Question on used Leica Lenses

[third3rdwheel]

Hi all,

I have a few questions:

a) Is it common for Leica users to buy used lenses? I see quite a few lenses on sale at shops in Peninsula for instance, which suggests that there is a market for it. Apart from cost, is there any reason why people buy used lenses? (Some people tell me used lenses give a different - presumably better - bokeh - Is this true?) I have also seen many used leica lenses in camera shops in Tokyo for instance.

b) If you buy a used lens, can it be stored with your other newer lenses, can fungus "spread" to other lenses? I apologise if this is a silly question....

Thanks.

 

[tan131]

To answer your questions:

a) Is it common for Leica users to buy used lenses? I see quite a few lenses on sale at shops in Peninsula for instance, which suggests that there is a market for it. Apart from cost, is there any reason why people buy used lenses?

People buy used lenses for different reasons. For the older lenses, you can't buy them "new" anymore because of the change/improvement in the lens design or optical formula. The older lenses have their following who the users swear by the "Leica glow". They are usually less contrasty and have beautifully soft bokeh.

Of cos, there are also those who buy new lenses or lenses which are still in production "used" simply because of budget restrictions.


b) If you buy a used lens, can it be stored with your other newer lenses, can fungus "spread" to other lenses?

No it is not a silly question. But not to burst your bubble, dry cabinet does not prevent fungus growth. It reduces the likelihood. If the spores get into your lens in whichever way, storing it in the dry cabinet just slows the process down. Anyway, not to worry so much about all these, just buy what you can afford and use them. The more you use the gear, the less you would be worried about such issues.

Cheers~

 

[third3rdwheel]

Thank you for the reply. Does it mean that it is ok for used and new lenses to be in the same dry cabinet?

 

[gommy]

Thank you for the reply. Does it mean that it is ok for used and new lenses to be in the same dry cabinet?

No, no, no...every lens must have its own dry cabi! :bsmilie: Of course, you can...a new lens after using becomes a used lens isn't it? :bsmilie:

 

[third3rdwheel]

No, no, no...every lens must have it own dry cabi! :bsmilie: Of course, you can...a new lens after using becomes a used lens isn't it? :bsmilie:

...very funny.

What I meant was, you do not really know the history of a used lens - which could have been a fungus infected lens - would you store it in the same cabinet as your mint new lenses?

 

[azzurri]

...very funny.

What I meant was, you do not really know the history of a used lens - which could have been a fungus infected lens - would you store it in the same cabinet as your mint new lenses?

I would. Do not see why I should not. Have some second hand cameras and lenses and they are all stored in the same dry box as my new ones

I don't think you need to be overly paranoid over getting fungus that way. While it is plausible, the odds are pretty low I guess.

 

[gommy]

...very funny.

What I meant was, you do not really know the history of a used lens - which could have been a fungus infected lens - would you store it in the same cabinet as your mint new lenses?

Of course I know what you mean. I was just having fun..hehehe. Scientifically, I am not sure but practically I have no issue. All my used lenses are placed together with my 'new' lenses. Maybe installing UV light in the a cabinet may work better than a dry cabinet.:dunno:

 

[Shawn]

To the TS, i don't think there's an issue really, I have a seagull which is made in the 1950s stored together with my new digital gear and what not, and I have not experienced any fungus of any sort.

If storing old lenses with your new lenses is a pressing concern for you, perhaps you would like to consider buying another dry cabinet just for your old lenses, so should fungus spread, it would most likely be contained