Will a Digital M Camera Increase Prices of Classical 28mm Lenses?

[raid]

I read a remark by someone that once the digital Leica M is out, the sale prices of vintage 28mm M lenses will jump since the focal length will be close to 35mm when taking into account the 1.3 factor for the sensor. I wonder whether this will be true for all vintage 28mm LTM and M lenses. New design, such as CV lenses, should not really see an increase in price since you can get them new for a fixed price.


I asked on PN what the current market value is for a Minolta Rokkor 28mm/2.8 (M mount). I expected it to be around $400 or so. I overpaid by a lot many years ago, by trading a beautiful Leica M5 for the Rokkor lens plus a Canon 28mm/2.0 (FD). Now the FD lens is worth very little but I am told the the Rokkor has jumped in value to $900. Of course, "my" M5 is now also worth $1500.


Will you buy a vintage M/LTM 28mm lens now?

 

[bmattock]

I would tend to doubt it. The digital M will sell in the tens of thousands, and to the well-heeled. A drop in the bucket of lens supply.

That's just a guess, though.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[kbg32]

Leica is supposed to introduce a new line of lenses as well.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Bill, I think you got it right and then there is the competion, that kbg32 mentioned, of the possible new Leica lenses. I would guess that the well heeled may turn up their noses at the idea of using a make shift solution to the lens FL issue. It will be interesting to see what happens when and if.

Nikon Bob

 

[raid]

Why will the new digital M cost so much? Digital SLR cameras can be bought for much less than $10,000.

 

[RML]

Who said anything about the dM costing $10,000? Leica still sticks by a price of $5,000 or less.

 

[bmattock]

Why will the new digital M cost so much? Digital SLR cameras can be bought for much less than $10,000.

Sorry, I meant quantity in the tens of thousands, not price. There won't be millions of them made. So they won't have that much impact on the existing lenses.

I should have been more clear, sorry!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[raid]

Bill,
This is [again] the English language having some fun with us. Just like my former thread on "My last weekend in photography" which was misunderstood by some.