Why is this summicron so expensive?

[edodo]

I followed this summicron tabbed specimen and it went for top money. I just don't understand why because it's not rare or anything?

 

[Rob-F]

Wow. I'm impressed! But the prices of Leica M lenses have been going up. The general consensus seems to be that the M8/M9 have created a new demand, resulting in something of a shortage right now. Supply and demand, you know. I feel the best guideline is to treat it like the stock market: try to buy low and sell high, not the other way around.

 

[lxmike]

probably two or three people got carried away in the emotion of a fleabay auction, i don't know about you but nealry 700 ebay transactions under my belt and I sometimes fixate on an item and consequently overspend. Either that or just simple sheer madness, was it a full moon that night. That might sound funny but I'm a Charge nurse in trauma/theatres and we always brace ourselves for busy weekends when the full moon is out, anecdotal but true

 

[lxmike]

I feel Rob has hit on some truth here, a few ytears ago you could pick up Pentax M series SLR lenses for a reasonable price and then they bring out DSLRs that accept the old K fit manual lenses and the prices go silly

 

[Rogrund]

I don't think the price is exceptional, antiquecameras.net price guide (which I consider quite accurate) lists these in the price range $900-1,275.

 

[peter_n]

It's a good price but nothing special. Quality build, has a tab, looks in nice condition. $1K or $1K+ seems reasonable.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

They typically sell on RFF for $700-800 and I bought mine from KEH last year for $750 in EX condition. I think $1100 is excessive.

 

[splitimageview]

$1049 for this one: http://bit.ly/ci8NxA That one had a filter but an off-brand hood.

Seems to be the going rate on ebay. Prices tend to vary +/-5% or so on most auctions with identical items. There are always exceptions though, both high and low.

 

[Tim Gray]

It is in good shape, but I wouldn't have paid that much.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

That particular type has always been very highly regarded... and I don't know why. It's like with the fourth version of the Summicron 35mm: the internet has shrouded them in an aura of legend and perfection.

 

[rlouzan]

I paid $1100 for a new 50mm Summicron-M V5 ten years ago😱.

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[edodo]

I remember quite vividly the summer of 2003 when film gear was really cheap, including leicas. Made an indecent deal on so much stuff, now it's over I should get over it haha 😉

 

[Freakscene]

Leica lenses are more expensive in the UK than in the US or continental Europe, this includes the used market. They are even more expensive again in Australia and New Zealand.

Marty

 

[awilder]

A new coded one goes for several hundred more, same glass. This lens is German and extremely clean looking causing the high price.

 

[Beemermark]

I bought my 50 Summicron new about 4 years ago (in the US) for less than $1000 (I think it was $850). The 50 Summilux was $2450 and I couldn't swing it. I just checked the price on a reputable discount site in NYC and a new Summicron is $2000 and the Summilux is $3700. Pretty pricey increased and doesn't make $1100 for a mint used predecessor too bad.

 

[LeicaFoReVer]

I sold mine here for 699$ the same model except made in canada. 🙁

It was my first leica glass...I am still sentimental...

By the way I saw that auction before it was finished and I was surprised too.

 

[splitimageview]

The following combination bid this to $1100...made in Germany...sold to Hong Kong.

 

[ramosa]

another factor is the (high) rating of the seller. that sure would make me feel more comfortable making a bid. that said, it is a 1991 lens, which means my 2007 version must be worth ... ?? ... hmmm/ha.

 

[Tim Gray]

I bought and sold a latest version Summicron (no 6-bit) for $550 in the past couple years.

 

[peterm1]

I have the identical version and probably paid about the same price but that was 15 years ago. It is still in much the same condition as this one. Nice to know I may be able to get a good sale price should I decide to sell (although unlikely). The best prices seem to be reserved for the 35mm summicron (version 4 - "bokeh king") which often seem to attract this price or better. I am fortunate in having one of those too but am reluctant to sell either as eventually I suppose I will have to succumb and buy an M8/M9.