Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/08/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]i just counted 22 leica lenses and not a one was purchased new. of these, a 50 summicron was hazy and needed cleaning, a 560 6.8 had a stiff sliding focus, and a 135 elmarit eyes needed adjustment. maybe i've been lucky, but by sticking to the regular gang of leica dealers, KEH, and the LUG itself, things have worked out pretty well. heck, i've even got stuff thru eb*y and these transactions were good. as ex-post rationalization, i'd guess leica equipment is very well made, and that the people who own them tend to be responsible users. coincidentally, the 28 elmarit was one of my very first used purchases, probably close to 20 years ago from one of those dealers in the back of the then-big-and-raggy shutterbug. the 28 was and is a great lens, which i don't use so much these days because most of my bodies have .92 and .85 finders. -rei On Aug25 11:41, Aaron Sandler wrote: > Hmmmm...my experience, while perhaps more limited, has been very different > from yours, Chris. > > I own 3 Leica lenses, all used, all bought from real people, all very > satisfying. I would not have been able to afford them new, so that wasn't > a consideration, but even if I could afford it, I can't imagine spending > the significant extra $$$$ to get new ones...let someone else take the hit > of buying the new lenses, I say. > > I do agree with trying to buy from someone who bought the lens new and > babied it, if possible... > > Best, > Aaron > > > >Jeff, > > > >After a few years of buying and using used Leica lenses my advice has > >become: > > > >Buy new whenever possible (the extra cost in each case has been worth > >while in the long run) > > > >Don't buy used unless you have an evaluation period (which includes > >running a few rolls and/or sending it to Sherry even if it "looks" good. > > > >Only buy used from original owners or experts like Sherry. > > > >So the brand isn't necessarily the most important issue regarding > >quality. And A satisfying lens is priceless. > > > >Chris > > > >BTW I'm in the same boat looking for a newer 28mm. I'm reaching for > >the > >28/2, see how close I get! -- Rei Shinozuka shino@panix.com Ridgewood, New Jersey