low production 5cm lens

[clicker]

I posted a question yesterday and Erik a RF member was kind enough to provide me with the information regarding the number of units produced.
I am now turning once again to my RF member experts to give me a an estimate for a value range on this rare lens.Apparently less than 1200 hundred were produced and I have yet to see any records of ones for sale anytime past or present.
The lens is the rigid mount Summicron LTM 5cm model circa 1953. Any information regarding this rare lens would be appreciated as I am considering selling it and need advice from people I trust.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[ferider]

Hi Chris,

Depends very much on condition. A clean, early, M-mount rigid can go up to 800 U.S. or more. If you find the right buyer, your ltm version (SOSTA) can go 2-4 times higher. Check eBay using "rigid summicron screw".

Also here is an early lens like yours valued at 2795 U.S. , as well as some additional info:

http://www.camerawest.com/cwblog/tag/summicron.

Roland.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I've said yesterday that there were 500 units made of the rigid Summicron in screwmount in the period 1956 -1968. I didn't check it; the real production of this lens is indeed 1160 units (1960-1963). I am sorry for giving this wrong information.

As Roland says the value depends on the condition. These lenses are often hazy, but usually it is possible to clean them up.

Erik.

 

[goamules]

Here is a comparable 50mm Summicron rigid in LTM that sold for $1200 with lots of bidders. I'd say that's a pretty good gauge. Ebay 351374303915

The problem with very rare items is they don't have many people looking for them, because they don't know about them. Often, a much more common lens will sell for more than a rare one, because it's in demand. In the supply and demand equation, I weigh heavily on the latter. I've sold a lot of rare lenses. The best way to get top dollar is to find that one person that really wants it, and has deep pockets. Ebay is a risk, for obscure lenses. But a Summicron isn't obscure, you'd have a lot of people looking and bidding probably. If it were mine I'd start by offering it here for quite a bit, then if no sale in a month, try ebay.

 

[clicker]

Thanks Garrett, Erik, and Roland, I appreciate your helpful thoughts very much.