[Leica] To Keep or Not to Keep a Leica 1.4/75 M-Summilux

[buzz.hausner at verizon.net (Buzz Hausner)]

Thanks for the clarification, Didier.  As someone whose favorite lens is
the 75 Summilux, I am reluctant to recommend it to anyone because most
people who have used it seem to reject it, rejecting it for very good
reasons; size, weight, odd focal length, inadequate frame lines and, of
course, enormous price.  I am pleased to find you another 75 Summilux
aficionado.

I have used both early and recent 75 Summiluxes and always find the
quality of their pictures indistinguishable.  As to build quality, I
have never needed to look into that matter.  I am quite surprised that a
good used 75mm Summilux can be purchased for 750 EUR, if that is the
case, you are absolutely right to purchase another.  The earlier models
are a tad heavier than the newer ones, but they have the big advantage
of coming with a clip-on shade as opposed to the hideous sliding shade
on the new and newer lenses.

        Best regards,

        Buzz Hausner

-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+buzz.hausner=verizon.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+buzz.hausner=verizon.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf
Of Didier Ludwig
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 2:16 PM
To: Leica Users Group
Subject: Re: [Leica] To Keep or Not to Keep a Leica 1.4/75 M-Summilux

Hi Buzz

I guess I haven't explained myself well enough (english is only my
3rd-best 
language). My thought was if I should make the repair or if I should not

and buy a used one for that price (as Leica has not repaired it yet,
they 
just sent the cost estimate). Your price estimation for a used one is
too 
high. For the price of the repair (EUR750 plus something for my
repairman) 
I could have a used one on the auction site. That's what I meant when I 
wrote "pay it or get rid of it".

I like the lens very much and used it more than the 50mm lenses that I 
have. The size and weight are a minus, but if the T.A. rapidgrip is 
attached at the camera, handling is no problem.

I agree it doesnt make sense to keep such a lens when it's not used
much.

My disappointment is mainly about the fact, that this lens is glued 
together like a cheap japanese one. Could be a reason for me not to buy
the 
newer, but the older, mostly pre-asph, Leica lenses. Because the ability
of 
mechanical repairs is one of the reasons I choose Leica.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Didier
Leica Users Group