finally ready for an M6, $1700 too much?

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underbyte

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I'm looking at an M6 TTL .85 black with a CLA, the MP finder, and anti-glare baffling already installed. I've been watching Leica M6's on ebay for at least a year and know that they can range quite a bit depending on condition. $1700 seems on the high side though.

This one is at a reputable dealer and I have held it, it is mint or close to mint condition. I want a good one, is $1700 over-priced or is that what it takes to get the features I listed? And, will the MP finder be worth it in the long run or will I be thrilled with the standard finder and save the money?

I have a CL now, so I think I'll be thrilled with any good finder. My Koni-Omega has a nice finder, but the portability!.....

Opinions?
Thanks!
 
considering that there is an M7 that looks to be in impeccable condition in the classifieds right now for 1900, I would say that 1700 is too much for an M6, unless the dealer is including some sort of warranty with it.
 
If there is some kind of return possibility, and you can hold it (i.e., much lower risk than ebay), it's a good price, actually.

.85 and MP finder upgrade by itself add a lot to the value of a vanilla M6.
 
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If there is a warranty and/or reasonable return policy (in case you find some nasty problem that even the dealer wasn't aware) I think it's a reasonable price considering the MP finder mod and CLA (assuming good one).

I think buying from a dealer at a bit higher than RFF classifieds standard price range is for warranty/return policy, convenience for local repair channel, etc.
 
As a frame of reference, my .72 M6 ttl with no MP finder was $1500 at Photo Village in 2007 with 3 years Passport coverage. The coverage was key, with Leica covering the cost of repair after the sun burnt a hole in the shutter (which seemed generous given it was my fault).
In this case I was happy to pay the premium for buying from a dealer.
 
You are being very specific about what you want, so you may well have to pay for that. If you want something badly enough, then you'll pay the price. If you think it's pricey, then modify your requirements. For example, it might be easier to find one with all you want, except that it's a .72. So, if it's cheap enough, buy it and get a 1.25 magnifier.
 
Are you up to date on your mortgage? Are their bill collectors calling you daily? Are your children well fed? If you answer these questions correctly, then go for it.
 
Prices at real stores (not virtual Internet eBay stores) will almost always be higher than through online sales. And take into account the fact that you're dealing with a real human being and have the ability to inspect the camera in person.

When buying online, there's varying amounts of trust (or distrust, depending on your view of society and your fellow man) that we place in the seller and their description of the camera.

The price seems on the high side but not unreasonable, given that it's been serviced and upgraded. You probably should ask about returns or how they might handle problems, should they arise.
 
It seems high, but not crazy at all.

If the upgrades (and TTL) are what you want, go for it. If you not, go get a plain M6 classic for a whole bunch less. The higher price is somewhat dictated by the viewfinder and the dealer.
 
all very helpful responses, thanks!

I especially like this one, it's hard to argue with this kind of logic:

kshapero said:
Are you up to date on your mortgage? Are their bill collectors calling you daily? Are your children well fed? If you answer these questions correctly, then go for it.
Click to expand...

I'm going to ask about a warranty and check on the CLA. I do want a nice shooter, I hate to pay the tax on a used product but we need good roads too.

Thanks everyone, I'm thinking on it.
 
If you asked me nicely and offered cash, I could put you in a nice M5 with M6 framelines, a 35mm AND 50mm lens for $1,700.
 
M6 is not equal M6.

A good condition M6 TTL (0.72) runs between 1200-1500 on places like ebay (see http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamcameras.html). Because of the .85 finder I would look at the upper range.

When I had my classic M6 CLA'ed at Steve's camera and the finder upgraded, it ran me over US 300.

As a user, your upgraded M6 TTL will be nothing short of an MP .... Maybe even more robust due to different chassis.
 
ferider said:
M6 is not equal M6.

A good condition M6 TTL (0.72) runs between 1200-1500 on places like ebay (see http://www.antiquecameras.net/leicamcameras.html). Because of the .85 finder I would look at the upper range.

When I had my classic M6 CLA'ed at Steve's camera and the finder upgraded, it ran me over US 300.

As a user, your upgraded M6 TTL will be nothing short of an MP .... Maybe even more robust due to different chassis.
Click to expand...

So, just a quick question for my information:I recently acquired a mint M6 Classic with .85 original finder for EUR 850 (no boxes or papers) in a trade-with-cash for an still warranted M8 (complete set).

Did I do well, or extremely well? Or, did more of us find a camera for a price like that?
 
if i was spending that close to the $2000.00 range i think i would opt for a m7 or everyone's favorite a mp .

than you would automaticly get the mp finder , plus the brass gears and top/bottom plate .

side note on that i own a m6 ttl that i have owned for about 4 years and really enjoy the camera .

good luck in your search .
 
Seems like a good price to me, especially with the MP finder upgrade.

How much is an .85 MP at the moment?
icon12.gif
 
It's clearly an acceptable price as most have pointed out: the 0.85 finder, VF improvements, option to inspect and hold and probably a return policy....and, most importantly, the CLA (depending a little on who did it.) When you've let it go you will know just how reasonable the price was.
 
CLE-RF said:
So, just a quick question for my information:I recently acquired a mint M6 Classic with .85 original finder for EUR 850 (no boxes or papers) in a trade-with-cash for an still warranted M8 (complete set).

Did I do well, or extremely well? Or, did more of us find a camera for a price like that?
Click to expand...

You did well. Usually they go for 1200 US and up in good condition. That camera is a rarity (only a couple of thousands produced). Cheers,

Roland.
 
Hi,
Here in the UK a Mint 0.72 M6 TTL (some inc box) going rate is £999 ($1500 -$1600) from a dealer with guarantee.
Leica UK informed me to upgrade mine to a 0.72 MP finder would be around £250 ($380 $400).
Seems good to me.
If you want it...just do it.

Steve.
 
ferider said:
You did well. Usually they go for 1200 US and up in good condition.
Click to expand...

Not all that exceptional over here in Europe. Currently in "expired auctions" in eBay I see one from Germany for 756 EUR, and one from Belgium for 765 EUR. Both excellent to mint. That's more like $1100.

At $600 more I think the OP would be paying too much, return policy and MP finder notwithstanding.

Regarding the rarity aspect, that's of collectors' interest only and as soon as someone has worked on the finder it's no rarity anymore. Someone from Canada sold an M6 "classic" (not TTL) 0.85 for $1400 mint in original box, somewhat more of a rarity. You can buy an M6 for $1000 and probably get the 0.85 viewfinder installed with a CLA for less than $700.
 
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