Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/09/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]edseas2@shore.net writes: > for the owners of the vast > majority of Japanese equipment, the value of their lenses (and > bodies)will be but a small fraction of the sum(s) originally spent. Looked > at in this way, it may indeed be cheaper (read "wiser") to invest in Leica > product(s). e.g. In 1967 I paid $151. for my first (new) DR Summicron. I have just sold a wonderful DR without the eyes for $475. With eyes, a good DR today is worth $550.-$750. depending on condition. In 1967 I paid $131. for a new black paint 35/2 Summicron. Last year I sold a like-new 35/2 8-glass silver chrome Summicron in original bubble and box for $1,500. In black paint, it would be worth $2,500.-3,000. Granted some of this is collector money talking. Granted inflation plays a very important role here (a pack of cigarettes in 1967 cost what, $0.20? and in 1970 I paid $8,000. for the top-of-the-line BMW 2800 that I collected at Munich). But the point is that Leitz designed and Leica designs cameras and lenses to perform at world-class-leading cutting edge levels and to a standard of strength, reliability and longevity that makes them so desirable 40 years later as users that knowledgeable people are willing to pay what a new one costs today. Remarkable. Seth LaK 9 - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html