jaydee56 Posted May 9, 2022 Share #1 Posted May 9, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I’m looking for a Summicron 35mm King of bokeh lens for my husband as a gift, preferably with a full box. I understand that its all a hype but he really wanted this for a long time and I want to get it for him since it’s a special occasion. I see that the price is somewhere around 3000 for a somewhat mint condition but what would you consider as a good deal with the current price range? I found a local person selling his and asked for 2800 with the hood and box- thank you! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 9, 2022 Posted May 9, 2022 Hi jaydee56, Take a look here Good price from Summicron 35mm f/2.0 v4. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stray cat Posted May 10, 2022 Share #2 Posted May 10, 2022 Hi Jaydee, I expect others will chime in here with their own views. I own the lens in question and agree that it is an outstanding lens. I guess the thing to consider is that brand new 35mm asph summicrons are not really all that much more than the prices you've been quoting. However the "king of bokeh" reputation of this lens will just not go away, and therefore I'd expect the price to keep rising. I use mine for film exclusively, and it may be that the asph versions might be better suited for digital if that's what your husband does. Others will be able to comment more knowledgeably about that. However I think the prices you've quoted seem about right for a mint copy of the version IV 35mm Summicron. If it were me, I'd ensure that it is in mint condition. Another thing to look for is whether it's made in Germany or Canada. As far as I know the performance is identical in either case, however the German copies always seem to attract a premium price and I doubt that this would change. Also, although it might push the price up a bit, I'd advise buying from a store with a stellar reputation, such as Leica Shop Vienna or Tamarkin (I note they have a Canadian version currently in stock) in the USA. There are others and a quick search should reveal who's trusted and who to potentially avoid. Good luck with your search and please do report back on how it all goes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarav Posted May 10, 2022 Share #3 Posted May 10, 2022 That price is in the low range. A mint copy with box is normally over 3500, silver ones over 4500. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 10, 2022 Share #4 Posted May 10, 2022 Just a general remark: these lenses are old and even if they are in excellent condition it is always wise to have them professionally cleaned and lubricated before use. Be also aware that the focus may be slightly off for use on a digital camera, as they were built for use on film. Personally I would consider the slightly higher price at a reputable dealer well spent, there is always a risk in buying used gear privately, unless one is fairly expert. Prices around 3000$ For mint examples sound about right to me. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted May 10, 2022 Share #5 Posted May 10, 2022 Which currency are we talking about? USD? GBP? Euro? Australian Dollars? ANOther currency? Could make a big difference to the decision and discussion Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted May 10, 2022 Share #6 Posted May 10, 2022 (edited) Within the last year, I paid US $3000 to a US Leica dealer for a Canadian V4, black, in near mint condition. It had just come back from Weztlar with a fresh CLA. I would call that "full price" and not a bargain. But, I'm thrilled with the lens and very glad to own it. Edited May 10, 2022 by Danner 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calijax Posted May 10, 2022 Share #7 Posted May 10, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) What a great wife! Kudos! I own this lens and paid $3000 for an excellent (slightly customized) version with caps, hood, and filter (no box). I think $3000 is good for user copy with accessories and expect to pay $3500 for a mint version, complete. I own several 35s....the v4 is my favorite because of its diminutive size (not its bokeh) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted May 10, 2022 Share #8 Posted May 10, 2022 And your husband doesn’t read the forum? Jeff 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Michel Posted May 10, 2022 Share #9 Posted May 10, 2022 I have no idea of where you reside, but in any case, contact a reputable Leica dealer nearest to you and tel them what you are looking for — this lens, or anything else — and let them find it for you. You may pay a little bit more, but it may well be with it. If you ara looking in Canada, Leica Boutique at Camtecphoto would be such a choice; many other excellent dealers are also availabe . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted May 10, 2022 Share #10 Posted May 10, 2022 Tamarkin has a Canadian version (Ex+) for $3250. http://www.tamarkin.com/products/m-series/lenses Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaydee56 Posted May 10, 2022 Author Share #11 Posted May 10, 2022 Hi all, thanks so much for your kind words and advice! I live in the US, so looking for USD I don't think he is on this forum - he doesn't speak English well, so mostly on other websites. I saved up for a while for this so wanted to get thoughts from the experts! He does only use film cameras he inherited from his father - mostly m6 these days. I will definitely look into Tamarkin - might be better to pay a bit more and have peace of mind. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted May 10, 2022 Share #12 Posted May 10, 2022 "might be better to pay a bit more and have peace of mind" Yes. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocean2059 Posted May 10, 2022 Share #13 Posted May 10, 2022 There is one available here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1755970. The asking price is $2,250 USD. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted May 10, 2022 Share #14 Posted May 10, 2022 1 hour ago, ocean2059 said: There is one available here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1755970. The asking price is $2,250 USD. I would ask when DAG serviced the lens, and whether it’s within his typical 6 month written warranty following repair. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hayley.K Posted May 11, 2022 Share #15 Posted May 11, 2022 i recommend you to buy germany version if you use $3000usd to find it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted May 13, 2022 Share #16 Posted May 13, 2022 On 5/10/2022 at 2:45 PM, jaydee56 said: I will definitely look into Tamarkin - might be better to pay a bit more and have peace of mind. It has sold. To you? Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Michel Posted May 13, 2022 Share #17 Posted May 13, 2022 In addition to Tamarkin, in the USA, you could contact the Leica Miami store. They operate the red dot forum website and have a YouTube channel and their advice is spot-on. I have no direct experience with them as I am in Canada and am most happy dealing with Camtecphoto in Montreal. They probably have customers in the US too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted May 14, 2022 Share #18 Posted May 14, 2022 8 hours ago, Jean-Michel said: In addition to Tamarkin, in the USA, you could contact the Leica Miami store. They operate the red dot forum website and have a YouTube channel and their advice is spot-on. I have no direct experience with them as I am in Canada and am most happy dealing with Camtecphoto in Montreal. They probably have customers in the US too. I mentioned Tamarkin only because they had one in stock. Miami did not… I checked their inventory before posting. But Josh, who runs the used inventory, can certainly accept requests to be on the watch. I called him one Friday back in 2017 to put my name on a watch list for a mint M9 Monochrom. He called me the following Monday morning to ask if I wanted one that had just come back that day from Germany with a new sensor and full service. I still have it. There are other reputable Leica dealers, big and small, that are worth checking. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve.chang Posted May 31, 2023 Share #19 Posted May 31, 2023 On 5/14/2022 at 12:05 AM, Jeff S said: I mentioned Tamarkin only because they had one in stock. Miami did not… I checked their inventory before posting. But Josh, who runs the used inventory, can certainly accept requests to be on the watch. I called him one Friday back in 2017 to put my name on a watch list for a mint M9 Monochrom. He called me the following Monday morning to ask if I wanted one that had just come back that day from Germany with a new sensor and full service. I still have it. There are other reputable Leica dealers, big and small, that are worth checking. Jeff I dealt with Josh (Leica Miami) and Dan (Tamarkin). Both were excellent gentlemen to work with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GFW2-SCUSA Posted May 31, 2023 Share #20 Posted May 31, 2023 Leica Miami just listed one with box etc and recent Leica Wetzlar CLA for $4,995. USD . I suspect it is like new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.