A bit of a dilemma Advise cautiously asked

Replace one of your existing cameras with the black M2 one and sell whatever it replaces. Then spend the money on a compete service, overhaul or whatever you call it.

"New to me" cameras always feel good but after a complete service I realise how bad they were...

Regards, David
 
No imperatives, but i'd be very wary of selling a gift of this sort, which often is given to someone expected to prize it, not its market value.
 
Keep it and use it. I have a black paint M4 and I'm much more atached to it than my chrome M2, because it's rarer and more iconic. That might sound strange, but I use it much more than the M2. I think that you bond with a camera much in the same way that you do (or don't) with an interesting car.

Ernst
 
Mark: Ultimately (and obviously), you'll do what works best for you.

in your place, barring abject poverty, I'd take it and shoot with it, period. It was made to be used, like this was, even though lots of people would sooner keep them under glass, or the like. If it's too precious to be touched, let alone used as intended, then sell it and put some of the proceeds toward something a tad less precious.

I think about Garry Winogrand's M4, which I presume is still being used as intended. I'd say it's worth more based on who used it and where it's been than for what it is and when it was made.


- Barrett
 
I don't think I see it as an investment especially since it is not costing me anything. I see it as a part of my photography gear that has a certain level of value to me as a tool and as an asset.

If I can duplicate the level of photographic value with a body thats cost is as much as 1/5th of the asset value of the BLACK M2. Then I can in a manner of speaking have my cake and eat it too. Or more accurately have a Chrome M2 and the kit if lenses I want. While being able to buy something else that will greatly increase my Photographic tool chests abilities.

But until it shows up this is all an excerise in bench racing. I won't know what I'm going to do until I have it in hand know the physical and operational condition of it. Look at the options for repair/service the market value at that time of it and it's replacement.



I do want to thank all here who have joined me in this discussion.
 
A black M2 means nothing to me as a user. If it is a friends camera so there is some sentimental value, I would use it after CLA.

More than likely, I would wax it and then use NuFinish auto polish over the wax. 3 coats wax, 2 NuFinish.

Then I would make a bag for it from an old flannel sheet or shirt. the bag protects the camera corners from wear as you slide it in and out of the main bag.
 
Apropos of nothing in particular (except collectors vs shooters), I'm reminded of this (possibly) apocryphal story:

Ferry Porsche was once asked what he thought about the way some owners meticulously detail their Porsches and keep them as show vehicles. His answer, "It makes me sad. Our cars are made to be driven, not polished."


(this comes from a guy that has a classic Porsche 911 -- I do pollsh it, but I also drive it most every nice summer day)
 
Apropos of nothing in particular (except collectors vs shooters), I'm reminded of this (possibly) apocryphal story:

Ferry Porsche was once asked what he thought about the way some owners meticulously detail their Porsches and keep them as show vehicles. His answer, "It makes me sad. Our cars are made to be driven, not polished."


(this comes from a guy that has a classic Porsche 911 -- I do pollsh it, but I also drive it most every nice summer day)

Excellent point !
 
The M2 has NO family connection it is an inheritance from a photography buddy. Hence the no strings attached comment.

If I bequeathed a well-loved camera to someone I expected to equally love it, and they sold it, I'd haunt them forever.

leicaAngst
 
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