Darren Abate
Professional Shooter
Hi all,
I have a question about the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux-M "Aspherical" lens versus the Summilux-M ASPH version.
I have two Summilux-M "Aspherical" lenses that I am selling for a friend, and from what I've seen, they go for a lot more than the ASPH versions. Why is this, other than the fact that Leica did not produce that many of them? Is the image quality really that much better, or is it solely because of scarcity?
I have noticed that Leica lens prices have been fluctuating wildly (skyrocketing) in recent months, as far as I've seen. Where can I go to find out how much the lenses that I have are really worth? I would hate to base my pricing off of completed eBay auctions (not too scientific). I also have a Noctilux 50/1 and a 21/2.8 w/VF that I need to find values on.
Thanks in advance.
I have a question about the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux-M "Aspherical" lens versus the Summilux-M ASPH version.
I have two Summilux-M "Aspherical" lenses that I am selling for a friend, and from what I've seen, they go for a lot more than the ASPH versions. Why is this, other than the fact that Leica did not produce that many of them? Is the image quality really that much better, or is it solely because of scarcity?
I have noticed that Leica lens prices have been fluctuating wildly (skyrocketing) in recent months, as far as I've seen. Where can I go to find out how much the lenses that I have are really worth? I would hate to base my pricing off of completed eBay auctions (not too scientific). I also have a Noctilux 50/1 and a 21/2.8 w/VF that I need to find values on.
Thanks in advance.
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
What does "really worth" mean in your opinion, other than what people are willing to pay for it?
Vickko
Veteran
The one's marked "ASPHERICAL" have two aspherical surfaces, the "ASPH" lens has only one. For that reason, the "ASPHERICAL" ones are much much more expensive and rare, and I suspect collector value has driven the prices up.
Vick
Vick
Vickko
Veteran
Oh, go here for values:
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/
And www.keh.com
But right now, there is a lot of fluctuation, especially for the Noctilux because Leica is discontinuing the lens and selling the final 100 at a very high premium ($13K !!!)
...Vick
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/
And www.keh.com
But right now, there is a lot of fluctuation, especially for the Noctilux because Leica is discontinuing the lens and selling the final 100 at a very high premium ($13K !!!)
...Vick
Meleica
Well-known
If I am not mistaken, the first version had its aspherical surfaces polished by hand - hence less than 2000 were made and are scarce.... the mtf chart is very similiar to the second version
Dan
Dan
Darren Abate
Professional Shooter
So, performance-wise, they are very similar to the ASPH, and it's their rarity that is the main reason for the price difference...
Darren Abate
Professional Shooter
I heard that Leica will be coming out with a new version of the Noctilux after the remaining stock is sold. Have you heard this as well?
findwolfhard
Established
Aspherical
Aspherical
There are indications that a lot less than 2000 were actually made, even less than thousand. There are folks saying only about 700. It was too difficult to make, so the design changed to one pressed aspherical lens only.
Also there are reasons to assume that the focusing was a bit too delicate and prone to play. Maybe a reason for the substantial weight gain for the present version. Some info about performance can be found from Erwin Puts.
Prices are around 3000 Euros here in Germany
regards Wolfhard
Aspherical
There are indications that a lot less than 2000 were actually made, even less than thousand. There are folks saying only about 700. It was too difficult to make, so the design changed to one pressed aspherical lens only.
Also there are reasons to assume that the focusing was a bit too delicate and prone to play. Maybe a reason for the substantial weight gain for the present version. Some info about performance can be found from Erwin Puts.
Prices are around 3000 Euros here in Germany
regards Wolfhard
Darren Abate
Professional Shooter
The focus issue seems accurate. One of the lenses that I have does indeed have some play in the focusing mechanism. The other one, however, is nice and tight. It's obvious which one has seen the most use, although I tested them both and they were both accurate.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Like others, I am a bit puzzled by 'really worth'.
If you're buying, it's what you're willing to pay.
If you're selling, it's what you're willing to accept.
Any attempt at a 'real value' that transcends these criteria seems somewhat metaphysical.
Though I suppose we are talking about Leicas...
Incidentally, when I tried the Aspherical (I've never tried the ASPH), I was underwhelmed. Coma was better than my pre-aspherical 35/1.4 but a lot worse than the 35/1.7 Voigtländer.
Cheers,
R.
If you're buying, it's what you're willing to pay.
If you're selling, it's what you're willing to accept.
Any attempt at a 'real value' that transcends these criteria seems somewhat metaphysical.
Though I suppose we are talking about Leicas...
Incidentally, when I tried the Aspherical (I've never tried the ASPH), I was underwhelmed. Coma was better than my pre-aspherical 35/1.4 but a lot worse than the 35/1.7 Voigtländer.
Cheers,
R.
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Chuck Albertson
Well-known
Lens prices aren't fluctuating, they're only going up. Exponentially.
KWPATLAW
Newbie
aint it the truth !! Everything Leica is more expensive today than even a month ago.......and we thought gasoline was outragous......
RichardB
Well-known
Despite what the 'Blue Books' will tell you, value IS ONLY DETERMINED when the seller decides to sell and the buyer decides to buy and money changes hands. All else is really irrelevant and the best one can determine is a guideline.
You may think that what you have is worth such and such but if no one will pay your price, is it worth anything?
The current 'feeding frenzy' for the Noctilux is spured on by the end of production, then the anouncement of the pricing of the last 100 spured on the frenzy and the anticipation that the new Noctilux will be very high priced.
If the 'new' Noctilux comes in where i think it will on pricing, there will be an immediate reduction in demand for the current lens and a lot of individuals will be holding lenses that they will have to take a bath on when selling.
It's simple economics and happens all the time from Wall Street to all types of commodities. I am continually amazed by the process!
Your ASPERICAL versas ASPH is a good example of genuine limited production valuation by collectors. Many try to create that type of valuation (witness the last 100 Noctilux) but usually what happens is that those who don't take the time to understand economics purchase the created limited production item for an inflated initial value when it first comes on the market spurned on by a belief that they have to purchase now or they will either never be able to purchase or it will cost them more later on the aftermarket. These purchasers never realize thier purchase price when trying to sell later as the market is full of individuals trying to do the same thing.
Your ASPH is a true collectable but you will only know its true value when it has been sold.-Dick
You may think that what you have is worth such and such but if no one will pay your price, is it worth anything?
The current 'feeding frenzy' for the Noctilux is spured on by the end of production, then the anouncement of the pricing of the last 100 spured on the frenzy and the anticipation that the new Noctilux will be very high priced.
If the 'new' Noctilux comes in where i think it will on pricing, there will be an immediate reduction in demand for the current lens and a lot of individuals will be holding lenses that they will have to take a bath on when selling.
It's simple economics and happens all the time from Wall Street to all types of commodities. I am continually amazed by the process!
Your ASPERICAL versas ASPH is a good example of genuine limited production valuation by collectors. Many try to create that type of valuation (witness the last 100 Noctilux) but usually what happens is that those who don't take the time to understand economics purchase the created limited production item for an inflated initial value when it first comes on the market spurned on by a belief that they have to purchase now or they will either never be able to purchase or it will cost them more later on the aftermarket. These purchasers never realize thier purchase price when trying to sell later as the market is full of individuals trying to do the same thing.
Your ASPH is a true collectable but you will only know its true value when it has been sold.-Dick
KWPATLAW
Newbie
Dick, I couldnt agree more..... With regard to the current Noctilux frenzy , I chose a straight forward economic path...... I wanted it NOW.....I purchased it quickly.... and I am enjoying it NOW. I believe I paid a fair price and both seller and purchaser are happy..... Economics 101 !!! Should I ever decide to sell it , I will engage in the same dance once again. Should I have to sell it for less money down the road , I believe that my time and production with the lens will have been priceless............. Now go out there and buy one and keep the Noctilux frenzy alive !!!
Take care,
Ken
Take care,
Ken
RichardB
Well-known
In the last two years I have switched from my M3 and RF lenses to M6 and M7 with the latest ASPH lenses.
The 50mm is the only focal length left and I await the 'new' Noctilux. When introduced I will decide whether to purchase the 'new' Noctilux or get a 50mm ASPH Summilux. -Dick
The 50mm is the only focal length left and I await the 'new' Noctilux. When introduced I will decide whether to purchase the 'new' Noctilux or get a 50mm ASPH Summilux. -Dick