Lenses for investment

There’s never been any doubt that buying top quality glass is a good investment.  Even if you buy new, you probably won’t lose a lot over the next few years.

However, I believe there are opportunities for the smart buyer to purchase great lenses that will appreciate over time.  Here’s my tips:

1)      Contax G lenses – Only ever compatible with the excellent Contax G1 and G2 auto focus rangefinders, these Carl Zeiss lenses have now seen a resurgence, and consequent increase in used values.  All the available lenses, but in particular the 45mm f2, the 21mm f2.8, the 28mm f2.8 and the 90mm f2.8 are spectacular. The value of these lenses has already close to doubled in the last couple of years, and my bet is that the trend will continue.

2)      Older Contax RF – While Leica lenses have taken off, older Contax lenses haven’t got going as fast, being worth about 50% of an equivalent Leica lens.

3)      Leica – If there is a sure thing, its the bet that Leica equipment will hold its value.  Like blue chip stocks and prime real estate, the right Leica gear will only appreciate in value.

4)      Pentax 110 lenses – Remarkably these tiny lenses can be used with great effect on micro four thirds cameras.  Buy them up while they are still cheap.

My Favourite Photo sites – Product history and Classic Cameras

If I am buying a classic lens or camera, I want to have as much information in my arsenal as possible before I commit to purchasing; including knowing how old the lens is, what’s it worth, what it looks like, common faults and perhaps some of the history behind it.  Below is a list of websites that are great reference tools for helping making an educated decision when purchasing.

-        Antique Cameras  – The go to guide for classic camera values.  If you plan on selling or purchasing, read here first.  The Leica values tends to be a few months out of date as values seem to be consistently higher on eBay than what the site recommends.

-        Steven Gandy’s Camera Quest – His Voigtlander store is interesting enough in itself, but what really makes this site stand out is his detailed classic camera reviews and information.   An amazing resource.

-        Photosynthesis – The go to guide for all Nikon’s products from the last 50 years.  Great photos and the detailed serial number guide allows you to exactly date the manufacture of the item and know what you are getting.

-        Photography in Malaysia - A great overview and history of all Nikon and Canon’s equipment over the last 40-50 years.   Very useful historical and development information.

-        Photoethonography – A very interesting website by Karen Nakamura, and a great overview for unusual older cameras, particularly rangefinders.

Sony NEX-3 with Leica Elmar 50mm f3.5

The value of Leica

It seems to me that Leica brand photographic equipment is the only equipment that actually APPRECIATES in value.  Sure if you buy new you can expect some decline in value from the initial purchase price, but carefully buying used Leica gear will give you an appreciating asset that is also fun to use.  Interestingly this statement includes Leica film bodies, but definitely does not include digital bodies. 

Leica equipment is very collectable and so is desired by both users and collectors, hence pushing up values.  During economic downturns (such as late 2008 to mid 2009) Leica values did fall, but have since rebounded strongly.  I would say that most older Leica gear has appreciated between 30 and 50% in the last 2 years.

Sony NEX 3 with Leica 50mm f1.5 Summarit

 This photo was shot with no fine determination to composition of focus.  I just pre-set the aperture to f8 and approx focus distance, pointed the camera in the general direction of the subject and snapped as I walked by!

NEX philosophy

I absolutely love the Sony NEX, but I do have a problem with Sony’s philosophy on the camera.  Apart from the pancake 16mm and the newly released 50mm, any of the other E mount lenses are comparatively huge.  In my opinion, if you can’t pocket the camera, you might as well get a DSLR, which has better AF, is easier to hold and a nicer optical viewfinder.

Yonge Street, Toronto.  Sony NEX-3 with Voigtlander 35mm f1.4

The new Carl Zeiss 24mm f1.8 lens is meant to be amazing, but it’s 3 times bigger than the camera!  Same goes for the Sony 18-200mm.  I like that Sony has introduced a 50mm, but I think a 35mm (equivalent to a standard 50mm on full frame) in a small pancake like package would be better.  Something like Nikon’s excellent 35mm f1.8 would be perfect!

That’s why right now I have 2 systems – Nikon SLRs and Sony NEX / Leica.  Both perfect for different situations.