Should I buy Elmarit 28mm for $1000?

[ornate_wrasse]

A friend of mine is going to completely digital and is selling his Bessa R3A along with a few lenses. One of the lenses is a 28mm Elmarit f2.8. It uses a 49mm filter. The serial number is 3559124 and, according to antiquecameras.net, it is a Type 3 and was made in Canada. The value, according to this site is $1100 to $1450.

He is selling me the camera with both caps and a Voigtlander hood and viewfinder. The lens is black and is in EX+ condition or better.

I currently own a Voigtlander 28mm f1.9 Ultron that I bought for $300 from Pro Photo Supply here in Portland. It is in somewhat beat up condition with marks on the front element but functions nicely and takes good images.

I am thinking of upgrading to the Leica 28mm Elmarit.

I have two questions:

1) Would it be a good decision to buy my friend's Elmarit?
2) Is $450 a reasonable price for the CV 28mm f1.9 Ultron?

Many thanks for opinions and comments.

Ellen

 

[ferider]

Yes & yes, Ellen.

I also bought the v3 Elmarit a few month ago and can warmly recommend it. A bit large physically, but wonderful rendering. And very nicely build.

Couldn't convince myself to sell my 28/1.9 Ultron though .... I now have both and use them for slightly different purposes.

Roland.

 

[corposant]

Buy a 28 Cron for $3100. I wonder who is selling one...

 

[lam]

If you can afford it, and only want to keep one, keep both until you decide which one is right for you.

I've owned a Elmarit V3 28mm as well before, and suggest it too. Rendering is very nice with it.

 

[Messsucherkamera]

If you can buy a 28 Elmarit for $1000 it's a reasonably good deal.

Provided it is in "9" or better condition.

Lower than "9" (on a scale where "10" equals mint like new in box) would require a discount, something along the lines of :

9 - : $900-950
8 + : $875-900
8 : $850-875
8 - : $800-825

These are guidelines, just my opinion on price based on what I have seen.

 

[Kent]

The question is if buying an Elmarit 28 and selling the Ultron really is an "upgrade".
The Elmarit is without doubt the "better" lens as far as IQ charts etc. are concerned, but do you think you would see the difference? Is the Ultron a "bad" lens? Are you disappointed by it?
Plus, you "lose" an f-stop.

The best thing would be to keep and shoot with both for a while and then, after a while, you see which one suits you best.

I guess you can sell that Elmarit for $1000,- again, so you wouldn't risk much.