LensFinder.com is a new site focused on giving users a way to buy and sell lenses. The site aims to be a safe and simple way for individuals, brokers and companies to trade in pre-owned vintage and modern lenses.
Founded by industry veterans including Matt Duclos and Ryan Avery, LensFinder.com allows easy access, low cost, and safe transactions in the buying and selling of glass.
Buying second hand glass through sites such as Ebay often takes a lot of searching and patience, but LensFinder.com is about making the process simple and inviting for both buyers and sellers.
So what does it cost?
For sellers, LensFinder.com charges no listing fees, but a 3.99% commission if a sale goes through. That commission is capped at $500 US per sale, so costs are always clear and straightforward. No fees are charged to buyers.
Listings are curated and transactions are protected through PayPal, and other direct payment methods and escrow services will be made available soon. The LensFinder.com beta site is available now, and individuals as well as dealers and brokers are already listing vintage glass for sale.
Glass matters
Co-founder Ryan Avery has developed some of the most notable new lenses of the past decade at companies such as Schneider, Veydra and Tokina. “We have a passion for optics of all kinds, from unique and obscure specialty lenses to the workhorse primes and zooms. Our slogan is ‘Glass Matters,’ and it’s really important to us. With LensFinder.com, we wanted to bring the confidence and ease of buying new lenses to the classic and pre-owned glass that’s out there in the world,” said Ryan.
“Auction sites and backroom deals can be uncomfortable for many reasons. LensFinder.com is a straightforward and safe marketplace for vintage optics. We want to make the best platform for shooters to learn, find, and buy great used and vintage glass to expand their creative options.”
More than just a marketplace
In addition to the Marketplace, LensFinder.com is designed to be an educational resource for all things glass. Current articles include guides on evaluating and identifying lenses, and future resources will expand upon the different types of vintage lenses available, along with descriptions of their various attributes. LensFinder.com is a place for people who are curious or passionate about lenses and how they can help their craft.
Lensfinder.com looks to be a really good way to both buy and sell glass, and who knows, you may well stumble across a hidden gem that you couldn’t find anywhere else.
What do you think about Lensfinder.com? Would it be something you would use? Let us know in the comments section below.
