Save Money With these Used Leica Lenses
- What Are Leica Lenses Worth?
- MPB Used Photographic Equipment
- Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph
- Leica 35mm f/3.5 Summaron
- Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Asph
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
- Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 VM Ultra Wide Heliar IIv
- 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Lens
- What Is a Rangefinder Camera?
- The Most Versatile Focal Length
Leica cameras are meant to be used with Leica lenses. In fact, for many photographers, using Leica lenses is the sole reason for having a Leica camera.
There are three main 35mm format divisions for Leica lenses, based on what camera they’ll be mounted on. The Leica S2 medium format camera takes its own set of lenses, being a larger format than 35mm Full Frame.
In 35mm Full Frame format, there are Leica M lenses for their rangefinder cameras, Leica R lenses for their SLRs, and Leica SL lenses for the mirrorless cameras partnered with Panasonic.
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What Are Leica Lenses Worth?
What are Leica lenses worth?
Something you will quickly notice about Leica lenses and cameras is that they tend to be rather expensive. For those wanting the highest quality cameras and lenses, higher prices are just what gets paid for these fine imaging tools.
One way to save money on Leica lenses is to shop for them on the used market. You will want to choose a used dealer that takes good care of its customers and has assurances for providing good quality equipment.
MPB Used Photographic Equipment
I have come to favor the used camera experts at MPB for my used camera and lens purchases for a couple of big reasons.
One, they grade the gear they sell so you know the precise condition of it. Is it Like-New? Excellent? Good? Each item is clearly marked, so you know what to expect when it comes in the mail.
The second big reason is that MPB provides a 6-month warranty on most items they sell. MPB also has a no-fuss 7-day return policy on your purchases. So, it’s my choice on where to find used Leica lenses that are in excellent condition and won’t cost nearly as much as brand new Leica lenses.
Let’s look at what’s in their current inventory of used Leica lenses for M-mount, R-mount, and SL-mount. Since their inventory of Leica lenses will vary quite a bit based on what is available, some of the links to follow will take you to a placeholder page which will let you see what’s currently on hand.
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Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M Asph
Among the fastest lenses ever produced are the Noctilux M-mount normal focal length prime lenses. The original ultrafast Leica lenses from E. Leitz were at an f-stop of f/1.2, quickly replaced with an f-stop of f/1.0, which was outstanding. The current lens is now f/0.95, a number that almost sounds like science fiction, but it’s real.
Accurately focusing an ultrafast lens is a job that the Leica M rangefinder cameras are superbly designed for. The superimposed bright line double image is quick, unambiguous, and extremely accurate.
The lens is big and heavy, especially when mounted on a Leica M camera, but it is also super sharp. The aspherical elements help the lens produce superior sharpness at all apertures and deliver bokeh that is out of this world.
Brand-new, these Leica lenses will set you back almost $13,000, but a like-new condition used example is a little less than $9,000, only $8,809. Only! I told you Leica lenses were expensive, but this Noctilux is a specialty lens, so the pricing is understandably high.
Leica 35mm f/3.5 Summaron
The 35mm focal length is considered an alternative normal focal length, especially amongst rangefinder camera aficionados. The humble maximum aperture of these Leica lenses, namely f/3.5, keeps this lens as one of the most compact of all the Leica lenses.
It is extremely sharp, has excellent contrast, and a used example in excellent condition is currently running only $719.00 at MPB.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Asph
Photographers shooting on the new L-mount mirrorless Leica cameras will enjoy the versatility, sharpness, and reliability of the Vario Elmarit series of zoom Leica lenses.
The lens has a fast maximum aperture at the short end of f/2.8, and a like-new version will cost about $4,199 as opposed to the $5,595 that brand new Leica lenses cost.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
Leica lenses in L-mount for Full Frame mirrorless also can be found by third-party manufacturers.
Sigma telephoto zoom lenses are sharp and rugged while also having great balance when mounted on the new L-mount cameras. A like-new condition lens is only $854.00.
Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 VM Ultra Wide Heliar II
It’s not very fast with a maximum aperture of f/5.6, but the Voigtlander ultra-wide Leica lenses are virtually distortion-free. For users of the M-mount rangefinder cameras, this lens captures 121 degrees of scenery and can be found in excellent condition for $499.00.
Finding Leica lenses used at a reputable store such as MPB is a great way to save money on these amazing photographic tools. Browse their selection today to see for yourself!
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