Leica investment

[HuubL]

I know, even when they keep their value much longer than most other camera makes, Leicas are no investment when you don't shoot them. Nevertheless, I would like to know what you think would keep its value longer (or, if you like, loose its value faster), Leica M8 or Leica M7? Currently, you can find both in good condition at about the same price.

 

[mervynyan]

Obviously from last sentence digital is losing face value faster.

 

[Mudman]

M7. Digital doesn't last long I. Terms of price

 

[Vickko]

Yeah, digital values drop quicker

Yeah, digital values drop quicker

Yeah, digital values drop quicker.

I think if you are going to invest in Leica products, invest in their lenses.


...Vick

 

[MCTuomey]

i own both. i've owned a number of digital cameras and they all depreciated quickly, so the M8's decline doesn't trouble me. having $2K in an M7 that i'm not using much at all (what will be my last 35mm film camera) is bone-headed, i think.

vick's got it right. if you have to consider the investment side of photo gear, put your money in lenses.

 

[HuubL]

That's what I thought too. However, the price drop for used M8 (.2) seems to level off a bit. The last half year or so M8s sell for a more or less constant US$2500/€2000.

 

[MCTuomey]

huub, i think the current selling prices for M8s are probably USD 200-400 less (final prices, not initial asking price). but i do think the M8 price impact from the M9's introduction has settled down fairly well over the last 3-4 months.

one could nearly trade an M7 for an M8 these days ... whether one would is of course another matter.

 

[ruby.monkey]

I'm curious to know why it matters.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

The M7. Digital cameras have the trading value of old computers. Old manual film cameras seem to be more desireable than the newer autofocus models.

 

[Pico]

The M8 was a 'tween' camera and its resale value will drop as the number of M9s continue to fulfill the market. The M7 will be good for as long as film is feasible.

Frankly, I'm surprised that the early M6 has held so much value because it, too, is a 'tween' model - Leica's practice model for the M7.

 

[Graham Line]

I'm curious to know why it matters.

Because some people worry endlessly about money and never take any pictures worth selling?

 

[user237428934]

Because some people worry endlessly about money and never take any pictures worth selling?

There are a lot of people out there (including me) who don't sell pictures because it's a hobby.

 

[Graham Line]

'Worth selling' and actually marketing pictures are two different things. I was impressed by the quality of your flickr gallery.

Some people derive their enjoyment from using, some from owning. It is sad to me when good cameras are not used.

 

[Graham Line]

I'm over it. A momentary ripple. Time to polish the Leica.