Thank you all for the replies. The lens came from a seller on these forums who has assured me the lens was A1 before sending it to me, and looking at previous feedback from previous adverts, a trustworthy and honest seller which I agree with.

Getting compensation from the RM may be tricky as the lens was well packaged and packaging not damaged, and also how do you prove the value of a really old lens?

Geordie01 & Nass, it does look like the aperture lever/spring has somehow broken or come loose. Sounds like it may be worth a shot at repairing.

Anyone in the Coventry or Birmingham areas who either knows how to fix it, or can recommend an individual or shop who can?

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this photography lark, and I have just bought and received a 28mm Lens that has unfortunately got a fault. Good old heavy handed Royal Mail.

Here is a link to a short video that I made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRNqHXX9oWg

Any ideas what is wrong with it and do you think it is fixable? I do hope so, otherwise it will be a very expensive paperweight!

Thanks in advance

chaude; I sent you a message on Flickr as I have not been signed up for 30 days yet.