I got a 1500 EUR offer for a 75/2 6-bit APO Summicron ASPH

amoz

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The seller has bought it new last year (can show me the receipt) and I will be able to inspect the lens in person tomorrow. He says it is in pristine shape. He is a professional photographer and told me he wants to clean out his closet since he has got some doubles (2 MPs, 2 M8s,...) and this 75 does not get enough use.

The used market is so thin on this lens that I am not sure if the price is fair. 1500 EUR = 2080 USD

[I have been looking for this lens for quite some time, and decided on this one out of several 75 M mount lenses available -- so yes, I know the Voigt is cheaper ;-)...]
 
I was interested in the 75 / 2.0 APO too some time ago but couldn't decide between this one and the 75 / 1.4. As I remember, Roger Hicks is a great fan of the 75 / 2.0 APO.

The price you mention seems a bit on the expensive side (there have been 75 / 1.4 for ~ 2300 to 2500 USD recently) on the other hand, this lens comes up rarely and buying form the first owner and also meeting him in person gives some warranty that you don't buy a faulty lens.

Cheers,

Gabor
 
When I was looking around for one earlier part of this year, I couldn't find any below USD$2500. I would think this is a very good price. Especially if you can check the lens yourself.

Cheers,
 
I monitored prices for some time before buying one recently. The price you quote is excellent, especially for the condition. In the European market, it is probably even harder to find this deal.

price of used versions in North America is US$2200 (http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/a.htm )

The relative scarcity of used copies of this lens is an indication of how good it is.
 
if its close to new and you can inspect, then you might consider this a small premium to pay. The 75mm/1.4 are selling on the very high side right now. Not long ago I could not sell mine for $1600 -- I did finally but it took awhile. I have read only positive reviews on the 75 cron -- and without saying it is head-and-shoulders above all the other 75s. I believe Erwin Puts gave it a glowing review as well.
 
Thank you all for the very informative feedback. I now feel confident at spending that amount if the lens is in fact as described. I will let you know!
 
The used market is so thin on this lens that I am not sure if the price is fair. 1500 EUR = 2080 USD
If it's difficult to obtain insight on whether it's a fair price, then the question boils down to 'what is it worth to you?' And even if it is in line with the market, that question remains..

1500 Euro is a lot of money if you'll only use the lens occasionally. That the original owner sells it after a year already should give you an indication about its usefulness, especially given that he's working as a photographer.. Are you aware of what he's using instead, that may give a clue as well as to what he prefers and why.
 
I think that's a very good price, and you've been looking for some time so you presumably have clear ideas for its use. I use the lens and pair it with a 35 in a two body kit. It is an incredibly good lens and the minimum focus of 0.7M increases its versatility. I'm increasingly finding that a 24, 35 and 75 set covers 95% of what I shoot and that is now my standard travel kit. I've used the 75/2 for almost two years and love it. Go for it!


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A Leica 75mm/f2.0 portrait
 

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It's a gorgeous lens, but I use it a lot more on film than with the M8. It's especially fine for slides.

That will not be a problem --I only have my MP, nothing digital. :)

Thanks for the tip, I will definitely let it shine its light on some slide film.

If it's difficult to obtain insight on whether it's a fair price, then the question boils down to 'what is it worth to you?' And even if it is in line with the market, that question remains..

Definitely a fair point. Peter's reply is exactly my motivation to wanting one: I have the (enormously versatile) 35/2 already, and that is my only M lens. I want to add this 75 mm lens as its companion and I will use it mainly for portraits, I think. It's what I really want to do more, although I will never abandon my first love: straightforward street photography.
 
It along with the 35mm Lux ASPH are two of the best lenses Leica/Leitz ever manufactured. The 75 Summicron has almost completely replaced my use of the 90mm Summicron ASPH.-Dick
 
Here's a link to shots from the 75/2 from a recent post here by member Bob Parsons. I use mine on an MP and so do you, but I had never seen any pix from this lens on an M8. They look good. Just in case you needed any more encouragement... ;)

http://tinyurl.com/4hmt3e
 
For some time I have considered the 50f1.4 Asph and the 75f2 Apo the two best lenses that Leica has made. The 75 in particular is stunning in its performance. The "floating" element design gives it superb close up capability too.
The only other new lenses that Leica has shown lately that I seriously lust after is the 21f1.4!!! I saw the various offerings last week and evn though they allowed me to handle the 24/1,4 and the 50f0,95 - the one that has started me thinking of a raid on the piggybank, it is the 21f1.4!! Not as big as I thought either.
Combining the 21f1.4 with a 35/50/75 would give you a major kit. Lots of walk around shooting too as one probably couldn't afford a car after having gotten it all!
 
Finally! My meeting with the seller had been delayed several times, but since half an hour I am the proud owner of an immaculate 75...

Thank you all for your interest and replies!

 
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