Looking to buy first Leica

[Chris Bail]

I believe it's likely that she recommends a later one as it will have had all of the bugs worked out of the earlier numbers (during production internal upgrades.) I know when I had my CL overhauled a few years ago, she mentioned to me in conversation that she had replaced several parts that were improved during the production life cycle of the CL, so I had an early camera with all of the improvements of a later CL.

If she has it on her site, it's reasonable to assume that the camera is fully sorted out.

 

[MKY]

I would be interested to get a Leica from Sherry if the import tax+handle fee weren't so expensive in UK. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[B-9]

You could try striking a deal with one of our members in the classifieds.

I see a handful of really affordable M's over there right now,

Including a purposely worn, but apparently good working M4-2 at a cut rate!

You might even grease someone up enough to avoid the taxes.

 

[Mr5D]

I would also like to add my voice to recommending Ffordes. I buy 90% of my gear from them, and have always had excellent service. My current M2, M9, M(240), and various lenses all came from them. I have been to their shop in beautiful Beauly several times to meet them, and try various cameras.

I am going to their Leica day in Inverness this coming Saturday.

 

[ktmrider]

Talked to Sherry last night about the lower serial number M5 on her site and her comment is the serial numbers of 134XXX and higher are good. However, if she sells it she has gone through it and upgraded the parts as needed.

The M5 is calling me but do I need a fifth 35mm film camera? Of course, need has little to do with it.

 

[Jerevan]

Another one up for Ffordes ... I have been buying a few things throughout the years and they've never let me down.

mwclassic.com can be a bit hit-and-miss, the Mamiya C3 was superb, while the Elmar 50 had too much oil in the works.

M2 versus M4 - not much to lose sleep over if starting out. Just find something in good working condition and get out there. 🙂

 

[mpaniagua]

Either if you go the M2-M4 way, this could be useful:

https://www.cameraquest.com/voivcmet2.htm

 

[Mjd-djm]

I too have bought quite a bit from ffordes. They are generally very good (in the past) but my last few transactions have been a little disappointing. Cameras / lenses that haven't been checked properly that have obvious problems and less than optimum customer service when you send it back. I was also looking for an M2 and called them up to ask for more detailed condition of the ones in stock. The guy wasn't too sure when I asked him to check rangefinder alignment for me and the one with the red leatherette had a -2 diopter screwed in to the eyepiece which they couldn't removed. That m2 is still for sale with that diopter attached and even though I mentioned it they haven't repaired it or even mentioned it in the description. In the end I ordered an m2 from apertureuk. Great condition, great service. Paid a little more but very happy with the camera. Matt

 

[MKY]

Just a quick update.
I messaged a few online stores, and Ffordes have provided the most information and advice about M2, so I placed an order with them on Thursday and arrived today.
The rangefinder patch is much clearer than my olympus 35 sp and a lot nicer to hold.
Now I just need to pick up a voigtlander 35 mm lens f2.5 or f1.4.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Great! Lovely M2! If you'll get 35 1.5 be very carefull with it wide open. I burned my FED-2 curtain few weeks ago with same aperture lens.

 

[wrenhunter]

The other option is Voigtlander 35mm f/2 LTM with adapter. My first and fave RF lens.