Used 90mm Summicron APO ASPH. How much?

[spicoli]

Hey Guys,

Ill keep it brief. I happened across a used 90mm Summicron APO ASPH (current version minus the coding) for what I thought was a bargain (but am a newb). Has a small ding in the incorporated hood and maybe 3 specks of dust inside- but nothing effecting image quality.

It really wasnt what I was looking for, but picked it up for what I thought was a good deal. No box or papers, but both caps and sheath. Minor cosmetic issues. No fungus, scratches or major issues. Cosmetic only, and thats being picky.

Any idea what its worth? Im almost afraid to mention what I paid.....

S

 

[RichardB]

It is worth exactly what you paid for it as value is determined only when money changes hands. With dust in the lens anda ding in the hood I probably wouldn't even purchase it( I have one anyway) but its yours so put it to good use. It is an excellent lens!-Dick

 

[spicoli]

Too heavy

Too heavy

A was looking for a thin tele-elmarit and happened across this one. The dust is literally only 2-3 fine specks, and that is being very critical. The ding in the hood is obvious, but it doesnt effect its functionality at all. I may keep it, its an optically perfect example of a $3200 lens and will match my 50mm F2 'cron (current version) and CV 28mm F1.9.

I am very frugal with where my money goes and usually only buy anything if I know Im getting a steal. Last weekend had me by the balls though and I had to pick up a telephoto lens. This one I wont have to "baby" and I like that, but Im 2nd guessing myself on this purchase.

 

[JNewell]

Look at it this way. There is no way the dust will affect your pictures. It doesn't sound like the shade dent is a functional issue. So, you have an optically perfect copy of an extraordinary lens that (I hope?) you got a good discount on because of a cosmetic issue. (I don't regard the dust as an issue at all.) The only "problem" is resale value, but if you paid a reasonable price that's not an economic issue...and if you use the lens instead of selling it, it's not an issue at all. Be happy...make pictures... 😉

 

[sepiareverb]

I'd say it would go for about $1500 with the ding.

 

[spicoli]

Nice...

Nice...

Thank you for the quote, thats within what Ive seen on eBay but didnt know if that was a fluke. The classifieds here didnt have anything...

Im probably going to sell it. Its too much lens for what I do, Id be happy with a decent thin TE F2.8.

BTW, your quote is about 1/2 what I paid, so with luck I can sell this and get the TE with the profit...

Scott

 

[JNewell]

BTW, your quote is about 1/2 what I paid, so with luck I can sell this and get the TE with the profit...

Scott

Half, or twice? If you paid US$3k for this lens, I'm not sure you can sell it for any profit. If you paid $750, you should be arrested... 😉

 

[cmogi10]

If you paid 750 you should KEEP IT! and USE IT!
It will make beautiful images 🙂

 

[spicoli]

I paid the lesser amount, so I suppose I got a great deal. I still think its too much lens though (size, cost and quality). The size and weight remind me of some Nikon F2.8 zooms I used to tote around.

BTW: The retailers who had this lens for sale (one of 2 Leica ala carte (sp) dealers in the DC area) had it for months and couldnt get rid of it. It was on consignment, along with an M6 and 35mm. They were asking $950. I took a look at it and immediately noticed the hood (which they acknowledged), but also saw some MINOR dust behind a few of the elements (maybe 3 spots total). I only looked for the imperfections as an argument for a lower price, the dust isnt an issue and was a minor, trivial issue. I offered them $800 thinking they would laugh, they made a call to the owner and he accepted. I didnt think he'd go for it. Oh well....

 

[awilder]

The only lens that would match the image quality of the 90/2 AA is the current 90/2.8 Elmarit-M if you don't need the speed. The 90/2.8 Konica Hexanon M is of similar quality but a little more compact and less expensive. It's going to be your best bet and the thin TE while smaller still, will not be quite as sharp at f/2.8 but certainly no slouch.

 

[spicoli]

The thin TE 2.8 is what I was looking for. I even ordered one from KEH (see previous posts) but it was too flawed so I returned it. I called and left a message with Tamarkin on Friday, his website says he has 2 of them.

 

[sepiareverb]

The 90 AA is indeed bigger and heavier than most of the M lineup, but with that does come an incredible image. Hands down better than the current 90/2.8 I had for a while. I always found the 2.8 a bit harsh or gritty, the AA seems to match my other lenses in rendering much more closely.

The 90's seem to need more careful technique from me than the shorter lenses, but once I got that right I've not missed the 2.8 once.

 

[awilder]

Here's a sample image from the 90/2 AA: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=60689&ppuser=2121. I doubt the thin TE could bo quite te same wide open.