How to buy a 2nd-hand Leica in the UK ?

[ijonas]

Hi folks,

I'm interested in buying a Leica M6 in the UK. I'm upgrading from my Bessa R2 + Nokton, and will probably sell off my Canon 10D kit if the Leica's 90mm lenses are focusable ;-).

I've got too many cameras and want to cut down the size of the camera collection.

I'm at my most productive with rangefinder cameras, doing street photography and informal portraits. So I'm looking for a 2nd hand Leica M6 or up.

What's the best way to go about buying one ? Did you buy yours 2nd hand from a reputable dealer ? Off Ebay ?

I'd like to hold one first and see what I'm buying before I plonk a grand down. Do you know of any Leica dealers/shops in London, Edinburgh, or Glasgow (where I'm based) ?

Many thanks,
Ijonas.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

I've dealt with Robert White UK before, and they are a class outfit. I recall that they frequently have a list of used equipment, check their website. They are scrupulously honest about used equipment. Good luck.

 

[rosemanbridge]

As above for http://www.theclassiccamera.com/

Recently bought a mint classic M6 from them. Prepare to haggle, they will knock approx £50 - £100 of their initial stated price.

 

[dll927]

Since England and U. S. are separated by both an ocean and a language barrier, I assume that "a grand" is pounds, which would be around 1300-1350 USD. That would seem about right for a decent, recent M-6.

 

[john neal]

Hi folks,

I'm interested in buying a Leica M6 in the UK. I'm upgrading from my Bessa R2 + Nokton, and will probably sell off my Canon 10D kit if the Leica's 90mm lenses are focusable ;-)........

I'd like to hold one first and see what I'm buying before I plonk a grand down. Do you know of any Leica dealers/shops in London, Edinburgh, or Glasgow (where I'm based) ?

Many thanks,
Ijonas.

I have bought from Quiggs in Glasgow before now (not Leica) and you can normally haggle with them on price. It might be worth looking at p/x with them - I got a great trade in deal on a Contax G a couple of years ago, in fact, they gave me very close to what they were selling for in the small ads of the amateur pornographer.

The other Scottish alternative would be Ffordes - they will normally give good p/x rates and let you have the kit on approval for a week.

 

[JohnL]

At current exchange rates, it's just possible you could take a trip to New York, buy your Leica and fly back for less than the camera would cost you in London !!!