DR summicron - your advice please

sanmich

sanmich

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Hi all

I just received a DR 50 bougth from Adorama and rated E-.
The lens is clean but the glass is not perfect as stated. a couple of small coating marks, and a loooong, although very thin scratch on the front element.
The
I payed 280$ and it sounded a great deal, but now I'm not sure...
Of course it's perfectly usable, but I'm both a bit disapointed and concerned.
You know...
that face:
:(
Soo... I'm asking you:
what are the street price for sub-perfect-glass DR these days?
I strched the envelope a bit to buy it, and I do have other 50's.
I thought it's a once-in-the-near future deal, and it's worthy to try this lens.
Is it still such a good deal?

Is it representative of Adorama's rating?
I was kind of surprised by the way they packed it: huge box, the lens was in a sealed plastic bag, but absolutely no mechanical protection on the glass. I mean, ,the coating marks could have been done during the packing or shipping if the coatings are as delicate as they are known to be...
 
sanmich said:
Hi all

I just received a DR 50 bougth from Adorama and rated E-.
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I quit buying from Ador-ripoff a long time ago because of their dishonest descriptions.

I'd send it back and get my money back. You can find one elsewhere in better condition for not much more..
 
Can you run a quick roll of film thru it? It is sometimes considered one of the best lenses for black and white. I don't use mine much but really like it. Good Luck. Joe
 
For the description $280 is ok, you'll have a hard time searching for something considerable better for the same amount. Shoot a test roll. Mine has an insanely scractched inner element and still deliver!
 
You buy a 50 year old lens with an honest description for less than the price of a current CV. I do not understand your problem. Have you actually used it to take pictures and evaluate the performance?? Do you want a lens to take pictures with or one to compare agaisnt other people's lenses on the internet?

BTW, 40+ plus years of buying mail order and Adorama and BHphotovideo are the only two dealers in NYC I would even think about doing business with. I also have an exc plus DR with eyes I'll sell you for $500 plus shipping. Or to buy a really good lens buy a new Summcron from your local dealer.
 
Beemermark said:
You buy a 50 year old lens with an honest description for less than the price of a current CV. I do not understand your problem. Have you actually used it to take pictures and evaluate the performance?? Do you want a lens to take pictures with or one to compare agaisnt other people's lenses on the internet?

BTW, 40+ plus years of buying mail order and Adorama and BHphotovideo are the only two dealers in NYC I would even think about doing business with. I also have an exc plus DR with eyes I'll sell you for $500 plus shipping. Or to buy a really good lens buy a new Summcron from your local dealer.
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Mark, I think you are missing the point, or assume too much.

From Adorama's description of their E- condition:
E-) Excellent Minus
Shows signs of moderate use - Lens Glass is perfect but may have some dust which will not affect picture quality.

And yes, I am sure it is an excellent shooter, but when we deal with leica glass, you know perfectly the rules of the market.
By your method, I should be happy with any price paid, regardless of the lens condition?
I was just asking what are the opinions on the deal, and if it's a glitch from an otherwise good dealer, or if I should be aware of some slightly flexible rating at Adorama.
 
If you are like me, you will feel pain each time you see the imperfections in the optics. I forgive lousy cosmetics, but I cannot get over a scratch or a chip in the lens optics.
 
You can always send it back, but I doubt you'll find something comparable. I'm not sure what the market of sub-par DR Summicrons are, but excellent ones will run at least $450.

I've bought two used lenses from Adorama and have had good experiences with the quality.
 
The description was wrong so you have grounds for returning the lens, but its highly unlikely that the scratches will have any effect on image quality. Sounds like you got the lens for a good price so assuming the photos are fine, if it was me I'd keep it.
 
raid said:
If you are like me, you will feel pain each time you see the imperfections in the optics. I forgive lousy cosmetics, but I cannot get over a scratch or a chip in the lens optics.
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Almost, Raid...:)
I see what you mean, and it bugs me some time, but I get over it quite quickly.
specially if it's a good shooter.
And BTW, optics are of course th emost important, but I don't like my gear trashed too much either...

No, the question here is purely a $$ one.
 
I sometimes have found it hard to overlook certain flaws in photographic kit and have been known to sell cameras and lenses which have acquired a "battle scar" - even when this has not affected its function. I am less inclinded to do so these days but fully understand that others may find such damage a little hard to accept. Especially if every time you look at the lens you are reminded of the transaction and the thought leaps unbidden into your mind that you may have been deceived. This invariably makes you feel like a victim.

If this is your state of mind, then I would strongly advise that you return the thing. But if you can live with it then by definition its not an issue as long as it does not show up in shooting.

A friend of mine used to say "Life is too short to drink average wine." Maybe something similar can be said for using damaged lenses.
 
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I agree if you want a decent one its going to be 450 or more..if 280 is stretching your budget keep the lens if there are no problems with the film..I will say however the rating seems a little stretched but the price should of tipped you off or at least not gotten your hopes up..
 
I think the price was low (did it come with eyes?) - not a bad deal. My guess is that it will make jaw-dropping images.

I've bought two used RF lenses from Adorama and they were well described, well shipped, and moderately priced - very happy with them.

BTW a pristine DR Cron will run you over $500 easily - Leica prices are all about the minutia of condition.
 
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For what you paid keep it & be happy. These lens are all over 50yrs old. iIt will still give you great photos for the price. If you use it for B&W you would have a hard time seeing any flaws.
 
Thank you all!

after a short look at the answers here and at the prices on line, I think I'll keep it. Will give it a run over the weekend.
After the :bang: effect is gone, it still seems to be a decent deal. BGN ones go for much more at KEH. One thing is clear, I cannot afford a really excellent one from a reliable source.

Also, there is a small nicey: It's a very, very late one. dated 1969 . Man on the moon, my parents married etc.;).
Still I'll let Adorama knows. Not that I expect them to do anything more than to say, "send it back" but just to be fair..

David, no worries about your jaw, I am the one who is going to use this lens, not HCB or Eugene Smith :).

Good shooting to all of you...
 
I used to try and buy things at Adorama during the 17 years I lived in NYC. Their sales staff was pushy, manipulative and uninformed. Whereas at B&H they were always totally professional. I am not surprised that Adorama would ship a lens with no protection to the delicate lens surfaces except a plastic bag, or that they got the description wrong. Having said all that, it sounds like you got a decent value for what you paid.
 
The minor marks and scratches probably won't affect picture quality at all, as said. Don't think you paid too much for it either. You already decided to keep it, so have fun!

Got mine for 250 euros and the glass IS pristine. I has eyes, caps and even came with a Leitz yellow filter. Bought it from a photg where the lens was gathering dust. I consider it one of my best bargains.

And yes, I consider it the best lens I have ever owned. Pretty amazing for somehing from 1963. I never believed the Leica hype, but boy, is this lens something special.
 
Given the late model, I'd keep it providing there was no internal haze to the glass. That would be more likely to affect IQ than a few coating marks or single coating scratch.
 
if it makes u feel any better, i payed $550 for my dr from an ebay seller who promised a flawless lens but was sent one that has fungi and scratches on the front element and coating marks on the internal element and decementing of the goggle optics..

:(
 
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