Leica M2 -- what's a reasonable price?

bobby_novatron

bobby_novatron

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As an RF newcomer, I have done considerable research but I just want some input from experienced Leica owners regarding the following potential purchase:

Leica M2, ser. #937..., cosmetically seems to be around an "A minus", I'd say. Very minor signs of wear. No dents or dings.

Comes with Elmar 2.8/50, also appears to be in VG condition.

Seller is asking $1100 USD + $32 int'l shipping.

Does this sound ballpark / reasonable / ridiculous?

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
BTW I just checked the serial numbers at Cameraquest for the M2 -- the camera being sold shows a self-timer in the photos, but according to the production history, the #937... series shouldn't have one. Is there something weird going on here?
 
bobby_novatron said:
BTW I just checked the serial numbers at Cameraquest for the M2 -- the camera being sold shows a self-timer in the photos, but according to the production history, the #937... series shouldn't have one. Is there something weird going on here?
Click to expand...

Your M2 could be from this batch:

8/6/58 M2 935001 937500 2500

I have a button rewind from exactly the same batch, no self timer. Not sure, but I think some did, and some did not have the timer. But I can check in my literature tonight. Do you have photos of the camera ?

Roland.
 
Looks exactly like mine, Bobby. What you see on the right is the frame line selection lever. The camera is sans self timer, and looks generally good from the photos. You never know though, do budget for a possible CLA for 100-150 US, as Fred suggests, just in case.

Roland.
 
Sorry, you're right Roland -- I was mistaken, no self-timer on this model.

I am just curious about this auction because a Leica M2 in VG condition (as this one appears to be) + the 50mm 2.8 lens combo appears to be a fair price.

I have wanted one of these for a long time.
 
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Note that your auction is from a seller in former Eastern Europe and might be difficult to return if there is a problem.

keh.com has an EX condition similar M2 for US 819, wo lens. If it were me, I would prefer to buy from KEH, they have no problems with returns at all - great shop. Note also, that you might want to get a 35mm lens instead of a second 50 :)

KEH EX condition is usually very, very nice.

Roland.
 
Bobby,

The M2 is a wonderful camera but make sure you can return it. Keep an eye open here in the classifieds, great ones come up often. Also you might think about getting a less than perfect looking one and sending it to Sherry for a world class CLA.

Did you read through Stephen's site on buying an M too? http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

Good luck, she is a WONDERFUL camera. Easily one of the best models ever made.

B2 (;->
 
The price is too high. $900 is what I'd expect to pay if both are in excellent condition. Only buy from a camera dealer for more than $500-550 if they've already CLA'd it. If not, you can do better in the ads here or ebay.
 
Thanks everyone for your input, very insightful. I will cool my heels and keep my eyes out on the RFF classifieds. :) Biggest problem now: just being patient.
 
you can easily find another M2 for much less money, you just need to be patient. i just sold my perfectly working M2 to another member here for $700.
keep an eye on the classifieds for one, they turn up fairly often.

bob
 
I've had and sold quite a few M2's and in euro I think a basic user with a few dents and other issues should be 350-400. One just sold here for that with dents, missing vulcanite, sticky frame lines and a seperating finder. One with no issues apart from brassing and scratches, 450. Very nice ones with hardly any marks 500 up. Add 100 for recent cla's. The most expensive I've sold was 500 and it was mint, 18 months ago but prices have moved up a little since. These prices are just what I've seen on here for working cameras and not bay riskers.
 
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too much money to gamble on ebay.

patience greasshopper...

gear from europe is almost always is a bit more expensive than north american gear.
 
ferider said:
Note that your auction is from a seller in former Eastern Europe and might be difficult to return if there is a problem.

keh.com has an EX condition similar M2 for US 819, wo lens. If it were me, I would prefer to buy from KEH, they have no problems with returns at all - great shop. Note also, that you might want to get a 35mm lens instead of a second 50 :)

KEH EX condition is usually very, very nice.

Roland.
Click to expand...

+1 on this advice. KEH allows you to return an item w/in 2 weeks, no questions asked, for a full refund, so you have an opportunity to examine and test. KEH also is conservative in grading items. A BGN grade M2 body is likely to be EX from anyone else. I bought a BGN grade M2 from KEH a couple of years ago, and was pleasantly surprised by its good condition. I've since had it recovered and CLA'd. All toll, I've put less than $700 into this camera body, and it now looks great and operates perfectly. So be patient, and you'll land a good user M2 at far less risk to your pocketbook! :)
 
Way too much for an M2 you intend to use, IMO. I spent $500 for mine at a local camera shop, and it's a "3-footer". That is, it looks perfect from 3 feet away. Once you start inspecting it you see a few "bruises", but nothing noticeable informally. It's operationally sound, too.
 
Yes, all good advice. I think I had a bad case of "Leica Fever" earlier today.

This would definitely be a camera that I would take with me TO USE, not keep in a climate-controlled closet. I therefore have no problem with a "three footer" or a camera that's been "well loved".
 
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