Improved supply of 50mm Lux?

[cliffp]

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I obtained a 50mm Lux after waiting for only around a month. When the UK dealer phoned, I expressed surprise that I was at the head of the queue and the dealer said I was the only person who had left a phone number rather than an email address and he preferred to make contact by phone. I am posting partly to share my experience and partly to see if others are aware of the supply situation improving.

[richfx]

They are in very short supply in the States. I ordered one form my CT dealer in early October with my M9 and a 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit M. The M9 and the 28mm arrived in January, and my dealer gave up on getting the 50mm Summilux. After searching high and low, I located one in PA - at Allens Cameras - that was, amazingly, in stock. Allen is a prince. No one seems to have them lying around here and the queues are quite long.

Rich

[farnz]

I'm glad you've managed to acquire this superb lens but it doesn't say much for your dealer's attitude. If I was first in the queue but discovered that such a (currently) rare lens had gone to someone else on the strength of his leaving a phone number and the dealer's preference for using the phone then I would be particularly grumpy.

 

And my business would go to another dealer.

 

Pete.

[Pintpot]

I'm glad you've managed to acquire this superb lens but it doesn't say much for your dealer's attitude. If I was first in the queue but discovered that such a (currently) rare lens had gone to someone else on the strength of his leaving a phone number and the dealer's preference for using the phone then I would be particularly grumpy.

 

And my business would go to another dealer.

 

Pete.[/quote

I'd agree with that, old northern adage 'first up - best dressed'

 

Tony

[cliffp]

This dealer isn't alone - I phoned up another well known UK dealer a couple of months ago to ask about availability of the 50 lux and they had just had one in in chrome which they offered me (I wasn't on their waiting list). I didn't take it as I wanted black but it is difficult to believe no one was on a list either specifically for a chrome one or prepared to take either. I noticed that an identical one was sold on Ebay (uk) a week or so later for £400 more than the dealers selling price (may be coincidence of course).

[farnz]

Cliff,

 

Another concern is that many dealers are asking for a deposit before putting you on their waiting list, especially in the UK. If casual callers are managing to avoid the waiting list then the dealer is treating listed waiters even more poorly.

 

(Please note that I'm not suggesting any poor practice by your good self. )

 

Pete.

[cliffp]

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Pete

 

You are quite right about it being poor. Thats why I wanted others to be aware of the potential pitfalls of not leaving a phone number and maybe even the benefits of keeping in regular touch. I did also wonder if the lenses had become more available but seems not to be the case.

[wilfredo]

Pete

 

You are quite right about it being poor. Thats why I wanted others to be aware of the potential pitfalls of not leaving a phone number and maybe even the benefits of keeping in regular touch. I did also wonder if the lenses had become more available but seems not to be the case.

 

My dealer here in the U.S. has my phone number, e-mail, and deposit for a silver version. It's been over a month. I call him every week just to stay on top of it. Still nothing.

[gberger]

Wilfredo -

Keep hoping and checking! That piece of glass and metal truly is well worth the wait. A few years back, I seldom used our 50 Summicron - - - but this is a different lens, Maybe it's just my imagination, but projected trannies almost jump off the screen.

[wda]

I had been waiting for a 50mm Summilux for nearly one year. Eventually I decided to buy a Summicron instead. Three weeks later the same dealer offered me a black Summilux! I was amazed having been assured there was a production problem. I couldn't face the loss on a near new Summicron so someone else gained, I guess. Moral: they are seeping back into the market.

[wilfredo]

I'm going to hang in there. I tested a new 50mm Summicron a little over a week ago but it didn't meet my expectations. I've toyed with the idea of getting a Zeiss 50mm ZM which would save me a bundle, but in the end I've decided to go for the gold. What I've seen shot with the 50mm Summilux ASPH has convinced me that it is the lens for me, and my kind of shooting.

[cliffp]

Wilfredo

 

Its worth the wait. I hope yours arrives soon!