How bad is this scratch?

[6arms]

Hi... I just received a bargain rated the latest(last) version of F2.8 90MM lens from KEH for $600... everything is wonderful/like new including the body and the lens under flashlight besides one pretty deep frontal element scratch as the picture I am attaching. The scratch is pretty deep as you can feel it with a finger.
Two questions. 1) How bad is this? Will this effect the image on M9 if I print full-size images. 2) $600 for a single scratch otherwise excellent+ lens with no haze nor internal dust nor focus shift. Is it worth it?
Thanks for answering!

[gshybrid]

send it back...

[fbf]

That should be in Ugly grade per KEH standard. Send it back and ask for full refund.

[sepiareverb]

Try it out and see duh. Shoot into some strong light, shoot across some strong light.

[Tom A]

The scratch could cause flare, but as it is on the front element, less damaging than if it was on the rear. Shoot a roll with the lens in bright light, include the sun or a strong light source in the image, aiming it directly at the source and also have the light travel across the lens. If you notice significant flare - return it - or get some $'s knocked off the price. You can fill in the scratch with a black ink marker - this tend to reduce the flare - though the lens will become a f2.80001 instead. For the price, you should expect clean glass!

[ferider]

The scratch probably has little impact on your photos.

Still, the lens is not worth US 600 like that.

[jamato8]

I agree, it most likely will not affect the image but that they would sell it to you like that and at that price is poor business on their part. I would send it back and if you have to, spend a bit more and get a lens that if you want to sell it later, you will be able to for a decent price.

[rover]

I vote to send it back too.

[peterm1]

This scratch may have little effect on your images but it will have an effect on selling price when you come to dispose of the lens. On this basis, it should have been declared to you before sale even if the price charged reflects the damage - in that way you could have made an informed decision about whether to buy it or not.

Threaten to send it back but indicate you may be willing to keep it if a suitable price adjustment is made. If they will not come to the table, or if you do not like the idea of using the lens in this condition, send it back for a refund. BTW, you can fill the scratch with marker pen so you get no flare from it and you will never know its there when in use. Up to you!

[6arms]

I am sending it back. Hard to let it go since it is in a such great condition asides from that scratch. I see a lot of people saying marker pen, is that just any regular sharpie? Thanks everyone.

[ItsReallyDarren]

One thing to keep in mind about KEH's return policy, the 14 day return limit starts with the invoice date, not the date the lens was received. Be sure to note the difference in your decision to keep or return the lens.

[menos]

Return it, there are still plenty of these to have.
The price, you paid seems to lean on the great external condition.

I would try, to get the other way round with pristine glass, excellent focussing and aperture, but the occasional scratch and dent here and there.

Good glass and scratched outside seems to sell better later, than scratchy glass and like new barrel.

[Leigh Youdale]

Ask yourself what you think you'd be able to sell it for to a discerning buyer if you kept it and used it for a while. My guess is that the loss of resale value, added to what you've already paid should push you into returning it and looking for a better one.

[Leigh Youdale]

You can get a brand new CV 3.5/90 from the Bartender for under $400. Ok, so you lose one stop, but you've got a brand new lens with warranty.

[menos]

You can get a brand new CV 3.5/90 from the Bartender for under $400. Ok, so you lose one stop, but you've got a brand new lens with warranty.

If you find, that even f2.8 sometimes is not enough, to get your background oof, that 1 1/2 stop hurts.

I bought an old 90 Cron, to pair with my 90 Elmarit just for that reason.

If you want the f2.8 or faster for light other than sunny days and outdoors, the f3.5 is really slow.

The Elmarit-M is a very fine lens, sharp, compact and quite fast, while being still rather affordable - I'd take it over a slower 90 anytime, be it Leica or CV.

[Ronald M]

Return or get a deep discount.

If you were to blacken with India ink, that would never be seen in a photo. Problem being your resale value will be severly impacted.