sblitz Posted January 15, 2014 Share #1 Â Posted January 15, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) At most reputable shops here in NYC a used current model lens in perfect shape will cost a few hundred dollars less than a brand new one. Question is, is there a real reason to pay up for the premium to be the first owner? As a user, not a collector Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 15, 2014 Posted January 15, 2014 Hi sblitz, Take a look here Why new?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mmradman Posted January 15, 2014 Share #2 Â Posted January 15, 2014 No. Â Out of 8 M lenses 5 were bought S/H. New lenses were bought as at time when S/H stock was low. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 15, 2014 Share #3 Â Posted January 15, 2014 No - as long as the warranty has some mileage left for you to check the lens and have it fixed at no cost if there's something wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirekti Posted January 15, 2014 Share #4 Â Posted January 15, 2014 I like the smell when I open a new box. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carduelis Posted January 15, 2014 Share #5  Posted January 15, 2014 No  All of my M lenses were used and bought in good condition from a Leica dealer with a 12 month guarantee. I probably got them at around 2/3 new price. If I ever feel the need to change any of them (for a used replacement incidentally) then the financial loss and pain will be less than if I had bought them new. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jippiejee Posted January 15, 2014 Share #6  Posted January 15, 2014 I bought all my Leica lenses second hand, and saved some that way. When my 28mm elmarit asph's front element came loose (rattling) I sent it to Solms and they fixed it within days. They repaired it under warranty since the lens was still young when I bought it, but the repair would otherwise have been €135 euro according to the invoice. Which is still much less than the difference between what I paid for my lens and its new price.  I might not want to buy used dslr/AF stuff with all the vulnerable electronics and IS systems, but the all-mechanical Leica lenses seem pretty safe to me. I saved more than €1000 on my 35mm summicron asph that way too. No need to buy new really. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carduelis Posted January 15, 2014 Share #7 Â Posted January 15, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I might not want to buy used dslr/AF stuff with all the vulnerable electronics and IS systems, but the all-mechanical Leica lenses seem pretty safe to me. Â I too would not be keen on buying a used digital camera. Never had a problem buying used lenses from a reputable dealer. Think the only lens I ever bought new was a Canon 24-105 mm lens when they first appeared. There are many used ones now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Jones Posted January 15, 2014 Share #8 Â Posted January 15, 2014 Buying used saves you the VAT at least in the UK, usually more though. It's easier to buy a lens that you can handle and test on your camera. Buying used on line is a bigger risk. Â If you can stand the loss on a new lens it's a nice feeling to be able to look after it and enjoy the perfect operation, it always stings if you put the first ding in it though! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carduelis Posted January 15, 2014 Share #9 Â Posted January 15, 2014 I have never bought a used lens on-line; always from a dealer that I could meet first, potentially try out the lens and then return the lens if it was unsatisfactory. Â Maybe buying a new lens is similar to buying a new car. You lose the VAT and a small degree of depreciation when you drive away a new car. I prefer to buy a demonstrator car of a few months old with low mileage perhaps akin to buying a used lens in mint/very good condition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted January 15, 2014 Share #10 Â Posted January 15, 2014 There is a saying people seem to live by. Never sell a Leica lens. People do when they are short of money, don't like it or there's something wrong with it. One of those I don't want! There are lenses out there that turn out to be "not a good copy". Â I buy new mainly for the warranty. There's a very good chance it will need to be calibrated and CLA'd, on warranty that doesn't cost anything or doesn't apply. I buy it new because someone hasn't sold it because there is something wrong with it. And also because I am VAT registered and what ever I spend in VAT will offset what I pay later on and the cost of second hand is usually around an ex VAT cost. Â I buy second hand when it's no longer offered new, mostly always through a reputable dealer with a decent warranty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted January 15, 2014 Share #11 Â Posted January 15, 2014 Some people just change their minds ^ Â I gave someone advice on another forum, they wanted to upgrade their DSLR but would have to make do with the 'pack' lens. I suggested they buy s/h so they could get the body and a good quality standard zoom. Â Some dealers give 12 months warranty so there's no less 'risk' but no, this person said they would never buy a s/h item! Â I guess I'm pleased because I need people like him to ensure a good supply of bargains for myself! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithlaban.co.uk Posted January 15, 2014 Share #12 Â Posted January 15, 2014 "Why new?" Â Have you seen the way some folk treat their lenses? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblitz Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share #13 Â Posted January 15, 2014 at a reputable store in nyc a brand new 28mm summicron is listed for $4,295; they have a used one for $3,049 -- $1,246 for a warranty? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalArts 99 Posted January 15, 2014 Share #14 Â Posted January 15, 2014 at a reputable store in nyc a brand new 28mm summicron is listed for $4,295; they have a used one for $3,049 -- $1,246 for a warranty? Â If you're buying from a reputable shop with an agreement on terms, then go for it. You'll know right away if there's an issue with the lens (or at least within the return period.) Make sure you can get a full refund within your inspection period (no re-stocking fees; no 'exchange only.') The Leica passport that comes with new lenses does cover accidental damage, but if you have insurance on your camera equipment it will already be covered for damage so there's really no need for the passport warranty. Â I find with used that you'll know pretty quickly if it's a 'problem' lens. And if you have a store guarantee then you're covered on that end. Which is why I don't have an issue paying more from a shop than dealing with an individual with no return/guarantee. The price of a lens is kind a three level cost affair: 1) brand new $$$ 2) used from a reputable shop $$ 3) from an individual with no guarantee $. I think one has to just pick what they are most comfortable with. Â Ironically the two brand new lenses I ever bought had to be returned to Leica for service right out of the box. Under warranty of course, but I had to pay shipping and wait for two months to use finally use them. A used lens from a shop will at least have been checked out by the shopkeeper and at the most, it would just mean walking back in and returning it. I prefer to buy used in general. And to be honest, I'd rather send a lens that needs service to somebody like DAG then to Leica. Most lens services if ever needed later on won't normally be very expensive from an independent tech person. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mr. B Posted January 16, 2014 Share #15 Â Posted January 16, 2014 I have five Leica lenses. I purchased my 50mm Summicron new the other four I bought second hand. Two of my S/H lenses were in mint condition and looked brand new. One of the came in the original box. I don' t mind buying second hand as long as the lens is in good condition. Mr. B Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rramesh Posted January 16, 2014 Share #16 Â Posted January 16, 2014 I like the smell when I open a new box. I actually prefer to keep it in a pristine sealed condition to prevent any loss of the new smell. :D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylgo Posted January 16, 2014 Share #17 Â Posted January 16, 2014 Whether buying new or used the option to return the lens if it underperforms is preferred. I've had better luck with new however a very desirable short supply lens brand new was returned when it underperformed it's mtf indicated quality. Â When looking at used lenses, if it's in perfect condition this could be an indication that it is an underperformer and does not measure up optically. My experience with these is they can not be improved (optically) with return to Leica repair. Â If possible get two samples of the same lens, test one against the other, rarely will they perform similarly, exceptions do occur. If you find a dealer who will work with you allowing the testing of multiple samples stick with them and pay for new when necessary and used when the testing indicates a good sample. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfhrased Posted January 17, 2014 Share #18 Â Posted January 17, 2014 buying new: covered by warranty (had to send my 50 1.4 back when the filter ring / hood fell off) Â buying second hand: had to send 75 1.4 lens in for CLA and focus adjustment. Â really depends on what you're looking at I guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted January 18, 2014 Share #19 Â Posted January 18, 2014 Not sure about other countries but in the UK new lenses come with the Passport scheme for one year which covers the lens for accidental damage resulting in malfunction (but not cosmetic damage not affecting function). Worth having I guess, and is additional to the 2 year standard Leica warranty. Â However, all of my lenses bar my 35 Lux FLE are used, mint and boxed examples from reputable dealers and supplied with at least a 6 month warranty. The FLE was bought new as used examples were, at the time, non-existent and I wanted the lens quickly. Â When I'm looking for a particular lens I quite enjoy the 'hunt' for the best used example I can find. Keeps me happy anyway....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianUK Posted January 18, 2014 Share #20 Â Posted January 18, 2014 Mostly I've always bought new. Â Although I've never hesitated to buy used from a reputable dealer and with an appropriate warranty. Â That said, if a deal looks too good to be true... usually it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.