Leica II/III user prices & reliable sellers

[Whateverist]

If I were looking to buy a Leica II or III as a user camera (so mechanically sound but cosmetic dings not important), what sort of price should I be aiming for? Also, are there any sellers - preferably shipping from Europe - that are recommended?

Body only, I've got a few LTM lenses around.

 

[Livesteamer]

I think KEH has some Leica II bodies for around $250/$300. Igors is another who might have what you want. Good Luck. Joe

 

[Vickko]

My favourites:

http://www.ffordes.com/

https://www.leicashop.com/common/en#

 

[Vickko]

http://www.schouten-select.com/

 

[Bingley]

I was going to recommend KEH, too. You can expect to pay $300 to $350 for a IIIc in good user condition. I would not pay more than that. They're great shooters.

 

[D.O'K.]

www.mwclassic.com sell user-grade Leica lll's and ll's honestly described at very reasonable prices--e.g. around £160 for a fully working llla or lllb in good cosmetic condition seems typical. Their website stock changes weekly each Friday and is worth watching.

I've dealt with them a few times and always been satisfied.

Regards,
D.

 

[Dralowid]

Where are you? If in the UK I'd recommend Red Dot

 

[philipus]

IMHO Schouten is often over-priced. I bought mine from Leicashop which while being in the higher price-range (though not as high as Schouten) is very reliable.

Meister Camera Hamburg (mainly, but Berlin too) has a good selection.

 

[CameraQuest]

I often see great Leica Barnack buys in RFF's classifieds.

it does not get much better than this ad placed today
the best Barnack body with two lenses for $750
http://rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=47339

Stephen

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Another shop in the UK that has fair prices (in my opinion) on Leica bodies is:
www.peterloy.com

For a serviced user II or III body, I'm thinking about 200-250 GBP.

 

[Whateverist]

How reliable is mwclassic? The stock looks good but the site seems shifty.

 

[rodt16s]

Dealt many times with MW, even went to their shop once for pick up .. never had any problems.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Bought a Kodak Auto Graflex from MW-Classics two weeks back. Very helpful through email. No problems at all.

 

[Dralowid]

MW fine, never had a problem. You may pay a little more from a dealer but at least you have some comeback, however limited.

The thing with so called 'user' ltm cameras is the 'feel'. It really helps to take the time to see them in the flesh, sometimes the chrome is dullish, sometimes bright, condition of black can be difficult to describe, opinions of rangefinder double image vary and sometimes they smell rather unpleasant(!).

All the above are not really covered by the term 'good user' which should imply that they are functioning correctly.

Having said all that you should be able to find something in the £150-£200 range, just remember that a full service for one of these is not going to cost much less...

Michael

 

[Brian Atherton]

The outlets I've dealt with over the years and had no problems with are:

http://www.collectablecameras.com/list.htm
http://www.ffordes.com
http://www.reddotcameras.co.uk
http://www.rglewis.co.uk

Whateverist, I hope you find what you want. Good luck.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I'll vote for fforbes, Simon Chesterman (http://www.collectablecameras.com/), Peter Loy and Robert White (http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/).

I've had good service from all of them and they are human and answer phones and emails. And no problems with the odd one that's had a fault, in fact exceptional service if you are only used to ebay sellers...

A point worth mentioning is that many repairers have stuff for sale that they've worked on and the customers has refused to pay, forgotten to pay and so on. And they often put together good users from others they've bought for parts. Some even have old stock unsold that they've bought when buying up closed repair shops. There's some bargains there, they even sell old stock with new batteries and new film in the box.

Regards, David

 

[Whateverist]

After some deliberation I have a Leica IIIa on the way. Thanks for all the helpful replies!

 

[Whateverist]

 

[Bill Clark]

Perhaps consider supporting your local dealer or a business advertising here.

For my location, here is the dealer I support:

http://www.natcam.com/used-cameras/used-shop-by-category/used-rangefinder-cameras

 

[Whateverist]

This camera came from Peter Loy (linked above), who was a pleasure to deal with.