Unopened M6 classic...too good to be true?

[mani]

I like these boxed cameras - although I'm not sure I'd go for one that's 30 years old. Still, there's something a bit special about being the first person to use an old camera, and all the scratches and wear are your own.

Bought my Millenium M6 as an unused collector body, and my 500C/M kit was sealed bankruptcy stock. Just spent a fortune on a Mamiya 6 + 3-lens kit that hasn't been used - all boxed with everything wrapped and all the papers and instructions.

Haven't had a single problem with anything, so far (haven't had the chance to really test the Mamiya yet - only arrived three days ago). I'd say the warnings you read are often overstated. But like I said, maybe 30 years is pushing it.

Most of all, I like the idea that I'm giving the cameras the life they deserved by actually using them.

 

[SYD_TRIBE]

Here's an M6 sold at WestLicht auctions, apparently original shrink wrapped. It went for €1800.

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?f=popup&id=206958&_ssl=off#206958

well, those pics on http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?f=popup&id=206958&_ssl=off#206958 confirm what I'm seeing here in SYD is the real deal, however I'm a user, not collector so will leave it for others

 

[Boris Stupak]

The box in the Westlicht auction probably contains a rock and some crumpled newspaper.

In NYC people used to sell shrink wrapped videocamera boxes to tourists in the street. The price tag would usually be several thousand dollars, and the tourist would excitedly pay $200 or $300 to the guy in the street with the box.

When the breathless tourist got back to the hotel room, they'd open the box and out would fall a couple of wet towels. A friend of mine bought one that had cockroach infested rags and an old hammer inside.

Haven't seen this particular street con in many years, though.

 

[cosmonaut]

I had an SLR. Yashica, set unused for 15 years. My P&S digital camera died on my daughters first birthday. Desperate to take pictures I went and bought fresh batteries and film and the Yashica it worked flawlessly. I used it hard for the next few years before going digital again, so your saying a Leica in a controlled environment will have issues and need a CLA. I think more than likely the M6 would work fine.

 

[plittman]

I looked at this one in Sydney too. They wouldn't open it unless I bought it first. After a frantic conversation with sherry krauter and youxin ye, the consensus seemed to be that (1) as this was one of the first M6 the meter board would most likely need to be replaced, (2) would definitely need a CLA and (3) the premium price being asked was just too much. I loved the idea of a brand new M6 but passed.

 

[Jubb Jubb]

I've never seen this shop in Sydney, but I however did just buy a M6 TTL from eBay for way under that with everything working and in mint condition.

I try to avoid the stores here as they seem to be overpriced and desperate to flog their equipment.

 

[SYD_TRIBE]

I looked at this one in Sydney too. They wouldn't open it unless I bought it first. After a frantic conversation with sherry krauter and youxin ye, the consensus seemed to be that (1) as this was one of the first M6 the meter board would most likely need to be replaced, (2) would definitely need a CLA and (3) the premium price being asked was just too much. I loved the idea of a brand new M6 but passed.

yes, agree, a brand new M6 would have been great as long as it was in working order. Guess we'll never know although I can understand shops position on not wanting to open box until cash in hand but unless a collector has a lazy 2g lying round, then they could be waiting a while.

 

[SYD_TRIBE]

I've never seen this shop in Sydney, but I however did just buy a M6 TTL from eBay for way under that with everything working and in mint condition.

I try to avoid the stores here as they seem to be overpriced and desperate to flog their equipment.

The market for used M6s in SYD is so thin that it looks like stores here aren't even an option to begin with :-( I'm a touchy feely kinda bloke but will have to punt on eBay, keh or something me thinks and hope no nasty surprises.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I've never seen this shop in Sydney, but I however did just buy a M6 TTL from eBay for way under that with everything working and in mint condition.

I try to avoid the stores here as they seem to be overpriced and desperate to flog their equipment.

I dropped by the store one time a few years ago and they weren't set up for walk-in customers then. A staff member told me that most of their business is done on-line. The used gear cabinets were full of dust and the gear was haphazardly thrown in and covered with finger prints. The place was a a bit of a pigsty actually. Stuff scattered everywhere. I made a mental note right there to never send them any of my gear to sell.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

ECS is a longstanding and reputable business but I agree their premises aren't very impressive. Given possible issues and unless it's a collectible item you're after you'll be better off with a second hand unit. I bought an M6 from Italy through the 'bay a couple of years ago. It was near mint with all the boxes, papers, velvet lining etc etc and has never needed attention. I paid USD 1200 "Buy It Now" for it when our exchange rate wasn't nearly as good as it is now. Research the market a bit, set yourself a price range, and then just watch a number of them to see where prices end up or just to compare asking prices with what they actually get.
I can't comment on Leica glass. I had/have a full suite of Voigtlander lenses from my Bessa and can't see enough (if any) difference in the results to pay the extra for the Leica name.

 

[hrzlvn]

Just my 2 cents, S/N starts with 16 doesn't sound good..at least not the best batch..If you want to acquire a M6, avoid the Wetzlar version.

 

[plittman]

I ended up getting an M6 from a company called Breguetcamera in Hong Kong. They are on eBay + their own web site. It is fantastic, and they were great with communication, shipping and camera as described. Highly recommend them.