Store advice | Best US options to buy used lenses

[Dennis]

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Hi guys,

I will probably travel to the USA to get some a couple of lenses and computer accessories I need for work at the end of this month. 

Apart from one day for general shopping  and one for some unique street photography, one of the trip's priorities is to get a new fast 35mm, probably a brand new CV 35 1.2 III, and one other Leica super bargain out there such a 21 SEM or 24 Elmar.  Plus, a small few items, taking advantage of the trip because in Mexico I can't find nothing.

Let's say I can choose any major US city to travel to. Where would you choose? Just need one of the great/big/trusty stores for used lenses and Leica compatible stuff in US. I need EyeCup, a great straps, couple filters, a lens hood for sure. So for example, if I need a third part lens hood for a specific glass, I can have it. 

For distance, California would be better. Cities like San Diego, L.A., and San Francisco have a direct flight from where I live in Mexico with max 2-4 hours, But it could also be Miami or NY. I don't mind to take two flights if I find a paradise-used-BH-version 😃 Remember, I travel for this mostly.

Please give me a few options. If you have links better, and I can check what they offer.

Important note: This would be my first time seeing, touching, and testing lenses, VF, eyecups, or whatever. I never tried anything else that is not my own M10 and two lenses. Never. So I will feel like a first visit's child in Disney world... Things like ... "Finally I can see what it looks like a 24mm on my M10, w/ and w/o VF :-)" ...  Oh yeah, fabulous. I really believe I can do better art, be a better Leica photographer if I know more the options, and find the right gear for me and my needs. So I'm excited, and this two-three days trip is very important. 

 

Thank you in advance.

Good vibes,

D. 

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[RayD28]

I've been to Leica Store San Francisco a couple of times during weekday mornings.  Pre-Covid they were patient and encouraged trying things out.  Not sure what it would be like now.  Also not sure if there are other stores nearby that carry a selection of used Leica equipment.  I'm looking forward to responses to this thread because your mission sounds fun.  

[logan2z]

56 minutes ago, RayD28 said:

Also not sure if there are other stores nearby that carry a selection of used Leica equipment.  

Camera West in Walnut Creek is an authorized Leica dealer that sells used Leica gear.  They are owned by the same people who own the Leica Store in San Francisco.  Unfortunately, much of their used gear is physically located at their Rancho Mirage store in Southern California so it may not be possible to touch/feel it unless you can wait for them to send it to one of their NorCal locations. 

According to the dealer locator on the Leica US website, there is another dealer called Fireside Camera in San Francisco.  I've never been so can't speak to their selection of used gear, but it might be worth dropping by if you're in the city. 

Edited October 4, 2020 by logan2z

[Jeff S]

Wherever you choose, I suggest that you call in advance to describe your needs, to determine realistic opportunities to sample and purchase gear, and to provide time for any logistical issues.  A good dealer will also provide suggestions for other retailers that might have inventory that they do not. 
 

B&H is of course a large dealer with new and used gear, with lots of other nearby retailers, but that’s a trip to NY.  
 

I also don’t know about current restrictions in place due to Covid for travel from Mexico, as well as rules for interstate travel once here.  I know that some states have had restrictions in place.

Jeff

 

[Dennis]

3 hours ago, RayD28 said:

I've been to Leica Store San Francisco a couple of times during weekday mornings.  Pre-Covid they were patient and encouraged trying things out.  Not sure what it would be like now.  Also not sure if there are other stores nearby that carry a selection of used Leica equipment.  I'm looking forward to responses to this thread because your mission sounds fun.  

It's a mission, you're right. Not sure in the SF store they sell new Voigtlander lenses, right?

3 hours ago, logan2z said:

Camera West in Walnut Creek is an authorized Leica dealer that sells used Leica gear.  They are owned by the same people who own the Leica Store in San Francisco. 

Great, good to know. I checked the addresses and they are about 23 miles far between each other. No bad. But not sure they sell brand new Voigtlander.

I was checking this lens for example: https://www.camerawest.com/used/leica-90mm-f2-8-elmarit-1683641 Why is so cheap? Iq? Where is the trick! Does it work well on my M10?

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

Wherever you choose, I suggest that you call in advance to describe your needs, to determine realistic opportunities to sample and purchase gear, and to provide time for any logistical issues.  A good dealer will also provide suggestions for other retailers that might have inventory that they do not. 

It totally make sense. Once I know a few options, I'll call and ask for assistance.

 

[logan2z]

1 hour ago, Dennis said:

I was checking this lens for example: https://www.camerawest.com/used/leica-90mm-f2-8-elmarit-1683641 Why is so cheap? Iq? Where is the trick! Does it work well on my M10?

I don't know much about that lens, but the fact that it's about 50 years old may have something do with the low price.  The eBay prices seem to be about the same.

Edited October 4, 2020 by logan2z

[logan2z]

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Not sure how I forgot about Seawood Photo north of San Francisco.  They sell only used gear, but quite a bit of Leica.

https://www.seawood.shop/

There's also Glass Key in San Francisco.  They sell mostly film and darkroom chemistry/paper, but they have a small selection of used cameras/lenses as well.

http://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

[Dennis]

10 minutes ago, logan2z said:

Not sure how I forgot about Seawood Photo north of San Francisco.  They sell only used gear, but quite a bit of Leica.

https://www.seawood.shop/

There's also Glass Key in San Francisco.  They sell mostly film and darkroom chemistry/paper, but they have a small selection of used cameras/lenses as well.

http://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

awesome Logan, great links, thank you! I'll check them out for sure. I appreciate it

[logan2z]

1 hour ago, Dennis said:

awesome Logan, great links, thank you! I'll check them out for sure. I appreciate it

You're welcome.

[farnz]

6 hours ago, Dennis said:

I was checking this lens for example: https://www.camerawest.com/used/leica-90mm-f2-8-elmarit-1683641 Why is so cheap? Iq? Where is the trick! Does it work well on my M10?

Hi Dennis,

That's the version 1 of the 90/2.8 Elmarit, series number:11129, and Leica code word: ELRIM.  They were made from 1959 to 1974 and the serial number 1683641 indicates that it was manufactured in 1959 so it will be from the initial batch.  

Its pictures are likely to have an 'older' look, perhaps a bit lower contrast than the version 2 (1990 to 2007) owing to different lens element coatings that were available at the time, which is likely to be why it has a lower price.  It should still be a good lens if the vendor's remarks about the condition of the glass are correct but it won't be as sharp or have as much contrast as the improved version 2.

Pete.

 

[Dennis]

50 minutes ago, farnz said:

It should still be a good lens if the vendor's remarks about the condition of the glass are correct but it won't be as sharp or have as much contrast as the improved version 2.

 Thank you, Pete, for the information, good to know. Is 6-bit coded? Just kidding 🙂 , I'm learning every day more about the Leica M system, but I don't remember the lenses IQ; never tested any. My references are only the 2.8/35 Biogon and the 50 Cron V ... I know people say they are razor-sharp, clinical sharpening. Modern look. Which is the opposite of this 90. But how low-contrast and how soft can be the image, I have no idea. Any similar look you can share? Does it look like the "old glass" thread? Average like this, or worst? 🤷‍♂️ 

I decided to buy a brand new CV 35mm 1.2 III Asph, which is my goal. But if I find on the way a super bargain, with $1,000 max budget, I'm in. In my dream, it's a 24/3.8 or 21 sem. But not enough money. I know I don't want any 28/35/50 for sure. I could be interested in the 75/90/135 side. I don't like the frame lines on the 90 cause the corners are missing, but I guess after a while, you get used to. 

 

 

[Guest Nowhereman]

Dennis - I don't think it's a great idea to travel to the States now because of the coronavirus situation. Apart form the infection risks at airports and on aircraft, camera stores may not have much in terms of inventory, new or used. Generally, many experts expect that the infection rate will increase this month and the next. If the situation deteriorates, you could also have difficulties in getting back home.

I was to travel by Air France from the States to Paris and Bangkok in mid-September, but I expected that both flights would be cancelled (which they were) and I rebooked for mid-December, although I was skeptical about being able to get into either France or Thailand at that time. Last week, I got an email from Air France stating that the flight to Bangkok has been cancelled. I suspect I may not be able to get back to Thailand until February. Thailand has been limiting entries from abroad to 100 people per pay, including Thais returning home. This is just an example of problems that exist currently. I wouldn't travel to the States now unless I absolutely had to.

If you are interested in used Leica lenses, you can contact Tamarkin, who is a good, reliable dealer. CV lenses are sold by cameraquest.com. There are also reliable sources of used lenses in Japan and Hong Kong, as well as a few other countries, if you seek this out carefully. In the current situation, I would buy at distance, rather than in person.
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[Jeff S]

There may already be restrictions in place (post #4), from Mexico and/or between specific states.  Definitely important to research.  Even then, as noted, changes can happen.

Jeff

[Dennis]

54 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

Definitely important to research.  Even then, as noted, changes can happen.

 

Absolutely. I have a plan, but I still need to know the whole scenario, options, new rules etc. I'm asking, writing emails and waiting before to decide.

1 hour ago, Nowhereman said:

Dennis - I don't think it's a great idea to travel to the States now because of the coronavirus situation. Apart form the infection risks at airports and on aircraft, camera stores may not have much in terms of inventory, new or used. Generally, many experts expect that the infection rate will increase this month and the next. If the situation deteriorates, you could also have difficulties in getting back home.

I was to travel by Air France from the States to Paris and Bangkok in mid-September, but I expected that both flights would be cancelled (which they were) and I rebooked for mid-December, although I was skeptical about being able to get into either France or Thailand at that time. Last week, I got an email from Air France stating that the flight to Bangkok has been cancelled. I suspect I may not be able to get back to Thailand until February. Thailand has been limiting entries from abroad to 100 people per pay, including Thais returning home. This is just an example of problems that exist currently. I wouldn't travel to the States now unless I absolutely had to.

If you are interested in used Leica lenses, you can contact Tamarkin, who is a good, reliable dealer. CV lenses are sold by cameraquest.com. There are also reliable sources of used lenses in Japan and Hong Kong, as well as a few other countries, if you seek this out carefully. In the current situation, I would buy at distance, rather than in person.
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Thank you so much for your reply. It makes total sense what you are saying; I'm still considering the situation ... I'm just collecting info in general , and I'm waiting for a company's response for flight protocols and restrictions.

I know I can buy it on line. But as said before, I can't buy a 24mm w/o having never tried. I want to understand if I need or not a VF because of my photography style and approach. How does it feel like on my hands a handgrip for my M10? Does it work well? I really think I could appreciate an eyecup. But I would love to try it out before. This trip would be my first time ever seeing on site, trying Leica cameras and lenses, gear, and accessories. I want to see it with my own eyes, not online; I want to feel the weight of the glass. And most, I want to enjoy the whole process.   
If everything works out well, it will be a strategic trip, with very cheap flights, two days only, with a great purpose. With all protocols.

I do appreciate your honest opinion, guys. Thank you!