Summilux-M 35mm FLE New vs. Pre-Owned

[nuc001]

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Hi everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma...I’m looking at getting a Summilux-M 35mm FLE and am having trouble deciding whether to go with a brand new one or pre-owned. 
 

Brand new with 2 years warranty is around $850 more than pre-owned. The pre-owned one only comes with original hood and back cap...has no box, leather case, hood ring etc. Also the lens was made in 2012 and looks well-used. Optics seem to be fine though from the pictures. 
 

Should I save a bit or just go with a new one? 
 

Thanks. 

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[a.noctilux]

hello nuc001,

you would have answers in the two camps 😇.

I can't even try as in decades I was in the two camps depending on so many things.

 

I can say that if you hesitate to buy the second hand one, you would have difficulty to sell it after buying, if you change your mind.

Another camp is how the $850 can be used  ?

[lct]

My dealer returned two copies for stiff focusing before delivering my new one and the lens can also rattle at the level of the aperture ring so i would not buy another copy w/o trying it in person or w/o a solid warranty. Second hand with no warranty would then be a no no for me unless you can try it before hand and see.  

[evikne]

I was lucky and got a used 35 FLE last year for only USD 3600. It was like brand new, with everything included, and a UV filter had always been attached. Paying for a new lens would have been completely wasted, because this one was just as good.

But I would hesitate to buy something that looked well used, even if it worked properly, and especially if something was missing. If I couldn't afford a new one, I would have waited until I found a better copy.

But that's just me. The most important thing is of course that everything works as it should.

[wda]

Buying a new lens carries a greater chance of having future problems resolved.

[Kwesi]

Hi Nuc,

For just 850 price difference, the second hand one should come with at least 90% of its original packaging and the remainder of the manufacturer's warranty.

In other words the lens should be in no less than "demo" condition.

Hang in there, they are easy to find

[Jeff S]

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Either way, I would buy only from a reputable Leica dealer, with warranty and return policy.  Personally , I would buy new or find a better used version.  But it's the pics that matter.

Jeff

 

[Tp2000]

I picked up a used FLE from Red Dot Cameras in London - absolutely perfect condition for around £3300. For comparison, new in UK they are around £4300. 

Given the missing bits, I'd say you're paying over the odds for the used one, similar to what @Kwesi says. 

Hang in there - I find that they tend to come up every few months or so.....

(if you are in the UK, there is one used at the moment at London Camera Exchange, or Robert Caplan has around 10% of a new one as part of their closing down sale)

 

[thatkatmat]

I waited and waited and couldn't find a deal like some others here so I just bought new...I surely wouldn't pay just $850 less for the condition you describe. Either wait for a listing for a "like new with box and everything that would come with it new" or buy new. Just my .02

 

Edited January 8, 2021 by thatkatmat

[LocalHero1953]

In general for a M lens I would always go for the second hand version in order to get a better price, which will not reduce much if you resell it. It has no electronics to go wrong. I would get it from a reputable source though, where you can trust the description, or inspect it first. I'm not worried by cosmetics as long as it is mechanically and optically sound - cosmetic wear is an opportunity to get a bargain in my book. 

That said, $850 discount from new looks a bit expensive to me. I would pick a new one over this one, but I'd prefer to look for a cheaper used one. 

[RayD28]

I just did a quick search for used 35 FLE's in the USA at a few reputable dealers and didn't see any for sale.  eBay has a couple but the prices were about as high as OP's used option.  Popflash has a silver "Demo" model (really new in sealed box) for $600 off list.  No blacks in stock.  

[LocalHero1953]

FWIW I sold my 35 FLE on ebay last summer for £2653, compared to the new price of £4125. Mine was complete with everything it was sold with new, but had some cosmetic wear (I had it for 8-9 years from new). That price was much more than I was offered by a couple of dealers (£1750-£2000). So $850 less than new price for a bare lens is pretty poor value IMO.

Edited January 9, 2021 by LocalHero1953

[Lelmer]

22 hours ago, nuc001 said:

Hi everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma...I’m looking at getting a Summilux-M 35mm FLE and am having trouble deciding whether to go with a brand new one or pre-owned. 
 

Brand new with 2 years warranty is around $850 more than pre-owned. The pre-owned one only comes with original hood and back cap...has no box, leather case, hood ring etc. Also the lens was made in 2012 and looks well-used. Optics seem to be fine though from the pictures. 
 

Should I save a bit or just go with a new one? 
 

Thanks. 

Way too expensive, IMO. Unless you need it urgently, be patient and look for another opportunity.

[nuc001]

Hi everyone,

Firstly thank you for all the replies. Sorry I've been so busy over the weekend so didn't have time to check until today. 

I did go and have a look at the secondhand lens in question on Saturday. Cosmetically it looked better than in the product pictures, but yes, it only came with the lens, attached hood, hood cap and back cap, which was somewhat lacking. The aperture ring also turned a bit further than F1.4 and made a clicking sound like ball bearings hitting something metallic  (I have heard that this is normal but have not had a chance to check with another lens). 

This was, however, the lens with the cheapest price I've found here in Thailand, after looking for one for the past 10 months, at around 3,500USD. Not that many 35 Summilux FLEs come to the secondhand market (around 1 every 1-2 months) and they normally go for around 4,375USD. However, I should also clarify that the new one I've been looking at is also priced at around 4,375USD from a reputable dealer who normally deals with limited editions and rare lenses, also lots of Qs and Q2s. I am not sure how he can manage to sell it at that price, whilst the price in the Leica store in Bangkok is 6,250USD. 

I probably should go with the new one. Maybe I should ask the dealer for the serial number just incase.