Are any R's Collectible?

[stephen_w.]

are any r bodies or lenses collectible, other than the 50 year and jesse owens? if not, why not? supply/demand i guess.

[albert knapp md]

Steve: The 35-70mm F/2.8 is probably on the top of the list. Only

about 200 or so (depending on whom you speak to) were

produced and immediately sold. Some have changed hands at

over $9000. Newton Camera had one several months ago for

$10,000!!!

[stephen_w.]

ah, dr knapp, but what about in the future?

 

<p>

 

35-70, 2.8? what is so special about this formulation? easy to

design.

 

<p>

 

rarity does not necessarilly transmit to demand.

[albert knapp md]

Steve: I concede the point but a true Leica collector does not

really care about the design but more about the rarity of the lens

produced. I am sure that Leica will eventually find a better (read

as more economical) way to design a 35-70mm F/2.8 but this

will be a "different" model and have no bearing on the value of

the original model. By the way, please call me Albert.

[fotografz]

One would think that the R62 was a collectible for the prices

people are asking. I think mint SLIIs will eventually reach some

level of collecibility. They are such beautiful machines.

[ray_moth]

I would expect the R6 and R6.2 to become collector items one day, but

don't hold your breath!

[doug herr]

black enamel Leicaflex Standard<BR>

21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon-R<BR>

45-90 f/2.8 Angenieau-R (or however it's spelled)<BR>

mint chrome SL2

[jay_.]

Black Leicaflex (not SL) and chrome SL2's command a premium due to

their rarity. There was a single platinum-plated R6 made (I believe)

for the King of Thailand. Aztec and Safari R3 sets, if they are mint

and complete, garner some collector interest. The early chrome 1-cam

lenses also tend to attract collector attention. Chrome R3's are

also scarce and therefore sell for more than the black ones. R4SP

(R4 MOD2 in Europe)are sought after, but more by users than

collectors because legend has it they are more reliable than the R4

and R4S. I believe the R6 and R6.2 will also become sought after by

users because the M7 virtually guarantees Leica will never produce

another mechanical-shutter R body, but they will never be collectible

because they are too plentiful. Oddly, if any R body were to become

collectible it would probably be the R-E, produced for only 2 years

alongside the R5 and never selling well.

[doug herr]

<I>R4SP (R4 MOD2 in Europe)are sought after, but more by

users than collectors because legend has it they are more

reliable than the R4 and R4S</I><P>

In my experience the R4sP and R4s are equally reliable but the

R4sP is more usable because the manual shutter speeds are

visible in the viewfinder, the dials and such are better-protected

from dust and rain, and (a biggie for me) the mode switch and

exposure compensation are idiot-proofed.

[kens]

Out of curiosity, Douglas - I get the impression you favor the SL

and/or SL2. They are beautiful cameras, no doubt. They strike me

as "the Alpa build that made sense". But batteries are a pain in the

butt, and metering is slow, if not insensitive (by today's

standards). I can only conclude you favor them because of their

reliability and straight-forward design. True? Or am I making the

wrong assumption?

[feli]

>35-70, 2.8? what is so special about this formulation? easy to

>design. rarity does not necessarilly transmit to demand.

>-- steve (leitz_not_leica@hotmail.com), May 16, 2002

 

<p>

 

But not easy or cheap to produce. Leica had a hell of a time

making these. I heard they never broke even on them. In

manufacturing they encountered similar problems as when they

made the first 35mm lux ASPH for the M. Only this is also a zoom

lens. Maybe they learned a few things from the production of the

lux and will give the 35-70/2.8 another try.

 

<p>

 

feli

[mark_eban]

I think the two most collectible items are the chrome 50mm and 35mm

lenses made for the original leicaflex. From memory less than 200

were made. I have seen them sell easily in Germany for USD2,000 each.

In fact the rubber hood for the 35mm went in one morning for USD300!

[MTC Photography]

<a href="http://www.cameraquest.com/camsnet/LR4Gold.htm">Gold R4</a>

[doug herr]

<I>I get the impression you favor the SL and/or SL2.... I can only

conclude you favor them because of their reliability and straight-

forward design. True? Or am I making the wrong assumption? </I>

<P>

You're right about the battery and metering issues, though the slow

response of the CdS cells isn't much of a problem. I like the

ergonomic design, the indestructible construction, the stepless

mechanical shutter and above all else the viewfinder. The R8's

viewfinder is widely (and rightfully) praised for it's brightness,

clarity, and easy focussing but the SL is better if the camera is in

good condition.<BR><CENTER>

<A IMG

SRC="http://www.wildlightphoto.com/mammals/pete.jpg<BR></CENTER>

With the SL's viewfinder and a decent lens (like the 180 APO-Telyt

used for this photo) I have no trouble focussing.

[MTC Photography]

Oskra Barnack centenary gold R3

<img src="http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/bild/r3_barnack_bild.jpg">