Finding a 17mm f2.8

I've been pondering getting a 17mm f2.8 lens to use as a permanent lens on my E-P1, which is currently languishing from lack of use, and making it a kind of knockabout camera. Local prices for this lens are slightly insane, approx US$450+, but finding something outside of Oz isn't looking good. I found this one, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f2.8 Lens WhiteBox+5Gif AU - eBay (item 400120145602 end time Jun-05-10 01:22:16 PDT), but I'm not feeling confident when it says new, but doesn't come in the original box and the fine print reads as follows:

I can't buy from Amazon, as they won't sell lenses for Oz and I'm not going to try and go through the B&H/Adorama credit card dance.

For a lens that doesn't seem to be all that liked, it sure is hard to find.

Cheers

Ray

 

I just don't want to join more forums, to ask one question, and likely never return.

Cheers

Ray

 

I've bought previously from Adorama, years ago now, and had no issues. But then there was a policy change and I was required to fax copies of my credit card, both sides, before any credit purchases would be accepted. This put me in breach of the terms and conditions of my bank's credit card rules. Giving a credit card number and expiry date is one thing, but revealing full signature etc was basically leaving things open to credit card fraud should the copies fall into the wrong hands.

B&H requires the same. Oddly enough, I've purchaed numerous items from other photo retailers in the US and only had to provide what I'd be required to provide in Australia for any credit card purchase. If things have changed, then I will reconsider, but if these policies still apply, I simply can't purchase via credit card. As much as you want to protect your sales from fraud, I have to also protect my credit card from fraudulent use (I stand to lose much more and with no come back).

Cheers

Ray

 

As luck would have it, I just bought one and I didn't have to go far.

Cheers

Ray

 

Now that's a very neat little tool, I'll have to invetigate further. I've wanted to buy some items from the US, but the seller will only deliver to the US.

Cheers

Ray