Does anyone know where I should call about finding a nice 4th version 35mm summicron? What should I expect to invest in one? Thamks for the advice.

-- Bill Mathis (ABmathis@home.com), March 01, 2002

Answers

I like dealing with Don Chatterton. Here's a link:

YE LINK

Don knows what he's talking about, the equipment is as described, and the delivery is very fast by FedX. His prices are also very fair.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), March 01, 2002.

There is one on ebay that appears to be a nice late one from Germany.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=1335947449&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1015084338&indexURL =0&rd=1

caveat emptor of course. Best luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), March 01, 2002.

Another one on ebay. There was another one as well but the guy wanted $795 to start the bidding.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1335763878

I have one of these pre aspheric summicron lenses. I think my 35 aspheric lux is slightly sharper at 2.0 but the pre aspheric cron is so nice to carry and use and it doesn't give up very much. Best luck!

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), March 01, 2002.

There's always Jim Kuehl, and eBay is a good source for lenses. I got my v.4 35mm off eBay and paid 575 usd shipping and all from a guy in Canada, it had a few minor specks inside and that seemed to deter the bidding up. Otherwise it's pretty clean.

BTW is your @home account is still functional?

-- Dave Doyle (soilsouthlessspam@cox.net), March 02, 2002.

I paid $650 for one where the lettering around the front element had been 'improved' with a black felt marker - which didn't bother me since I wanted a user. I would say $750+/- US is fair for excellent (not mint/like new) but you could hope to do better with the right find.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), March 02, 2002.

I paid UK£699 for a near mint example just last week.

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), March 02, 2002.

Yes, back in 1996 when they were still current I picked up a mint, passported secondhand 4th for £400, the going rate in the UK is now £6-700. I now have a well used (but definitely better made) 3rd version (£425 2 years ago).

Wide open I was severely un-impressed with the 4th.

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), March 02, 2002.