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former member
Guest
Most of the 17 LTM Sonnars are "ever so slightly different"...
I've actually sold off Five 50mm lenses in the last few months. And only bought one.
But I kept the two Summars.
Adorama and the Summar
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Most of the 17 LTM Sonnars are "ever so slightly different"...
I've actually sold off Five 50mm lenses in the last few months. And only bought one.
But I kept the two Summars.
CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
Another example of why i consistently advise against buying USED goods from Adorama. I live close by, so i've been in the store many times. They treat the used items like crap. And, by your account along with an experience of my own, they don't bother to carefully and accurately list the products.
I once went down there for what was listed as a 'current version' of the Leica-R 28mm Elmarit. What they pulled from the shelf was a first version. It was caked in dust. Had i ordered it sight-unseen, waited for it, and paid shipping, i would have been thoroughly pissed.
My first used purchase from them was a Rolleiflex. I knew almost nothing about them at the time, and this was pre-internet. They kinda took advantage of me. Nothing criminal, of course. But, I eventually learned that the 'deal' i got was not what i would expect from places like B&H, KEH, Kurland, etc... or any other dealer in Manhattan (except for Cambridge, of course).
These comments are restricted to the USED equipment they sell. I'll still go there for new equipment, or order online. But, anything used, i have to see+hold in my hands first, and even then i wouldn't trust them unless it was the last and only resource for that particular item.
I once went down there for what was listed as a 'current version' of the Leica-R 28mm Elmarit. What they pulled from the shelf was a first version. It was caked in dust. Had i ordered it sight-unseen, waited for it, and paid shipping, i would have been thoroughly pissed.
My first used purchase from them was a Rolleiflex. I knew almost nothing about them at the time, and this was pre-internet. They kinda took advantage of me. Nothing criminal, of course. But, I eventually learned that the 'deal' i got was not what i would expect from places like B&H, KEH, Kurland, etc... or any other dealer in Manhattan (except for Cambridge, of course).
These comments are restricted to the USED equipment they sell. I'll still go there for new equipment, or order online. But, anything used, i have to see+hold in my hands first, and even then i wouldn't trust them unless it was the last and only resource for that particular item.
B-9
Devin Bro
After a little bit of research, this lens turns out to be made in 1935 and does not appear to have been coated post-war. A true relic.
Ill be sure to request Helen O. tomorow when I call customer support.
Ide be happy with a switch, for a Summitar like advertised. Of course the return shipping to 😛
Maybe they can throw me something in the "V" grade for the trouble haha.
Im still confused how somone listed it as a Summitar when it obviously and undoubtably says Summar right on the front... Unless they intentionally tried to unload it to an unsuspecting buyer.
Ill be sure to request Helen O. tomorow when I call customer support.
Ide be happy with a switch, for a Summitar like advertised. Of course the return shipping to 😛
Maybe they can throw me something in the "V" grade for the trouble haha.
Im still confused how somone listed it as a Summitar when it obviously and undoubtably says Summar right on the front... Unless they intentionally tried to unload it to an unsuspecting buyer.
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HelenOster
Established
I'm here! (Thanks, Bill, for the heads up).
I'm rarely on site so email is the best way to get hold of me. Firstly please accept my apologies; I can't say yet how the error occured but for sure we will make it right as quickly as possible.
Can you drop me an email, with your order number and the best telephone number (and time, ET) to reach you.
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HelenOster
Established
OUch.....I promise you there is nobody who gets more upset with this kind of feedback than me
..... and while I absolutely don't believe in cutting our staff any slack that might impact badly on our customers, I try to bear in mind that there are over 25,000 used units in the warehouse, and they are picked by hand not by bar code.However, that certainly doesn't excuse us from constantly revaluating all we do in the search for 100% customer satisfaction.
If you'd like to discuss any of your past experiences further, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Ade-oh
Well-known
Well, I'd just say that I've bought several used items from Adorama and I'm confident enough in their grading system and quality control to get them sent across the Atlantic to the UK, without any worries.
So keep up the great service, Helen!
So keep up the great service, Helen!
HelenOster
Established
Thank you so much for the feedback; I've passed it on to the used department manager, and I know all of the team will be very happy to see it.
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For me there are two things I look for in a great company. How well they treat you at first and how the fix problems. I've purchased a LOT of stuff from CameraQuest over the years, always the best service, great price and responsive to questions. When I had an issue with a lens that I bought nine months earlier it was fixed under warrantee. The way the fix was handled made me even happier and proved my faith in them to be well placed.
B-9 let us know how you make out when it's all said and done.
B2 (;->
B-9 let us know how you make out when it's all said and done.
B2 (;->
B-9
Devin Bro
I did recieve you email Helen, Thanks for the response!
Will do B-2 😉
Thanks again everyone for the input!
Will do B-2 😉
Thanks again everyone for the input!
Ronald M
Veteran
Summar is a cool retro lens. Keep it if in good condition.
There are barn door hoods made and also the 50/90/135 extendable shade does a fine job on the Summar.
Being non coated, shadow detail is a bit low, highlights blown a bit, colors a little pastel, less saturated.
Summitar is a far better lens, but still no prize. At 5.6 it is as sharp as anything. Most are foggy and scratched. Light fog can be cleaned. Scratches can not.
If you want a modern lens, look at CV, perhaps the 50 2.5. They were made in screw mt.
50 collapsible Summicrons were made in screw, hard to find and harder to find in decent shape. Soft and low contrast wide open.
Similar soft glass as Summitar.
Coated 50 3.5 Elmar is what I usually use. As good as the otheres at the same stop. Very small and nice.
There are barn door hoods made and also the 50/90/135 extendable shade does a fine job on the Summar.
Being non coated, shadow detail is a bit low, highlights blown a bit, colors a little pastel, less saturated.
Summitar is a far better lens, but still no prize. At 5.6 it is as sharp as anything. Most are foggy and scratched. Light fog can be cleaned. Scratches can not.
If you want a modern lens, look at CV, perhaps the 50 2.5. They were made in screw mt.
50 collapsible Summicrons were made in screw, hard to find and harder to find in decent shape. Soft and low contrast wide open.
Similar soft glass as Summitar.
Coated 50 3.5 Elmar is what I usually use. As good as the otheres at the same stop. Very small and nice.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
Gah, if only I could find a Summar like that one for that cheap! KEEP IT! Odds are you'll not find a better one without it having a much higher price tag. Save up and get a good Summitar as well, but don't let go of the Summar.
I'd dearly love either an uncoated Elmar or an uncoated Summar. You got lucky if you're willing to take it.
William
I'd dearly love either an uncoated Elmar or an uncoated Summar. You got lucky if you're willing to take it.
William
HelenOster
Established
healyzh
Well-known
Helen, two comments. Serial #'s, or at least partial serial numbers would be a huge help to those of us looking to buy Leica lenses. Many (most?) of us are neurotic enough to be looking for specific version. I keep a copy of the "Leica Pocket Book" sitting either on my desk or next to it. The other thing is if the original poster returns the lens, feel free to let me know, I'm interested in it if the price is right! 😉
HelenOster
Established
If there is ever an item that interests you, you only need email me, or the used department directly for actual photographs and / or additional information such as the serial number.
The way information is uploaded currently means we are unable to 'personalize' an image with, eg, the serial number; we simply use the manufacturer's standard descriptions.
Will certainly bear in mind 2nd part of your request!
healyzh
Well-known
Thanks for the info. I was wondering if there were practicality issues with the site. Which reminds me, IIRC, Adorama backed out of a major change in the site a while back. If I'm remembering correctly, thank you. 😀 Except for this one little issue I find the site in its current incarnation is easy to use. The same most definitely can not be said for the website of one of your competitors...
Paulbe
Well-known
I ordered a Summilux 50mm from Adorama some years back, thinking it was the E46 version. Sure looked like it in the photo! When it arrived--it was the E43--but absolutely L/N--so I kept it. Haven't regretted it in the least. Could have been my error.
OTOH, my dealings with the "new" side of Adorama have been perfect.
Kind of a "funky" store to visit, too. Organized mayhem, but everyone is treated wondefully! Great store, overall.
As a reminder, the great used place--KEH--doesn't show the real thing, either.
Doesn't even have a retail store anymore. Bummer--I remember the KEH stores on Spring St and 14th street--acres of great stuff.
I think Helen will take good care of your concerns!
Paul
OTOH, my dealings with the "new" side of Adorama have been perfect.
Kind of a "funky" store to visit, too. Organized mayhem, but everyone is treated wondefully! Great store, overall.
As a reminder, the great used place--KEH--doesn't show the real thing, either.
Doesn't even have a retail store anymore. Bummer--I remember the KEH stores on Spring St and 14th street--acres of great stuff.
I think Helen will take good care of your concerns!
Paul
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Oh, if only we had stores like Adorama and KEH in Europe!
We have to make-do with smaller stores that cater for specialists and collectors, that often do list actual pictures and serial numbers, and charge a whole lot more for that!
Never have I seen a Summar for USD 45 or EUR 45! Even a bargain condition Elmar 35/3.5 was EUR 80!
And customs fees take all the fun from buying overseas too... 🙁
We have to make-do with smaller stores that cater for specialists and collectors, that often do list actual pictures and serial numbers, and charge a whole lot more for that!
Never have I seen a Summar for USD 45 or EUR 45! Even a bargain condition Elmar 35/3.5 was EUR 80!
And customs fees take all the fun from buying overseas too... 🙁
HelenOster
Established
There are some very big changes ahead for our website, actually:
http://theframptonfiles.blogspot.com/2011/02/electronics-retail-and-mail-order.html
http://it.tmcnet.com/news/2011/02/08/5295593.htm
http://mediadesigner.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1342916
Juancho
ProbabilisticPhotographer
I bought recently (4 weeks) a Summar that was available at Adorama. It's a wonderful lens!! Yesterday, I decided to go for the Summitar at the same place.
Bill58
Native Texan
You do--Photo Arsenal in Germany (joke). Those guys are crooks!!!!
