Tri Elmar, Used Lenses and Value

[rnl]

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I am new to Leica. Although I've owned a 8 by 32 Ultravid binocular for at least 15 years, only recently did I purchase a Leica M10.  

I am a Canon veteran however: there is "camera shop" of canon cameras and lenses in my dust resistant dry cabinet.  

The M10 was purchased to force me to slow down and consider what I shooting.  Over the past year I have acquired a number of used lenses: 90apo, 35fle, 28cron and a WATE (16-21). Each lens was acquired for a fraction of original and or current retail cost and every lens arrived flawless, in original box with "papers."  All of the lenses performed flawlessly.

I am beginning to believe that the Leica lens market is similar to the watch market...folks like to own them for a while and then grow tired and look for the next new best one to own.

Here are some photos taken with the M10 and the 90, 35 and WATE.  https://richardnlipow.com/pennsylvania-state-house

 

Edited February 2, 2019 by rnl

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[Ecar]

Ssshhh... Leica lenses are supposed to be a long term investment that keeps its value or grows over time 😉

While this is definitely the case for a few, rare lens types/variants, my experience is that you can get the vast majority of them at a very substantial discount to retail price (especially when you adjust for inflation) if you are a bit patient. Of course, the warranty will have expired, so it's better to evaluate the condition in person - or make sure that you can easily return the lens.

AFAIC, with the exception of a 50/1.4 Black Chrome, I have stopped buying new several years ago. But then, I'm mostly interested in vintage glass these days anyway...

[rnl]

14 minutes ago, Ecar said:

Ssshhh... Leica lenses are supposed to be a long term investment that keeps its value or grows over time 😉

While this is definitely the case for a few, rare lens types/variants, my experience is that you can get the vast majority of them at a very substantial discount to retail price (especially when you adjust for inflation) if you are a bit patient. Of course, the warranty will have expired, so it's better to evaluate the condition in person - or make sure that you can easily return the lens.

AFAIC, with the exception of a 50/1.4 Black Chrome, I have stopped buying new several years ago. But then, I'm mostly interested in vintage glass these days anyway...

investment...that's an interesting thought.  I've only heard that word in connection with jewelry purchases for my wife.  I usually look at the salesperson and laugh.  my Leica is a toy not an investment.  If my heirs want to sell, that's up to them. I'm playing with it as long as I can.

[farnz]

It's reasonably unusual for a Leica lens to be sold for less than it was bought for providing it hasn't been abused and, generally, the longer the interval the greater the difference hence appreciation and a form of investment.  This normally doesn't happen with other brands of lenses, which typically depreciate after purchase.

There are also notable exceptions with Leica lenses, for example the 50/1.2 Noctilux,  35/1.4 Summilux Aspherical (not "asph"), and 9-element 28/2.8 Elmarit, which are valued at manyfold more than their original purchase price and, in the case of the first two, are sold for many thousands of dollars or pounds.

Pete.

[albertknappmd]

Leica lenses bought second hand are usually great deals as you have stripped away the premium of FIRST USE.

Most owners are very careful with their equipment and since the lenses are so sturdily made, they should last a lifetime.

Good selection of lenses BTW!

Albert 😀 

[jrp]

I have had mixed experiences with 2nd hand, pre-owned (or whatever euphemism you prefer) lenses.  The first thing to note is that, in most sane countries, 2nd hand stuff does not attract sales taxes such as VAT. The price should reflect that. But I have, in some cases, found that I needed to send the lens back to Leica for refurbishment, with a price to pay. While this was a chance worth taking when  new Leica  lenses were scarce, they are now fairly readily available.  A new lens doesn’t guarantee absence of issues, but I have yet to buy a faulty new lens from any manufacturer, never mind Leica. 

[darylgo]

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On the non Leica forums there is common reference to Leica jewelry, hipsters, and other terms denoting fashion above function.  These are the people that we second hand lens purchasers love.  

As mentioned above there are risks, I like to put the lens on my M and test it before purchase.  

[Photon42]

On 2/2/2019 at 11:58 AM, rnl said:

I am beginning to believe that the Leica lens market is similar to the watch market...folks like to own them for a while and then grow tired and look for the next new best one to own.

 

I do not mind buying used, specifically with lenses and film cameras. Even with digital bodies it may be advantageous, as the original owner may had to perform some warranty repair initially 😬

I would not think Leica here is different to other camera manufacturer‘s goods. It is just more expensive. To some saving up for a long time to buy a used Leica lens may create odd feelings to see what some are buying new all the time.

For me having the ability to buy used requires customers to buy new to begin with. All is fine. I like to try out new things.