How have you shopped for lenses over the years?

[Tin Can]

Some know my story

I lived in a artist condo

A members father died. He was a huge collector

The family was about to fill 2 giant dumpsters. The big house was stuffed with decades of good gear


I suggested they sell. I bought as much as I could afford.


I found 10 Leica hidden in the Big piano


Like popcorn

I bought Cooke SF and still use them

[Tin Can]

I mostly buy best from Japan

but soon the party is over

[darr]

Over the years, starting in the early 1980s, I've acquired new Schneider and Rodenstock lenses from reputable sources like Calumet, Badger Graphics, and BH Photo.
During my third round of lens purchases, I opted for used Nikkors purchased from trustworthy sellers such as KEH, Robert's, and sources in Japan.
My most recent addition is my first Fujinon lens, a SW 90/8 that came bundled with a Fotoman 617 camera, which I've grown to appreciate.
I recommend buying from a reputable seller who offers a return policy in case of any issues or discrepancies with your purchase.

[fotopfw]

E-bay from trusted shops, mostly German shops, I live in the Netherlands, direct neighbours

[diversey]

I bought my used LF lenses from many places such as eBay, forums, Craigslist, KEH, auction sites, antique stores, etc. I only owe one brand new lens Cooke XVa that I bought from Badger Graphics. I even accidentally found a Cooke Series II 8.5”/f4.5 with a compound shutter for $50 in a flea market on the way to Everglades National Park.

[jnantz]

some were purchased through eBay, blind, but with right of return from seller if there was an issue, some was bought through KEH, all "bargain" all worth 3x what they were asking because they were a bargain, and from people I have met online over the years who I trust and their prices are honest. I bought a lot of junk brass lenses ( from junk stores, and sellers in the 1990s mainly because I had a speed graphic and not much money, but they are no longer cheep and interesting but worth more than the 10-15$ I paid ). I must live at Lake Wobegon because at least to me they all seem "above average" probably the best lens I have (also my favorite) is the ilex seminat. there aren't many around, dagor77 sold it to me and I guess I got lucky.

moral of the story: just buy no doubt someone else might buy it from you if you don't like it. ( or if you're broke and selling it off )

[StrangleMeRandy]

I bought my used LF lenses from many places such as eBay, forums, Craigslist, KEH, auction sites, antique stores, etc. I only owe one brand new lens Cooke XVa that I bought from Badger Graphics. I even accidentally found a Cooke Series II 8.5”/f4.5 with a compound shutter for $50 in a flea market on the way to Everglades National Park.

XVa, nice! I need two of those...

[Havoc]

Too much? I'm always on the lookout for wider and wider lenses.

[jp]

I'm pretty well set for lenses... Bought most here, some on ebay. I like LF for the variety of lenses available.

Yes, I have the sharp contemporary 90/50/210, but also the smooth triplets, rapid rectilinears, tessars, soft focus lenses, aero ektar, wollaston meniscus, magnifying glass with spaghetti measure, and pinhole options. The most recent lenses I've bought are wide-ish soft focus or lenses I've waited patiently a decade or more to come on the market.

[Mark Sawyer]

"How have you shopped for lenses over the years?"

Constantly...