Denton Taylor wrote:
>>>Here's a little case study. I decided to look at three fast medium teles:
>85/f1.4, 100/f2, and 135/f2. Not surprisingly, only N*k*n makes all three
>of them. (I had used my extensive collection of photogear literature as a
>source of technical data, and B&H 6/98 catalog new USA prices as my refs).>>
>
>You might be interested in the Contax line. While they don't show all three
>new in the catalog, they do currently offer an 85 1.4 and a 100 2.0. They
>have offered in the past a 135 2.0--an example graded as 'bgn' is currently
>avaiable from Keh for the bgn price <g> of $999.
>
>Contax disrupts the theory of the 85 being more 'fashionable' than the 100.
>The 85 1.4 costs only (!) $999, while the 100 2.0 is $1700. Seems like a
>no-brainer to get the 85, but I've been told the 100 is more expensive
>because it's a newer design.
Hmm, I tried to do my homework on the Zeiss lenses. Regrettably, according
to the B&H catalog, all the Zeiss lenses are priced the same: "CALL". How
much is it in US$, I wonder. Anyone knows? Or is it in that category of:
"I you need to ask, you obviously can't afford them"? :-)
>Of course, if you want to embarass me, you _could_ point out that Contax
>also makes an 85 1.2, that goes for about $3000!
Now, why would I want to embarass you? First, let go of all your prized
Zuiko possessions, then we'll have our little fun with you... ;-)
Seriously though, my 85mm theory holds up well even in the "Photography
as Expensive Jewelry" category. For instance, note the Leitz M-mount
lens prices: 75mm F1.4 -- $2495, 90mm F2 -- $1695, 135mm F4 -- $1695.
(Ooh, I LOVE to be right! :-))
As for your above Zeiss 85/f1.4 price, this must be a "stock reduction"
or clearance sale. Something like: "buy this lens, and for an extra $500
we'll tell all your stockbroker friends that it's a special edition with
a 5 karat diamond rear element, and you had actually paid $9000 for it".
Cheers,
/Gary Schloss.
Studio City, CA
schloss@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|