Finding a Leica 19mm Elmarit-R 2.8 (Latest Version)

<p>I'm really hoping someone on this forum will be kind enough to help me find a Leica 19mm Elmarit-R 2.8 (Latest Version)</p>

<p>I have saved up some money, however, I'm pretty ignorant regarding how much I should pay for this lens. Also, does it matter if it does not have ROM contacts. What about if it is one of the earliest in the production run back in the early 1990s; does this affect quality?</p>

<p>Like I said; please help me find this lens. Tell me where to find one or let me know if you've got a really nice one at a good price.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone in advance.</p>

<p>The 2nd version (latest) comes either in 3 cam or ROM, and is reputed to be much better in the optics than the 1st version. I don't believe you can mount the ROM version on a Leicaflex SL2 or earlier unless you want to pay to have the mount changed, but you could mount the 3 cam version. If you're using an R8 or R9 it wouldn't matter which mount you used. As far as finding one, you might check the big auction site, as well as the major distributors. On the pricing side, I would check completed auctions on the big auction site and perhaps KEH.</p>

<p>Carlos,<br>

The going rate on this lens is around 1800 to 2300 USD. There were some that slipped by lower than 1800 but they were 3rd cam lenses. The ROM commands a higher price though it wouldn't make any difference if being used on a digital body (also because people can use this lens on non-Leica bodies it has driven up the prices a bit).</p>

<p>Carlos, if you can find and purchase a latest-version 19mm R lens, you will be blown away at its amazing quality! I initially bought the second-to-last version and when the new one came out I bought one new by trading in my old one and the improvements are wonderful!</p>

<p>There is one currently at the Leica Shop in Wien for Eur1880 - I often buy from there when the exchange rate permits.</p>