35mm f1.4 ASPH Recent Prices..Feedback?

[D&A]

Hi Everyone,

Heres the situation. My son is about to purchase a a Leica 35mm f1.4 ASPH (I've owned one for years). While visting a family aquantence in Conn., he was offered by him to purchase one of his used ones.... either a Black or a Silver Chrome one. Neither is 6 bit coded (he uses an M8). I still cannot get a handle on currect used prices for both a black and/or silver chrome one..based on what I'm about to describe for both. I'd very much appreciate a ballpack purchase figure for each one...a black one as well as a silver chrome one (as I'll describe).....just a good buy (but fair price).

Both are virtually identical. Each is almost LN, glass pristine inside and out, blades clean, both are later production...ones that came in Leica black/silver box although neither is 6 bit coded. Each has all front & rear caps, square hood, lens case and box. The only differences between the two, is the black one shows virutally no signs of wear and the silver chrome one shows slightly more handling, looking at the barrel...I think I can tell the silver one was used a bit more. Focusing smooth on each with apature click stops more crisp on black one.

Thanks for feedback on a good but fair price to purchase each one.

D&A

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Silver chrome (on brass) is considerably more robust than Black chrome (on zinc alloy/aluminum). So your statement in this regard makes no sense.

Regardless, the silver chrome version has been discontinued for some time now and should carry a premium over black. The black one should also be lighter by about 100 grams.

Used prices have come down somewhat (for no good reason other than the economy), but I can assure you the silver chrome version, assuming 9.5+ condition, is worth (today) at least $3,000 - subtract no more than 10% for black.

It's simply a matter of personal taste as to which might be more desirable to you.

 

[D&A]

Hi Bill,

I appreciate your response. I was just refering to visually as to which looked "fresher" in terms of use. I edited my original post, so that my comments are a bit clearer. I know the price for each can vary, especialy due to current economy. I thought originally around $2700 for the silver one and around $2500.00...but your estimates are somewhat higher and probably more accurate. That's why I asked. I'll be interested to hear what others have experienced recently with both these lenses as described in my 1st post (above). Thanks!

D&A

 

[peter_n]

As a reference point the Summer 2009 B&H print catalog arrived in the mail Saturday. This lens (black) is listed at $4200. The silver one is probably worth a bit more than 75% of the new price. A more practical question is the backfocus propensity of this lens - isn't this the one that causes the most trouble on an M8? The fact that it is not coded means he will need to spend $$$ to have it coded and calibrated. Is the f1.4 absolutely necessary?

 

[yanidel]

I recently bought one like new, though a 1998 production year, with box and all accessories, uncoded for €1850, that is $2450.

 

[D&A]

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

Peter, although coding is desirable, one can get by in a pinch by self coding with a marker. Not perfect, but it works! I'm coming to the same conclusion as most here that the silver one in say 9+ condition is upwards of $3000.00 or a bit more (or less). The black one about $300.00 less. I may take his black one and if I do, he's asked me to sell his silver one. Speed is imperitive...as I do a lot of low light work in the performing arts. Otherwise for most general applications, an f2 lens would suffice.

Interestingly, I've been hearing about backfocus issues with the Leica 35mm f1.4 ASPH lens on the M8. I tried out both. The black one is spot on...wide open. The silver one is just about "on" too...if anything, maybe a touch of front focus...but barely if that. Keep in mind, there is some variabilty from M8 to M8. Both lenses on film seem to be fine, in some quick focusing tests.

Yanidel, I would assume yours is "black"? Nice find! Again thanks everyone.

Dave

 

[Photon42]

[...]
Interestingly, I've been hearing about backfocus issues with the Leica 35mm f1.4 ASPH lens on the M8. I tried out both. The black one is spot on...wide open. The silver one is just about "on" too...if anything, maybe a touch of front focus...but barely if that. Keep in mind, there is some variabilty from M8 to M8. Both lenses on film seem to be fine, in some quick focusing tests.

Dave,

if anything, the 35 summilux is known for a slight focus shift at f/2 and 2.8. After that, DOF kicks in. I've read in an article a while back, that more recent lens designs such as the Lux 50 correct even for this light focus difference.
Cheers,
Ivo

 

[peter_n]

Yes, the floating element in the ASPH 50 is the difference I think.