dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Maybe it's me, but lately I've noted pricing on used M's to be a lot higher than I expected.
I mean, for example, take this "mint" 35mm Summicron 4th version (so called "King of Bokeh"
):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160178592992
Look at the price it went for - I know that collectors can pay a lot more than what tends to be the "going rate" but I didn't expect to see it go for that much.
With that said, is it the M8 that's caused a recent price increase in most good condition M lenses? Has anyone noticed this with 50's or other M lenses or is it only the 35's that seem to be on the upswing?
More curious than anything because I have been looking at some 35 Cron's lately.
Cheers,
Dave
I mean, for example, take this "mint" 35mm Summicron 4th version (so called "King of Bokeh"
):http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160178592992
Look at the price it went for - I know that collectors can pay a lot more than what tends to be the "going rate" but I didn't expect to see it go for that much.
With that said, is it the M8 that's caused a recent price increase in most good condition M lenses? Has anyone noticed this with 50's or other M lenses or is it only the 35's that seem to be on the upswing?
More curious than anything because I have been looking at some 35 Cron's lately.
Cheers,
Dave
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
a year ago you could got a noctilux for 2 grand!
The M8 and Solm's inability to keep up with demands has forced used lens pricing through the roof.
The M8 and Solm's inability to keep up with demands has forced used lens pricing through the roof.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Dave,
E*ay isn't the best indicator of prices, not to me at least.
In my experience, long lenses may not be in high demand (as ever), while wide-angle ones, especially with the M8, have gone up just a bit. Check KEH and other stores instead of the *bay to take the pulse of these things.
At least, that's my take on the situation. Just yesterday I saw a 'cron 90, third version (the one that takes 55mm filters) in silver, go for less than $600. Granted: the seller had no feedback, and that probably kept buyers away from it, but it still shows how capricious eBay is.
BTW, didn't somebody here put for sale a nice second version, in black, of a 'cron 90 for about $350? I was about to pick it up even though I have a newer one...
Take care!
E*ay isn't the best indicator of prices, not to me at least.
In my experience, long lenses may not be in high demand (as ever), while wide-angle ones, especially with the M8, have gone up just a bit. Check KEH and other stores instead of the *bay to take the pulse of these things.
At least, that's my take on the situation. Just yesterday I saw a 'cron 90, third version (the one that takes 55mm filters) in silver, go for less than $600. Granted: the seller had no feedback, and that probably kept buyers away from it, but it still shows how capricious eBay is.
BTW, didn't somebody here put for sale a nice second version, in black, of a 'cron 90 for about $350? I was about to pick it up even though I have a newer one...
Take care!
LeicaTom
Watch that step!
Dave,
I think that people are "looking" for them now, maybe because of the M8, maybe not, I just know Kevin had one for $1,400 two weeks ago and someone must have offered him something less than that for it and he put it up to over $2,000 now (when there`s interest in his equipment at a lower price then what it`s marked for he jacks the price up even more - if you ask me he`s cutting his own throat, he`s had some of the same gear for the past 3 years!!!!)
These are still around for $1,200 to $1,400 you just have to search around, I want a type 4 35mm Cron myself now, while I might be getting an early motorised M6 soon that`s needs a lens....
Tom
I think that people are "looking" for them now, maybe because of the M8, maybe not, I just know Kevin had one for $1,400 two weeks ago and someone must have offered him something less than that for it and he put it up to over $2,000 now (when there`s interest in his equipment at a lower price then what it`s marked for he jacks the price up even more - if you ask me he`s cutting his own throat, he`s had some of the same gear for the past 3 years!!!!)
These are still around for $1,200 to $1,400 you just have to search around, I want a type 4 35mm Cron myself now, while I might be getting an early motorised M6 soon that`s needs a lens....
Tom
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Nando
Well-known
Dave,
I was actually looking for a 4th gen 35 Summicron a few months back and I found prices to be extremely high especially if the lens was in a mintish state. I just ended up buying a current, slightly-used ASPH version from Tony Rose instead since it was only a few hundred dollars more and it came with a warranty. The lens looks mint and it has the 6-bit coding - perhaps it was a demo.
I find all Leica lenses have gone up in price actually. Last month I was temporarily gassy for a Summar and watched a few on eBay. They all needed CLA's it seemed but some actually went for over $300 USD. I was astounded! Perhaps the low American dollar has something to do with it? Perhaps people from outside of the US are taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate? I know I am - I live in a border town and I'm cross-border-shopping like crazy... especially with Christmas just around the corner.
I was actually looking for a 4th gen 35 Summicron a few months back and I found prices to be extremely high especially if the lens was in a mintish state. I just ended up buying a current, slightly-used ASPH version from Tony Rose instead since it was only a few hundred dollars more and it came with a warranty. The lens looks mint and it has the 6-bit coding - perhaps it was a demo.
I find all Leica lenses have gone up in price actually. Last month I was temporarily gassy for a Summar and watched a few on eBay. They all needed CLA's it seemed but some actually went for over $300 USD. I was astounded! Perhaps the low American dollar has something to do with it? Perhaps people from outside of the US are taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate? I know I am - I live in a border town and I'm cross-border-shopping like crazy... especially with Christmas just around the corner.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
At least two factors are at work.
One is an increase in demand, thanks to the very considerable success of the M8: there just aren't enough good, late Leica bottles to go round.
This may well have increased prices by 10-20%, maybe more, in hard currency.
This is the other factor. The dollar is not a very hard currency any more, so an increase of 10-20% in euros or pounds sterling translates into 30-50% in US dollars.
The dollar will probably strengthen again, unless it loses its status as a reserve currency/oil currency -- several oil suppliers have contemplated this, with horror or glee depending on their domestic politics -- but right now it doesn't look very healthy.
Cheers,
Roger
One is an increase in demand, thanks to the very considerable success of the M8: there just aren't enough good, late Leica bottles to go round.
This may well have increased prices by 10-20%, maybe more, in hard currency.
This is the other factor. The dollar is not a very hard currency any more, so an increase of 10-20% in euros or pounds sterling translates into 30-50% in US dollars.
The dollar will probably strengthen again, unless it loses its status as a reserve currency/oil currency -- several oil suppliers have contemplated this, with horror or glee depending on their domestic politics -- but right now it doesn't look very healthy.
Cheers,
Roger
sherm
Well-known
Dave,
No doubt that the M8 has caused demand for certain lenses... any of the 35's, and discontinuing the 75 Lux didn't help anything either. I have "suffered" from this new lens craze myself. Last year I sold my 35 Lux/ASPH for $1550.00 and of course now you can't buy one for under $2500.00. Layed a little on the table if you know what I mean.
Supply and Demand I guess Dave?? The big thing that would worry me is alienating existing or potential new customers because of difficulties in delivering product. It will be very interesting to see how Leica handles the launch of the new Summarits this month and next. The weak dollar isn't helping either, but once "W" goes we should see less pressure there also which will help Leica in the US market which lately hasn't been helping Solms.
Good Luck and save your pennies
No doubt that the M8 has caused demand for certain lenses... any of the 35's, and discontinuing the 75 Lux didn't help anything either. I have "suffered" from this new lens craze myself. Last year I sold my 35 Lux/ASPH for $1550.00 and of course now you can't buy one for under $2500.00. Layed a little on the table if you know what I mean.
Supply and Demand I guess Dave?? The big thing that would worry me is alienating existing or potential new customers because of difficulties in delivering product. It will be very interesting to see how Leica handles the launch of the new Summarits this month and next. The weak dollar isn't helping either, but once "W" goes we should see less pressure there also which will help Leica in the US market which lately hasn't been helping Solms.
Good Luck and save your pennies
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
I don't think that was so much a collector as the rarity and desireability of that lens. Ebay is not the cheapest of places because once bidders get caught up in the bidding they will often times spend more than the retail of the item. (I have seen this at all auctions for other items.)
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Thanks folks..
I really thought it was me.
I could have sworn that this particular lens usually (other than this "almost new" one on Ebay) goes for $1500 USD or thereabouts.
Go figure.
I think I may just either do as Sherm says (save my pennies) or suck it up and by locally a new ASPH.
The sad part about that is I want to run a test b/w the ASPH and the ZM.
I keep going back to that image I shot of Guy (grainhound) and thinking "I'm sure I shot that with the ZM 35mm" because the combination of the glass with the light that existed produced a beautiful image.
Maybe I should just be happy with what I have and forget all this talk of cult lenses
Cheers
Dave
I really thought it was me.
I could have sworn that this particular lens usually (other than this "almost new" one on Ebay) goes for $1500 USD or thereabouts.
Go figure.
I think I may just either do as Sherm says (save my pennies) or suck it up and by locally a new ASPH.
The sad part about that is I want to run a test b/w the ASPH and the ZM.
I keep going back to that image I shot of Guy (grainhound) and thinking "I'm sure I shot that with the ZM 35mm" because the combination of the glass with the light that existed produced a beautiful image.
Maybe I should just be happy with what I have and forget all this talk of cult lenses
Cheers
Dave
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
how about using anti- cult lenses?
There are always ebay anomalies; I've picked up bargains where I've bid and been surprised to win; then again, I've sold items where I'm surprised the bidding went as high as it did...all it takes are two bidders to drive the price up.
I sold one just like this (box papers shade case, etc.) except chrome for $1625 just a few days before this one sold.
I sold one just like this (box papers shade case, etc.) except chrome for $1625 just a few days before this one sold.
gdi
Veteran
SolaresLarrave said:Dave,
E*ay isn't the best indicator of prices, not to me at least.
In my experience, long lenses may not be in high demand (as ever), while wide-angle ones, especially with the M8, have gone up just a bit. Check KEH and other stores instead of the *bay to take the pulse of these things.
At least, that's my take on the situation. Just yesterday I saw a 'cron 90, third version (the one that takes 55mm filters) in silver, go for less than $600. Granted: the seller had no feedback, and that probably kept buyers away from it, but it still shows how capricious eBay is.
BTW, didn't somebody here put for sale a nice second version, in black, of a 'cron 90 for about $350? I was about to pick it up even though I have a newer one...
Take care!
Solares - If you find another E55 version please PM me (or if you want to trade down to a type 2 !)
Thanks!
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
xayraa33 said:
Ya.. I could do that.. that is.. if there were any Leica anti-cult lenses..
That said, I only have one Leica lens in my arsenal.
Dave
Graybeard
Longtime IIIf User
It isn't just leica M lenses that have increased in price. Leica R lenses have increased by 50-80%, in some cases, over the past two months,
This has been true with the 50mm Summicron R and the price differential between the first and second generation Summicron R's has decreased markedly or disappeared.
The Leica R lenses are useable on a number of DSLR's, notably the Canons: it is clear to me, at least, why the Leica reflex lenses have become so popular so suddenly.
This has been true with the 50mm Summicron R and the price differential between the first and second generation Summicron R's has decreased markedly or disappeared.
The Leica R lenses are useable on a number of DSLR's, notably the Canons: it is clear to me, at least, why the Leica reflex lenses have become so popular so suddenly.
aizan
Veteran
wow, this guy's rich...he's spent over $2500 in the last two months, not counting the pre-asph summicron.
mervynyan
Mervyn Yan
ebay is the most liquid and transparent market, the going rate is the going rate, if you think it is not worth it, then don't buy it and wait.
few years ago you can get brand new lenses about half of the price now, this is the only camera system actually have a very good resale value. So essentially not very expensive. imho.
few years ago you can get brand new lenses about half of the price now, this is the only camera system actually have a very good resale value. So essentially not very expensive. imho.
Mean Panda
Established
I brought a Mint Summicron IV 35mm with box (Canada) in 2004 for less than $800. Sold it this year April for $1350(buy it now). And Brought summilux 35mm pre-ASPH. I am happy with it. In my opinion, summicron IV 35mm is overrated and overpriced.
. And Brought summilux 35mm pre-ASPH. I am happy with it. In my opinion, summicron IV 35mm is overrated and overpriced.
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
I see a 75 summilux for over 3200 with over a day left on the bay!
Wow!
Wow!
kevin m
Veteran
Amen. As another former owner, $1,500 for that lens is, frankly, stupid, from a performance to dollar standpoint. But it proves that if nonsense gets repeated often enough ("King of Bokeh!) it takes on a life of its own.
Few if any Leica lenses have good performance per dollar ratios, when one considers Voigtlander and Zeiss, especially when using new lens pricing.
I don't think that is a criteria many people use when buying these lenses.
It's nice that these things hold value, however; the buy-in might be high but the resale is high too.
I don't think that is a criteria many people use when buying these lenses.
It's nice that these things hold value, however; the buy-in might be high but the resale is high too.