Asad Shah 
, Jul 30, 2008; 07:27 a.m.
I started loving Leica rangefinders about 12 years ago, and once I really started understanding the system I realized I
like to shoot with a 35mm lens. I just liked the amount of image I could capture with that focal length, and when I
had bought my first pre-asph cron I noticed that I never needed another lens. It stayed on my M6 at all times and
that was that. Its a decade later and at some point through college that camera system was sold due to being broke
in college (in part due to that camera). I can finally own and actuall afford a Leica now so I got an M6 again and am
looking to buy a 35mm lens. I have always been told and have read about the incredible ASPH 35mm LUX and now
have the opportunity to purchase a black one used for $2k. My reason for posting is this: Is that a good price?
With lenses
like the Voigtlander f1.4 and f1.2 out is the LUX still the BEST on the market, and if you could buy a used LUX ASPH
for $2k or a new Voigtlander for far less, what would you do? I have read some of the threads out there stating and
showing the Voigtlander lens performance as quite impressive. Any thoughts would be appreciated. For clarification
this is not the 6-bit version. Can someone also explain if that makes a huge difference in price. I am assuming I can
still use it on the M8 if I ever buy one.
Asad Shah , Jul 30, 2008; 08:18 a.m.
Since posting this message I have done some research and have found that quality wise I amgoing to stick with the Leica brand lens. I would still like to know from the group though what is a good price for a used version of this lens? It is a black Leica 35mm f1.4 ASPH non 6-bit lens. The condition is described as very good with very slight barrel wear and on the front element he mentions 2 pin point (NOT pin head...only pin point) dings that are not visible by the naked eye. He only noted them on viewing with a 10x loupe. There is no effect on image quality. Comes with caps and hood. How much should I expect to pay for this lens?
John Gleason 
, Jul 30, 2008; 08:32 a.m.
"How much should I expect to pay for this lens?"
Here's one standard source for estimating prices for Leica lenses:
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/a.htm
(Note that many of these prices are currently on the low side, largely because of the fall of the US $.)
You can also check the inventory of online camera stores (say, KEH, PopFlash, etc.) as well as completed eBay
lisitngs.
Michael DiMarzio 
, Jul 30, 2008; 09:16 a.m.
Hi Asad, the answer is usually see what this lens is selling for on fleabay, KEH, etc. But there really hasn't been many for sale. I paid a few hundred more for one that was babied, coded, and no marks in the description. Not being coded isn't an issue on an M camera. Going by your description, KEH offers about $1100 for it to purchase.
OT, Zeiss has been making Biogons for a long time, the 35/2.0 is a pretty nice lens, but I was enamored of the legend of the ASPH, so I shelled out the money.
Paul A. - Los Angeles, CA. , Jul 30, 2008; 10:05 a.m.
Average pre-owned price $2100+/-. I bought mine mint, complete - leather case, certs, box, caps, hood -- $2150 and do not regret the purchase in the least. Quality built, small form factor (relative), ergonomics, glass -- easy choice here if you have the $. They are now $4000 new. Ten years from now you will look at it as one of your best investments IMHO.
Asad Shah , Jul 30, 2008; 10:35 a.m.
I checked KEH, old fleaBAY auctions, B+H used, the above mentoned AOL site, and just my experience over the years of what I've seen out there. It looks like this one is priced at about the right place. The reason I asked the question was that some places on photo.net people had mentioned that one could be picked up in good shape for $1200-1800. I haven't seen any in this range and wanted to make sure before shelling out out $2k. thanks for the replies.
David W. Griffin , Jul 30, 2008; 10:59 a.m.
Just out of curiosity, why are you not considering the 35/2 ASPH Summicron? Do you need the extra stop? Granted the price is probably not too different.
Richard Bud , Jul 30, 2008; 11:13 a.m.
Regardless of the price "2 pin point (NOT pin head...only pin point) dings " signifies that the lens was abused at some point in its life and took a hit without a UV filter being present. Even though $2K is a very good price for this lens, the fact that the price is low signifies that the lens is damaged. Find another example.
The 35mm Lux ASPH is a fabulous lens. I have one and would never part with it.-Dick
Asad Shah , Jul 30, 2008; 11:14 a.m.
I've seen mint condition 35mm F2 ASPH lenses available at about $1500-$1800. I have used that lens before and I
liked it a lot, but I like to sometimes take pics at night with streetlights in the background. From everything I have
read the lux was meant for that sort of stuff. I like the size of the Cron better as it would fit in my medium snout
Kameraleder case with its hood on, but the Lux probably wont fit with its hood on. Any one know that for sure?
AND on that note, thanks to all who replied. I bought it this morning. Will have it in a few days. Woohoo!
Asad Shah , Jul 30, 2008; 11:21 a.m.
I wont deny I am a bit concerned about the pinpoint defects he is telling me about. But, I do plan on using the lens and not trying to resell it. The seller seems to be a decent person with a good feedback profile and he sounds like an honest person on the phone. I suppose in this case I have to just trust the guy that what he is telling me is accurate and he states that the size is so small that he could not tell they were there until viewing with a 10x loupe. That is pretty small. As long as it doesnt affect the image quality, and as long as they truly are near invisible to the naked eye, then I can live with that. If it turns out to be much worse...well I will just stay positive and hope thats not the case. I will keep you posted. The alternative is ...pay $4k for a new one....I think that would bother me more than 2 pinpoint specs on the front element.
