ben_crabtree Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 I've read some of the threads on this subject, but I still am not sure I understand. I have a chrome 35mm Summicron, excellent condition, with eyes, serial #1996xxx. I was going to trade it in against a 35mm Summicron ASPH, but was offered so little ($200-$250) that I've kept it. I understand that these lenses have the Leica "glow", what ever that is, and I expected it to be worth more. I'll probably just keep it, but is it really only worth $300- $350 retail? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob F. Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 The Leica International Price Guide seventh edition shows $600 with a rarity of 4. If it's in excellent condition, they lowballed you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chip l. Posted January 8, 2004 Share Posted January 8, 2004 this just went on Ebay on 1/6/04 for $860 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2976360682&category=30063 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_crabtree Posted January 8, 2004 Author Share Posted January 8, 2004 Thanks for the info. My value guess was OK after all. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_chong2 Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2978099487&category=30030&rd=1 Here's one currently on ebay; watching for the final price ought (but not always) give some indication of market value. "Glow" might refer to tonal gradation, which some say is nicer with the older lenses, particularly 35 Summicrons. Some are of the opinion that current, particularly ASPH lenses, are "too sharp" whatever that means. If you want to sell let me know! Cheers, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 Keep it and use it! A little less contrast than the latest ones but I regret selling my first version 8 element 35mm Summicron. You can but a hell of a lot of film with the money you'd be spending on a new one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elek Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 <i>"Here's one currently on ebay ... "</i><p> This one has a crack in the viewfinder glass ... barely noticeable, according to the seller's description. No bids yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 It's certainly worth $600 if one can put up with the eyes. Funny, the M2 version would fetch double or even triple that amount (mint), that's how much people hate the eyes. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pensacolaphoto Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 I own several mint Leitz lenses from the 50's and I treasure them. As time goes by, they become to me ( and maybe to others) more valuable and I get more attached to them compared to other lenses I own. They are a part of Leica history that will not be repeated. The lenses are works of art. Of course I use them but I make sure to keep them in mint condition. Believe it or not, but my wife who does not do any photography at all is the one who has insisted that I reduce my use of these lenses and the M3 camera so that they stay valuable for years to come. Mint condition 50's lenses are to be enjoyed and treasured. I paid about 15 years ago maybe $1800 for a M3 camera and 35/2, 50/2.0, 90/2.0 and 135/4.5 lenses with boxes and even the receipts, plus all kinds of accessories. The previous owner bought the equipment from Germany where he was stationed in the 50's, and he took the camera out once a year and exercised it at home (without film). Money comes and goes, but such equipment is rare to find in such a condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico_tudor Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 Hmmph. With a wife like that, I would insist that I reduce my use of her so that she stays valuable for years to come. I'm in the market for an early chrome 35, and Stephan is right about the eyes: many more offerings, and cheaper. Nonetheless, I'm avoiding them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart feliciano Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 I got the weirdest looks when i still had my goggled 35 and M3. I also got asked how many megapixels my camera was a lot.... I paid ~700 for mine at a traditional gavel auction, fyi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike dixon Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 About a year ago, I paid US$250 for a 35/2 with eyes that had rough user cosmetics but excellent glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bart feliciano Posted January 12, 2004 Share Posted January 12, 2004 btw, I vote that you keep it and use it. I miss mine horribly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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