Ffordes

[minusthetom]

Hi there, I'm quite new so don't bite!
I was just wondering if there is anyone who has dealt with ffordes in the UK.

They are selling a Leica M2 for £299 and describe it as "Obvious signs of use". The thing that's got me tempted however is the 6 month parts and labour guarantee, my local camera shop who are quite highly regarded only offer 1 month.

I've been watching M2's go for around £300 on ebay in reasonable but user condition, so figured £299 sounded quite sensible for something with a 6 month warranty.

 

[Steveh]

Hi there - I've bought a few things from them in the past and have always found them very good, although I've never had to make a warranty claim! Their descriptions are normally pretty accurate, and if you call them up they should be happy to talk you through what's wrong with the camera so you can make a better call. They're one of the two or three best known used dealers in the UK I'd say, so you can buy from them with a fair amount of confidence - certainly a much much better bet than Ebay. Good luck!.

 

[nobbylon]

I bought an R8 from them and was very pleased. Do as Steve suggests and call them which is what I did and get a more accurate description.

 

[pfoto]

Many members over on the Leica Users Forum like Ffordes. Check over there as well.

 

[historicist]

I've used them a couple of times and their descriptions are accurate, and once they repaired a lens for me outside of the warranty period, without charging (it was almost certainly defective when sold, but it was something minor and hard to notice).

 

[spkennedy3000]

Another recommendation - I have bought quite a lot of stuff from Ffordes - very efficient and generally good pricing. However I have not had to claim on a warranty either so can't help there...

 

[ncd_photo]

A very good re-seller, just give them a call and they will pull the camera off the shelf and talk it through with you as said earlier.
I've bought one or two items from them........ 🙂

 

[mr_phillip]

I've bought a number of items from Ffordes over the years and have found them very good to deal with. The descriptions have been accurate and, on the one occasion I had to return an item, they took it back in good grace and offered a refund in full with no objection.

 

[HarryW]

I was in Inverness about three weeks ago and I bought an M2 from Ffordes for £350 and it is in a very good condition for a 42 year old camera. Only a small nick in the top plate and the tiniest piece of vulcanite missing. Their description was E+ and the two other cameras at E+ were £50 more expensive however I couldn't see any major differences so I plumped for the one that I bought and saved my pennies to put to a lens.
It's a great camera, very smooth, quiet and feels good in the hand.

When I was there they had about five M2's and I considered the camera that you are currently looking at. Its a good camera, certainly worth the money if a wee bit untidy - but I think that you knew that already. It comes with a six month guarantee which you won't get buying from e-bay. Having looked at e-bay for a number of months and kept a tab on M2 prices it was a no brainer to buy from Ffordes as their prices are very close and sometimes cheaper than e-bay. There is also a seven day approval period to let you see that you agree with their description. Why don't you give them a call on Monday and let them talk you through the condition.

I certainly had exceptionally good service from them and I wouldn't hesitate to deal with them again.

Regards

Harry

 

[Frank1969]

Excellent shop. I bought several thinks from them and I was always satisfied with the item and their service.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I have never heard ill of them.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Steve Litt]

I have shopped at Ffordes and have always found them helpful and their descriptions of condition accurate.The couple of times I have had to return goods they have given me a full refund without a problem.I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
M W Classic and Aperture UK are good for used Leica too.

Regards
Steve

 

[minusthetom]

Thanks everybody for the helpful reply's.

I figured I could have a go at recovering it if the vulcanites a bit far gone, just hope ffordes don't have a problem with me doing this under warranty.

Will definitely give them a ring Monday, will check back with my findings!

 

[wintoid]

I've had a few problem items from Ffordes but I keep using them because they're so good about taking stuff back. On several occasions they've even refunded my postage costs (without me asking them to, I might add).

 

[parsec1]

Brought a CL from them a few months ago which delevoped some metering issues and they refunded the cost immeadatley. Ist class service.

 

[chikne]

I'd buy a beater of ebay for £200 or less and send it to CRR in Luton for a full servicing at £150 with 8 months warranty.....

 

[Kensey]

I have bought most of my equipment (lots!) from Ffordes and would recommend them without hesitation - Steve Byford is your man.

 

[minusthetom]

Went ahead and bought the M2 and it arrived today 🙂

Theres a slight dent on the top plate but other than that its in very reasonable condition, no damage to the vulcanite which was my main worry. Will take some pics and put them in the "show us your leica thread" later.

Ffordes were helpful on the phone and I'm well impressed with the speedy delivery.

Cant wait to go out and take some photos with the VC 35mm PII lens i've bought to match.

 

[oscroft]

Cant wait to go out and take some photos with the VC 35mm PII lens

An M2 with a Voigtlander 35/2.5 is a wonderful combination - have fun 😀

 

[Alex Krasotkin]

Excellent place to buy photoequipment. Steve Byford is a great guy!