Summicron prices leveling out?

anoldsock

anoldsock

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Maybe I’m more attuned to it now because I’m in the market for a Summicron v4, but has anyone noticed that the price for both the Summicron Pre-ASPH and the ASPH are leveling out? Does this sound right, has the gap between the two lens been closing in on each other?

To put it into perspective my unscientific and judgmental observations (based on prices from photo.net, eBay and RFF classifieds) have seen the v4 ‘cron approximately priced between $1,400 - $1,600 while a used ASPH model may go approximately between $1,600 and $1,900. There is a small margin at which the prices may overlap, and the premium paid on the ASPH model becomes a little bit more reasonable. In any case, wouldn’t the decline in value of a used ASPH model push prices for the v4 down?

I know cases can be built for each lens, and this posting isn’t meant to compare the pre-ASPH to the ASPH models, but as prices start to level out, and not withstanding size of the lens and other subjective advantages, I may as well pay the small premium and go for the newer glass.

*P.S. - I hope this post is grammatically correct, apparently the grammar police are out on patrol.(cheap shot, I know.)
 
If you shoot wide open, it's no contest: The Asph is a bargain in comparison. The best thing about the pre-asph is it's size and handling, but from an IQ standpoint, it's wildly over-priced; there are several newer, cheaper 35's that are equal or better performers.
 
The compactness and handling of the 35mm Pre-Asph is exactly why I’m in the market for the same lens.

Maybe competition from other lens manufacturers are starting to push the price of the ASPH Summicrons down. For my sake, I hope this is reflected on the Pre-Asph models as well.
 
Comparing the price trends get distorted due the $US being worth so little now compared to the euro $. Would be interesting to see how the prices plot in euros or pounds. I have a 35mm summicron asph but recently bought a V4 to try out. It's a sweet lens and I'll spend some time comparing all aspects including B&W performance. Btw, I know nothing about the seller but there's currently a V4 for $1100 on the other forum which is about what I paid for my V4.

Jan
 
About 1-1/2 yrs ago I snagged a IV for $795 (US) in mint condition. One year before this I had snagged one for $750.

Six months ago I snagged a 35mm Summilux ASPH, totally mint, complete packaging & paperwork $2150.

From my vantage point I find the prices on IV and the 35 Cron ASPH now on the high high side.
 
They are in 2 different classes.

the asph is a modern design with proper contrast and balance for color, and with low distortion. It is a requirement for serious and professionals photographers.

The pre-asphs are more compact, and have more of the "glow" associated with 1930s to '50s lenses with low resolving b&w films.
 
Thanks for all the info guys, but I don't really want to turn this thread into another discussion about the different aspects for each model.

Each one has different characteristics that are valued subjectively by different people. It all comes down to the look that you want to capture and what you're using the lens for. Being said, it was just an observation that I made that prices of all Summicrons across the board are beginning to flatten out.

I would have assumed that because the ASPH version seems to be falling that it would push the Pre-Asph prices down. However, that doesn't seem to be the case as pre-Asph prices look to remain steady.

Anyway, let's try and stay away from comparing the nuances of each version (there's plenty of threads on that subject already) and wasn't the original intention of this thead. Thanks!
 
They may or may not be coming down. If you look hard enough the IV can be had for $1100. When you do from 1100 to 1600 that is a substantial jump. For the difference you can add the 90mm tele-elmarit. I believe that when you get to lenses of this quality it is hard to differentiate (though technically it can be done). The real difference is measured by the competence of the photographer & the quality of the images produced. Ultimately, if you want the IV then you should buy one!
 
Unfortunately, I don't have an unlimited bankroll. If I find a IV for 1100, I'd jump all over it...it just seems like the prices I've seen lately for the IV hover right around the $1400 - $1600 mark. I'll just wait it out till I see one come along that is within my price range =)
 
Honestly, all the Leica 35's are overpriced for the performance they deliver. The Aspherical Summilux might be the best 35mm lens ever, but it's not better than a VC 35/2.5 35/1.2 combo, particularly not at double the cost.
 
kevin m said:
...The Aspherical Summilux might be the best 35mm lens ever, but it's not better than a VC 35/2.5 35/1.2 combo, particularly not at double the cost.
Click to expand...

sure its better. The build quailty is superior for one. Isn't the 35/1.2 a slr sized lens?

Having opined this, a good photographer can use most any lens and make a superior image.
 
The Summilux ain't small, either. To me, anything that doesn't take a 39mm filter is "big" on an RF, so if I'm gonna carry the Summilux, I might as well carry the Nokton. 😀
 
"In any case, wouldn’t the decline in value of a used ASPH model push prices for the v4 down?"

Why would this be the case? They are very different lenses.
It would be a mistake to think pre-asph summicron users are simply waiting to switch to the asph version when the price is right. The price of asph version will come down when the demand for them declines. They are still making them, so naturally the number of those lenses will continue to grow.
On the other hand, they aren't making any more v.4 summicrons, whose prices are also propped up by the talk of it being the king of bokeh.
Sure there could be some overlap, but I suspect these are largely independent markets.
 
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