What's a good price on a Canon 85mm f1.9?

[gehrm]

I am looking for a good portrait lens to round out my M kit. After spending some time on this site, I noticed that the Canon received good reviews and since I am on a limited budget, seem to be the best value for me. I have seen several of the Canon 85mm f1.9 lenses for sale on various websites, but am not sure what a fair price for one in 9 / 10 or Exc condition would be. Is there a blue book site for lens pricing? Also, where is a good place to get the LTM to M adaptors for these?

Sorry for the dumb newbie questions, but appreciate your help.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Camerquest is a good source of adapters and new Voigtlander Leica mount lenses. On occasion they list used lenses too. Check the classified ads here. Check completed sales on Ebay.

 

[ferider]

I cann't comment on price in detail since I have listed one on ebay 🙂

But there is a large price range, depending on condition, accessories (hood, etc), and version (chrome or black; the black one is quite rare).

Best,

Roland.

 

[raid]

This particular type of lens has been undervalued for no obvious reason, and that's why I kept mine even though I should be selling mine. If the lens hood with adapters come with it, and if the lens is optically close to perfect, any offer below $200 is a good deal in my opinion. Sometimes, you may find such a lens for $125, but I have seen such a lens at keh.com for $275.

Roland was faster than me by a split of a second.

The lens is very sharp. Let there be no misunderstanding about it. Some people like its bokeh and some don't. The chrome version is not light but also not overly heavy. It balances well on a Canon P or on a Leica M3. This is one of the most beautiful lenses made by Canon.

 

[raid]

Take a look at ebay prices right now:
http://photography.shop.ebay.com/it...acatZ3323QQ_ssovZ1QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em282

 

[bennyng]

This might help.

http://www.antiquecameras.net/canonrflens.html

However, I usually find that prices vary quite widely.

Cheers,

 

[raid]

"Canon 85mm F1.9 ( Ser & Can ) $ 125 / $ 200
Made in 1951. 6 elements. Heavy, beautiful lens - prices are way down"


A "true" market value should be at $200 for the lens, with exceptions possible here and there. This price does not include the 85mm finder or case.

 

[gehrm]

Great, thanks for all of the help everyone!