james.liam Posted January 18, 2018 Share #1 Posted January 18, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Odd questions, but I've noticed that the price difference between the older version (E55) and very late (E49) versions at ~33% (something like $3k vs 4k). Have reviewed the various historical entries but they're a bit old. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 18, 2018 Posted January 18, 2018 Hi james.liam, Take a look here Tri Elmar MATE. Going price? Still a relevant lens?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted January 18, 2018 Share #2 Posted January 18, 2018 James, the two versions are optically identical. Only the mechanics have changed to improve click stops and added depth of field markings. The difference is larger than expected. The lens is very relevant today and I use mine on a MP240 almost as a travel lens for convenience. Prices generally reflect supply and demand. It is some years since the lens was made and is unlikely to be reintroduced. A good specimen is worth having. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Pope Posted January 18, 2018 Share #3 Posted January 18, 2018 I would echo what David said - I was lucky to get a very nice 49mm version at a good price a couple of years ago and it's regular use on my M240. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 18, 2018 Author Share #4 Posted January 18, 2018 Does US$4000 seem to be the going rate for an E49? This is what I was quoted recently. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 18, 2018 Share #5 Posted January 18, 2018 My favourite travel lens - and more relevant than ever in these days of high available ISO. I have the E49. IIRC, the E55 is lighter (not sure about this) but the E49 has indeed received some mechanical improvements. Downsides: tends to flare when set to 50mm, very complex mechanical construction means that one needs to be gentle when switching focal lenghts. It's worth having it 6-bit coded if you are using it on digital. I'd say 4 K$ is somewhat on the high side, unless the lens is mint, boxed and coded. FWIW, I have seen a mint, boxed but uncoded E55 offered very recently at 2.5 K$. But this was a private sale, so no dealer/eBay commission there. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 18, 2018 Share #6 Posted January 18, 2018 Oh, and I forgot to mention that the hood of the E49 is a work of art in its own right. Looks so much better than that of the E55. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 18, 2018 Share #7 Posted January 18, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Does US$4000 seem to be the going rate for an E49? This is what I was quoted recently. $3500-$4000, I’ve found recently at reputable dealers, depending on condition and circumstances. I’m in fact waiting for one to be returned from Germany to a dealer, initially to fix a loose aperture ring, but now undergoing a complete teardown and service at Wetzlar recommendation. The lens should be perfect by then, and under $4k, but without hood, which I can source as new. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M11 for me Posted January 18, 2018 Share #8 Posted January 18, 2018 Sorry: Ist hier vom Tri- Elamr 16, 18, 21mm die Rede? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 18, 2018 Share #9 Posted January 18, 2018 (edited) It is the 28-35-50 Version II with the 49mm filter diameter, Alex. Kind regards, Simon Edited January 18, 2018 by tri Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted January 18, 2018 Share #10 Posted January 18, 2018 Oh, and I forgot to mention that the hood of the E49 is a work of art in its own right. Looks so much better than that of the E55. But the E55 has a (small) built-in hood, main reason i kept mine. Makes a great compact combo with the CL BTW. Doesn't flare less at 50mm than the E49 though. Excerpt of Leica leaflet # 920458: « In order to keep the lens as compact as it is and in order to ensure that the viewfinder image be obstructed as little as possible, a lens hood was integrated directly into the lens. The longer the focal length that is used, the further the front lens lies back inside of the front mount. This guarantees that for all focal lengths the lenss path of rays is not interrupted while at the same time protecting the front lens from stray light. » Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/280991-tri-elmar-mate-going-price-still-a-relevant-lens/?do=findComment&comment=3443228'>More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 18, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted January 18, 2018 (edited) Sorry: Ist hier vom Tri- Elamr 16, 18, 21mm die Rede? Nein Edited January 18, 2018 by james.liam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted January 18, 2018 Share #12 Posted January 18, 2018 I use one a lot. It’s still relevant to me. I like it. I got lucky and got a great E 55 copy that has no issues. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 18, 2018 Author Share #13 Posted January 18, 2018 (edited) That's good to hear. This is a very late copy; mint (except for wear at the hood attachment point), coded, hood included from a vendor I have a large credit with for an irreperably defective lens I once bought. Edited January 18, 2018 by james.liam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted January 18, 2018 Share #14 Posted January 18, 2018 That's good to hear. This is a very late copy; mint (except for wear at the hood attachment point), coded, hood included from a vendor I have a large credit with for an irreperably defective lens I once bought. Go for it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozytripper Posted January 19, 2018 Share #15 Posted January 19, 2018 Together with the WATE makes a really good travel kit. Tough lenses too. My version 2 just survived a -27C trip. Apart from the flare issue it is a great lens.I paid more than $4k for a full set. Go for it if it is mint Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinyuill Posted January 19, 2018 Share #16 Posted January 19, 2018 Hi there. I've got one of the later versions and I had asked Leica Mayfair about service on the lens . They stated that they are reluctant to handle this lens due to the complexity. I saw that Jeff S had his lens away to Leica. Out of interest how did you get on with the service at Leica? Its one of the lenses that I would like to keep and as such have it returned to first class operation. Regards Robin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 19, 2018 Share #17 Posted January 19, 2018 (edited) Hi there. I've got one of the later versions and I had asked Leica Mayfair about service on the lens . They stated that they are reluctant to handle this lens due to the complexity. I saw that Jeff S had his lens away to Leica. Out of interest how did you get on with the service at Leica? Its one of the lenses that I would like to keep and as such have it returned to first class operation. Regards Robin. Actually it’s not yet my lens. I called around to known dealers and inquired about the availability of a good MATE (no, not a dating request).. This particular dealer said that he took one on trade but sent it to Leica because of the loose aperture ring. He committed the lens to me upon return, but Leica later told him that a rebuild was advisable, so he authorized it. I’m waiting. My experience with Leica NJ has been mixed over the years. I’ve never had to deal with Leica Germany. I prefer to use DAG for out of warranty issues. Jeff Edited January 19, 2018 by Jeff S Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share #18 Posted January 20, 2018 I prefer to use DAG for out of warranty issues. Jeff I think even DAG might take a pass on this one. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/280991-tri-elmar-mate-going-price-still-a-relevant-lens/?do=findComment&comment=3444126'>More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 20, 2018 Share #19 Posted January 20, 2018 I think even DAG might take a pass on this one. Well, he has more knowledge and experience than any technician in NJ that I know, and has proved it by successfully repairing a lens that NJ told me couldn’t be improved. And he did it fast and inexpensively. BTW, I consulted him on buying a MATE before committing to a purchase. He was quite helpful, as always. Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chmilar Posted January 20, 2018 Share #20 Posted January 20, 2018 I’ve had my e55 MA-TE serviced by Steve Choi in Culver City, California. It was a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust), when the focal length selection was binding. He did a good job, and I’ve had no further problems in the three years since. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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