Batch of mint-boxed Fed-5 on eBay: a good buy?

[Squonk]

While browsing on eBay tonight, I found a batch of mint-boxed Fed-5 cameras offered by seller leica-post for GBP23,- each (about USD43,- or €34,-).

I'm wondering if such a camera would be a good buy. Is the fact that they are mint-boxed a guarantee that they'll function well, or is there still a fair chance of getting a bad one? Is the price OK? Anyone has experience with this seller?

Or are there other sources for (new) Fed-5 camera's that may be better regarding price or service?

I also don't know what kind of lens they have, and if these are good lenses...

Any help is much appreciated...

 

[lushd]

Hi Squonk - I have bought from Leica Post once and the deal was a good one. Very quick delivery and exactly as described.

As to the FED 5, it is not as well finished as other FEDs but the lens is usually the Industar 61LD, which is one of the best FSU lenses. I have a FED 5 and although not pretty it functions well.

 

[erikhaugsby]

Do you have a link to the auction?
Even if they are just pictures of boxes, it still would be nice to see.

 

[Squonk]

If you do a search on "Fed-5" (limited to Europe), you should see them: there are seven of them on offer. And by the way, it's not an auction but a fixed price sale...

 

[lushd]

Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Leica-Copy-Fe...620552000QQcategoryZ15234QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[pshinkaw]

Those are Industar 61/LD's on the bodies.

With these types of cameras, there is no strong assurance that a never previously used camera will be a good one without some adjustment. But, if they are genuinely Mint (rather than just "Minty") you will at least know that no 3rd party has messed them up before you.

Although I'm not a good judge of what a fair price is in Europe, because of differences in supply-demand and taxes, this seems to be a pretty good price for a factory wrapped camera of this type. It should make re-sale a little easier.

-Paul

 

[rbiemer]

If I didn't already have a decent FED5, I'd be very tempted by these.
I like mine pretty well, ugly as sin but it hasn't let me down yet. Good utilitarian camera, I think.
Rob

 

[fidget]

Hi Squonk, I recently bought one from here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-new-FED...620064977QQcategoryZ15234QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I see that he still has some for sale and that they are now cheaper. It is mint, new as in 1994, and probably never unpacked. It is all as new. Even the meter works accurately. The build of these is not up to older FEDs, the top casing is thinner, cheaper looking stuff. I thought that the shutter was a little harsh so took off some of the tension. Now it sits in it's box on the shelf! Good Luck.