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New lens drought.


Studio58

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It's the same old drought. :rolleyes:

 

M lenses are available new. In some places there is stock on the shelves and/or a short waiting list. It depends on which lens since they are produced in batches. Patience is a virtue - good things are worth the wait. Of course prices for good/in demand secondhand lenses are bouyant - its the trickle-down effect.

 

Ye cannae fight the laws of supply and demand, cap'n ;)

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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You are one of many in the world; hence the drought! Unless you genuinely need the speed, why not widen your search and include the Summicron and Summarit lenses? They are excellent lenses and often more freely available.

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You are one of many in the world; hence the drought! Unless you genuinely need the speed, why not widen your search and include the Summicron and Summarit lenses? They are excellent lenses and often more freely available.

 

I've been looking for the "ubiquitous" Summicron 50 in the US for months. All the main dealers have been out of stock for ever.

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If that is the case, seriously, have a look at the Zeiss Sonnar. I was faced with exactly the same choice last year when I wanted "the" lens to pair with my new MP. I went for the Zeiss because it has more "character". It is effectively two lenses in one, pin sharp at f5.6 and above and with a beautiful rendition wide open. It is not as "clinical" as the Summilux and gives a classic Sonnar account of itself. Mine is optimised to f1.5 and I am delighted with it. Have a look here for some examples.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Seems like there are no new Summicron, Summilux, or Noctilux lenses in the USA for months.

 

Not entirely so. The big dealers may be OOS, but some research will turn up new lenses, especially in smaller/less well known shops. I've bought four new M lenses in the last 6 months. It also helps if you are willing to place a firm order and put down a deposit. Often the desired lens will turn up in a week or two, in my experience.

 

 

Of course, if you are not willing to do the research, you will be beaten to the prize by those who are...

 

Regards, Jim

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My experience has also been that "money talks". Putting a substantial deposit down with a dealer you trust will weed you out from the flock of "call me when you have lenses so I can snatch them up and put them on ebay" crowd.

 

In the past 2 months I've bought a new 35 Summicron and 50 Summilux and didn't have to wait longer than a few weeks.

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My experience has also been that "money talks". Putting a substantial deposit down with a dealer you trust will weed you out from the flock of "call me when you have lenses so I can snatch them up and put them on ebay" crowd.

 

In the past 2 months I've bought a new 35 Summicron and 50 Summilux and didn't have to wait longer than a few weeks.

 

Not sure that always works. Paid full for a 35lux, and 13 month later I am finally no. 2 on the list. Should have it by the end of next month. On the other hand, last year I received the 50 lux after 2 months.

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Not sure that always works. Paid full for a 35lux, and 13 month later I am finally no. 2 on the list. Should have it by the end of next month. On the other hand, last year I received the 50 lux after 2 months.

 

Wow, sorry to hear that. Hopefully you will receive it soon. Did your dealer ask for full payment up front? I usually put down 25%-50% depending on how long I think it will take for the lens to arrive.

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Wow, sorry to hear that. Hopefully you will receive it soon. Did your dealer ask for full payment up front? I usually put down 25%-50% depending on how long I think it will take for the lens to arrive.

 

Paid in full and took advantage when the Euro hit a low against the dollar. If I remember, it cost me about $3,600US, plus about $125 to handle customs. It was when the Euro hit $1.21. Did the same on the 50lux, saved about $1,100US, when the Pound hit $1.18 to the dollar. I also already have the MATE, so don't mind waiting until it comes.

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yea... scored a mint 50 Cron. Happy.

Enjoy. I have one. I lust after the 'lux, but the 'cron is beautiful, compact and faithful. It was my first Leica lens.

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So at the end of it all what does it matter if there is a delay in new gear. There is a plentiful supply of second hand gear to be found. In my case, I now own 2 bodies and 3 lenses, all in mint condition for about half of new price.

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