Taking Advantage of the Lens Shortage

[Printmaker]

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How is that "fighting back"...?

 

I'd also point out to the OP that not everybody wants the clinical rendition of the newest lenses; some of the older designs - particularly Mandler era - that are going for higher prices are because of that.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

My main lenses are a 35 Summicron M version 4 and a 90 Elmarit M. Great combo. I just added a 1969 black 50 Summicron to replace my 50 DR Summicron. So you see, I too like the older glass. I payed slightly more than twice as much for this used 50 than I did when I bought my first 50 when it was new in 1969. But many late model used 50s were listed for hundreds of dollars more than the price of a new lens.

 

My point is, used gear should sell for 60 to 75% of the new price, not 130%. I just think we should remember those who took advantage of the current situation and not reward them with future business.

 

Tom

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[Eastgreenlander]

Some find it immoral and judge other people with a self righteousness. I don't. It's simply the terms of supply and demand. Personally I have never sold gear for more then I bought it for. Do what ever your conscience allow and let no one jugde you. Sounds like the tru liberal, that I am

[budrichard]

"I don't know about the rest of you but I resent being taken advantage of. Sure, I know, supply and demand... but, personally, I plan to scratch off my list of suppliers any store that price gouges."

 

I'm sure the stores care.

Your resentment is because it's a situation you can't control. What would you do to other markets for control. The entire Western Economy is built on supply and demand. Would you boycott a stock because it's price rose on speculation of future value?

I suggest a course or at least some study of ECON 101 and Government & Business.-Dick

[250swb]

But the current high price of lenses is only a temporary market, not even fuelled by Leica Dealers who have to sell new lenses at rrp. When everybody gets their M9 or M9-P and has their two or three lenses that will be it, back to normal. There is a horizon beyond which demand will have been satisfied. A lot of people are going to feel foolish for paying over the odds if they are thinking its an investment, rather than just needing a lens to use on their new camera.

 

It is the M9 that has been the turning point to cause the lens demand so even an M10 will not have the same impact on lens scarcity even if Leica sells as many M10 bodies. But every cloud has a silver lining, perhaps now it is time to stop the worship of the Summilux and realise that to all intents and purposes any other lens will win the Pulitzer Prize, and time to appreciate and re-evaluate some of the most interesting lenses rather than the technically perfect ones?

 

Steve

[hunta]

Don't tell anyone, but my tip is if you can't beat 'em join 'em. I'll be stocking up on used R lenses in anticipation of the new system announcement.

 

Capitalist? Maybe. But it's all just part of the same game.

[250swb]

I'll be stocking up on used R lenses in anticipation of the new system announcement.

 

You may want to look at toilet paper stocks as well...just in case Leica pull the chain

 

Steve

[bpalme]

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But the current high price of lenses is only a temporary market, not even fuelled by Leica Dealers who have to sell new lenses at rrp. When everybody gets their M9 or M9-P and has their two or three lenses that will be it, back to normal. There is a horizon beyond which demand will have been satisfied. A lot of people are going to feel foolish for paying over the odds if they are thinking its an investment, rather than just needing a lens to use on their new camera.

 

It is the M9 that has been the turning point to cause the lens demand so even an M10 will not have the same impact on lens scarcity even if Leica sells as many M10 bodies. But every cloud has a silver lining, perhaps now it is time to stop the worship of the Summilux and realise that to all intents and purposes any other lens will win the Pulitzer Prize, and time to appreciate and re-evaluate some of the most interesting lenses rather than the technically perfect ones?

 

Steve

I think it's going to get worse. Many folks are buying these lenses to use on their NEX5 or M43. Plus after I got tired of trying to focus on my EP2 I thought I would try out a rangefinder. So I think there gonna be many more like myself.

[250swb]

I think it's going to get worse. Many folks are buying these lenses to use on their NEX5 or M43. Plus after I got tired of trying to focus on my EP2 I thought I would try out a rangefinder. So I think there gonna be many more like myself.

 

A £2500 Leica lens on a £500 body? I like m4/3, but that really is dedication to the format.

 

Steve

[pico]

My point is, used gear should sell for 60 to 75% of the new price, not 130%. I just think we should remember those who took advantage of the current situation and not reward them with future business.

 

I fear that should a dealer follow your suggestion that his shop will evaporate before the recovery comes - should it ever happen.

[Peter H]

If you can't accept that its not only correct but necessary for prices to rise when demand increases relative to supply, you need also to accept that your income shouldn't rise with your productivity, or skill or expertise.

 

Its the same system, working in the same way.

 

We expect our income to rise over time. But why should it? The reason is simply to do with supply and demand.

 

If you're prepared to work harder or provide a better service for no more money, ever, for the rest of your life, then perhaps you can rationalise fixing prices regardless of demand.

 

Otherwise, it makes no sense.

[mmradman]

Whats the point of a pre-asph summilux for £2000 when you get can a new ASPH one for £2500 ?

.

 

You can get brand new for £2302, short waiting time too, just step away from "in the know" Leica dealers. Try Jacobs.

 

Look, oldish 28mm f2.8 pre-ASPH elmarits selling for £999 when the new ASPH elmarit is £1,199 !!!!!

 

I usually see them for £1300, where did you find new one for £1200, may be interested getting one.

 

A £2500 Leica lens on a £500 body? I like m4/3, but that really is dedication to the format.

 

Steve

 

What is wrong with expensive lens on cheap body, after all lenses keep value longer. Even M9 will be digital rot infested and dirt cheap in few years time.

[farnz]

... Look, oldish 28mm f2.8 pre-ASPH elmarits selling for £999 when the new ASPH elmarit is £1,199 !!!!!

I am not knocking the old designs, but paying so much for a lens with no box, no guarantee and no hood that can be more then 10 years old when the latest design is only 20% more (and comes with a hood and 2 years gurantee) is ridiculous by any measure.

It may be a lens that appeals to collectors. For example, I would expect a first version (9-element) 28mm f/2.8 pre-asph Elmarit to go for a lot more than £1,300 as long as it's in reasonable condition. I've seen mint copies go for £2,500+ in Westlicht auctions.

 

Later version pre-asphs aren't sought-after and sell for much less.

 

Pete.

[colonel]

You can get brand new for £2302, short waiting time too, just step away from "in the know" Leica dealers. Try Jacobs.

 

I usually see them for £1300, where did you find new one for £1200, may be interested getting one.

.

 

hi,

yes £1299 for the 28mm elmarit, my mistake:

Leica M 28mm F2.8 Elmarit Asph 6-bit Black Lens 11606 - Leica M Lenses - Leica M Series - Leica - Shop - Harrison Cameras

 

There are some places that have the 50mm summilux advertised at £2,300, however you'll find these places getting on 1 or 2 every 6 months and a longer waiting list

I bought mine for the retail price £2,550 from the leica shop in London. They seemed to have less of a waiting time

 

rgds

[bpalme]

A £2500 Leica lens on a £500 body? I like m4/3, but that really is dedication to the format.

 

Steve

I was just making a point that a lot of folks are doing that. Don't assume they/I only have one body.

[andybarton]

 

There are some places that have the 50mm summarit advertised at £2,300, however you'll find these places getting on 1 or 2 every 6 months and a longer waiting list

I bought mine for the retail price £2,550 from the leica shop in London. They seemed to have less of a waiting time

 

rgds

 

A 50 Summarit is about £960

 

You were robbed

[colonel]

A 50 Summarit is about £960

 

You were robbed

 

it was gold plated

[stunsworth]

There are some places that have the 50mm summarit advertised at £2,300, however you'll find these places getting on 1 or 2 every 6 months and a longer waiting list

I bought mine for the retail price £2,550 from the leica shop in London

 

£2,550 for a Summarit??? They saw you coming, name and shame.

[andybarton]

it was gold plated

 

I have a nice 50 Summicron. Yours for only £3,500.

 

And a 35 Summicron for £5,000

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Hallo,

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[250swb]

 

What is wrong with expensive lens on cheap body, after all lenses keep value longer. Even M9 will be digital rot infested and dirt cheap in few years time.

 

Is it not possible for anybody to simply 'take the point' instead of making pointless remarks? Of course there is nothing wrong with an expensive lens on a cheap body, that isn't what I said. The conjecture was how likely it was the market for expensive new Leica lenses was being cornered by m4/3 enthusiasts

 

Steve

[Babybinjp]

I don't necessarily blame individuals for trying to "cash in" on the lens shortage. Most of us have tried to cash in on one thing or another when given the opportunity to do so. And as others have said it is supply and demand.

 

It is frustrating though when I see "brand new unopened lens purchased two weeks ago" for sale at premium prices which to me looks like they purchased the lens with the sole intention to resell at a profit while others who actually want to "use" the lens are stuck on long waiting lists. Again I don't really hold it against the seller but it is frustrating.

 

I finally gave up on buying a new 50 Summilux and 35 Summicron and purchased both used from a small dealer I know here in Tokyo. Got a great deal on both and they are in great condition. The 50 is from 1972 (The same year I was born which I thought was cool anyway) in perfect condition. The only way you notice its age is the faded box and yellowing plastic on the bubble case. The 35 is only a year old in mint condition. Not all but a large number of the Leica owners in Japan are strictly collectors so it’s pretty easy to find used lenses in perfect shape. They are more expensive now though with the Yen being so strong.