Hi, I bought a lens from mpb in ‘like new’ condition and there is a fabric hair within the lens large enough to appear on all photos above f/5.6. I couldn’t open the parcel until now (3 weeks later) as I was away for uni and so just discovered the issue today. Mpb refuse to do anything about it and told me to get it cleaned for ‘cheap’ at a camera repair shop but that it will also void my warranty. Is there anything I can do?
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They tried to screw me over when I sold a lens to them. It was truly in ‘like new’ condition when I sent it but when they gave me the inspection report they said there was “significant” moisture in the lens and the filter was stuck on, as a result they tried to knock >50% of the original quote. Needless to say I pushed back and suggested that maybe it was damaged in transit. From there they were easy enough to work with, filed a damaged package claim, and got me the total original $ amount. Just seemed like weaponized incompetence/someone too lazy to do their job.
Contact your credit card and dispute the charge.
Paid on a debit card unfortunately, not sure whether this would work?
Debit cards are sometimes protected too.
Only one way to find out.
Chargeback are the with debit cards as with credit cards. Visa/MasterCard have disputes and chargeback rule that banks have to follow.
The bank may or may not give you a provisional credit while the dispute is in process and it can take a while for the issue to be fully resolved as the merchant has X number of days to respond to the chargeback.
Ok thanks, I’ll give that a go if I can’t reach an agreement with them
Debit cards, i.e. banks, in the UK have mostly copied the rules for credit cards, so I would talk to your bank asap
It always amazes me that MPB enjoys a good reputation. I have had 2 experiences with them and they were the two worst experiences I have ever had, hands down.
Customer service just seems to be awful
I’ve not seen much talk about them until now. This has made me quite wary.
If you can’t do a chargeback try filing a dispute with BBB. It’s hit or miss but can’t hurt.
Better Business Bureau? lol good luck. That’s a private company not a government or regulatory agency.
Here’s a shocker, it actually works sometimes. I’ve gotten money back from corporations through using them. Like I said, it’s hit or miss. But if you don’t have another option it isn’t a bad idea.
The UK side used to be great. Bought and sold many times with the company. But in recent times it has made more mistakes, such as sending faulty items, or even the wrong items.
MPB regularly mis describe kit. It appears they cannot keep up with the volume of kit they’re getting through the door. I bought a lens from them that doesn’t focus to infinity - how doesn’t their “extensive testing” pick that up!
I know, really wasn’t hard to spot and it was straight out of the box when I check it and it still had the front and rear caps on
I just had them change a battery grip as I’d managed to pick the only one of three in stock, rated excellent and all the same price that wasn’t boxed with instructions. Apparently it doesn’t add value 🤷♂️
I’m going to provide a counterpoint to everyone here so far and say I’ve had nothing but good experiences with MPB.
It’s unfortunate you missed the 14 day return window, I definitely make sure that I have the lens or camera in hand and fully test it during that time, as that’s what it’s there for.
Can you add some photos to your post of the fiber and a test photo or 2 that shows it in your photos?
I also missed a 14 day return from them. Not purchasing from them again. Need at least 30 day return policy
Does it actually affect the photo, or is it just that you can see it?
It’s very obvious in all photos above f/5.6. I added some photos in someone else’s comment
Ok, I looked at those. I find it hard to believe that the one thing, is responsible for the other thing. Lenses don’t work that way. A hair on the lens won’t project like that onto the sensor. This is a mystery to me. Usually you can put quite a lot of garbage on a lens before you will even notice any small degradation, and it doesn’t look like the thing that originates it.
I assume you’ve properly tested your theory and know what you are talking about, in which case, I have no idea what is going one, as I’ve never seen it work that way.
I could definitely be wrong but the hair on the lens is pretty large and the sensor looks completely clean. Also only appears with small apertures so I feel like that makes sense?
Incorrect, even a spec of dust on a lens/sensor can show up at larger apertures. Especially when shooting light colours.
On a sensor, not necessarily a lens.
If they shipped you a defective lens and represented it to be clean and like new, then they were the first one to breach the contract and the 14 day return period would be null and void.
Wait so they’re telling you to pay out of pocket for a repair that will void your warranty… even though the lens is still within the warranty period?
Usually MPB would accept that back since they lied on their part about the condition. Had the same thing happen to me last year. Bought a EFs 24-70 2.8 II in “like new” condition, tested it a bit at home, all was fine. The next day i photographed a wedding, and after 10min of shooting, the camera threw a error code that the contacts of the lens were broken.
That was tough to explain… Nonetheless they apologized and i was able to send it back and get my money back
Did you use a credit card? If so, threaten a chargeback and follow through if they don’t refund. It’s the main reason I use a credit card for all major purchases (along with extended warranties for anything purchased on the card).
I’ve been using them for years and never encountered any problems at all.