M3, new in box - this is nuts!

[RF-Addict]

Take a look at this auction. eBay already pulled his posting once, he's back again. This guy has 0 feedback and people are bidding a whole lot of money for a supposedely new M3.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1959-LEICA-M3-rangefinder-camera-MINT-in-BOX-never-sold_W0QQitemZ120195423835QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[David Murphy]

Why do you say this is nuts? How do you know that eBay pulled his listing?

 

[RF-Addict]

Because he says so himself - read the posting.

 

[Stu W]

Nice camera. I always thought the single stroke had the later strap lugs. This camera is a single stroke for sure though. What serial number did the lugs change? Stu

 

[kevin m]

...and the camera is frikkin' gorgeous. 😱

 

[gdi]

Look at all the info - this seems like a legitimate auction from a new eBayer. Easy enough to confirm via the info on the estate sale flyer linked - has a name and number in buffalo...

 

[David Murphy]

The gangster here (in business suits) is eBay not the seller. eBay does not like listers to offer multiple payment options --If eBay had their way (and someday they might) they'd force all sellers to take PayPal so has to exact a 3.3% premium from sellers. eBay spreads the myth that non-PayPal payment options are less secure, which is not the case.

Most likely the seller is some lucky person who's stumbled onto a cache of collectibles and is putting them eBay which makes good sense. His zero rating would certainly suggest caution for buyers however.

As far is new-in-the box, goes, yes it probably is, but it probably needs a CLA if it is ever to be used. I've owned cameras and lenses from the 50's that were boxed-new, but had the same mechanical and optical problems of other old cameras: dried lubricants, oil on iris blades, and fungus -- especially if they were stored in a humid climate. Obviously this camera is quite a find though in despite any potential problems like that.

 

[gb hill]

I believe this seller is legit. Like stated he is one lucky liquidator selling off an estate. I would have loved to have been in Buffalo to see the other equipment being auctioned but most likely items like the displays and such. The M3 is a very lovely camera but I am more fond of old beaters.😉

 

[agi]

This is the same guy in this thread...so it looks legit...look at all the lovely gear.....drool..

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51148&highlight=estate

 

[David Murphy]

Good God -- that collection is unbelievable!

 

[LeicaTom]

Yeah, that`s not too crazy, good price in fact for what it is 🙂

(back in my mad collector days) I once helped sell a Leica IIIG back in 1992 for $4,500 to an English collector, it was about the same way this one was - it came from a private German estate, had never been used, was complete with all original bills of sale, Leitz order slip etc. and was a camera that was "decked" out to the nines.......Leicavit, f2.8 50mm Elmar with shade all caps, Advoo closeup device, IIIG Leicavit case, original box, call cards and paperwork

We all thought it was crazy money, but back then we saw cameras in this condition selling all the time in Germany, the 80`s and 90`s were unreal in the collectors days!

I`ve seen original boxed MP`s (chrome) and not for sale, but the highest priced item for sale I ever saw boxed was a original Black Paint Leica M3 that was $25,000 - NOT SURE IF IT EVER SOLD.....but it was amazing to see one that was like new, what a beauty she was!!!!!

Tom

 

[sepiareverb]

Grandpa, can I play in the basement?

 

[gb hill]

This is the same guy in this thread...so it looks legit...look at all the lovely gear.....drool..

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51148&highlight=estate

drool nothin!..... thats viagra material brother!😱

 

[gb hill]

What was that other thread about the end of film cameras?

LOL..................😀

 

[Vic]

You really think the M3 will ever shoot a roll of film?

It's not a camera any more, it's a financial instrument. It has crossed over.

 

[sepiareverb]

You really think the M3 will ever shoot a roll of film?

I hope so. Imagine spending 50 years in a cardboard box, even a fancy cardboard box when you're built for something better.

 

[xayraa33]

the M3 was very nice, but I like his VT deluxe even better.

 

[raid]

My M3 is near mint, so I feel richer now.
Such threads just cause GAS and agony!

 

[infrequent]

You really think the M3 will ever shoot a roll of film?

Quite right. This M3 won't see daylight, moonlight, israelite.

 

[gdi]

I agree that looks like deal for a never sold or used M3 - how many are there out there?

Only worth while for a collector, you would never want to use this camera, as soon as you do it's a mint used like many many others. Remember it was never even sold. It came straight from the dealer's estate - in my mind it should be significantly more than one an eccentric bought new and never used.

I have seen similar condition items - like a BSA Gold Star that was offered about 15-20 years ago for around 50k IIRC, it was new, in the CRATE - they verified it wasn't a scam by sticking a inspection camera in between slats of the crate. That is a collector piece that would never even be seen, let alone used!

Like Fred said - how can this be worth less than an M8? I think there is a very happy collector out there somewhere!