[Leica] Summilux vs Summicron

[bdcolen at earthlink.net (B. D. Colen)]

I'm with you, Vick, on your comment about the new Summilux...I caught
some grief here a while back when I commented on the same thing, because
it was noted that one report does not a real problem make...But we are
now hearing more people comment on mechanical problems with this lens. I
agree that when a new body comes out, particularly a Leica body with new
electronics, it's not surprising to find some problems, especially as
Leica doesn't seem to 'get' electronics. But when they bring out a new
version of a 50 1.4 - for $2500! - and it has mechanical problems, it's
just another indication that the company in Solms is not our fathers'
Leica.... 

-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of
Vick Ko
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 7:37 PM
To: 'Leica Users Group'
Subject: RE: [Leica] Summilux vs Summicron


I try always to buy used, to move down the depreciation curve.

I have only ever bought three items new and the third was in trade for
an item that I wanted to sell.  (M6 non-TTL, now sold; Noctilux - I'll
keep it always and pass it down to my son when I "leave", and an MP -
received in trade for a lens, some day I'll get around to either using
it or selling it).

On the down side, I never get to have something the first year it is
out, but it is worth the wait.  I also then get to read all about the
teething pains.

I'm actually quite surprised that the 50f1.4 ASPH, which is merely a
mechanical item, is experiencing teething pains.  I fully expect the
electronic items (M6, MP, M7, R8, R9, upcoming digi-backs) to suffer
teething pains.  But a lens, which is no more than glass elements,
mounts, iris and the focusing helix, should be flawless from the Solm's
factory.

regards,
Vick
.



-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+vick.ko=sympatico.ca@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+vick.ko=sympatico.ca@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of
B. D. Colen
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 6:52 PM
To: 'Leica Users Group'
Subject: RE: [Leica] Summilux vs Summicron


That used to be the beauty, Vic. But alas, with the dying of film, it is
no longer true. While Leica equipment may hold its value better than
most film equipment, it is no longer holding it the way it did even a
year ago. M6 TTLs purchased for $1995 were selling for about $1450 in
near mint condition - now they're down to about $1150 - if you're lucky-
and used M7s, which are now selling for, what, around $2800, are only
worth approximately 50% of their new priced once they've been driven off
the lot. So if you're going to invest $2500 in a 50 1.4 lens, you damn
well better love that lens. ;-)
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