Risk in buying non-documented M

[maitrestanley]

Hey guys,

I've been in the market for a Leica M6 for a while now. I've noticed that some of the cameras being sold (for example, on eBay) have serial numbers that aren't documented. I've looked up the lists of SN on cameraquest and some of the cameras being sold don't have serial numbers that match any on the lists.

How high is the risk that the camera is a fake?

I'm just wary of buying a camera that I can't verify as being authentic.

 

[Ben Z]

Never heard of any Leica other than a screw mount being faked. Those are based on (former)-Soviet copies, of which there are none that resemble an M Leica. Your chances of getting a fake M6 are right around zero. Chances of getting a messed up one on eBay are a little higher 🙄

 

[colyn]

Hey guys,

I've been in the market for a Leica M6 for a while now. I've noticed that some of the cameras being sold (for example, on eBay) have serial numbers that aren't documented. I've looked up the lists of SN on cameraquest and some of the cameras being sold don't have serial numbers that match any on the lists.

Bear in mind that the s/n's listed on Cameraquests site are blocks not individual numbers. The s/n should fall within one of the blocks..

How high is the risk that the camera is a fake?

No known fakes of the M6 exists so you won't be getting a fake.

 

[peterc]

A quick check of several M6 ads on eBay showed at least one with an SN that doesn't fall in the listed blocks.

Peter

 

[Steve Bellayr]

When I bought my M6 (used) I did so through a reputable dealer. His price was less than what the minimum bids on ebay were at the timeand he guaranteed the item. I have been satisfied. He even sent the CLA documentation. Also, as good as cameraquest is there are other sites with extensive serial number listings. Be very careful with Ebay.

 

[alexz]

Exactly my case as it was about 2 months ago. My M6 Classic S/N is falling in-between in CQ S/N list: mine is: 2295545. I checked it prior to bidding and was also wondering about it. The seller assured me it is indeed the situation, the S/N doesn't appear on CQ list but is for real and the camera indeed turned to be even better then advertised, quite close to Like New. So CQ's S/N list even though appears to be quite thorough may have a few dents here and there....
Just as the seller for more pictures and get the feeling of his integrity...

 

[Topdog1]

Is this anythjing like an undocumented alien?

Should it be rounded up and deported?

If you do a work for hire with it can you be rounded up and deported?

Is it a terrorist?

Does it need a passport to travel to Mexico?

Oh my...an udocumented camera. Calling the INS...calling the INS...

😀😀😀

/Ira

 

[maitrestanley]

Thanks for the reassurance! I did some more extensive research regarding fake M's and the general concensus is that they generally don't exist on the market. I suppose the rest of my shopping will be much easier now as I'm not constantly searching the net to authenticate the camera.

Regarding the eBay auction, I passed it up. I'm trying to spend around (or hopefully less than) $1000CAN on a body and the prices went to $1200 by the last half hour.

Maybe I'll just opt for that R2M......

 

[demian]

Well, I must stress and repeat as I always do:

"Buy the seller and not the item."

I have traded, bought, and sold online for years on items ranging from $25 - $25k+ without issue.

Simply use common sense.

Ask for images. Details of all you require. Serial included if you feel it necessary.

Most people who are indeed "get taken" many times do it to themselves. If a seller is not willing to provide all details you require, then move on. There will be more...

Buyers likewise can be absurd/fraudulent to deal with online, but that is off the topic and should go without saying.

It is a small minority we hear about that creates panic.
There are many ways to almost guarantee a secure transaction...the old saying always holds true.

Ask for detailed images of that specific camera. Serial number included if you wish.

If seller doesn't want to do it, walk away...you are buying an item sight unseen. A seller should provide you with whatever you need within reason to make an educated decision.

My .02.

Best of luck.
D