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Zeiss Contax N 70-200 mm

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Guest

I've recently purchased my 2 first N-lenses: N 70-200 mm and N 24-85 mm. I’ve never used Contax before. I noticed that N 70-200’ AF works relatively slow compared to N 24-85’ AF. Also, when working with N 70-200’ AF the lens makes short (not usual…as it seems to me) noises. Is it normal? I’m wondering if it’s supposed to work like that or something’s wrong with my N 70-200..? Can anyone who uses or used to work with this lens answer my question? Should I really be worried about that? Thank you in advance.
Eduard
 
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Guest

Ed:

I don't know what you meaan by "short" noises, but the 70-200 is definitely noisier and slower than the 24-85. That is because they are in different leagues, price wise. If you care to look, I put up reviews of both lenses on epinions.com.

Both lenses are great optically, I have the same combo - excellent choice!
 
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Guest

I ordered a 70-300 at a 'grey-market' store in New York. The company replied that they could deliver this lens in A) a Japan made version or B) a Thailand made version. But.... version A) would cost an additional $100.
Also: the Thai made version should have a plastic mount in stead of a metall one. Seems nonsense to me. Anyone knows about two production lines for this lens???
 
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Guest

Edwin,

Unless I am greatly mistaken this is utter nonsense! I mean a Thai made Zeiss with a plastic mount!! who are they trying to kid! More worryingly there must be a reason why they made up this version B! either it is a fake, or (more likely)they are using it to undercut others on price, only when you actually want one, they strangely don't have one available, but of course there's the version A which is more, and since you are talking to them... You could always ask to see them both side by side! Personally I would get one elsewhere, if they are prepared to be dishonest about one thing, I wouldn't trust them with anything, imagine if there is a problem, I can't imagine them falling over themselves to help you out.

Art.

---------Original message-----------

>I ordered a 70-300 at a 'grey-market' store in New York. The company >replied that they could deliver this lens in A) a Japan made version >or B) a Thailand made version. But.... version A) would cost an >additional $100. >Also: the Thai made version should have a plastic mount in stead of a >metall one. Seems nonsense to me. Anyone knows about two production lines for this lens???
 
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Guest

Definately no. Sounds like a bit of a familiar scam to get an extra $100 out of you. Plastic mount? They don't exist, a bit like a chocolate firescreen!
 
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Guest

Edwin:

I agree with Arthur and Paul. It is an ancient scam where a certain price is advertized to lure you in, and then you get pressured to spend more. This would never happen to you if you would stay with reputed sellers in NY such as B&H and Adorama. There really is no reason to shop anywhere else or you run the risk of being scammed - either beforehand, like what happened to you now, or afterward when they don't send it (not in stock) or send you the wrong item.

Stay away from the others is all I can tell you.
 
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Guest

Edwin

I live here in Bangkok, but haven't seen any Thai made version of Carl Zeiss lens. Not even a fake or an imitation ones.

I think I personally know practically most of the dealers selling CZ and Leica here in Bangkok. If we want to buy at lower prices, we usually source them from Hongkong and save something like 12% (7% VAT + 5% import duties).

Vajirune
Bangkok, Thailand
 
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Guest

Edwin,

I live here in NYC. I would be delighted to "view" on behalf of us all this one-of-a kind lens. Tell the dealer you'd like to see it and let us know the address. I'll act as your remote eyes and pass back my observations gladly.

Ken Pops
 
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Guest

> Thanks Ken, Vagirune, Otola, Paul and Arthur: for me it's clear this > store is trieing to make some extra $ with a nonsense story. And yes > indeed, the Thai lens 'is not in stock presently' so there's another > reason to choose for the Japan version... Nevertheless, it's initial > offer is the best I can find on the Internet and compared to prices > here in Holland, the difference is enormous! So, I will keep them to > their offer. Should you be interested in the name and address of this > NY company, (and perhaps make a visit, as Ken suggested (thanks!)) pls > mail me directly on edwin_brugman@mac.com
 
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Guest

Edwin:

I know the prices are much higher in Holland, but you are wasting your time "keeping them to their offer". A store which scams customers for a living is not going to follow any rules. Seriously, if you want to enjoy your new equipment, buy from B&H/Adorama/Delta International if you can affors it, because that is the price you will have to pay. I have purchased from all of these vendors and never had a bad experience. They will give you the lowest prices you can REALLY get. Other stores may ADVERTIZE lower prices but it is a SCAM, and they will NOT sell you the item for what they say. They will get you one way or another, trust me on that one, and it will become a nightmare - the internet is full of these stories. Remember, if it is too good to be true....the decision is yours, of course, so good luck. Over and out.
 
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Guest

>I agree with Otola 100%. You will have problems with this dealer and, I would bet, will end up buying from a more reliable one after enduring great hassle and paying various shipping and other costs. There are honest dealers who offer good prices. If you find someone who has a price significantly lower, there is something funny going on.
 
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Guest

COMMENTS ON NY STORE, honesty, ethics Can you believe other things this store tells you? There are many ways an unscrupulous dealer can rip you off. You mentioned overcharging on shipping, misrepresenting merchandise (Thailand). In addition, they can take your money, ship a month later and have free use of your money. They can give you mint-used, or mint demo as new. They can overcharge for an extended warranty. >>>>>>>> Nevertheless, it's initial offer is the best I can find on the Internet and compared to > prices here in Holland, the difference is enormous! So, I will keep them to their offer.> IF you can keep them to ship you a new lens without an exhorbitant fee. You may not be able to "hold" them to selling you a "Thai" Carl Zeiss lens! Any "best" offer is worthless if they don't sell you what you expected at the promised price. It's not a real offer. Caveat emptor-buyer beware. Many of these "lowest" prices are higher than their competition when you add their S&H, etc, etc. I have purchased from reputable mail-order firms. No problem w/return or refund when the mistake is theirs. In one case, I bought a 3rd party lens which did not AF properly with a Nikon. They replaced it with another new lens, which worked fine. Best wishes on your getting the CZ 70-200.
 
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