Prices for 50/2 Summicron-M + 90/2.8 Elmarit-M?

[venchka]

Look long and hard at the original 90mm/2.8 Elmarit. As my list above indicates, I bought the original first. Then I bought the latest version. I don't need both. I can't bring myself to sell either. I should. Perhaps I will. If I can decide which to keep.

 

[loquax ludens]

I may get a screw mount version of it Wayne. They don't seem very expensive. That way I can use it on my IIIc. I could use it on my M3 with an adapter, but Ken Rockwell reports that early version of the Elmarit has more flare due to the long non-tele design. I like the more compact size of the Tele-Elmarit in an M-mount.

I suspect I'll end up with more than one example in perhaps different model versions of several lenses over time. Then I'll be able to figure out which I like best. My first two choices are just to get me going.

 

[venchka]

I just missed a black LTM model. Would have been perfect for the Canon VI-T also. However, I ended up with a Nikkor 8.5cm/2.0 in LTM. Now I have 3 lenses in the same ballpark. Dumb hey? I could sell the two M-mount 90s and retire. Grinning.

 

[35mmdelux]

Have you checked this site?
$1800 for the 90/2.8 is higher than normal.

Bought many of these in the $800 range. For $1250 I bought the 90/2.0 ASPH (fab lens).

 

[adamjohari]

i think you should wait awhile before purchasing the lenses that you want. i had a chat with RG Lewis, London, and they said that Leica will be handing in new lenses in around 3 weeks or so. by that time the lens prices will drop, hopefully. just be patient.

adam

 

[loquax ludens]

Thanks, but too late, mostly. I bought a 135mm Tele-Elmar for $500 and a 90mm Tele-Elmarit for $950 within the past few days. I was planning to bid on a 50mm dual range Summicron-M with eyes, but I missed the auction. It went to someone else for around $870, I believe.

It'll be interesting to see if the announcement of new lenses by Leica will results in any price reduction in the old ones. Personally, I doubt that it will. If the new lenses come out at a higher price than the ones they replace, I suspect that it'll drive up prices for all the old Leica lenses. The Leica market seems to be perverse like that.

Did your contact give you any hints about changes in the lens lineup?

 

[rogerzilla]

The current 50mm 'cron optical formula is now decades old so I wouldn't be surprised if they had another look at it.

What *could* happen is that they could bring out a whole line of high contrast and lower lp/mm digital lenses, the current crop of lenses being optimised for film. Also, the ultra wide angles really need recomputing for digital to reduce fall-off; they could revise some "R" optical designs to make this easier.

The result of that would definitely push "analogue" lens prices higher, as they might not be making any more of them!

 

[loquax ludens]

That's a scary thought, rogerzilla. I'll venture a happier, albeit probably less likely, thought... Perhaps the high prices for the current lenses is being driven in part by Leica digital camera users, the M8 / M9 crowd. New lenses optimized for digital might mean a flood of current style lenses hitting the used market, thus driving prices back down for a while.

I think your conjecture is more likely, but I like mine better. 🙂

 

[adamjohari]

i'm purely speculating. but i think that when the lenses come out, the demand for old lenses won't be as much as it is now? people want new lenses but aren't able to get any, so they decide to go into the used market creating a huge demand and driving up prices. time will tell i guess

adam

 

[venchka]

Y'all can have new lenses. I'll keep using my chrome on brass and black paint on brass "antiques."
Have fun.

 

[blindrobert]

I just purchased a silver, latest version of the Elmarit-M 90/2.8. The lens is 6 bit coded, in near mint condition, and had all boxes and papers - it cost about $1800. This seems to be the "new normal" price for this lens based on all my searching.

 

[dogberryjr]

What *could* happen is that they could bring out a whole line of high contrast and lower lp/mm digital lenses, the current crop of lenses being optimised for film. Also, the ultra wide angles really need recomputing for digital to reduce fall-off; they could revise some "R" optical designs to make this easier.

The result of that would definitely push "analogue" lens prices higher, as they might not be making any more of them!

How about this scenario: two lines of lenses labeled 'analog' and 'digital' with slight differences between them. You know there are folk who would have to have a Summicron from both lines!