The last batch, Noctilux - Collector Edition - $16,000

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krishilife

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Hi,

A bit late news, but I didn't know about that until today, so maybe some of you also missed this info:

Leica is offering an exclusive limited edition of the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/1.0. Only 100 pieces of this limited edition lens will be available throughout the world. Only a few pieces of this exclusive limited edition lens will be available in the US. Subsequently, the Noctilux which was introduced in 1976 will be discontinued.

The special edition lenses will be supplied in a fine lacquered wooden box with dehumidifying function as protection against excessive humidity. Delivery will start in July 2008.

The woodedn box in which the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm/f1.0 is sold is precious in itself. It is made by the Elie Bleu Tabletier near Paris, which has a long tradition of excellent craftsmanship . With its team of 35 cabinet makers, Elie Bleu is a familiar name among lovers of valuable cigars, stationery and watches for the production of premium-quality wooden cases and cabinets for stylish yet safe keeping of their treasures.

This box is designed exclusively for and in cooperation with Leica. The box is made of the finest woods – Guarea for the body and French cedarwood for the veneered surfaces. The lacquer consists of ten coats and is alternatively ground and polished in seven steps until the result is absolutely perfect. All metal fittings, i.e., the hinges, grips, lock and kep are covered with genuine gold plating. The cushioned interior is made of Italian Alcantara.

To protect the high-quality optics, there is a compartment with a drying agent in the lid of the case that absorbs moisture from the air and thus ensures a significantly drier environment in the closed case. In addition, a precision hygrometer has been fitted for exact humidity measurement. The case, therefore affords the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm/f1.0 optimum protection from all adverse conditions, particularly fromt he detrimental influences of high humidity, for example in the tropics.

The special edition of the last 100 LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm/f1.0 lenses also comprises a high-quality leather-bound book with gilt edging. This book tells the Leica story and features a thorough description of the art of lens desigh. The center of attention is naturally the development of the legendary LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm/f1.0, which was designed by the Leitz optics designers of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd – now ELCAN – and also produced there until its production is discontinued this year. Additionally, there is a Certificate of Authencity as well as a Test Certificate included in the delivery scope.

With the 100 special edition peices, the LEICA NOCTILUX–M 50mm/f1.0 will end.
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http://www.dalephotoanddigital.com/_e/Leica/product/011603/Leica_Special_Edition_Noctilux_M_50mm_f_1_0.htm

leica-noctilux-ltd-2.jpg


leica-noctilux-ltd.jpg


I've never been interested in Noctilux for the simple reason, the price.
This time it looks like you have to pay $10k extra just for the box. I assume that whoever buy this lens, will never use it. It will travel from hand to hand, when next buyer will run out of money.

I hope that in 10 years or so, I will have a chance to buy it second hand for a fraction of this price, just for the sake of owning it..., and to sell it after that.

Kris.
 
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absolutelyfrigginridiculous, why dont they dip it in gold and then platinum, and quadruple the price. smarter minds than mine can tell all of us when leica's became a commodity
boutique item like no other camera, it may have helped their bottom line but i think it has stunted their progress/innovation. next i expect to see a special edition "enzo mp" in ferrari red, flecked with gold, in the glove compartment of the next ferrari. wait a sec, not a bad idea!
 
Old news.

Believe it or not, these were largely sold out (in most cases at a substantial mark-up) prior to deliveries to dealers.
 
I have a digital hygrometer in my photo-gear cabinet (which is an old fridge, not functioning), along with the silica gel. The gadget cost me about $20 at Mike's Cigars in Miami.
 
I hope the mark-up is at least partially going to the builder's retirement present. As I understand it there is one guy who makes these lenses?
 
I would recommend throwing away the lens, keeping the humidor and buy some Monte Christo A's instead!
 
Im sure it exist at least 100 collectors. Ferrari build some limited production cars and it seems no problem to sell out to people down in Dubai :)
 
Believe it or not, these were largely sold out (in most cases at a substantial mark-up) prior to deliveries to dealers.
Click to expand...

The news says: "Delivery will start in July 2008"

Does it mean, that all of them have been already sold prior to deliveries to dealers?
I thought that only dealers sell them. If yes, they can't charge more than Leica established.

Kris.
 
krishilife said:
The news says: "Delivery will start in July 2008"

Does it mean, that all of them have been already sold prior to deliveries to dealers?
I thought that only dealers sell them. If yes, they can't charge more than Leica established.

Kris.
Click to expand...

My dealer told me about it when the news came out and offered a booking option for the only one to enter the country (Turkey) - which I of course declined. I am pretty sure someone else didn't decline it, though ;) As far as the "only dealers can sell it" thing, if there is such a constriction (normally, it is "dealers can't sell CHEAPER" than Leica's fixed price, nothing is said about selling for more if they can) this is very easily circumvented: a dealer gets a friend, a family, anyone, to buy it al Leica's price and then resells it at as much as he wants or can. Not too difficult to figure out :D
 
if only cosina had humor they would sell a nokton 1,2 with original scratches on the body in a billingham bag full of dirt... special edition for those who are using their lenses to make pictures...

or may be arsenal, offering a lada niva with a kiev 88 in the glove box ... special numbered edition traveller pack... (is there a glove box in a lada niva ?)

for that price I would buy a true black M2 with history... not that gimmick...
 
I know many companies have their own museums, to house and display their company's heritage, but I don't think many actually manufacture their own museum pieces.
 
Tom A said:
I would recommend throwing away the lens, keeping the humidor and buy some Monte Christo A's instead!
Click to expand...

Hmm, I don't actually have an M-mount 50mm lens just yet. I'd be happy to take a cast-off should Tom's advice ring true to anyone here! :D
 
krishilife said:
The news says: "Delivery will start in July 2008" Does it mean, that all of them have been already sold prior to deliveries to dealers? I thought that only dealers sell them. If yes, they can't charge more than Leica established.
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Vieri is correct. Dealers may exceed MSP (Minimum Sales Price).

And actually, to date they all have not been delivered. Many, if not all, are sold (prepaid) though. I spoke to a dealer this morning who said he has his pre-sold for $20,000 (US).
 
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