So, over the years, I have been fortunate in that all the camera equipment I have bought has been new, and often a previously purchased lens (or other item) was used as a trade-in for a newer purchase. Which meant the equipment was always in good working order.
A couple years ago, contrary to my usual pattern, I purchased a pristine used Sigma 150mm macro at an exceptional price. An older version, with no AF. It served me well since then and helped produce some great, quite sharp, images.
A few weeks ago, I ran into an issue where the camera, with this lens attached, seized up and refused to do anything. I could not change any setting, including turning it off, and the only recourse was to remove the battery. The camera worked fine after that, with any of my other lenses attached, leading me to believe it was lens related. On advice, I cleaned the lens' connections (quite dirty) and it began working fine again. Tried the lens some days later and the same seizing issue re-occurred, confirming to me that it was the lens.
As I needed a macro fairly quickly and, not wishing to risk using the Sigma, I opted to buy a new lens (IRIX 150mm macro, and boy is it a beaut!).
So, my question - What does one do with a lens which does/does not work consistently and for which the owner does not wish to risk a costly service, only to discover the lens is unsalvageable? It seems weird to just throw it away (it still looks in pretty good shape).
I considered offering it free to anyone, for the cost of shipping, but don't know if anyone is willing to take a risk, either.
Suggestion?
Marv
