Seize the Moment: 35 Summmicron ASPH in Freefall $

[35mmdelux]

Seems to me every now & then something happens to change pre-owned Leica glass prices. Not long ago the 75mm Lux was going for $1500-1600, now the price is more like $2000+.

Lately been noticing the 35mm Summicron ASPH in $ freefall. Many examples in the $1200-$1300 range. You know this lens is the gold standard.

I picked up two lately -- a silver and a black version; boxed, papers, leather case, complete.

Seize the Moment!

 

[Al Kaplan]

If the economy doesn't improve soon you might be selling them in the $800 to $900 price range. Like every other commodity it's a matter of demand and the available supply. Then consider that many people could take great photos with a 1961 vintage 35/1.8 Canon. When Canon introduced the superior 35/2 I don't recall folks rushing out to trade their 1.8's for the 2's. Money was tight back then too. Buying glass complete with box, papers, and leather case in both color versions loudly sings "speculative investment" just like all those overpriced houses that people were "flipping" just a few months ago. Go make some photographs.

 

[Melvin]

A 35mm summicron IV in like new condition went for less than $1000 on ebay yesterday.

 

[35mmdelux]

Hi Al,

No speculation. Bought the black first, then decided I preferred the heavier silver model.

Your right about the economy tho, with people losing their jobs we might some free-falling sales prices across the board.

Yes!, I will try to make some good photographs!

 

[swoop]

I totally got my 75 'lux at $1500. Then the M8 came around and prices boomed, then they stopped production and it went higher still. I've seen some for $3500 used. That's as much as it was new.

I paid about the same amount for my 35mm 'cron IV though =(

 

[35mmdelux]

Well, hold on to your Canon because the economy aint going to improve for a long time, possibly 2-3 years with some luck. Its already been in a recession three years, nevermind what Bush W said. Then the oil industry had to rape the masses of its hard earned money. Once this free-fall was in place, the big tycoons cashed in their $100 million+ golden handshakes and jumped ship. This is just the beginning.

 

[Turtle]

it is not just the economy but the also choices: The summarit is according to some the better lens and can be had 'used as new' from popflash for $1200. I find it incredible that the summicron IV is going for anything like $1000 as once again, most tests seem to show the summarit beats it resoundingly at 2.5 and has even better, smoother bokeh at 2.5 than the cron IV at f2! I think the asph cron is an ever deeper casualty of the Biogon f2 and now the C 2.8 and of course Leica's own 2.5. I think it is tanking for one simple reason: it costs too much for what it does compared to the competition. It may be an incredible lens, but it is no longer the only one. A few years back it was. Still a wonderful lens to own I am sure and if you can, buy!!!! Enjoy it...also one of the few available in silver if you want a modern lens.

 

[rocheung]

I hope the 35 ASPH F1.4 will go back below $2000

 

[Bigfeet]

I hope the 35 ASPH F1.4 will go back below $2000

They are out there. I picked one up several months ago for $1800. I almost missed it by seconds, as three more people e-mailed the seller just after he posted it.


Bigfeet

 

[J. Borger]

Lately been noticing the 35mm Summicron ASPH in $ freefall. Many examples in the $1200-$1300 range. You know this lens is the gold standard.

I picked up two lately -- a silver and a black version; boxed, papers, leather case, complete.

Seize the Moment!

There is a reason there are so many for sale ... gold standard or not .. never liked that lens myself and sold it about a year ago...
The signature of that lens is sterile ... either you like that or you hate it ..... that's very personal. There are very split opinions about it.
I personaly prefer every other older 35m summicron, every summilux and foremost the 35mm summarit ....

 

[Al Kaplan]

I don't know whether to chuckle or cry when I read some of these posts about "should I trade this for the newer that". I'm surprised that Leica doesn't take a clue from CameraLeather, and in addition to the black/chrome/titanium choices you could buy genuine "made in Wetzlar" (or wherever) with a choice of a dozen varieties and colors of exotic snake skin and lizard skin straight from the Leica factory. "Don't forget to collect the complete set with consecutive serial numbers! This set of twenty-four Leica M8 camera bodies comes in a fitted rosewood box with genuine silk lining over select goose down padding, together with a genuine certificate of authenticity on real parchment, suitable for framing."

"Hurry! Place your order now! Only one hundred of these sets will be available!"

 

[35mmdelux]

" I think it is tanking for one simple reason: it costs too much for what it does compared to the competition. It may be an incredible lens, but it is no longer the only one. "

Right On!

I paid $1600 for my first 35mm f/1.4 summi ASPH two years ago; had it adjusted and sold it for $1800 -- what I had into it. It was the most I ever paid for a lens. Less than two yrs later I decided I missed the speed because of the slow film I shoot. Bought another example at $2200 (mint, complete) earlier this year. LOL.

 

[JWW]

One other factor is that the US dollar is now 20% or more valuable against the euro and pound so it takes fewer dollars to buy.

Jan

 

[aizan]

have you seen recent auctions for 28mm elmarit asphs? $1100-1000. one even went for $995, mint.

 

[Rico]

Perhaps 8-element pricing will return to Earth. 🙂