Waffling over a 75 'lux.

[Kent10D]

There is, at one of the camera stores I frequent, a used 75 Summilux in excellent condition that has grabbed my attention. The only thing I haven't done yet is check the focus with my M8. But before I do that ...

Is it a fair price -- the equivalent of about US$1,800, or 1,300 Euro?
And secondly, given the size and weight of the 'lux, would it be wiser to hold out for a 75 Summicron, or wait and see how the new Summarit-M fares? Of course this particular 75 'lux will be long gone by then.

The main problem is that this has come up right at the same time as another lens I have ordered for my DSLR will arrive, so I have the pay-for-two-expensive-lenses-at-once blues. But where there's a will ...

Waddya think? Just understand that whatever you suggest, you'll be ruining my life.

[Eoin]

Life is short, you'll be dead long enough. If it's what you want go for it. At that price I don't think you'll have any problem selling it on.

[innerimager]

It's a very fair price as long as the condition is excellent. You would not have much trouble selling it for that price, which might decide things right there. The 75 lux is a unique, beautiful lens. It has very different qualities than the cron from f2-f4, and of course there;s the f1.4. Softer, dreamier, fabulous bokeh. I'm on my why out the door to shoot it now! best....Peter

[carstenw]

€1300 is a very good price for this lens in clean condition since it has been discontinued. I bought my 1st gen. at this price before the 75 Lux-rage started, and before it was discontinued, and I was very happy.

[marknorton]

Seems a very good deal to me. I agree the Summilux is a great lens, I've had none of the handling issues I have had with my Noctilux. Don't forget to use a focus magnifier if you are doing critical focussing tests. Wide open, close up, the depth of field is even less than the Nocti.

[Kent10D]

Wow, that's four positives and no negatives in a matter of minutes.

My resistance is crumbling ...

[stevem7]

WHy waffle... If there was one in my local shop at $1800 I would SNAG IT up immediately. New ones are $3700 and are supposedly discontinued. At $1800 you could easily sell it if you didn't like it. I WISH my shop had one!

[carstenw]

Some more ammo:

.

[carstenw]

By the way, there is a clean 1st gen. copy for €1575 at Leica Camera Berlin here:

Leica Berlin: Summilux-M 1,4/75mm, mit OVP und Geli.

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by stevem7

WHy waffle... If there was one in my local shop at $1800 I would SNAG IT up immediately. New ones are $3700 and are supposedly discontinued. At $1800 you could easily sell it if you didn't like it. I WISH my shop had one!

So, Steve, let me get this straight: you're telling me you think it's a good idea?
(Just kidding, I get the hint).

I guess this is what they call an overwhelming response.
OK, it's still only 7:30 AM here in Yokohama. The store opens at 10:00. I have time for a cup of tea and a shower. After all this I'm going to be seriously let down if they've already sold it.

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by carstenw

By the way, there is a clean 1st gen. copy for €1575 at Leica Camera Berlin here:

Thanks Carsten, but the Yokohama store is closer and I can get there when they open!

[carstenw]

That was more for other (read: European) readers of this thread

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by carstenw

That was more for other (read: European) readers of this thread

Oh ... right.

I sort of figured that's what you meant, but I'm excited and not thinking straight.

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by carstenw

Some more ammo:.

And by the way, those are beautiful.

[innerimager]

looking forward to seeing your first images with the lens Kent! best...Peter

[guy_mancuso]

How about this , you would be nuts to let this lens pass through your fingers. it is one of the most beautiful drawing lens leica has. I sleep with this baby. LOL

[gareth_c]

Originally Posted by guy_mancuso

I sleep with this baby. LOL

I would hope any evidence of that is in VERY soft focus

[guy_mancuso]

Smooth focus. LOL

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by guy_mancuso

How about this , you would be nuts to let this lens pass through your fingers. it is one of the most beautiful drawing lens leica has. I sleep with this baby. LOL

Jeepers, you're always so ambiguous Guy! Never sure whether you mean "yes" or "no".

I'm convinced already. I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs until it's time to leave for the store (in about an hour). I wasn't quite prepared for the overwhelmingly positive response. But all these positives from people who know what they're talking about gives me the not-so-subtle impression that I'd better get on it right away.

I suppose I could go to the store early and sit forlornly by the door until it opens ...

[gareth_c]

Right, I'm going to sleep before any other dicturbing images give me nightmares! Let's hope we all make it through to the morning unscathed.