Second try...should I return this camera too?

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Laviolette

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I bought a Leica CL from a reputable seller that was supposed to be in perfect working condition. The camera was as described except for a very dim rangefinder patch and the meter was underexposing by a couple of stops. Seriously, the rangefinder patch was so dim that the only time I was able to focus correctly was with a specular highlight on the bumper of a car on a sunny day. I made this thread about it : http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157035

A couple of years ago, I bought a 35mm C-Biogon from the same seller and the lens was perfect (as described), so I thought that maybe the CL I had just slipped through the cracks... So, I decided to return the camera and trade-up for a M4-2 the seller had for sale. The M4-2 too was supposed to be in perfect working condition. Well, the camera arrived yesterday and it has many issues : the viewfinder is hazy, the slow speeds aren't working most of the time and the lens mount won't lock a lens automatically (I have to wiggle the lens for the lock to engage). The last issue might be a little nitpicking and seems to be caused by a dirty lens release button, but the hazy viewfinder and the slow speeds?

Personally, I wouldn't sell a camera like this and call it perfect working condition. Am I too demanding? I wouldn't mind the issues if I was buying from someone who didn't know any better, but from a seller that is specialized in Leica gear? It is a big disappointment because otherwise the camera looks almost unused and I was really looking forward to shoot a Canadian Leica. The camera has the «E» wax seal, which means it was last serviced in Sweden.
 
I suppose it would depend on the price you got it for. If the price was low enough that you can pay a CLA (less than $700-800 including CLA I would say) keep the camera. If not, return it to the seller.

I got M4-P and if M4-2 is similar, its a great camera and a pleasure to use.


Either way, I wouldnt use that seller again, cause he was plain lying about the cameras condition though.
 
Thanks for the replies. I will contact the seller again, and ask if they could pay for the needed repairs. If they do not want, I will return the camera.
 
Return it. I recently bought a user M4-2 that had far fewer issues than yours.
It also seems that you may have paid a premium for "perfect working condition"
And the seller seems less than forthright for having advertised it as such.

Hazy VF and slow speeds are fixed with a CLA. But that will run you about $180 as long as there are no other issues found. (Youxin Ye prices)
 
Cameras fall apart with age. We must deal with this.

Those were the not the best even when new and time has not been kind to them.
 
Huss said:
Return it. I recently bought a user M4-2 that had far fewer issues than yours.
It also seems that you may have paid a premium for "perfect working condition"
And the seller seems less than forthright for having advertised it as such.

Hazy VF and slow speeds are fixed with a CLA. But that will run you about $180 as long as there are no other issues found. (Youxin Ye prices)
Click to expand...

Thanks. It is a shame really, as the camera looks almost new. There are only some light scratches on the base plate. The rest is completely clean. The film pressure plate doesn't have any marks. Looks like the camera wasn't used at all. I paid $745US for it, which could be fair I think if the camera was working properly because it is a professional seller with a return guarantee. What do you think?

michaelwj said:
Agreed. Can you trust them to repair it? Doubtful. Why be without it for potentially months when you can just get another?
Click to expand...

You and the others are probably right. I just got a quote from a trusted repair man that it would cost me around CAN150$ if there aren't any other issues. I will contact the seller next monday and wait to see what they think of it.
 
Sometimes if the camera is very nice cosmetically it's very hard to return. That's what happened to me with a Nikon fm (see slr posts) luckily I managed to fix it myself but dim range finders etc is another thing all together.
 
Ronald M said:
Cameras fall apart with age. We must deal with this.

Those were the not the best even when new and time has not been kind to them.
Click to expand...

Hi,

Hmm, well the best may not include them but they are / were pretty near that. It's like the guy coming second at the Olympics isn't the best...

Regards, David
 
I just developed a test roll I did with the camera. I took the same picture 3 or 4 times, changing the shutter speed and aperture so that the exposure stays the same (e.g. F5.6 and 1/125, F4 and 1/250...). Exposures seem pretty consistent from one frame to another. I also took the same shots with my recently serviced BP M4. Both rolls look very similar from what I can see. I tested all speeds between 1/8 and 1/1000. Slow speeds are a bit inconsistent.

I also did some shots with my Nokton 50mm 1.1 wide open to check the focus accuracy. once the rolls have dried I will check it out with a loupe. The only thing that puzzle me a bit is the space between the negatives - they are a bit wider with the M4-2 when using the same lens. Looks like the film gate is smaller. Anyone else noticed this?
 
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