Angineux 70210 How good

[chris_yates]

I have found this a most informative discussion. I mentioned in my first discussion comment that I am very new to Leica and have very much enjoyed learning about these lenses.

Thanks to all that have contributed so far.

Regards

Chris

 

[tigerish]

'but of course we have now better glass and technology.'

There is also the question of price, and the original point was whether the discount on the Angenieux 70-210 was justified having regard to relative quality.

I paid over $US 1,000 for mine in 1989; I saw a couple advertised on the internet for a few hundred each yesterday.

Provided condition's OK, there is no way that a comparable new lens today could be bought for such a paltry sum.

Even allowing for the 'outdated technology' the discount relative to the difference in quality makes these lenses a snap.

We're seeing something similar in Asahi Optical Co's Super-Takumar and SMC-Takumar M42 lenses. A SMC-Tak 50/1.4 can be found in really good condition on ebay for under $US 50. This was one of the best standard lenses made by anyone anywhere.

I think lenses like these, as well as the Angenieux glass from the 1980s which has been mentioned here, are wonderful collecting opportunities as well as providing great photographic results.

Would welcome other comments; I hope the originator of this interesting thread feels that he's getting good value?

Regards

 

[lct]

Angénieux still exists as <font color="0000ff">Thalès Angénieux a specialist
in high technologic optics applied to broadcast & film industries.
As far as i know they still provide maintenance and repair of the old Angénieux lenses.
Best,

 

[dominique]

Hello,

To me a Angenieux Zoom is still worth buying, and was better than the Leica Zooms of that time, for sure. Also, the 35-70 Angénieux is more luminous and is cheaper second-hand than the 35-70 F4 vario Elmar from Leica, and should be very good too. Only draw back: R8 electronic contacts, that are available on excellent Vario-Elmar, which is also one of the cheapest lenses from Leica...

Best regards.

 

[lct]

Hi Dominique,
As you said the modern Leica zooms are more contrasty than the old Angénieux ones obviously.
Best,

 

[tigerish]

http://www.mwclassic.com/articles/agenieux/ageniuex.htm

Thought this article might be of interest.

Regards

 

[paulss]

Thank all of you for your thoughtful input. Not having either lens nearby for in hand comparison makes everything a little more difficult.
I did talk to a dealer I have used in the past who had both [both just sold]. He said that optically they are fairly close with a slight edge to Leica and would give the nod to Leica for mechanical construction quality.

There have been too many camera scams on E bay to even consider looking there. The upshot is that I just ordered the Leica 80-200 ROM, used, said to be a '10' from another dealer. Now I have to wait anxiously for delivery.

Thanks again.

Paul

 

[tigerish]

Paul, good luck with your choice. I'm sure you'll be very happy with the 80-200.

I tend to agree about ebay. (which is where I saw the lenses I mentioned before. I found another web site which gave a 1998 value of $US 3,000 for the Angenieux 70-210, which is a bit different to the current bids. Did your dealer mention what price he sold his for?)

I like watching what goes on there, but am far too cautious too buy anything!

Kind regards, and perhaps you might consider letting us know hoow you get on with the new lens?

 

[paulss]

Francis:
the Angineux 70-210 was listed at $600 U.S. and most likely sold at that price. I paid $1000 for the Leica 80-200. It wouldn't surprise me if used prices soften as digital camera quality goes up and prices go down.

I have used the dealer ads in Shutterbug as my guide for the most part. There are a number of reputable dealers there who will still be around next month and will stand behind their wares.

ebay? A friend who is somewhat of a camera collector has done well on ebay; been burned with goods not as advertized and has been outright scammed. Mostly for smaller items. The digital forums are full of scam reports. Much more of a crapshoot than I want, specially for a high ticket item.

the lens should be here early next week. Not that I'm excited or anything.

 

[hektor]

Dear Paul,

To date I have been fortunate on eBay and bought some rare and expensive items, however before the close of the auction I write to the seller and reach agreement that payment will be made when the equipment is with Leica Camera AG at Solms. Both parties are thereby protected and if payment is not received Leica will return the equipment to the seller. The added benefit is that the equipment is also checked by experts and serviced if necessary.

If the seller is not prepared to enter into such agreement I do not bid.

Best wishes.

Justin