Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]** Proprietary ** Alistair, Marc and Others: The last two issues of Viewfinder have featured articles on the 50mm Summicron. Several articles addressed which version of the 50mm Summicron was the better choice from the author's perspective, considering manufacturing, design and other factors both objective and subjective. It is possible that those articles may be driving the current used prices of the 50mm Summicron, and demand (especially in regards to LHSA members), as the authors did clearly give their preferences. The Summicron six element 11817 was identified by one author as the 50mm lens to have and use. The 50mm DR Summicron (11918) was highly touted by an correspondent. And of course, LUG's Erwin Puts had two different articles regarding the current (and excellent) 50mm Summicron (11826), lens testing, and some comments on the earlier six element 11817 and its earlier testing. Also the older lenses that Alister listed from current on line offering were all mint- or excellent++, which command at least a premium of $50 to $150 dollars. One to two months ago, examples of the 50mm DR Summicron without goggles were $275 to $400. Last January of 1999, I purchased a mint-, six element 11817 black for $450. For what ever reason, resellers perceive a higher demand at the present and there has been some pricing increases. Or perhaps the 50mm Summicron was, until recently, under priced $100 to $150 in comparison to the pre-ASPH 35mm Summicron. All of the above is just my humble opinion as to the recent price increase with some past and perhaps unrelated facts or happenings woven in as support. Best of Light, Bill Caldwell <sneeker@erols.com>