Reasonable price for a used 35/2.0 non-ASPH Summicron?

[DerekF]

Sorry to bother with what is probably a simple question to answer, but how much should I be looking to spend on a used 35 F/2.0 Summicron (non-ASPH)? They've been harder to find online (including at eBay, apparently) than I expected so, aside from the price of a new ASPH version, I have no reference point. Just looking for a price range, assuming one that's in good to mint condition.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rover]

Here is a good place to start.

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

Prices vary greatly depending on condition, and version. The 35 summicrons tend to be a bit more than the 50s.

 

[Steve Hoffman]

A minty used 35 Cron from the 1990's (pre ASPH) is going to run around $1,000.00 or more (US $) if it has the hood, box, etc.

Why? Well, rightly or wrongly this lens has a reputation as a winner (which it of course is) and somehow more "Leica Like" in picture quality compared to the current ASPH. Also it is argued, it's smaller.

Since the current 35 ASPH Summicron is only around $1,500.00 new (unofficial) it seems pointless to spend almost that amount on the older lens. I have both and prefer the current ASPH version. It does so many things right and quite a wonderful lens. The older lens is fine but the ASPH is just a better performer in most every situation.

My opinion of course!

 

[richard_l]

They're in demand. Apparently a lot of people have sold their ASPH 35 Crons and are looking for pre-ASPHs. There's nothing wrong with the ASPH Crons. My conjecture is that their breathtaking sharpness and contrast at all apertures is too unflattering to spouses, mistresses, girl friends, and other human subjects.

 

[DerekF]

Here is a good place to start.

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

Thanks, Rover!

Or maybe not. Links directly to eBay auctions... not... good...

 

[richard_l]

Keep an eye on KEH. Someone grabs most of their 35s almost as soon as they are listed. (I suspect it's another dealer, maybe an eBay dealer.) Anyhow you have to be fast. I got my practically perfect Summarit (rated "bargain") from KEH for only $195. Sam Shoshan has a few 35 Crons, but they aren't cheap.

 

[Doug]

Just showing off a little, here's a pre-ASPH 35 Summicron shot, with Ilford XP1 kept frozen for 20 years and push-processed one stop... Could add for what it's worth this lens is an 8-element Type 1, chrome, Canada.

 

[mad_boy]

I have looked for a 35 cron ASPH for a long time, 'cause my budget was tight 🙁 .
Just bought one this week for 875 Euro (1050 U$) in Mint condition 🙂 .
As far as I'm aware that is as cheap as they come.
sometimes pre-ASPH go for higher prices.

Note that the 35's are among the most popular lenses for M's.
Hence, any of these on sale is suspect 😕 (why would one sell it?).
If you buy from a private person (on the bay or the like),
find out why they are selling. There are only two good reasons:
- he/she quits using M system. If so same seller will offer camera as well
- he/she bought an other lens (tri-elmar to save space, summilux or better cron)
if that is the reason, request proof.

Have fun shopping,

Mad_boy

 

[Matthew]

I just bought one (most recent non-ASPH) for about $1100. Included hood, box, etc. It will replace one I bought a couple of years ago for under $900, which was unfortunately stolen. Prices seem to be going up in the used market as well as the new...

 

[Doug]

One other reason, Mad_boy, might be that some desire that early 35'cron more than its value to the seller. IIRC, Al Kaplan sold his Vers 1 'cron because people would pay what he thought a ridiculous price for it, and he liked the look of newer less-expensive Summicrons equally well. So one can draw out the value and apply it to more glass! 🙂

 

[JNewell]

One thing to consider is whether or not you like the size of the last pre-ASPH lens. Many people prefer it strongly because it's smaller than earlier and later lenses, but I found that it was just too small for reliable and quick use for my fingers. Wholly aside from price and image quality issues, I found the ASPH actually the best for me, in ergonomic terms. The fact that a LNIB copy cost only about $100 more than the sought-after v4 pre-ASPH and that it has somewhat better image quality were additional pluses.