steem21 Posted February 6, 2010 Share #1 Posted February 6, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello all, I've been searching for a 50 to complement my 24/2.8 and 35/2.5 for use my with my M8.2. I've come across a brand new 50/1.4 pre-asph Black Paint LHSA edition in Hong Kong for £1,700 or 2000 Euros or $2700. I've handled the lens and it's a beauty. However, in ALL the camera shops I've been to, they have not had a single delivery of the ASPH version for months. I've seen a few sales on the DPI forums of this lens for about $2000 (mainly USA sales - so I would have to add UK tax on it if I was to buy from US- I live in the UK but on my hols in HK at the moment) but it seems a bit ....too much? I'm not sure how much these lenses were new but do you think it's gone up in price because of the shortage of the ASPH? Do you think I should take the plunge and go for it? How does the lens keep it's value for a "special edition"? I may be waiting months and months for a ASPH (plus extra ££$$!). Decisions....decisions..... Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 6, 2010 Posted February 6, 2010 Hi steem21, Take a look here Do you think prices for 50/1.4 pre-ASPH are going up?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andreas_thomsen Posted February 6, 2010 Share #2 Posted February 6, 2010 the pre asph version isn't as good as the current one!!! i guess the price is too high. its just the special edition mark up cheers andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenerrolrd Posted February 6, 2010 Share #3 Posted February 6, 2010 I have the BP 50 pre asph and it is a beautiful lens. It renders differently than the 50 asph and technically has lower contrast and resolution. Some users like the pre asph for the traditional ''leica glow" at 1.4 and the ability to dial in sharpness as you stop down. The 50 asph is sharp at all apertures . As the sensors get bigger(m9) I favor the lens that resolve the most detail so the 50 asph is my first choice. The price on the BP model of the pre asph has typically been about $500-600 more than the black pre asph. The mount however is beautiful (full brass like the chrome lenses) . I place some value on the "fun" in working with a precision mount . Prices are going up by $2700 is too high ..I have seen them for $2100 within the month (now thats used ..for new its a collectors item so it could be much more). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted February 6, 2010 Share #4 Posted February 6, 2010 The 50/1.4 LHSA is a black paint lens as you know. Either you put it on a shelf ant it will retain its value or you use it normally and it will loose some paint soon or late and won't interest collectors any more i'm afraid. Now regular pre-asph Luxes are not easy to find in their latest version so you might wish to use the LHSA with white gloves instead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 6, 2010 Share #5 Posted February 6, 2010 Imho, it's too costly... if you like something a little special, there is a fine Summilux 50 Titanium for sale at a much lower price, here in Italy (see Leica, Nikon, Ducati, Hasselblad, Linhof) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mc_k Posted February 6, 2010 Share #6 Posted February 6, 2010 ...have seen the black paint lens new for 2200 - 2600 USD the last couple years. I used mine for a year with no brassing at all. If you read all the 50 pre vs. asph threads, it has its devotees. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steem21 Posted February 7, 2010 Author Share #7 Posted February 7, 2010 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks for the replies guys. I've read all the threads I can about this lens and I can appreciate that the lens draws much differently than the ASPH version. If I can quote Puts...the pre-ASPH is like "Rembrandt" whereas the ASPH paints like "Vemeer"! I can see that with a larger sensor, the performance of the ASPH would be desirable to use all those 18MP to the full. I got to play with a used lens (BP edition too from another shop) on my M8.2. The price of this mint one was only a few pennies cheaper (£80) than the new one - but the feel of the lens is completely different than the 24/2.8 and the 35/2.5. Let alone the images and the character of the images that one can get out if it. It truly feels special....I've mainly used Zeiss and Sony G glass on the A900 system and really none of those lenses have the build quality of this "little" lens! I think I am smitten! Hmm...Even at this price, if I do buy it, I will use it. I guess I will have to take a hit once I come to sell it if I upgrade to the M9 I will try and use it though with white gloves!!! I think I'll try to haggle down the price of the used one in light of how close it is to a new lens...I might as well haggle since I'm in Hong Kong! Regards Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steem21 Posted February 7, 2010 Author Share #8 Posted February 7, 2010 Luigi, That's a nice price for the Titanium version. I'm not sure it'll match the look of the black m8.2 too terribly well When I see something being offered at that price, it does make u hesitate to plonk down so much cash... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
agro Posted February 7, 2010 Share #9 Posted February 7, 2010 Hi Luigi, The shop you suggested has some nice stuff. Have you purchased from them? All my gear comes from Popflash and I had never ever any issues. Cheers Agro Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted February 7, 2010 Share #10 Posted February 7, 2010 Hi Luigi,The shop you suggested has some nice stuff. Have you purchased from them? All my gear comes from Popflash and I had never ever any issues. Cheers Agro Yes, I know them very well : a mixed Japanese-Italian managed shop in Milano downtown , completely trustable, serious, expert people. Last time I was there, fell instantly in love with a splendid Linhof RF press camera with a superb Planar 100... hardly resisted to the temptation of buying such a superb item (which probably I'd end up to really use NEVER... ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
agro Posted February 7, 2010 Share #11 Posted February 7, 2010 Thanks Luigi, You can always keep the Linhof on display at home. It seams quite fashionable these days. I am on my way to Italy in March. Hope not to loose to much on things I like but never use... Cheers Agro Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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