Re: Buying used M lenses advises

[wilcox@umcc.umcc.umich.edu (Ken Wilcox)]

KEH is an absolutely first rate business to deal with. The quality ratings
are VERY conservative, especially on Leica gear. I have ordered E+ from
them that most would have called Mint or mint-. I have bought bgn that is
better than many others have called Excellent. I have NEVER been
disappointed by the condition of items purchased from them.

If I were bying lenses from the list you posted I personally would choose:

>c.) 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit M Blk (can) (39) Can 39 Excellent 525.00
>b.) 50/2 Summicron M blk (can) 39 excellent  $465
and none of the wides.

Actually I would try to find a DR Summicron 50 and would settle only for a
35 Summicron.

Remember these would me MY choices and others would choose differently.

Neither of the 35 Summarons, IMHO, match the Summicron for optical quality.
The 40 Rokker is a good lens and was designed specifically for use on the
CL, which has the correct lines in the finder. The M6 does not have 40
lines and to my knowledge there is no finder for it.

There is no difference between Canadian and German lenes of the same
design. Between newer and older formulas there are differences but they are
small. IMHO the newer formulas are not ALWAYS better.

Cheers!

kw


>Hello Luggers,
>
>As you know I'm very new to the Leica M system. I haven't bought one yet
>due to financial considerations. Many helpful luggers have advised me to
>buy used "M" lenses. Looking @ the latest Keh Camera Brokers brochure, here
>are a list of M lenses for sale. I got some questions I'd like to address,
>perhaps, you guys can give me some advise, suggestions and comments. If you
>guys were in my shoes which used
>lenses would u pick from the 3 focal lengths ? is there also anything to
>watch out for like serial #, etc. I'll be ordering these lenses from mail
>order and cannot personally see them.
>Is this store reputable and can u recommend other stores in the US that I
>can search for ??
>
>90mm lens
>
>a.) 90/2.8 Elmarit blk (Ger) (39)/ Early / Excellent $504.00
>b.) 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit blk (Can) (39) Excellent $465.00
>c.) 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit M Blk (can) (39) Can 39 Excellent 525.00
>
>50mm lens
>
>a.) 50/2 Summicron M blk (can) 39 excellent + $504.00
>b.) 50/2 Summicron M blk (can) 39 excellent  $465
>c.) same                          (ger) 39 Like new $600.00
>d.) same                                excellent + $569.00
>e.) 50/1.4 summilux blk (ger) (43) excellent + $889.00
>f.) same                                      like new- $999.00
>g.) same                                        excellent - $751
>h.) Summilux chr wetz                   excellent + $889.
>
>
>35mm lens
>
>a.) 35/2.8 Summaronrf chr wetz (39) excellent $400.00
>b.) 35/3.5 Summaron chr (39) Like new $429.00, Excellent + $379.00
>c.) 40/2 M-Rokkor (40.5) Excellent + $179.00
>
>BTW, how are these two 35 mm lenses optically and are these better/worst
>than the new Summicron 35/2.0 ? Do I need also a separate finder for the M6 ?
>Is the 40/2 Rokkor lens worth considering & does this need a separate
>finder for the M6 ?
>
>
>Is there a big different in Canadian and German made lenses ? On the older
>and newer lenses ? optically and mechanically ?
>
>Best regards
>
>Ferdinand

- ----
Ken Wilcox                                Carolyn's Personal Touch Portraits
LHSA, MEA, LAW                         preferred---> <wilcox@umcc.umich.edu>
                                              <kwilcox@genesee.freenet.org>