A refurbished and/or rebuilt "clone" of the highly sought-after and increasingly rare Kyoei 35mm lens of UV photography fame! It exhibits identical UV-transmission capabilities and mechanics of the original. In fact, this is EXACTLY the same lens, just unlabeled (because of me cannibalizing and swapping out replacement parts from multiple rebranded versions).
- NOTE: Take a look at the first image within this ad, demonstrating a labeled Kyoei 35mm specimen next to my unlabeled specimens. You can easily see that these are exactly the same lens (because the manufacturing of this lens was outsourced to multiple re-branding venues, back in the day).
I believe that my price offerings are an exceptional value, considering how the typical asking price of this lens has been pumped up, upwards of a $300+ price range. (I've even seen some sellers price gouging in the direction of $400, or even $500 in some instances! Are you kidding me??? You see, then, that I'm not going to join in on that sensationalist price-pumping trend, because I believe in ***ethical*** profit margins. I have an undying passion for making the UV photography field accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial resources. Price gougers ruin this for everyone, but I refuse to be a part of that affair.
Moreover, all of my specimens have been personally serviced and functionally restored (these were manufactured in the 1950's, and sourcing replacement parts is becoming an ever scarcer endeavor.) Therefore, my offerings are all-the-more unrivaled in value, compared to most other sellers. I am going to insist on always setting my asking prices at just a moderate profit margin, to compensate for the work and time that I put into this enthusiast pursuit.
HERE'S MY SHORT STORY:
Over the years, I have acquired a good number of these Kyoei clones/variants, due to my growing passion for UV and IR photography.
Given that these lenses are of vintage design (from the 1950's), even the better-condition specimens may exhibit minor imperfections attributed to lenses of such age, such as some tiny dust particles between the glass elements, for instance, or a few shallow surface abrasions on the rear-element glass, but do not negatively impact image quality in any noticeable way (inconsequential). I only sell FUNCTIONAL specimens that I have serviced and/or refurbished, regardless of their degree of prior use. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed, or you are welcome to ship these items back to me for a full refund. No fuss, no drama, no negative experiences. (I am all about reasoned, level-headed Ebay relationships and I aim to please my customers.)
So, these lenses are certainly not perfect, keep that in mind (e.g scuffing and/or paint loss on the external cosmetics, insignificant amount of grease on the aperture blades, minor coating rubs or shallow abrasions, etc.), but they still have lots of life in them and are even likely to outlive you and I, given their remarkably durable build. (All metal!) The majority of the latest generation of "modern" lenses are surely no longer built so robustly, and that's a shame.
Bottom line: The Kyoei 35mm UV-capable lens is an enduring legacy that I intend to play a public role in maintaining.
YOU WILL ALSO NEED A UV-CAPABLE MODIFIED DIGITAL CAMERA & APPROPRIATE FILTER(S)
For those who are newcomers to ultraviolet photography, obtaining this highly desirable UV-capable lens is a centerpiece to completing your accessories for the process, however you will also require a properly-modified digital camera body (usually "full spectrum"-converted camera) as well as the appropriate filer(s), in order to be able to effectively image pure ultraviolet-wavelength light with the sensor.
If you seek assistance/information in what this process entails, you are always welcome to contact me and open up a communication, for the pertinent guidance. I am always happy and eager to help, in any way I can, as by Ebay dealings go well beyond deriving a mere income, but also stems from a deep passion of mine in the spirit of science and artistry.
MY PRICING IS REASONABLE
For $119, you are getting a PROVEN and HIGHLY REGARDED specimen of a Kyoei 35mm lens. One that is certainly not brand new (remember, these were manufactured in the 1950's), but functionally capable and also lovingly serviced and/or refurbished with swapped-out parts, when applicable for restoration on a case-by-case basis. (I follow a uniformity in all of my offerings, to ensure consistency.) Albeit, you are receiving an unlabeled "clone" (sans the 'Kyoei' badge), but it's the same exact lens, nonetheless.Finally, my flat shipping cost of $12 (when shipped to ANYWHERE in the United States) is also reasonable, considering that I include FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE to protect both you, and myself, from any unfortunate shipping accidents.
(NOTE: Shipping costs will vary considerably, when dealing with INTERNATIONAL postage, as opposed to domestic.)
I TAKE MY SELLER-BUYER RELATIONSHIPS VERY SERIOUSLY
You will NEVER find any serious issues with the used lenses that I sell. (No fungus, internal haze, cracked glass, etc.) I would NEVER feel comfortable about selling any lens specimen that I wouldn't want to use for myself. THAT is the measure of my lens assessing. Certainly, while such lenses are "oldies" (but goodies), I take the time to individually disassemble any lens with fungus/mold/haze (when present), remove it using the proper cleaning techniques, thus restoring the lens to a functional caliber of use.
Furthermore, I pack each lens and filter starter kit with the utmost care and protection in mind, not only padding the lens and filters to shield them from the bumps and bruises of long-distance travel, but also complete sealing from moisture/humidity, too! (I utilize air-tight packaging materials, and humidity-absorbing desiccant packets.) Thus, this is about as big of a bargain as you will get! You can therefore be certain that your investment is protected to the utmost level of care in mind. I don't mess around!
To be clear: I want to be a fair and transparent individual in all of my dealings. I am a reasonable person and I seek to form level-headed and honest relationships with other Ebay members, in order to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual trust between buyer and seller. I feel that so long as both, the buyer and the seller, conduct such relationships (through mutual understanding), then there is nothing that cannot be resolved.
PLEASE REMEMBER .....
You will need a "full-spectrum-modified" camera and the appropriate filter(s) in order to make proper use of this lens for UV photography. Thus, it is implied that you are well-rounded and properly-trained in understanding how to obtain and implement such mandatory devices and accessories, in order to use this lens and filter set for their stated use.
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP AND KNOWLEDGE ???
I strongly recommend checking out ultravioletphotography-dot-com as a high-quality resource for all things UV (and IR) photography, including starter guides / tips (for newcomers), techniques and insights, common Q & A's, various discussion threads (where inquiries can also be posted), tons of incredible photographic examples and formal archives of various members, and many other useful resources!
In addition to this, I offer myself available as a willing (when time permits) mentor, and would be more than happy to aid you in your endeavor (even BEYOND this initial sale!) You will grow to see that I immensely CARE about people, and truly LOVE helping others (pending the limits of my own abilities and knowledge, of course, since I am always learning new things as well).
Thus, feel free to remain in contact with me BEYOND this Ebay sale, if that is something that interests you. I have even started a Facebook group dedicated to all things alternate-spectrum photography (UV, IR, and beyond). Ask me, and I will give you additional info. I aim to make great new friends, and establish life-time contacts of mutual interests!
I consider myself an active member of the UV / IR community, but I am by no means some "guru" or "expert." FAR from it. However, I can refer you to those who are "seasoned veterans" of the game (who were there right from the very beginning), if you so wish it.