Lens versions

PeterL · 03-16-2006

Hi,

I've been looking around for a new lens for my Zorki on eBay for a few days now, and I'm getting confused. For bodies, I can use Cameraquest's serial number page and get an impression of the variations and the production dates. For lenses, I can get a price overview on the Leica Screw Mount Price Guide. But now it seems there's plenty of versions of the lenses too (not unexpectedly) that aren't marked in the Guide. (Additionally, I haven't found a Price Guide yet.)

Here's two "identical" lenses (Summaron 35/f3.5) that even an untrained eye like mine can distinguish immediately:

http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Fortunately, the seller has indicated that lens #1 is a very late model. Now, is it better than the other one ? Will it be more expensive ? I'm all in the dark.

What additional web sites can I consult that show lens and body versions with they're respective expected fetching prices ?

Peter.

PeterL · 03-17-2006

One thing is already clear. With 2 days and 12 hours to go, lens #1 has already fetched €185, whereas lens #2 is only at €39,50. Lens #1 seems rare

scigeek · 03-17-2006

You have to be aware that some lenses are more expensive than others simply because of a rarity value.
There are some Leica lens bargains out there - don't know about Summerons (although if you can buy that lens for under £50 it has to be worth a punt? ), but as an example, M-mount 90mm non=collapsible Elmars in great condition can be had from UK Dealers, with guarantee, from a little over £100.

Jerevan · 03-17-2006

My two-pence worth:

The lenses look quite different - lens number 1 is more akin to an M lens in a LTM barrel, compared to lens number 2 which looks like the "usual" Summaron. And lens 1 seems according to pictures and descriptions to be a Leica lens fondlers' dream.

But don't take my word for it - I am a newbie...

PeterL · 03-17-2006

Let them fondlers fondle the fondler's dreams at their fondler's best. I basically want something small that fits into my coat pocket (otherwise I might as well carry my SLR). I'll probably bid on the regular summaron. Thanks for your help !

Peter.

Mike Kovacs · 03-17-2006

Everything regarding Leica hinges on two things:

1. Rarity
2. Condition

Extremely rare items sell regardless of condition but for the average user (not fondler), a really clean piece becomes ridiculously expensive.

bob cole · 03-17-2006

[quote=PeterL]Hi,

I've been looking around for a new lens for my Zorki on eBay for a few days now, and I'm getting confused. For bodies, I can use Cameraquest's serial number page and get an impression of the variations and the production dates. For lenses, I can get a price overview on the Leica Screw Mount Price Guide. But now it seems there's plenty of versions of the lenses too (not unexpectedly) that aren't marked in the Guide. (Additionally, I haven't found a Price Guide yet.)

Here's two "identical" lenses (Summaron 35/f3.5) that even an untrained eye like mine can distinguish immediately:

http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Fortunately, the seller has indicated that lens #1 is a very late model. Now, is it better than the other one ? Will it be more expensive ? I'm all in the dark.

What additional web sites can I consult that show lens and body versions with they're respective expected fetching prices ?

Peter.[/QUOTE
__________________________________________________ _________________Peter, the serial number of the first lens is 1,639xxx, meaning its the later of the two versions and, according to the seller, is close to mint...Assuming he's correct, it would cost more...The second lens number is 1,158xxx, meaning its an early first version and is in Exc++ condition, the seller says...and, should seller for less than the other...How much you want to pay is up to you...You can check completed listings on Ebay and see what the lens has sold for and decide from there...It's a screw-mount lens and was made from 1946-1960, so the early ones are old and the later ones are old...It was also made in a bayonet model between 1954 and 1960 and for the M3 came with bugeyes...I hope that helps...bob

PeterL · 03-17-2006

Bob,
Thanks for your explanation. I've found a few web sites that give the production dates of the Summaron, but none mentions that there's these two very different versions, hence my question. But you're right: I'll follow a few items then decide what I want to spend.

Thanks,

Peter.

laptoprob · 03-17-2006

Peter, the later variety may indeed be a very rare one. It looks very slick! Like it a lot, but not that price much!
Optically they may be similar.
You might also want to check out the 35mm Elmar. Looks like a 50mm collapsed, the ultimate pancake. Smaller is impossible.

John Shriver · 03-17-2006

Yeah, the pricey one is the much later one that takes E39 filters, and is a lot rarer. The cheaper one is the common version, takes A36 (clamp-on) filters. In lesser condition, it's a dandy user lens. (Both of these are in pretty much collector condition, from a seller who has a good reputation.)

If you want really pricey, try a screw mount 35/2.8 Summaron.

PeterL · 03-17-2006

Hi,

Rob, I've had an Elmar slip through my hands earlier this week. Somebody outbid me by a substantial amount and the lens ended above the prices mentioned on the LTM price guide. I'm using that as a reference, and I'm updating it as I go with recently closed yaBe sales. I've also bid on a Summitar 50/f2, which also ended above the high price and was one of the 2 most expensive Summitars sold lately. Now I understand what they mean with "time is money"

No rush here. Worst case, there's a large photo trade&swap meet in Berchem (near Antwerp) on April 9th. The fondler's dream

"So this is a real Luftwaffe Leica-iii ? Oops, did I just drop that ?"

Peter.

PeterL · 03-20-2006

Hi,

The recent lens ended up being sold for $425 (!), the other one for $210 (€172,12), whereas in the meantime I've picked up a Summaron in very similar condition for €153. Time to run to the bank to pay, and then for the big Wait

Peter.

Meleica · 03-20-2006

Leica Screw Mount Lens Info and Price Guide

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/c.htm

Dan