Opinions and value of ugly Suminlux 50/1.4 and Summicron 35/2

[chenick]

Hi folks,

A while back I got a Bessa R2 from my friendly camera repair guy for a really good price... got a Nokton 50mm and 75mm Heliar to go with it. I did however miss the quickness of AE for grab shots... so when an R3A came in (also for a good price) I snapped it up. I had planned on selling the R2 then... but

Yesterday he showed me 2 well used lenses a Summilux 50/1.4 (boxed etc.) and an ugly Canadian built Summicron? 35/2.
He's selling them on behalf of the previous owner so I was just wondering what would be a good price. I've no idea how old they are (I guess they're both 20+ years old) but they're cosmetically pretty ugly (missing paint on both, focussing tab on 35 broken and glued on etc.)

How much should I expect to pay for these lenses. bearing in mind they're in a pretty ugly condition, however the glass in both is clean.. I've heard nice things about the 35/2, but I imagine the Summilux even as is will be too expensive.

Thanks! (and fingers crossed)

Nick

 

[x-ray]

I would'nt give up the Nokton for an old used summilux. The Nokton is a slightly better lens optically. If the summicron is as ugly as you say I would not give more than $250 US for it. The 4th genration summicron is a fine lens but he first is only fair in performance at wide apertures. I havent owned the second or third version but a friend has a second it it's OK but not up to current CV 35mm standards. Third generation I can't reall say since I have no experience. There's no magic in these old lenses. If you want really fine glass go for one of the CV lenses. I still have my 4th generation 35 summicron but just purchased a CV 35 1.2 Nokton. Having used the CV for over a month now I think it equals or exceeds the performance of the 4th generation summicron.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045

 

[chenick]

I've been looking at Summilux 50 prices - they look pretty high. This is the version with the separate hood. So I'm inclined to keep my Nokton

So I'm still considering the 35/2 Summicron if the price is right.... 🙂

Nick

 

[telenous]

Hi Nick,

I have both lenses and have followed a few auctions in addition to chasing them in second hand stores. The price for a second generation Summilux is around £550. And a third generation Summicron will set you back around £400. You can buy them cheaper than that if you go for an auction in that site. I do not know how far down you can negotiate a price if the lens is real ugly. There's also a link with second hand prices for all Leica lense (but it probably needs updating). Here it is:

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/a.htm

Regards

 

[Ben Z]

I bought a 50 Summilux (around 1983 production by the serial #) with a little wear but nothing really obvious (probably would be a KEH "excellent" or an Ebay "mint") last year for $650. With the advent of the ASPH and there being newer versions with the more common 46mm filter, the 43mm type tends to have less demand and hence lower prices. I own a 3rd type 35 Cron which has more outward wear, which I've had so many years I don't know how much it would sell for but it performs beautifully. I can't fathom how many thousands of miles it has travelled with me nor how many thousands of shots I've used it for. Great lens in my book.

That said, paint loss and that "tired" look are no big deal to a user, but dings and dents suggest a lens has been banged around some. That focusing tab may be plastic but mine's over 30 years old and while the lens shows plenty of wear the tab isn't broken. I suspect it would need to be hit hard or dropped for that to happen. I would definitely want to have that lens sent to DAG to check the collimation (and he can replace the tab). I tend to agree that there's no magic in the Leica lenses (that's got to come from the photographer) but I wouldn't want to place a bet as to which would last longer, a new Voitlander or a beat-up Leica lens. If it were me I'd offer the guy $500 for the pair, and pay no more than $750.

I'll lay you dollars to doughnuts he didn't pay more than $100 each, probably less. Probably told the owner they were just good for a few parts or a paperweight.

 

[pbjbike]

$500 for the Cron sounds about right, but in reland, maybe it would bring a bit more. Stellar performer and about 1/4 the size of the 35 Nokton 😉.

 

[Meleica]

Leica M Lens Price Guide

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/a.htm

Dan

 

[chenick]

Thanks for the feedback guys! (and the price guide)

-Nick

 

[jaapv]

I was just looking at a very well-used, some would say tired but usable Summilux 35 mid-sixties, very good glass, shiny aperture blades, slightly wobbly focussing barrel, reasonable black chrome at Foto Dobben in Kleve. They wanted 499 Euro for it, or at least the customer that commisioned the sale wanted that. I thought 350 well paid. No sale, but I think they heard what I said. [They did have a decent M5 at 999 Euro, and very special: an immaculate Safari R3, not expensive at 499 Euro, btw.] And I paid 1250 Euro for a nearly mint 50 'lux non asph last year. That should give you an idea of the price range.