What the heck happened to used Leica prices???

[Argenticien]

While on vacation in Chicago, I've just visited Central Camera again. I love the place; it's like stepping back in time. Who else has, sitting on the shelf waiting for you, Bronica S2 kit; lenses for each brand in its own bin, even for obscure brands/product lines like Miranda; Pentax 67 bodies, lenses, and accessories; a window display featuring NIB slide projectors and a Vitessa; lenses for 8x10; and of course a bunch of Leica bodies and a nickel Elmar ... but I digress. Anyway, I asked the chap if they had any LTM lenses in 75 to 100 mm range, thinking I might see a Nikkor or Canon 85 or 100, probably an f/3.5 - f/4 model or maybe an f/2 one if I were lucky. With only that to go on, he pulled out a chrome Summarex marked at USD 3499. 😱 Mind you I've said I love the place, and I still do. But there were so many problems with this. I thought (1) Get this away from me before I fumble it and have to pay for it! and (2) Get this away from me, can't you see my wife is right here?! and (3) Get this away from me, what have I got, "stupid money" written all over my face?! OK, I did fondle it a bit before handing it back...

--Dave

 

[menos]

Hehe - well written Dave, gave me a chuckle, thanks ;-)

 

[philipus]

M3 bodies are up about 50% in the last six months.

Strange. My impression is the opposite, except for high-serial excellent+ bodies (and why one would buy one of those escapes me). Other bodies seem to have decreased a bit.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Seems that way to me also..... based on our classifieds.

 

[johannielscom]

Decrease is likely due to summer time and Photokina coming up in September.

Nothing very unusual, I'd say

 

[Mpmckenzie]

calm before the m10 storm ?

calm before the m10 storm ?

i think prices are more reasonable just now looking at evilbay etc. people saving for photokina maybe, euro coming down 😀 i can order in europe once again. leica catching up with demand somewhat ?
i might be able to buy an m9(3500-4000) depending on the m10 price and tech specs.😀 .
will the m10.explode the market again, i dont think so,they will price the m10 too high $ 9-10000. with the leica store openings, going for the upscale market, is a $10,000 leica that chic an accessory ?

 

[Tijmendal]

God, I shouldn't have read this thread.

I've been thinking about getting a Leica more-and-more (probably an m2/3/4), but after reading this, I feel like I get ripped off! Prices seem to be up 50% at least. Gosh. For those 'old' prices, I'd pick one up for sure!
Shame I wasn't really interested in RF's a year ago. Meh!

 

[Nescio]

In 1 word: fashion, fashion, fashion.
At least some early adopters got their profit or will sleep better.
BTW, not sure on this, but it looks like Voigt glass is upping as well.