Summitar is Gone :(

FrankS

FrankS

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I just got a call from the guy I know who was going to sell me his pristene Leica IIIC with Summitar lens. We had sort of agreed on a price of $600Cdn. So just now he says: I can't let you have it for $600. I've checked on the internet (I doubt it, he's not computer savy) and if you give me $700, it's yours. You can imagine that I don't like that kind of last minute change.

He had very kindly let me try it out over the past 4 or 5 weeks. I've been playing mainly with the lens, but just this afternoon developed a roll of film that went through the body. Seems as though there is a shutter capping issue. On some shots taken at 1/1000 sec, 1/3 of the neg shows an image, and 2/3 is blank (as the curtains came together on their way across the film gate.) Additionally, as I mentioned before, the rangefinder patch is very weak, just barely useable.

My estimation of this guy has decreased significantly. I got to know him through motorcycles: he has an older BMW as well. Last time we talked he told me about his long-time job as a loans manager at a financial institution. That should have twigged my radar, but I was willing to be open-minded.

I think he was taken aback when I responed quite quickly that I will be returning his camera and lens to him. What makes me sad however is losing that Summitar lens. I even bought som filters for it, that obviously aren't going to fit anything else. Oh well, at least I still have the cash to search for a replacement lens. The IIIC body I think I can live without.

Anyone know of a good Summitar lens for sale? Looks like I'm going to have to register on Ebay, as much as I hate to go there. :(

Thanks for listening.
 
Frank, that was very uncool of the seller to do that. I most definitely agree with returning the camera and lens.

Although the money difference isn't that much, it's principle.
 
Sorry about your losing the Summitar. Good ones can be hard to find. On eBay just deal with sellers that have a good reputation/feedback and you'll probably be okay. There are a lot of good (as well as bad) sellers there. (There are a lot of bad buyers too, which is why some sellers seem over-cautious and mistrustful.)

Richard
 
there are lots of internet sellers out there without your needing to go to ebay frank.
i bet a few of us could track one down for you in a couple of days.

joe
 
Summitar's do not carry the premium that Summicrons command. I have seen them on the place that you avoid ~$150. He is way off on a IIIc and Summitar that has shutter problems.
 
I was tracking a collapsible Summitar 50 f2 and it was on a IIIF - the whole thing went for $260 a short time ago. Sorry the guy is such a jerk!
 
The camera store I've bought virtually all my Leica gear from has two Summitars, one of them has a stiff aperture ring, but I can ask about their prices; I do think they were a bit cheaper than mine, mine is spic-n-span and flawless, though.
 
Check Kenmore camera, they have two for $199. Both ten blade, warranty...

I know of several for $175, maybe at Igor Camera? Notes are at work. I'm looking for one, too, obviously! But there are enough to go around without reverting the the 'bay.

d
 
Hello Frank-

Must the lens be a Summitar?

There certainly are a number of fine alternatives, particularly the Canon and Nikkor 50mm optics.
 
Frank, you did the right thing. Once an agreement has been reached, then one has to stand bye their word.

Having said that, the guy may have done you a couple of favors. First, you now know what his word is worth; nothing! Secondly, he may have saved you some money as you can certainly find a decent IIIc or even IIIf AND a nice Summitar for less than the $600 Canadian.

Earlier this week I mentioned having won an 80mm f/2.8 CZJ Tessar lens for $18.70 from a seller in Florida but couldn't reach them because of Hurricane Wilma. The lens is supposed to be in mint condition with a case. Last night I received a call from the seller who is honoring the auction and will mail my lens as soon as they receive my money order. He claims it's a couple of hundred dollars lens normally but it isn't. I didn't tell him it wasn't as he's honoring the sale at my price but it shows how people get the wrong idea about values when they don't do their research.

Your seller had negotiated a very good price for himself but ruined it when he became greedy. Now I hope you'll find a better deal for yourself. Several members here have given you some excellent tips on where to get a nice Summitar. You'll get to use those filters yet!!

Walker
 
http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/

Screw mount - LEITZ 50/2 SUMMITAR, IN METERS, APERTURE IS VERY STIFF, GLASS IS CLEAN, BARREL IS EX $150.00 catalog number 98910

Go to home page/View the catalog/LEICA/LEICA SCREWMOUNT LENSES

I've done business with them several times. Haven't had any problems. Get this one before I do!
 
Frank: you could also try Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch Camera 845-496-8834. She has done all of my Leica M & R CLA and other work for the last five years or so. She buys, cleans and resells older lenses and often has one or more for sale. Her price will be at the top of the range, but she is a certified Leica technician so the lenses she sells are in super shape. I got a just-CLA'd Summitar from her for $250 and it looks brand new. Great lens, BTW.
 
Thanks everyone! I almost feel better, but my Toronto Maple Leafs just lost 8-0 to Ottawa tonight. Talk about getting kicked when you're down! I'm going to start looking into all your great tips. If anyone sees anything more, please let me know!
 
I think things often happen for a reason. This deal falling through probably saved me from some significant expense getting the body fixed, and the deal wasn't a great one for me to begin with, I offered $600 thinking it was fair for him. Then he got greedy and blew it.

When one door closes, another one opens. :)
 
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