Dazed & Confused Posted February 7, 2011 Share #1 Posted February 7, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I've managed to find a black M9 in stock near me, but I cannot find any Leica 50mm lenses. (As an aside, how much should I be paying for an M9?) I really want the Summilux ASPH, due to its speed and d.o.f., as well as the fact it's amazing, but due to the waiting time I'm also looking for a Summicron. I also really like the rendering of that lens, and it's smaller size is no bad thing. Does anyone know where in the UK I can find either of these lenses? I'm happy with used. (How do I tell that the 'cron is the latest version?) Could I buy from abroad (if there are any there either), and is that a good idea? Oh, and anyone who's waiting for the release of the M9.2 - it's definitely getting close, as it'll be a couple of days after I finally buy my M9! Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 Hi Dazed & Confused, Take a look here Finding a 50mm in the UK. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
earleygallery Posted February 7, 2011 Share #2 Posted February 7, 2011 Price of an M9? Let me google that for you Where to buy lenses? http://lmgtfy.com/?q=uk+leica+dealers Oh and beware, if you buy from the US you have to pay import duty and VAT, so that 'bargain' lens may not be such a bargain after all. This applies to s/h and new equipment by the way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UliWer Posted February 7, 2011 Share #3 Posted February 7, 2011 ....Does anyone know where in the UK I can find either of these lenses? I'm happy with used. (How do I tell that the 'cron is the latest version?) Could I buy from abroad (if there are any there either), and is that a good idea? ... Have a look in the second hand market of this forum. During the last couple of weeks I've seen at least half a dozen of 50mm Summicrons (Version IV - that's the last and current version) there. Even some 50lux asph have turned up - though you have be be quick to respond, otherwise it's sold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 7, 2011 Share #4 Posted February 7, 2011 D & C, have you made a list of authorized UK Leica dealers and telephoned them? There are not many, so it will not take you very long. Because so many unforeseen non-Leica owners have been attracted to the M9, lens supply was exhausted long ago and it takes Leica time to catch up. It is a global waiting game, I'm afraid. Second-hand is the way to go, buying the best and youngest that you can find and afford. I waited in vain for over one year for a 50mm Summilux before opting for a new Summicron (also hard to find). I have not been disappointed. It is a worthy classic Leica lens and I shall certainly not be replacing it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed & Confused Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted February 7, 2011 Price of an M9? Let me google that for you Thanks for that - but there's often a difference between the advertised price (which also seems to vary by £100 or more), and the one the dealer will actually part with the goods for. Especially if they've got a few sitting on their shelves gathering dust. (I'm slightly annoyed with the dealers who advertise the price without VAT, just to jump to the top of the search engine.) Where to buy lenses? http://lmgtfy.com/?q=uk+leica+dealers Thanks again. I gave Google a shot (a degree in computer science meaning that I'm one of the few able to master that dark art ), but all the places I have rung so far do not have either lens in stock, so I thought I'd try here to see if I can save some time. I guess buying from the USA is not worth it, what with a 20% VAT and import markup! As there is no VAT and import tax from within the EU, is buying from there a viable alternative? UliWer - thanks - I'll check it out. Sounds promising. wda - thanks. I am working my way through the list with no luck so far. I was getting bored/disheartened, so I thought I'd see if someone knew a faster way, or if there were places off that list that were a more fruitful source. I'll keep ringing round - only a few more to go! In terms of lens age - the higher the serial number, the newer? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 7, 2011 Share #6 Posted February 7, 2011 Buying within the EU is no problem but make sure the item is sent by insured post of course! I'd avoid ebay for s/h lenses unless it's a recognised dealer and still offers the same kind of warranty they would buying directly. I've bought bargains via ebay, but also ended up with a few lemons too, some sellers don't know how to describe condition of the glass (or do but pretend they don't). Consider the alternatives too, the Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses as well as s/h Leica. One good thing buying s/h is that you can put your name on the waiting list for your preferred new lens, then sell the old for probably what you paid for it again. Think of it as free rental! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 7, 2011 Share #7 Posted February 7, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I guess buying from the USA is not worth it, what with a 20% VAT and import markup! As there is no VAT and import tax from within the EU, is buying from there a viable alternative? There is VAT to pay when you buy from the EU. If you buy something in Germany, you pay German VAT. Ditto any other EU country. There are very few dealers who will be prepared to negotiate much on the price of a new M9. Why should they? They are not gathering dust... One of our UK forum sponsors has about half a dozen 50mm lenses in stock, including three Summiluxes (although not the current model), and another popular on-line dealer has four 50mm lenses in stock. Don't dismiss an older Summicron, by the way. Mine is from 1973 and is an outstanding lens Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 7, 2011 Share #8 Posted February 7, 2011 Thanks for that - ... wda - thanks. I am working my way through the list with no luck so far. I was getting bored/disheartened, so I thought I'd see if someone knew a faster way, or if there were places off that list that were a more fruitful source. I'll keep ringing round - only a few more to go! In terms of lens age - the higher the serial number, the newer? The serial number does give a clue as to year of manufacture so yes, the higher the number, the younger the lens (except for a few rare specials which will not concern you). Andy is right about older lenses; a good older lens is certainly better than NO lens! I have a 1965/66 50mm Summicron which is lovely for portraiture and softer subjects. Unsurprisingly the versions made during the past fifteen years are clearly superior for more discerning photography. I presume you do study the Leica Forum members' lens sales? There is one older Summicron and a rather newer Summarit lens (almost certainly coded which is an advantage) available! Do not dismiss the Summarit as being an inferior lens. You could be very surprised by the optical quality which many compare favourably with the Summicron. You should be able to buy one of these new more easily than its more expensive brethren. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted February 7, 2011 Share #9 Posted February 7, 2011 Leica M 50mm F2.5 Summarit Black Lens 11644: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics Shows two in stock as I write. Wilkinson Cameras / Lenses & Flash / MF Lenses (Manual Focus) / Leica M series lenses / Leica M 6bit 50mm F2.5 Summarit Black Wilkinson Cameras / Lenses & Flash / MF Lenses (Manual Focus) / Leica M series lenses / Leica M 6bit 50mm F1.4 Summilux Silver 11892 Both shown in stock as I write. Look no phone calls Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 7, 2011 Share #10 Posted February 7, 2011 I think that we can safely say that there are lots of 50mm M mount lenses, new and old, for sale in the UK Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 7, 2011 Share #11 Posted February 7, 2011 There is VAT to pay when you buy from the EU. If you buy something in Germany, you pay German VAT. Ditto any other EU country. That's not the point, I'm afraid. If you buy from the UK in the EU, then you pay the VAT inclusive price (19% in Germany) and you get no refund, or tax free delivery. If you buy in the UK from NZ, you get a tax free price (without paying the 15% GST) and you pay the 20% on importation into the UK, if it's picked up. The problem with the States is that you can't get a refund from the State and Federal taxes - you pay the sales tax inclusive retail price, then have to pay VAT on importation. So a cheap looking lens in the US suddenly becomes very expensive indeed. I don't know why retailers don't offer export prices - I guess they're not geared up for it, and they don't do many sales that way. In NZ, I tend to buy from Germany if I can as I get a tax free price, and the German vendors seem to be more amenable (not sure why the UK dealers tend to be so uncooperative when I ask for tax free delivery). That said, I have bought from Ken Hansen (without GST being charged) and the price ended up being very good. If it were me, I'd buy the M9, and find any 50mm lens, Lux or Cron or Summarit second hand while I waited for my new Lux on order. There's a certain fun in trying an old lens, then comparing the new. If you buy right, you shouldn't lose anything on resale. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 7, 2011 Share #12 Posted February 7, 2011 I know, but I was responding to the OP, who is in the UK. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Allsopp Posted February 7, 2011 Share #13 Posted February 7, 2011 You could look at a Zeiss Lens like Zeiss 50mm f1.4 Planar | Robert White Photographic Ltd I don't know this lens but there will be others on here who can advise. I have the 211mm Zeiss and am very happy with that, especially considering the price differential against the equivalent Leica Lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny_Johnson Posted February 7, 2011 Share #14 Posted February 7, 2011 The problem with the States is that you can't get a refund from the State and Federal taxes - you pay the sales tax inclusive retail price, then have to pay VAT on importation. Cheers John If by "States" you mean USA - there are no Federal sales taxes and retail prices do not include State sales taxes. State sales taxes are added to the retail prices where applicable. They would not normally be added to goods being shipped out of state. Later, Johnny Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 7, 2011 Share #15 Posted February 7, 2011 If by "States" you mean USA - there are no Federal sales taxes and retail prices do not include State sales taxes. State sales taxes are added to the retail prices where applicable. They would not normally be added to goods being shipped out of state. Later, Johnny Perhaps a better way of expressing this then is to say that there is no tax-free price available. You simply get the retail price when buying from the US, regardless of the fact that the goods are for export. I should add that in my searching, I found a remarkable consistency in the retail price of Leica equipment Worldwide. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravastar Posted February 8, 2011 Share #16 Posted February 8, 2011 Harrison Cameras appear to have a silver 50 Summilux ASPH in stock. I can proceed to checkout so it looks as if they really do, although I've been caught out before with that. The only problem with the silver is that it's substantially heavier than the black - from personal experience. Bob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fluff Posted February 8, 2011 Share #17 Posted February 8, 2011 I can proceed to checkout so it looks as if they really do, although I've been caught out before with that. Yeah, I'm not convinced that means much TBH Robert White for one will let you order something, then later you get an email saying 'whoops! That item isn't in stock!', despite you having paid for express shipping. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted February 8, 2011 Share #18 Posted February 8, 2011 Harrison Cameras appear to have a silver 50 Summilux ASPH in stock. I can proceed to checkout so it looks as if they really do, although I've been caught out before with that. The only problem with the silver is that it's substantially heavier than the black - from personal experience. Bob. Both weigh 335g (approx) you are thinking of when the "silver" were made from brass as in my IV Summicron 35mm f2 They are much heavier the new stuff is all the same metal with a different finish. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 8, 2011 Share #19 Posted February 8, 2011 You could look at a Zeiss Lens like Zeiss 50mm f1.4 Planar | Robert White Photographic Ltd I don't know this lens but there will be others on here who can advise. I have the 211mm Zeiss and am very happy with that, especially considering the price differential against the equivalent Leica Lens. That's the choice I made, when I bought my new MP4 last year. Absolutely no regrets. I wanted a lens that had character rather than clinical perfection and that over-rides questions of cost. It is a lens of two halves - stopped down it is sharp as you like, wide open it is "interesting" - which is exactly what I wanted. Have a look here to see what I am getting in terms of results. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted February 8, 2011 Share #20 Posted February 8, 2011 In NZ, I tend to buy from Germany if I can as I get a tax free price, and the German vendors seem to be more amenable (not sure why the UK dealers tend to be so uncooperative when I ask for tax free delivery). I presume you are referring to used photographic gear. No UK dealer will add VAT when selling a new item to a buyer located outside the EU. Used stuff is different because most dealers (Robert White being a notable exception) sell second hand items through the margin scheme whereby the dealer only needs to account for VAT (to HMRC) on the margin they are making. Unlike with new goods, the dealer is not under an obligation to reveal to the buyer the VAT component (I guess to avoid having to reveal their margin) and such goods therefore don't usually have a net price for export (nor can UK VAT registered businesses reclaim the VAT element of the price). It's got nothing to do with being uncooperative. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.