A friend of mine is very hot about buying this camera and lens; camera seems in perfect condition, but lens is a bit ware but glass is clean, I think he is going to pay 900 USD, and is asking for coments, I thank you in my friend´s name.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001

Answers

AFAIK the optical formulae of the 1st (E48) and 2nd (E55) versions are intentical, though there might be slight differences in performance due to newer coatings. The R4 has been hashed over plenty of times, should be lots in the archives about it. Suffice it to say if it's working perfectly it's probably reliable; Leica has parts and will service it; but the parts/service will exceed the camera's resale value. For an R4 in "perfect condition" and a v1 50/1.4 with visible barrel wear but perfect glass and the hood comes with it, US$900 is a fair but not outstanding price.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

The versions are "intentical"? That'll sure send Roberto to his dictionary.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

If the serial number for the R4 is over 1,600,000 then your friend is in safe territory! 50mm/f1.4R lenses in good condition sell for $700-$800. R4 bodies sell for about $400. These numbers can be higher or lower depending on the condition of the items. So 900USD sounds like a good deal!................

-- (applemac97@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

Thank´s, my friend is going to be so please, but not sure about his wife.

any way it is christmass time.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

Hi,

Er, my 0.02€ here. Got the version 2 of the 50/1.4

A superb lens, so easy to focus and very bright colors. The performances of the first version are going to be as good as the newest for everyday's life, just use it a F2.8 and above if you seek perfection...

An example: http://xavierf.b.free.fr/Leica_R7_temp/NeOr01.jpg

from my X'mas in New Orleans a couple of years ago.

Given the comments by the other Forum-ers (not sure of the term), it might be a very good deal.

Enjoy.

A French from France XAvier

-- Xavier d'Alfort (hot_billexf@hotmail.com), December 19, 2001.

I agree with the above. The old Summilux R has pretty well the same performance (plus or minus) as the current Summilux-M, so it is still an excellent lens by any reckoning. The 1976 (or was it 1978?) revamp, was purely mechanical (in some ways a downgrade). Price for the pair seems OK to me - I assume that the lens does have the third cam?

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), December 19, 2001.