Re: New test coming: Medium Format Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (2024)

TechTalk2 wrote:

JimKasson wrote:

TechTalk2 wrote:

JimKasson wrote:

MyReality wrote:

Sorry about your fall. I fell last year and had some neural damage, but my leg function was greatly improved with therapy.

" One nice thing about getting the gear from LensRentals is that they test everything before they ship it, so the odds of getting a bad copy are low."

Should not you be testing a random sample from them,

They screen all their lenses.

or are you just trying to verify their tests blindly.

The tests that I do will be different from their screening tests, I think. I don't know how they screen.

The temptation for confirmation bias will always be there.

Lensrentals FAQs:

"Before and after each rental we check each lens visually, test it for focus and sharpness, and take pictures with it. We guarantee the glass is clear, the lens works normally, the pictures it takes are sharp. These lenses are used regularly so there will probably be some scuff marks on the barrels, etc. There may be a little internal dust in some lenses (the telescoping zooms are especially known to collect it). If there is any effect on image quality the lens goes off for servicing, otherwise it remains in service."

Right. This is not enough for me to replicate their testing. I still don't know how they screen to the level that I'd need to reproduce it, and for my purposes, I don't think it matters.

They describe a straightforward and simple process of visual inspection, cleaning, and taking some pictures to check that the lens is functioning normally. It's what I do ASAP after picking up or receiving a rental to insure that its condition is satisfactory.

It's not clear how to reproduce their testing. They say "check it for focus and sharpness". That could cover a multitude of tests.

It's not complicated

What they do could be complicated. Hard to say with the information I have, and not important to my needs.

and is an advisable check for any lens which has been shipped. You never know how much shock or vibration a new, used, or rental lens has absorbed in transit to you.

Have you seen how the LensRentals lenses are packed? I think any shock that would liley damage the lens would destroy the cardboard box, and at least dent the massive plastic weather sealed case inside. I count many layers of shock protection.

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