Stuck Aperture

I gained a Sigma 105mm Macro lens at a ok-ish price off you-know-where, on the basis that although it was advertised as having an aperture dial that didn't work in manual mode "it worked fine on all DSLR's". Fine I thought, that didn't worry me because I'd never want to set it on the ring anyway.

Sadly, it works fine (Auto Focus etc etc), very clean, came with all boxes and even a very old warantee card - except the aperture is stuck permanently in its smallest size (F32). The lever doesn't move fully, only wiggles about 1/2 the distance it should do - basically, feels like a link is broken / jammed. The manual ring clicks round fine but nothing happens.

I've written to the seller telling them its faulty. Obviously I can reject it, but then they have a paperweight that would need expensive repairs (Sigma quote £81.73 as a standard fee (+P&P) - I don't know if a shop would be able to fix it, I can go and ask the local one on monday), so was wondering - should I see if can come to an arrangement with the seller over the repair cost?

Alternatively, is there something that could cause the aperature to be jammed in such a way that is easily fixable?

Of course, a lot depends on how the seller reacts...!

The seller might well offer a partial refund, it's definitely worth exploring the possibilities.

I saw that when it was first listed but passed because of the problem.
To be honest it would have to be a fairly hefty refund .. for another £50 you are in the realms of a fully working lens.

as Mike says, get the full refund. Its too much hassle for a chequered possibility. 270 from SRS. So £250 or less should get you an A1 copy.

Just to follow this up : Took it into the local shop, they said its not fixable by them and would have to go back to Sigma at a cost of c.£100. Contacted the seller, who has agreed to take it back.

Thanks all for your comments, my half-hearted occasional search for a cheap macro lens continues

... so he can relist it and find another buyer who not complain.

well there's not a lot anyone can do about that... beyond they might find this thread if they looked about. Depends what price it was relisted at, of course.

Relisting and describing any faults correctly would be OK, let's not jump to conclusions before it happens!

Final (?) Update : I got a message back from the seller this evening, saying that a camera repairer has now put a new spring inside, and it now works in "A" mode (I only posted it back yesterday!). I've been offered the lens again if I want it, but I think I'll pass now, feeling a bit doomed with technology this week ...

Expect it to be re-listed shortly, as far as I know its now fixed (although not by Sigma), and the seller has been very helpful and honest.