Noctilux prie (old f1 version)

[stefan_dinu]

I am offered to buy a brand new Noctilux f1, from an official and trusted dealer, at a price of 3.700 Euro/5000 USD. Is this a good price for an investment? I don't intend to use it a lot, but I realize that the money that I blocked in the cameras and lenses, are the only money that didn't shrunk these days. So, I was thinking would be a good idea to invest in something like that.
But I don't know how to check the price. Is it good, so-so, or unfair price.
Thank you for your advice.

Later: stupid me, I wrote "prie" in the title instead of "price". can a Moderator correct that? TY

 

[Goldorak]

Stop it. Investment? Don't be a fool.

Why mix the words "camera" and "investment" together?

Investment in Hapiness, yes. That's it.

 

[stefan_dinu]

The truth is that all the cameras that I have still retained value. Not like my stocks, or bank accounts in pounds and Romanian currency. So, you may say that those cameras where a good investment.

 

[Goldorak]

Retaining value is hardly an investment.

Ok, so buy the Noctilux at 5000$. I'd be a fool to push you into such an investment move but that's what you want to hear.

 

[Calzone]

I was watching The Antique Road Show last night, and they said, "Only collect what you feel passionate about." Kinda made sense to me because in the real long term you may end up stuck with a depreciating asset, so you best love it.

Although I too have done well buying used Leica, even most recently (two months), remember that markets cycle. In the longer run, the gear I have I will keep and use. Any appreciation is just a bonus.

As far as investing goes, I can think of other assets that are likely better as far as enduring value, but even gold fluxuates.

Having good credit or cash is probably a good idea right now.

BTW I saw a Noctilux f1 at B&H for $4K. It sold within two weeks. Also have seen many more Noctiluxes being posted on Ebay.

Bubble???

Cal

 

[Roger Hicks]

It's a very fair price if the lens is in good condition.

Is it worth the money?

Only you can say.

You can invest in yourself -- your ability, your talent, your earning potential -- as well as in stocks or lenses. IF you can justify the investment in the Noctilux as an investment in yourself, and IF you can afford it: yes, it makes sense.

But those are hard questions!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Calzone]

The Noctilux offered was used, but was in excellent condition, and I beleive included box and case. I was tempted, but didn't have the passion, nor cash.

Sorry for the confusion.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

You can invest in yourself -- your ability, your talent, your earning potential -- as well as in stocks or lenses. IF you can justify the investment in the Noctilux as an investment in yourself, and IF you can afford it: yes, it makes sense.



Cheers,

R.

You can never go wrong with education. Good advice, but be ready to study and work hard, otherwise your just kidding yourself.

Cal

 

[Nh3]

Spend that $5000 on a new project.

 

[stefan_dinu]

OK. Let's clear this out.
It is a brand new lens. From the dealer. It is with VAT included, which means that in real terms I will be paying only 4.100 USD. Keeping in mind the product is now dicontinued, I thought the price will go up in the next years, for a new lens. I was hoping to be able to sell it, if necessary in the next years with a little margin.
Not possible to leave now for a project. I have a 6 weeks old son who needs me around. 😉 The thing is that I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose more money just because is not in a safe place. And in the next two years, cash will be very fluctuating around here.

 

[horosu]

Stefan,

I think the price is right, judging that Noctiluxes can go for prices bigger than that over here , in the EU. I think you'll get some unique photos with that lens and I'm sure you'll be able to sell it without much/any loss later on.

Best of all:

Life is short. If you want it , buy it!!

Horea

 

[Goldorak]

You're all basing yourselves on Noctilux that are high priced but that haven't sold!

THe truth is, before the Noctilux Craze, it wasn't even selling for 3000$ and there was no offer for it (nor a great demand). Now that everybody think they can get 5000$++ for it they list it on ebay. Now ebay is flooded with no takers.

What does that mean? When the offer is greater then demand, the prices go down.
Your 5000$ noctilux will most likely stay at 5000$ or devaluate if eBay is as flooded by noctiluxes as it is now. My bet is the prices will go down. So be ready to lose, let's say, 500$.

The real question is, is 500$ enough to enable you to play with the lens a few years? I think it is.

I don't own a noctilux but I own a hexanon 50 1.2. That's maybe a lens you'll want to look at. The prices will most likely stay at around 1500-2000 and stabilize more then the noctilux. But what do I know.

Dinu, don't listen to market experts that give you advice based on a 21 seconds eBay glance. You know...

 

[Calzone]

You're all basing yourselves on Noctilux that are high priced but that haven't sold!

THe truth is, before the Noctilux Craze, it wasn't even selling for 3000$ and there was no offer for it (nor a great demand). Now that everybody think they can get 5000$++ for it they list it on ebay. Now ebay is flooded with no takers.

What does that mean? When the offer is greater then demand, the prices go down.
Your 5000$ noctilux will most likely stay at 5000$ or devaluate if eBay is as flooded by noctiluxes as it is now. My bet is the prices will go down. So be ready to lose, let's say, 500$.

The real question is, is 500$ enough to enable you to play with the lens a few years? I think it is.

quote]

I too have been observing the recent flood of Noctilux on Ebay. Last summer oil peaked over $147.00 a barrel and you know the history.

Right now a lot of wealthy investors are buying U.S. treasures and some people are saying U.S. bond prices are a bubble. If it is true we are in for a depression for sure.

Everyone is trying to buy assets that will not depreciate. Please do not buy anything that you can't afford to keep a very long time.

I'm sorry to scare you, but 14 million home owners in the U.S. are underwater. A year's supply of houses is on the market (1.5 million) and it is unlikely that this situation is going to improve soon.

Cal

 

[Olsen]

I too have been observing the recent flood of Noctilux on Ebay. Last summer oil peaked over $147.00 a barrel and you know the history.

Right now a lot of wealthy investors are buying U.S. treasures and some people are saying U.S. bond prices are a bubble. If it is true we are in for a depression for sure.

Everyone is trying to buy assets that will not depreciate. Please do not buy anything that you can't afford to keep a very long time.

I'm sorry to scare you, but 14 million home owners in the U.S. are underwater. A year's supply of houses is on the market (1.5 million) and it is unlikely that this situation is going to improve soon.

Cal[/quote]Cal,

You are pointing to the facts. The current Noctilux prices, - all the way from the new ones at the Leica shelves to the 2.hand market of EBay are all crazy. Particularly agaist the backdrop of today's economical situation.

What is all the Noctilux'es in the world worth if Leica goes bust? Or there will be no M9 around?

I have my cubbards filled with pratically worthless film cameras. - And a Noctilux that I bought for something similar to $ 1,500 - which, at the time, I thought was a hilariously high price. It still is.

 

[MV8]

You should buy if you are going to use it.

 

[maddoc]

About Ebay / Noctiluxes (f/1.0 old version).... these that have been sold in the last month were mostly in the range $3300 - $4100 (about three of them for $3300 to $3500) Ebay is flooded with overpriced Noctiluxes, people seem to try to sell them for the same money as 6 month ago.

I have bought mine (6 bit coded / E60/ version 2 without box and papers) for $ 4100 used from a nice member here at RFF one year ago. $4000 for a new Noctilux with all papers and warranty (!!) is a quite good price, IMHO. But... I would not buy this lens as an investment. When the new ASPH Noctilux will hit the shelves, the situation might change and people drop their old lenses to get the new one.

 

[Austerby]

I am thinking of selling mine at the moment, v1 good condition, but am struggling to find out what to price it at. The ebay values are no use as they are clearly not selling at those prices.

 

[retow]

If you want to invest, buy assets which, longterm, keep their value best relative to "soon to be worthless" currencies. We are in for a depression followed by serious inflation (resulting from the poisoning cure of bail out and excessive money printing for patient economy), turning the USD into a confetti currency in the long run.

 

[Calzone]

I am thinking of selling mine at the moment, v1 good condition, but am struggling to find out what to price it at. The ebay values are no use as they are clearly not selling at those prices.

I've also been watching used sales at B&H and Adorama (both New York stores). B&H sold a f1 (early version for $4k). Vaguely I remember it was in "E" condition with box and case. This lense sold within two weeks. I thought this was a good deal.

At Adorama they sold a late version with box and papers for $5k. It sold quickly. Shortly after they posted another late version for $5.9K, but they bumped down the price recently. I believe it is still available at $5.5K.

Remember these are New York Dealers. YMMV. Hope this helps.
All these sales were within the last month.

Cal