The camera purchase | classic Leica lenses using the example
Long before the concept of sustainability was coined, Leica M cameras and their legendary lenses were lasting values that were passed on from generation to generation.
One advantage of the Leica M system is the " Downward compatibility ”of the Leica M bayonet, ie the basic usability of Leica M lenses from a long tradition also on modern Leica cameras with digital recording sensors. A current digital Leica M10 can therefore be wonderfully combined with a classic Leica lens from 1954.
When assessing the purchase price of classic Leica lenses, properties such as year of manufacture, serial numbers, special items, accessories, design, colors and painting, etc. decisive for the price. A good overall condition up to the "collector's condition" has a clear value-increasing effect. The serial numbers can be used to determine the model, type and age; only a detailed research enables a serious price assessment.
Leica M Summicron 35mm 2.0 “King of Bokeh”
Basically, Leica lenses have always met the highest quality standards at the level of the respective development stage. Of course, the sharpness and contrast of classic lenses cannot be compared with the significantly improved imaging performance of modern, current Leica lenses. But many M lenses allow shots with a special, unmistakable character that still distinguishes these models today and makes them sought-after specimens on the second-hand market.
One of these popular lens classics is, for example, the Leica M Summicron 35mm 2.0 “King of Bokeh ” with its special implementation of the blur area.
Sind die Originalverpackung und Papiere vorhanden?
Ist die Fokussierung leichtgängig oder ist die Schmierung verhärtet?
Sind Gegenlichtblende und Objektivdeckel vorhanden?
Sind die Originalverpackung und Papiere vorhanden?
Ist die Fokussierung leichtgängig oder ist die Schmierung verhärtet?
Sind Gegenlichtblende und Objektivdeckel vorhanden?
Rare Leica Noctilux 1.2 Aspherical
Among the classic Leica M lenses, the Leica Noctilux 50mm 1.2 shown below is certainly one of the particularly rare and sought-after pieces. In the range of Leica lenses that has grown over the decades, there are always such outstanding "rarities" with only small quantities, pre-series and prototypes, special serial numbers, colors and varnishes, special editions. Or lenses with a special imaging behavior that is typical for the respective lens.
Frei von Trübungen (Nebel), Glaspilz? Frei von Kratzern und Putzspuren?
Frei von sichtbarem Öl auf den Blendenlamellen, guter Allgemeinzustand (rostfrei)?
Anhand der Seriennummer lassen sich Modell, Art und Alter ermitteln
Frei von Trübungen (Nebel), Glaspilz? Frei von Kratzern und Putzspuren?
Frei von sichtbarem Öl auf den Blendenlamellen, guter Allgemeinzustand (rostfrei)?
Anhand der Seriennummer lassen sich Modell, Art und Alter ermitteln
Leica Summicron 35mm 2.0 - Made in Wetzlar, Germany - SAWOM 11308
Leica Summicron 35mm 2.0 - Made in Wetzlar, Germany - SAWOM 11308 in age-appropriate good condition with traces of normal, careful handling and use and storage over the long years.
... erreichen im "Sammlerzustand" besonders hohe Werte.
Besonders wertvoll in perfektem äußerlichen Zustand und technisch einwandfrei.
... erreichen im "Sammlerzustand" besonders hohe Werte.
Besonders wertvoll in perfektem äußerlichen Zustand und technisch einwandfrei.
Manche ältere Leica Objektive erhielten nachträglich eine 6-Bit-Codierung.
Im Rahmen der 6-Bit-Nachrüstung erhielten die Objektive ein neues Bajonett.
Manche ältere Leica Objektive erhielten nachträglich eine 6-Bit-Codierung.
Im Rahmen der 6-Bit-Nachrüstung erhielten die Objektive ein neues Bajonett.
Basic information on buying Leica lenses
Leica lenses - especially for the Leica M - always have a value.
Typical abnormalities:
- The lenses of lenses are cemented together. The adhesive decomposes over the years and forms a clouding (fog) in the interstices of some lenses, usually consisting of many hundreds of milky, cloudy, white tiny dots, distributed over large parts of the glass surfaces inside the lens. Above all, unfavorable storage in high humidity or with strongly changing temperatures, e.g. under the roof on a stage, accelerate the decomposition process.
- With older lenses, the focus can be "tight" or too easy. While in the first case the lubrication has hardened, in the second case the lubrication has "evaporated over time. By cleaning and lubricating the focus worm (worm gear), the focusing can be made smoothly workable again.
- The same applies to the Aperture ring, here too a lack of lubrication can impair the aperture setting. Oil on the aperture blades is another observation with older lenses.
- Storing in traditional leather cases is often the cause of problems, the leather attracts moisture due to the material and forms an unfavorable "microclimate". Condensation in the lens system and even glass fungus are consequently frequent storage damage to lenses.