Black Paint MP falling off the back of a lorry???

[Terry Astor]

I have just received a call from a European Leica-user friend of mine. I am, therefore, turning to the RFF's knowledgeable and helpful membership for advice on his behalf. The situation is as follows: My friend has been offered a black paint MP fullly boxed and untouched, in the exact condition this item would have left the factory- selofane wrapped, inner box, multilingual instruction manual, international guarantee card (no dealer stamp), quality control card, sealed 3v lithium battery, spare battery cover, all these in a pristine condition outer shipping box. According to the seller, the camera was brought from Germany "by a friend of his", who now wants to resell it. The asking price is 750 euros. Yes, you read it well, 750 euros, which must be nearly the same amount in dollars!!! "There is something very fishy going on" I hear you say- and I entirely agree. My friend (a very high ranking officer in his country's armed forces) would not be seen dead with anything of questionable provenance ! The funny thing is, the seller is a respectable professional with photographic interests, but no specific Leica experience. So here is where your help and advice comes: does anyone know if there is a serial numbers list of "lost" or stolen Leica cameras anywhere? Held by Leitz, or Leica Clubs/Societies, or anyone else for that matter?
Your helpfull comments will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance,
Terry

 

[MinorTones]

Leica.com has the Leica Loss Report thing. Its on a link in the bottom left hand of the RFF Website as well. In Industry Links.

I'd get my hands on the camera, or make sure I can return it if not satisfied.

-Mitch

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I believe Photo.net has a similar register. In any event, your friend should get the serial No. and run a search for it in both places (Leica and Pnet). If nothing comes up, then... it's a deal!

Good luck!

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I'll take two. 😉

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-

 

[mad_boy]

Even if it fell off the lorry,

The camera will have survived thanks to the build qualityh😀

But on the subject, generally,
if it seems too good to be true,
then it is too good to be true.

mad_boy

 

[Terry Astor]

Thanks everyone for your help and comments, which I passed to my friend, including the links mentioned. It seems, however, that most lost/stolen camera lists are for owners to register their loss, and not for finding out the contents of the list; or am I missing something?
Terry