Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/08/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A survey of seven or eight pricelists received recently (I seem to be on EVERYONE's mailing list) shows a fair average for 2/50 first generation asking prices is: collapsible, E condition: $275 rigid, E condition: $400 DR, no eyes, E condition: $450 DR w/eyes, E condition: $575 The DR certainly costs more, even without eyes, than the rigid. As to the "soft" coatings, the problem is actually one of moist coatings. Until 1960 or so, Leitz was forbidden the vacuum-coating techniques developed by Zeiss, and had to use a drip process. The resultant film is moist, and dries with time. This is quite easily rectified by having the lens re-coated by John Van Stelten. It is not uncommon to have dealers not understand this problem and to mis-identify such a coating problem as 'cleaning marks' or the like, and to discount the lens substantially. As Stephen pointed out, sharp eyes can get good deals! Marc Marc James Small Cha Robh Bas Fir, Gun Ghras Fir! FAX: +540/343-7315