2? If so, let me know. I wouldn't mind having a 21mm in hand for
vacation. I'll be in London on my return leg and I imagine a wider view
than my 24mm would come in handy in a city crowded with large
architectural structures.
To the list: I've a vendor who says he has a 21mm f3.5 in excellent+
condition except for an aperture which sticks" occasionally. He tells me
he'd have this repaired and offer me six months warranty on the item if I
pop. Two questions: first, anyone familiar with this sort of issue with a
wide-angle lens? It's never come up with me. All of my gear performs
flawlessly (knock on wood as always <g>); second, has anyone worked with
the f3.5, and if so how does it perform? I've researched it as far as I
might, to include, as always, Gary's invaluable site, but I'd like to know
if it has any known faults or peculiarities.
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