$101 for a Summar?

[doubs43]

This auction resulted in a sale price of $93.43 plus $7.50 shipping for a SUMMAR!!

I see absolutely nothing unusual or special about the lens. Anyone else have an idea why it would sell for such a price? Admittedly I don't follow Summar prices but this seems excessive to me. Am I wrong?

Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7575039654&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

[ezio gallino]

When hoods and rings go easily over $50 a leica lens may cost $100.

 

[former member]

The days of $30 Summars are over.

This one looked in good shape, and the seller has good feedback.

Most have been going over $100, and the Summitar for even more.

 

[schmoozit]

I believe I payed about that, maybe more, a year or so ago. They are a special lens in that they have a very dreamy rendition when used on wider apertures. Mine is all but stuck at f/2, and it doesn't bother me a bit; helps it not get bumped into crappy photo mode in my opinion. If I want sharp, I change lenses (well, when I buy one, that is).

 

[MCTuomey]

I noticed an "ugly" Summar at keh for $109 and an "ugly" Summaron for $129, if I recall the prices accurately.

I agree, even the under-appreciated glass is appreciating.

 

[zpuskas]

After all they are Leica and Leica is pricey!

 

[rich815]

I noticed an "ugly" Summar at keh for $109 and an "ugly" Summaron for $129, if I recall the prices accurately.

I agree, even the under-appreciated glass is appreciating.

In my experience the "UGLY" classification from KEH equals and often exceeds those of MINT on eBay....

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Given current prices, $100 is a moderate price. I bought mine for about $60 in "ugly" condition (needed to have haze cleaned, the filter thread undented, and the collapsable part fixed); after a CLA from DAG, I'm a happy camper.

 

[MCTuomey]

I agree, Rich and Gabriel. I've bought "bargain" rated gear from keh and was delighted with its condition every time. Thankfully I've been able to avoid flea-bay for some time ... rolling dice has never been my strength.

 

[doubs43]

The days of $30 Summars are over. This one looked in good shape, and the seller has good feedback. Most have been going over $100, and the Summitar for even more.

I've owned a Summar for some 30 or 35 years (it's coated) so I haven't really paid much attention to them on ebay. I suppose I suffered a little "sticker price" shock when I saw this one go for a total of $101, shipping included. The Summar's reputation for delivering soft images has never endeared it to photographers in the way that the Summacron has been enbraced. The Summitar is a giant leap forward in both contrast and sharpness so it's not surprising that they bring a good price in spite of 270,000 having been made. Guess I'm just not up on the cost of Summars today.

The comments about KEH are pretty accurate judging by the example of a "Bargain" lens that my sons gave me for Christmas. It's an 85mm f/2 Nikkor AI lens that sold for $94. The glass is perfect and only the filter threads and aperture ring show wear. Focus is smooth and the aperture ring turns with just the right amount of resistance and clicks into place. IMO it would be rated at least Exc.- or better by most ebay sellers.

Walker