Re: [Leica] 50mm Summicrons Prices

[InfinityDT@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/3/99 11:37:33 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
wcaldwell@wmata.com writes:

<< 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. >>

In the past couple years there seems to have been a resurgence of interest in 
the Leica rangefinder camera.  First-time buyers (whether buying a new or 
used body) might be inclined to purchase an older-version 50 as a first lens 
to offset some "sticker shock", perhaps inspired by what they've read or been 
told (correctly or not) by a salesperson as to the performance of the older 
lenses.  Maybe that could be driving the prices up.  In my experience, 
finding a chrome Summicron with the front coating in perfect condition is 
extremely difficult, and those which are (or have been re-coated and sold as 
"mint") command a commensurate price premium.  To me the 11817 is the 
"bargain" 50 Summcron from a price standpoint (myself *not* being one of 
those who disparage its performance) as it still sells for about 1/2 the 
price of a new one and about 2/3 to 3/4 the price of a used 
current-optical-version (hood or hoodless models).

DT