Did 28mm Summicrons go up $1000?

[nightfly]

I was reading some reviews of the 28mm Summicron from a few years ago I guess (photonet, photography review) and they kept referring to the list price as $2000 but when I look now they seem to be listed around $3000 for the same lens as far as I can tell.

Was there a price jump somewhere along the way of a grand? Seems pretty steep. Probably just did it to make the new 2.8 more attractive.

 

[SDK]

I think there have been several price increases over the last 6 years, since the 28mm/2 introduction. It didn't jump $1K overnight.

They are both very good, the 28mm ASPH lenses. I like the new f/2.8 one better overall, but it's not as good as the 28mm/2 for low light or subject isolation.

 

[ghost]

here's my log of ebay auctions.

~$1650

$2025, m, caps, hood, box
$1875, m, caps, hood, case
$1800, m, caps and hood
$1750, m, lens only
$1600, m, lens only
$1466, m, caps, no hood or case
$1425, m-, caps and hood, box, case, reserve not met
$1303.76, m, no feedback, possible scam
$1236, m, caps, hood, box, case

 

[Dougg]

I got my 28 Summicron in May 05, at which time B&H were listing them for $2595. I was fortunate to find a dealer's "new old stock" lens for $1875 on eBay.

 

[kevin m]

The dollar has plunged a bit, and that affects the prices, too. The Summiliux 35 is a $3k plus lens now, also. 🙁

 

[vol72]

I have the 28 Summicron ASPH lens; if the 28 Elmarit ASPH is as good or better and if you can live with 2.8, you should purchase it. I wanted a fast 28; and the Summicron is that and more - probably my favorite Leica lens: very smooth, beautiful, and sharp.

True, the 28 Summicron isn't cheap; what Leica lens is? I got a great deal: bought it as a liquidation, from a going out of business sale several years ago. You can purchase a Cosina/Voigtlander Ultron for much less; but even knowing this, I am very happy that I bought the Summicron. I don't have anything on the hard drive to download, but there are many examples posted on flikr, Leica forum, and probably here as well. Buy the speed you need at the price you can afford - and go shoot. Long live film!

 

[nightfly]

Not quite ready to take that plunge yet but the 2.8 looks interesting.

I was just wondering because at the time one of the reviews was written the old 2.8 was like $1400 and the then new 2.0 was $2000. Now that the 2.0 is roughly double the price of the 2.8 it's a whole different ballgame.

 

[peter_n]

Leica are increasing prices by small(ish) increments all the time. One notable recent exception is the 24/2.8 which went up by ~US$400 recently. Apparently Leica thought there would be increased interest because of the M8.

 

[raid]

I am happy with my Minolta Rokkor 28mm/2.8 lens. It is small and sharp.

Raid

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I got my own Elmarit at a really low price because it had a small bit of separation. Even after repair, it didn't cost me one grand. It may have some cosmetic issues, but the optic component is perrrty good.

However, I was thinking about putting it for sale and get a 'cron instead. The only reason I won't do it is that the used 'crons are still a bit steep. And with this increase, the used copies will climb a bit more.

I'm curious about something: when did this lens come out? I was under the impression it was relatively new, like from 2002 or 2003. Is it even older?

TNX! 🙂

 

[Robert]

New leica glass is selling for silly money, can it really be justified.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Have you thought of the 28/2.8 hexanon-m? Great lens, compact size, wonderful bokeh, and can be had in the $750 to $850 range.

 

[nightfly]

I will keep my eye out for a Hexanon. Right now I'm good with my CV 28 3.5 but since I'm really into the 28mm perspective, I know I'm going to want something faster but not a whole lot bigger (which sort rules out the faster CV).

At $1500 or so for the new Leica 28 2.8, it really doesn't seem like that bad a deal though not cheap by any means.

 

[Dougg]

I'm curious about something: when did this lens come out? I was under the impression it was relatively new, like from 2002 or 2003. Is it even older?

Hi -- The Summicron 28mm Asph was introduced at Photokina in 2000.

 

[wlewisiii]

I understand the desire for the faster glass, but da*n, this thread really makes me appreciate my Canon Serenar 28/3.5 lens. Yep, it's slow. Yep, it's old. Yep, it's fugly. It also cost less than $300... Good enough for my shooting, at least.

William

 

[SolaresLarrave]

William, that Serenar of yours is actually cute. What really matters is that it delivers the FOV you want.

But it's a cute lens! 🙂

Thanks a lot for the information, Dougg! For some reason I always assumed this 'cron was newer than that.

 

[wlewisiii]

Heh, yeah Francisco, it is a very cute lens, I'll agree. But I was thinking mostly about the fact that it's a very inexpensive way to get that FOV. I'd love to have a 28 Summicron, but the reality is that 99% of those shots can be gotten with my Serenar and that's no small issue...

William

 

[raid]

I understand the desire for the faster glass, but da*n, this thread really makes me appreciate my Canon Serenar 28/3.5 lens. Yep, it's slow. Yep, it's old. Yep, it's fugly. It also cost less than $300... Good enough for my shooting, at least.

William

I have the same model lens. It is a great little slow wide lens.

Raid

 

[SolaresLarrave]

There's one thing with wides: large apertures are a nice plus, but not always necessary. Besides, they have a large DOF ... In other words, you guys are always in the safe (sharp) side.

 

[peter_n]

The problem is that many wides are not at their best at full aperture, the exception being the ridiculously expensive ASPH lenses.