Yeah, I'm sure there's only a small proportion of duds.... but I've been burnt once I and wouldn't buy again without testing, or some sort of reassurance
It's a shame because it's the lens I was looking for (or the Tamron, but not the Sigma HSM), if I could get a good copy I'd sell my F 135mm 2.8 and, if the performance with the 1.4x TC is as good, get rid of the 100-300 f4 as well. But you have both right, Mike, would you say 70-200 2.8 + TC = 100-300 f4, or there's a clear loss of IQ?

Same pre-DG non-HSM version sold for £260 a few days ago, because it had front/back focus issues (seller was very honest about it).
Apparently it's a possible problem with Sigma pre-DG version - so the seller was told by Sigma.
I have the same problem with my 100-300 f4, massive back-focus at 100mm, and front-focus at 300mm, which isn't even compensated by -10 on the focus adjust (and then it'd be even more off at 100mm!). It's going straight to Sigma service dept. - and it's going to cost me 150-200€.
The price looks good, but it's a lottery as far as I'm concerned...

how heavy is this lens?

Hi,

I've recently acquired an A* 300mm 2.8, I'd like to combine it with an AF adapter 1.7x, and maybe a 1.4X-L (if that's the one most suited to it, otherwise an 1.4X-S).
(Come on, I know you guys must have plenty of them lying idle in the cupboard )

Thanks,

Nick

GX-20 sold (430€).

Thanks again for the recommandation, guys.
I'm making a return trip to London on the 10th of March, any of you know where I could find this magazine (WHSmith, others....)?
If I like it I'll subscribe.

Both K20D and DA 16-45mm also sold locally for 450€ and 180€ respectively.

GX-20 still available.

DA* 16-50mm has been sold (locally) for 500€

weekend bump.

A few items for sale to trim down the collection. Shipping is from Paris, France, with insurance and recorded delivery.

Pentax K20D body - 470€ (~410£) + shipping

Bought from original owner in the US in August 09.
Comes complete with all original accessories (some still wrapped) in box. Would be excellent condition but for a small scratch on the body close to the flash and a rub mark on the shutter button - see pictures. Never dropped nor banged. LCD screens are scratch-free.
Less than 1.000 actuations (was my spare body during 3 month trip to Argentina). Original sale's receipt provided (June 2009, therefore under warranty in the USA until June 2010).












Samsung GX-20 body - 485€ (~423£) + shipping

I am the original owner, I purchased it in February 09, it is under warranty until February 2011. Excellent condition, no scratches or marks, ~3.000 actuations. Comes boxed with all accessories and receipt.










Pentax SMC-DA* 16-50mm f2.8 - 525€ (~458£) + shipping

Bought from same owner as K20D.
Excellent condition, except some marks on the front cap, and one small dust particle inside the front element, about 1/3" deep and slightly off-centre. I took some test shots of a blue sky at the smallest aperture and couldn't see any repercussions. This particle must have been present from new. It is visible on the picture I've uploaded. Apart from that, everything perfect. Tested the AF when I received it, no back- or frontfocusing issues.
Comes boxed with both original caps, original shade and pouch, and paperwork including receipt (May 2009).






Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f4 - 200€ (174£) + shipping

Bought used in the UK.
Clean glass and barrel, a few marks on the front cap otherwise. Accurate focusing. Comes boxed with original caps, shade and serial number card.