Market value of of Hammertone MP

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awilder

Alan Wilder
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As the owner of a very nice (no dings or dents, minimal brassing) LHSA Hammertone MP, I'm tempted to sell it since I'm a slide shooter and E-6 processing is becoming much more scarce unless I want to do mail order. What are these cameras bringing these days in RFF classifieds? Mechanically, the camera is in top condition and on the last DAG service, I had him exchange the film frame counter mechanism when mine started to act up for a much better M4 version. These never fail over time like some of the regular M6-MPs are more prone to do over time. I'm looking to get no less than $2750 but a few years ago when I advertised for that price, I got lookers but no takers. Has the market gotten even worse now for these cameras?
 
I don't know about current market value, but if I had $2750 right now (I don't), I'd gladly take that off your hands. If black paint MPs are going for $2000 to $2300+ in similar condition to yours, I'd certainly think you can get your price. But, like I said, I'm no expert.
 
difficult to say. i've never seen the body sell by itself, only as a kit with the lens and leicavit. depending on the severity of the brassing, i imagine you could sell it for at least 3k.
 
Sorry for an ignorant question.
What's the difference between a regular MP and a Hammertone?
I presume only the paint difference?
 
The differences are cosmetic but not just with the Hammertone finish. The body covering is the more traditional pebble finish rather than the finely textured non-slip surface. Also the top engraving of the Leica script and serial numbering is very similar to the pre-M6 stlyle reminiscent of the M2,3 and 4. I personally never liked the look of the MP body covering or the sparse markings on the top plate devoid of any personality. It has nothing to do with picture taking or function, totally emotional and rememiniscent of the Ms golden age when it reigned above most other cameras except for possibly it's nemisis, the legendary Nikon F.
 
You might have better luck listing it on eBay where I would think you could fetch your price. I sold mine with the matching Leicavit not quite two years ago for $5,000, but it was in perfect condition. But in your case, the fact it is brassing will scare off most collectors.
 
awilder said:
As the owner of a very nice (no dings or dents, minimal brassing) LHSA Hammertone MP, I'm tempted to sell it since I'm a slide shooter and E-6 processing is becoming much more scarce unless I want to do mail order. What are these cameras bringing these days in RFF classifieds? Mechanically, the camera is in top condition and on the last DAG service, I had him exchange the film frame counter mechanism when mine started to act up for a much better M4 version. These never fail over time like some of the regular M6-MPs are more prone to do over time. I'm looking to get no less than $2750 but a few years ago when I advertised for that price, I got lookers but no takers. Has the market gotten even worse now for these cameras?
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You can do your own E6 processing at home. If mine, I would keep it and use more B&W, and batch the E6 at home also.
Just my 2¢.
 
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