Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/11/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]When translated into US$ at the current way-too-strong 125yen/$ (IMHO; I'm basically an importer of US-made products, and the weaker yen wreaks havoc on my margins), new and newish-used Leica equipment is a downright bargain in Japan right now. New M6 bodies can be had for 190,000-200,000 yen ($1,500-1,600). I bought a new 50mm Summicron recently for 78,000 yen ($624), a new 35mm Summicron for 108,000 ($864), and a minty '94 vintage 90mm Summicron for 100,000 yen ($800). I've seen minty 21mm Elmarits (non-Asph) for 140,000 yen ($1,120) and am pining. The only mystery to me is that 135mm Tele-Elmars are very few and kind of pricey----I've been scouting them for a while and haven't seen any under 78,000 yen ($624) . These prices look cheap compared to advertised US prices, but from what I gather those of you who frequent the shows and swap meets in the US often pay less for used equipment. And this price advantage only lasts as long as the yen stays weak. Translate the yen prices at 90 yen/$ and it's a different story. Don't know how soon we're going to see the yen below 100/$ though.... Older used Leica is another story. It's difficult to find anything below exc+ condition, so it's still more a collectors' than users' market. I haven't seen an M2 or M3 below 120,000 yen ($960); 160,000 yen and up is pretty common. M5s are hot now and rarely sell for less than 200,000 yen ($1,920). On the other hand, it's kind of nice not being able to spit without hitting a vintage M body that looks like it just came out of the box. And despite the apparent current market weakness, it helps put bread on the Moss, Gandy and etc tables. Later, PB=20 On 18 Nov 97 12:22:00 GMT, jeremy.kime@bbc.co.uk (Jeremy Kime) wrote: > In corresponding with a Japanese guy he mentioned that the new price = of an=20 >M6 in Japan was 1000GBP, around $1500 USD. > >He wrote, >> I feel it so strange,old Leicas are expensive in Japan,the latest = models >>are less expensive. >>Last year I bought used M6 with Sumicron 50mmF2 colaposible at 720UKP!! >>(It was a real bargain price!!) > >So I suppose it all depends on what we're looking for as to where the = prices=20 >are cheapest. > >Jem K > > Paul C. Brodek/Trek Japan E-mail: pcb@iac.co.jp Tel: 078-413-6606 (Int'l: 81-78-413-6606) =46ax: 078-413-6606 (Int'l: 81-78-413-6607)