[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

Thanks David,

DS

David Farkas;1811 wrote: Dan,

All ASPH lenses are marked as such on the front of the lens.

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

David,

This forum is a fantastic resource and has proved very helpful in navigating the world of Lica lenses. I was a bit confused by the various versions of the Elmarit-M, but you've cleared that up, so thanks.

I lost two auctions in a row, where a mint versions of the lens sold in excess of $2,200. Deals clearly are few and far between in this market. I finally opted to purchase one in E++ condition for $1,600.

Best,
Dan

David Farkas;1778 wrote: Dan,

First, welcome to Red Dot Forum (and the world of Leica).

The 90mm Elmarit-M (latest) is one of my favorite lenses as well. It's my second most used M lens behind the 50mm Lux ASPH. It's sharp wide open, easy to focus, has great bokeh and a great look overall. Unfortunately, Leica stopped producing this lens in 2006 when they introduced the 90mm f/2.5 Summarit. The Summarit was a half a stop faster, lighter, more compact and cost $500 less. So, away went the Elamrit. Personally, while the Summarit is a fine lens, I always preferred the Elmarit and still use it.

Yes, they used to sell for $900-1000 used a few years ago. Last year the price hit around $2500 for a mint one. Now, the price has settled to $1300-2000. Roger's analysis is very accurate. Older 90m f/2.8 lenses like the Tele-Elmarit “thin” or “fat” sell for $700-800, but these have a different optical design. I'd say if you can find the latest one (with the pull out metal shade) for $1500, I'd jump on it.

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

Thanks Roger,
This is very helpful. The world of Lica can be a bit intimidating and, at times, confounding. I feel better equipped to bid on the lens now.

Best,
Dan

Roger;1775 wrote: Dan

First the 90/2.8 EM is an excellent lens that I use frequently. The M version of the lens (latest ) has the pull out shade and uses a 46mm filter . The used price can vary considerably based on the age and condition of the specific lens. A mint 6 bit coded lens in the silver box will be considered the current model and will sell for over $2000 and can get up over $2500 if its like new. A used older model (white box) without 6 bit and in used condition can still run near $1500 . Occasionally you can find a used lens for a few hundred less.

The prices have increased significantly over the past two years …the good news is that the prices look to hold up well . I found a nice used one and sent it to DAG for 6 bit coding and calibration ..now its one of my favorite lenses.

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]

This has been extremely informative. Thank you all.

Like Josh, I'm a new Lica user, having recently purchased an M9. I've been looking for a good price on a Elmarit f2.8 90mm, and I've been scratching my head, trying to reconcile what I've read on posts about fair prices being under $800 for a mint condition lens, with the sky high prices (over $2,000) I'm seeing now on eBay.

What would you, in this current market, consider a fair price for a used lens as described above?

Dan

Dan

[Dan SackheimNew Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 5 Offline]