Good deal on m10p?

[JPizzzle]

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Hey all,

Been gone a while (previously had an m9p w/50 lux that I sold for financial reasons).  Looking to get back in the game, and have been smitten by the m10p.  Reached out to a couple of authorized dealers and have been offered a new m10p with chrome lux for approximately $10450 shipped.  I think this is a good deal, but wanted to get some thoughts.  With the lens being almost 15 years old, I’m worried it may be updated soon.  Would the 50 limited black lux be worth the additional money? Seems to be still in stock after 3 years. Also, m10 prices are pretty low right now, so not sure about potential resale when the next m comes along.  Anyway, appreciate the groups advice!

[Jeff S]

Buy it to use, not for investment or resale.  It’s a sweet combination at a good price, assuming new with full warranty.  If not sure, rent or demo first.  The M10 is a much more refined machine than your M9, and you should already know that the Summilux ASPH is a superb lens.  Make sure that the focus is smooth and the aperture ring is not loose.

Jeff

[JPizzzle]

10 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Buy it to use, not for investment or resale.  It’s a sweet combination at a good price, assuming new with full warranty.  If not sure, rent or demo first.  The M10 is a much more refined machine than your M9, and you should already know that the Summilux ASPH is a superb lens.  Make sure that the focus is smooth and the aperture ring is not loose.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff!  Yep, it’s brand new with warranty (I believe I also get an extra year buying with my chase card, which wouldn’t happen used).  I know it a tool and not an investment.  I’m trying to get a better gauge on the current market.  It looks like B&H is offering 1k off the 10p, so deals are certainly out there.  Not sure about lens discounts though.  

Im wondering if I’m better off paying an extra $400 for the black chrome limited edition, or possibly buying a second hand 50 lux for approx $2500-$3000.  Have been out of the Leica game for a bit, so not sure what’s a deal.  Also, the m11 coming down the pike is something I’ll likely upgrade to, so I want to be able to maximize resale in the p.

Edited December 29, 2018 by JPizzzle

[dkmoore]

The M11 is most likely 2 years out, minimum, so I wouldn't make any purchase decisions based on that. What I can say is that the M10P is going to be worth more money for trade in versus the M10, M240, M240P, M9, M9M, M9P, ME, and most likely the M246. 

I would buy the brand new 50 Lux and I would check the serial number. If it is a recent production lens it would have been adjusted on the latest and greatest equipment that is used to calibrate digital M's and lenses. In addition, you will have the full warranty. The 50 Lux needs to be in perfect adjustment in my experience owning 4 copies and there is significantly more risk with buying used. I also doubt you will be able to buy a MINT 50 Lux for 2500-3000. For 3k it will be in good condition.

There are quite a few lenses that have been rumored (35 Lux, 90 Lux, vintage lenses, not to mention for SL/TL/CL lenses) that will need to release before a new 50 Lux so again I wouldn't worry about a new 50 Lux coming out in your decision making. It could be many years before we see a 50 Lux update.

The black chrome is barely a limited edition in my opinion and I sincerely doubt resale value will be any better/worse than the OG 50 Lux. I would only buy the "limited" version if you really like the look of it better than the regular version. 

[JPizzzle]

24 minutes ago, dkmoore said:

The M11 is most likely 2 years out, minimum, so I wouldn't make any purchase decisions based on that. What I can say is that the M10P is going to be worth more money for trade in versus the M10, M240, M240P, M9, M9M, M9P, ME, and most likely the M246. 

I would buy the brand new 50 Lux and I would check the serial number. If it is a recent production lens it would have been adjusted on the latest and greatest equipment that is used to calibrate digital M's and lenses. In addition, you will have the full warranty. The 50 Lux needs to be in perfect adjustment in my experience owning 4 copies and there is significantly more risk with buying used. I also doubt you will be able to buy a MINT 50 Lux for 2500-3000. For 3k it will be in good condition.

There are quite a few lenses that have been rumored (35 Lux, 90 Lux, vintage lenses, not to mention for SL/TL/CL lenses) that will need to release before a new 50 Lux so again I wouldn't worry about a new 50 Lux coming out in your decision making. It could be many years before we see a 50 Lux update.

The black chrome is barely a limited edition in my opinion and I sincerely doubt resale value will be any better/worse than the OG 50 Lux. I would only buy the "limited" version if you really like the look of it better than the regular version. 

Thank you for the post.  Appreciate the advice!  I can ask the seller for the serial for the 50 lux, is their a range I should look for?

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, JPizzzle said:

Also, the m11 coming down the pike is something I’ll likely upgrade to, so I want to be able to maximize resale in the p.

This is exactly what I cautioned against. Buy gear to take pics and be happy, not to invest in future stuff.  New gear is always around the corner.  All Leica M equipment is capapable of superb, or mediocre, results...GAS won’t differentiate. Ergonomics, aesthetics and budgets are personal; nobody can help you  there.  Try before you buy if needed.

Jeff

Edited December 29, 2018 by Jeff S

[JPizzzle]

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@dkmooreSerial is 470xxxx.  Would this be considered recent?

 

@Jeff S I agree Jeff, it's just a big purchase, so I want to make sure it's made soundly.  I wouldn't buy a new iPhone in August, when I know the new ones are released in the fall.  Not apples to apples, I get it.  I just know myself, and know I'll want to buy the latest and greatest once I get back into the game.  Appreciate your feedback and advice, nonetheless. 

[Jeff S]

Major Leica product releases are typically on a 3 to 4 year cycle, more the latter lately (M and S, and seemingly the L systems), with P versions or special editions in the interim. The M10 was released in January 2017.

The M10 is great, the M10P should be great, the M11 will be great, the M11P will be great.....

Jeff

Edited December 30, 2018 by Jeff S

[farnz]

12 hours ago, JPizzzle said:

Im wondering if I’m better off paying an extra $400 for the black chrome limited edition

Without a doubt.  I have owned the 'standard' 50/1.4 Summilux asph but traded it on the limited edition 'Retro' black chrome model and I couldn't be happier.  In case it's of interest to you, the black chrome is likely to hold it's resale better than the standard model.

Pete.

[Jeff S]

10 minutes ago, farnz said:

Without a doubt.  I have owned the 'standard' 50/1.4 Summilux asph but traded it on the limited edition 'Retro' black chrome model and I couldn't be happier.  In case it's of interest to you, the black chrome is likely to hold it's resale better than the standard model.

Pete.

I’ve read that there are issues if using a filter simultaneously with the supplied hood.  No?

The retractable hood with the standard lens provides a more compact design, with less finder blockage,  if that’s important the OP.  Flare control on this lens is very good, though, even without a hood and prudent use.

As noted earlier, the most important issue for me would be getting a sample with smooth focus action and solid aperture clicks, regardless the version, as samples do vary.  

Jeff

[farnz]

Jeff,

It's very rare for me to use a filter and I never use the clip-on hood on the Summilux because, after my 50/1 Noctilux, it's the most flare-resistant lens I've used so I'm afraid I can't comment. 

My standard Summilux was very heavy to focus from new and never improved over the 10 years I owned it (despite advice, from people who should know, that it would 'wear in') but the black chrome is buttery smooth and has aperture clicks with just the right firmness for me.  I have handled 3 other black chrome Summilux at various forum gatherings and all have been very similar to mine.  All came from the original batch of 500(?).

Pete.

[Jeff S]

Thanks, Pete.  My standard 50 Summilux ASPH had sticky focus action, which Leica NJ said couldn’t be adjusted.  I sent it to DAG and he made it buttery smooth.... back to me within a week for $90, including shipping. It’s been perfect ever since, years later. Mine is also very flare resistant, and I also rarely use a filter (only color filter for my MM); my caution was in case the OP used them.

Loose aperture rings seem all too common with recent releases, even the expensive 50 APO (3 samples I played with). My Summilux is fine, but another caution for any purchaser.

Jeff

Edited December 30, 2018 by Jeff S

[JPizzzle]

I like the black chrome lux, but on a silver body I think the silver lux looks much better.  Not sure about resale though...

[Kwesi]

Hey welcome back to the forum,

First of all, resale value on the 50 lux ASPH is a non- issue because you won't want to sell it!

Second, are you sure you don't want the 35 FLE instead? I say this based on your current work with the Sony RX. great photos by the way.

 

 

[JPizzzle]

29 minutes ago, Kwesi said:

Hey welcome back to the forum,

First of all, resale value on the 50 lux ASPH is a non- issue because you won't want to sell it!

Second, are you sure you don't want the 35 FLE instead? I say this based on your current work with the Sony RX. great photos by the way.

 

 

Thanks for the welcome and the kind words.  Your right in that I likely won't sell the 50mm again!  I wish I could see the black chrome in person, but their isn't a dealer near me that has it in stock.  I just like the idea of having a limited edition lens, but not sure really how limited it is, being 4 years old at this point.  Thornston's video review of it didn't help haha.  My dealer said the chrome is becoming harder to come by, as well.  Anyway, I'll probably just pick what I think looks better on the chrome m10p body.

Regarding the 35FLE, this lens has been haunting me for a while, lol.  I have gotten more into hiking recently and will be taking more landscapes I imagine, but I have always loved the rendering of the 50mm.  I do like to shoot close ups wide open and some portraits.  I know the 35fle can do some of that, but from everything I've read, it seems that the 50 is better suited and has a more pleasant bokeh.  This is a tough decision for sure....

[JPizzzle]

Quick update: Making the decision this week.  Curiosity got the best of me though, and I reached out to my dealer regarding a combo with the 35 lux fle (chrome) and was quoted $11590.  Pretty solid offer.  Now I gotta make a choice.  When I had the 50, I was lusting over the 35, and now I'm sure it'll be the other way around if I go the 35 route.  

My thinking is that I'm going to be doing a fair amount of hiking and traveling, and would love to capture landscape, but also outdoor portraits so the 35 would make sense.  However, I love the wide open rendering on the 50.  It's buttery smooth, and I'm familiar with it.  I also enjoy the shallower depth of field it offers for portraits.  

 I'm digging through my old instagram account and comparing my rx1 shots to my m9.  Maybe it will come to me at the stroke of midnight over a glass of champagne :).  Eitherway, glad I'll be starting the year with a wonderful camera and this great hobby again.

 

Happy new year everyone!

 

p.s. not trying to turn this into the many 35 vs 50 debates that I've been reading the past two days   

 

Edited December 31, 2018 by JPizzzle