M6 + 24mm Elmarit-M: $2800 too much?

[ijohnnyz]

I just got a heads-up on a local M6 and 24mm Elmarit-M ASPH for $2800.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/pho/579350590.html

Is that the price too high? The seller won't sell the body alone. How much could I get for the lens if I wanted to resell it.

Thanks Marco (mllanos1111) for the heads-up.

~Johnny

 

[nksyoon]

The lens, if in good condition, would go for at least $2000.

 

[ChipNovaMac]

The lens, if in good condition, would go for at least $2000.

The 24mm at Photovillage is going for in Exc++ condition for just under $2700. Decent M6 bodies go for about $1200 or better.

To the OP, $2800 seems to be "too good". In the end it may be a motivated seller. Or it could be that you could be facing "receiving stolen" goods rap - though that depends on how your local pursue such things. Based on what was posted in the CL link, this kit should go for at least a grand more than listed.

The fact that the seller will only sell as a kit does give me some pause. Most any Leica owner/user should realize that there is better value in selling off each piece. That being said, I have done well in bargain hunting on eBay and other places over the years.

 

[anaanda]

I saw the same kit as I am in San Diego as was wondering myself. I also wanted to buy the body. Most likely its not the persons camera. Either they are selling it for someone else, its stolen or some other funky situation. I guess I could go look at it in person ..

 

[gberger]

It appears to be in the ""Too Good To Be True" category. If the lens hasn't been dropped or abused and still provides a good photo, then I'd wonder a little. A decent M6 sells for upwaed of US $1200, depending on condition and the last date iof a reputable CLA.

I have a 24 - - and it's worth its weight in gold (at the current prices for that metal) for both mundane reseller prices and - - more important - - for the photos it produces.

You'll have to tear that 24 from my dying fingers.

 

[ijohnnyz]

With that said, I'm steering clear. I'd hate to buy anything stolen because I just got my car stolen and would not want to advocate stealing. When I checked the Exif of the photos the seller sent me, they were all taken with a Canon 1DsMkII. I figure the seller is a professional photographer unloading his film gear for digital, unless that person stole the Canon too. I'm still tempted if it's legit and trying to rationalize getting it. However, I'm going to the Carson camera show on Sunday and will hopefully get a decent M6.

~Johnny

 

[newsgrunt]

I'd at least give a once over in person and suss out the seller. He may know the worth but want to move it fast and get the cash in hand, dunno.

What's it say about us (in the broader sense) if we automatically think things priced low are dodgy ? I mean if it was sub $2000 I'd probably raise an eyebrow but this price is not obscenely low is it ?

 

[pfoto]

Its not obscenely low but it is very low. Johnny I would try to communicate with the buyer, ask for the serial numbers of the lens & cam and if you can pick it up. Check the serial numbers with the "stolen" lists. Google for those (I think there's one at PN), Leica used to run one on their web site but I don't know if its there any more. Be careful.

 

[George S.]

With all due respect, you're a complete fool for giving extra money. If a seller is happy getting "X" dollars for a lens, so be it. Maybe he paid less than that for it originally, what if it was a "demo"? and if so, it wasn't "below what it should have been."

And there's also plenty of comments like "Great price!", not just criticism of higher than normal prices in the classifieds. Lighten up on everyone, who elected you the moral police anyway?

 

[ChipNovaMac]

I'm really glad to report that I was able to get in touch with the seller and show her that $2,800 was too low a price, and that $3,500 was more of a fair market value for the camera and lens.

There were unscrupulous buyers (freemarket heroes of this forum no doubt) who were trying to convince her that since the lens is not coded for digital that it is worth only $1,500.

Thanks for your efforts Vic. Many of us have reservations about some deals on the CL. It now seems that the seller had not done the right search to find out true value of what they were selling.

Being on the East Coast, I was not wiling to bite on a CL listing on the West Coast. Prefer dealing on a local level. Yes I did have doubts about the offering. Only because of the online resources to find real value of what we are selling.

 

[ijohnnyz]

Moving forward...

That was a noble thing you did Vic. I started the post not exactly sure if the listing was too high, too low or just right. Either way, I only wanted the body and I was willing to offer $1400 if it was as impeccable was the seller described, but she replied it was an "all or nothing" deal and that I could resell the lens. The listing is deleted and I'm over it.

 

[ChipNovaMac]

Moving forward...

That was a noble thing you did Vic. I started the post not exactly sure if the listing was too high, too low or just right. Either way, I only wanted the body and I was willing to offer $1400 if it was as impeccable was the seller described, but she replied it was an "all or nothing" deal and that I could resell the lens. The listing is deleted and I'm over it.

sort of sad that in this day and age we have our guard up over internet listings that either too low or two high.

I am surprised that no one here jumped at the deal as it was was offered. Gloating at the wonderful deal they got.