So I walk into my local camera shop and see...

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canetsbe

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A German 35mm Summicron V1 w/ goggles staring back at me through the case at an even $1000. It's in user condition but the glass looks great and everything works as it should. Of course I happen to have my M3 with me (which doesn't happen very often unfortunately, due to conveniently owning an M6). And OF COURSE I've just started unloading some other equipment and have a little cash to burn.

Anyone want to convince me to / not to buy it? It's a good price right? I've been seeing them on KEH in the $1400 range as bargain condition and haven't owned a 35mm lens for quite some time.

Also saw a rigid 50mm cron version 1 for $700 which seems about market value.
 
I'd go for a Summaron 2.8 over a goggled Summicron. Those goggles are just a bit too much, IMO.
 
Try knocking him down to $750, waving a fistful of banknotes as do you do. If he doesn't have the market-consciousness to have already listed it on eBay, he might just go for a cash-in-the-flesh offer. Especially if you're not in a big city that's regularly scoured by pickers.

This is not to say that I know anything about V.1 35mm Summicrons, mind.
 
FrankS said:
I'd go for a Summaron 2.8 over a goggled Summicron. Those goggles are just a bit too much, IMO.
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But he has an M3, so..
I'd go for it, that is a great price in today's market for early Summicrons.
You'd pay about that price for a great Summaron, which is really a fantastic lens wide open at 2.8.
 
Biggles said:
Try knocking him down to $750, waving a fistful of banknotes as do you do. If he doesn't have the market-consciousness to have already listed it on eBay, he might just go for a cash-in-the-flesh offer. Especially if you're not in a big city that's regularly scoured by pickers.

This is not to say that I know anything about V.1 35mm Summicrons, mind.
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HA that would be awesome. Except I am in a big city...

But you're right. It would be gone overnight at their price if they list it online, IMO. Hell, if I decide I don't need it I could just do it for him.
 
The goggles don't bother me. I used to have a goggled summaron 35 3.5 but after being spoiled by my 28mm elmarit IV I sold it. Sharp as a tack in the center but the corners left a lot to be desired.

Any other opinions??
 
canetsbe said:
The goggles don't bother me. I used to have a goggled summaron 35 3.5 but after being spoiled by my 28mm elmarit IV I sold it. Sharp as a tack in the center but the corners left a lot to be desired.

Any other opinions??
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That's pretty typical of vintage wide angles. Corner to corner sharpness wide open is the strength, and lack of character, of modern lenses.
 
FWIW, here in Atlanta, our local shop showed me one that was listed for $1200. Mike said it was a very rare lens, but I have no idea.

The price seems good.:angel:
 
Makes sense. But I've heard the 35 cron is worlds better than the 3.5 summaron in this regard. I'm not asking for something clinically perfect like an asph. I quite like a vintage rendering, which is why I also own a zeiss c-sonnar.

FrankS said:
That's pretty typical of vintage wide angles. Corner to corner sharpness wide open is the strength, and lack of character, of modern lenses.
Click to expand...
 
Hell I'm pretty sure we all know what's going to happen. Just wanted to hear from SOMEONE who also thinks it's a good deal. I wanted to give it a little thought and research before going for it. Maybe they will bargain with me- the saleswoman said they have had it in stock for about a year because some guy just unloaded a ton of leica equipment on them one day.
 
I love this particular 35mm lens.
The M3 has advantages over an M6 (in my case), except that the goggled VF is dimmer than the VF of the M6. Else, the M3 is better built, and the shutter release is smooth as butter.

This lens will not go down in value. If you find the lens to be clean, you could buy it, use it, and if you change your mind, sell it without a loss.
 
Don't take my word on it, I've read Tom Abramson extoll the virtues of the 2.8 Summaron over the version 1 Summicron.

But if it's a rare lens, then for sure, try to bargain with them, especially since the lens has been in stock for a year.
 
I really do value the extra stop of speed over the summaron, and i'm sure the summicron is no dog. If it's better than a VII/III summicron i'm sold.
 
i will be happy to testify about how much I love mine, having used one for twenty years (gee they sure were cheaper back then) I can honestly say the goggles have never been a issue for me. It should be noted that this lens will also work great on your M6, since it brings up the 50mm frame lines you get extra eye relief which I greatly appreciate now that I wear glasses

5666117183_70ea2bd38f_z.jpg

and did I mention it just looks great
 
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