Needing help with a used Leica M6

[Kristopher]

Hi everyone,

I had an interesting offer to buy an used Leica M6. Obviously, it was used a lot and the body shows marks of wear. The seller ask for 1000$ for it and he offer a 3 month warranty. I think that the mecanical componements are working fine but I need help from experienced users that know well what I have to check

In other words I am asking you some advice to know how I can really check the functionnality of mecanical componements

Hint and tips anyone?

Thank a lot

Kristopher

 

[merciful]

Here is a good checklist.

 

[Topdog1]

"Obviously, it was used a lot and the body shows marks of wear."

This does not sound like a bargain to me at $1,000. What will the seller do if it doesn't work? Do you know him? Does he live near you?

There are good cameras, and there are cheap cameras, but there are no good, cheap cameras.

/Ira

 

[DwF]

That is definitely too much for a user M6. You might do better to find a really clean M2 and a good handheld light meter for $1000. in this market.

 

[MinorTones]

I agree $1000 is too much for a beat up M6. I payed $1100 for my M6TTL and it was in perfect condition not a scratch on it and working great.

So look somewhere else or offer less money.

-Mitch

 

[keensb]

i paid 1000 for a user m6, its not beat up, but it was used, and has marks of wear. perhaps i overpaid

 

[Topdog1]

I over paid for my first M3. I now have 6 M bodies. Don't worry - you get used to overpaying for Leicas!

/Ira

 

[chellgren]

A follow-up, how much do you think is reasonable to pay for a used Leica M6 (classic) body? I'm in the same situation and the only thing I can see now that needs to be done is to clean the inside of the backplate.

 

[alexz]

A 1k$ is a ballpark for a clean M6 Classic in good to excellent condition (perhasp with few small scratches, no dents) IMO. A mint units may go for 1100-1200$ while the late production (1995-1996/7) may fetch another 100$ in mint condition (Mint means im my view no more then few very faint signs of use, nothing more). M6 TTL are usually priced higher by another 20-25%.

 

[Nick R.]

Alex has it right. For $1000, you should expect the camera to be excellent except for some bright marks or a few inconspicuous scratches.