vahe_sahakian Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>I currently use the "old" Elmar 50/2.8 which came with my IIIg, I use that lens on both LTM and my M3's.<br> I have my eyes on the newer Elmar M 50/2.8 but anything in fine shape goes for at least $800 or more, am I being cheap if I am expecting to find one much cheaper?<br> Is this lens a collector item?</p> <p>Vahe </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vic_. Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>That's unusual. I have one in mint condition for less than $700. Let me know.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick_donnelly Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>Its certainly not a collectible. Used equipment dealers keep pushing prices up as Leica increases it's list prices. $800 was the cost of a new one just a few years ago. Very annoying. <br> It's probably best to pick one up from a private seller.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jja Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>If you are patient, you can find one for about $500, which is the going price I've seen lately in the photo.net and other classifieds. This is a $500 for ex+ or better with caps, hood, and pouch.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_shriver Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>George Ury has one for $495, KEH has one for $695.<br> Perhaps the recent discontinuance of this lens has caused a temporary surge in prices.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfcole Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>Mine was $449 on Ebay. I keep seeing them offered around $500.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_drew4 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>Ditto on the Ebay choice! I got a mint-in-box + warranty, new model version for about $425 from a reputable dealer! Fortunately for me, the auction was poorly attended. It is a stellar performer and a sweet deal. Patience in your search is warranted, but you may just find that deal given a little time!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 <p>I sold a silver chrome one recently for $550 and was happy with the sale. They have been discontinued by Leica so maybe that has something to do with it. It is a very good and somewhat underrated lens (I kept my black one).</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james mitchell dc Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 <p>You can easily get one in great shape for $500. Keep an eye out at at RFF.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_jones3 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 <p>About 35 years ago I got together about 35 lenses for Leica and Nikon F, and did a quick but critical comparative test on them. Four were better than any others. One was the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar. The others were the Micro Nikkor 55mm f/3.5, the GN-Nikkor 45mm f/2.8, and the EL-Nikkor 50mm f/2.8 enlarging lens. A couple of Summicrons and some normal Nikkor lenses weren't quite as sharp corner to corner. The classic 50mm f/3.5 Elmar was a disappointment. The Nikkor 85mm f/2.5 had a reputation for sharpness, but my example was no better than several other lenses. If others found the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar as sharp as I did, there's no wonder that they are so prized. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_jones3 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 <P>About 35 years ago I got together about 35 lenses for Leica and Nikon F, and did a quick but critical comparative test on them. Four were better than any others. One was the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar. The others were the Micro Nikkor 55mm f/3.5, the GN-Nikkor 45mm f/2.8, and the EL-Nikkor 50mm f/2.8 enlarging lens. A couple of Summicrons and some normal Nikkor lenses weren't quite as sharp corner to corner. The classic 50mm f/3.5 Elmar was a disappointment. The Nikkor 85mm f/2.5 had a reputation for sharpness, but my example was no better than several other lenses. If others found the 50mm f/2.8 Elmar as sharp as I did, there's no wonder that they are so prized. </P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vahe_sahakian Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 <p >My experience pretty much agrees with yours regarding the old 50/2.8 Elmar, I have one on my IIIg and it’s a beauty, then I started thinking that if this old lens is so good think how much better the new Elmar M is going to be, one of these days I will get one.</p> <p > </p> <p >There is something about Elmars that I do not see in faster lenses.</p> <p > </p> <p >As for older Nikkor lenses I have a F2, my 55/3.5 PC is one of the sharpest lenses by any manufacturer. I also had El-Nikkor 50/2.8, it was ok, later when I bought El-Nikkor 63/3.5, the 50 El-Nikkor was sold. The 63/3.5 “Fax” whatever that means produces prints that equal 4x5, an amazingly hi-rez optic.</p> <p > </p> <p >Vahe</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_horn Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 <p>I read somewhere (perhaps on this site) that the 50mm Elmar-M has been discontinued, and that could be what has spiked the market. It is a terrific lens-- very small and sharp. Personally, I'd opt for the 50mm Summicron (1969 version on) over this lens if it were no more than 25% higher priced. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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