For the 35/2.8 shift, about $450 to $550 would be a reasonable ballpark
figure for one in (KEH) EX to LN- condition. Yes, the 24/3.5 shift is not
as common, but with some patience they show up periodically. Yes, the
price is much steeper on them.
IMO the much higher price for the 24mm is not because they're not as easily
found, it's more because of the lens design and what they sell for
new. Remember that a shift lens is specialized in purpose and has manual
stopdown; not something you'd want to use as a general purpose wide-angle
lens. In most applications calling for a shift lens the 35mm length sees
much more use. The 24mm length has such a radical perspective it's more a
lens of last resort when a shift is needed and the 35mm perspective won't
work (or do) for the task at hand (e.g. very tight urban quarters and with
very tall structures).
Also keep in mind that the entire image circle of the 35mm shift has the
same field of view about the same as a 24mm lens and the 24mm shift image
circle field of view is about the same as an 18mm lens. For the purists
among us, they are still technically 35mm and 24mm respectively because of
the huge image circle that is much larger than the film gate. It's much
the same reason a 645 80mm standard lens has about the same field of view
as a 50mm lens for 35mm format.
-- John
At 20:11 7/5/01, p.j. wrote:
First, thanks to everybody that replied quickly to my inquiry. It seems
like the 24mm shifts are rare finds indeed. This lens is definitely pricey,
but I'm suspecting it will be at a price I can't pass up.
For those interested, the consensus seemed to be a value of $1200-1500. KEH
currently has one at $1599 and B&H sells them new for $1999. I think I
remember KEH having two until just a couple weeks ago.
Also, about the 35mm shift: $700 seems way high. I think the one being sold
by negresco on e*ay won't go higher. (S)he has listed this at least a few
times now. I would put the value on one around $300-350 if you are just
shopping around and $400 if you _really_ need it. FWIW, Woodmere Camera has
three right now priced from $449 to $559. In fact, someone might be able to
talk them down a little on the price since they have three. Of course,
that's just a guess and I have no connection to them.
Oh well, thanks again. The knowledge and advice on this list is invaluable.
I only wish I could contribute more and take less :-)
--p.j.
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