Stupid question: Why did this M2 on e3ay not move?

[tapesonthefloor]

Sorry about using such an interesting and clever forum to ask such a boring question, but as a guy who was never really that good at finding genuine auction deals on e3ay, I find I'm as often mystified by what doesn't move as I am by what does. For instance:

LEICA M2 CAMERA ELMAR LENS 1:2.8, CASE, MANUAL WORKING

This is a re-list. I had it on my watch list, and was shocked to find it hadn't moved.

I can't see a thing wrong with it, and it looks like fairly good value, but I'm obviously wrong about something. What is it? Are there warning signs here that I'm missing? The M2 is awesome. The lens is still fairly well-regarded. It's an old one—from the second run of M2s in 1958—but it still looks great. I must be missing something.

Any ideas? This is a learning experience for me. Thanks!

 

[tapesonthefloor]

That's a good reason.

It's occurred to me that both body & lens probably require a CLA, too. The ad was clearly not written by a shooter or an enthusiast, and the camera's cleaning/maintenance history is probably nil.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

in my opinion, the camera looks nice:

1. A bit too high for a button release m2
2. Should have put more photos on the elmar 50/2.8
3. No mention of Accurate Slow Speeds
4. Out side of the USA.

Perhaps better to sell separately.

M2 are nice but i won't pay a premium for a m2 over a similar m3.

raytoei

 

[Melvin]

It's not a bad price, but you would have to be looking for an M2 and an M mount Elmar, and folks want an M2 for the 35mm frame. The seller would do better to split them up.

 

[tapesonthefloor]

Good point, about the 35mm frame. So, potentially, this slightly mismatched set might be the gain of someone who wants an early M of any sort and doesn't mind shooting 50mm.

Anyway, thanks for helping me out with the logic on this one.

 

[former member]

This seller routinely prices his stuff too high. I can always tell which items are his by the one-line description and the associated price.

 

[Beemermark]

If he was to start the auction at a lower price it would probably go to his asking price. But starting at the top no one will bid.

I no longer use eBay, but I found if I started the auction (say for an M body) at a $1 it would attract a lot of bidders and go for more than if I posted it with a lower Buy It Now price.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Price is too high.

What?! For an M2, an Elmar 50mm f/2.8 lens, original manual and case? Less than $900 for all of that is too high?!?

 

[Beemermark]

If you want an M2 and a nice 50 Elmar this isn't a bad deal. The high starting price is simply scaring off bidders

 

[ferider]

If you look at the shutter photo, the metal stripe is not hiding completely. Meaning the shutter will need adjustment.

A good M2 button release (cheapest model) can be had for less than US 600. A good vintage Elmar for less than 300. For many the Elmar is too slow.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

He's relisted it for $799. Actually a pretty good deal.

 

[BillBingham2]

While that might be were the price ends up, it's listed way to high to get traffic. You will need a CLA on this one so add your own estimate ($100 on up). I like this model but would buy it with a 35 not a 50. The price he has for the 90 (look on EvilBay for other items from seller) is WAY OUT OF LINE.

I think you will pay an import duty to customs in the states of some amount.

B2

 

[tapesonthefloor]

I'm also Canadian. It's actually what caught my eye when I first saw the ad.

Anyway, I'm more likely to watch the classifieds here or find someone local than I am to pick something up off th'bay, but still I browse.

 

[braver]

He's relisted it for $799. Actually a pretty good deal.

It is in theory, but there are a couple of things suboptimal in the listing.

The camera I'm not so worried about, it looks good cosmetically but it will probably need a CLA. M2s clean up fine usually. Button rewind and the wear on the door lower it's value though. 400 euros would be a good deal.

To me what kills it is the lens. Kits with lenses always sell for less because hardly anyone is looking for the exact combination that is offered. Also, there is very little information in general, and what there is does not take away the amount of 'worry' one should have in buying lenses of this vintage. There could be anything inside, and I'm not certain the front lens is not scratched. Its value could range from 50 to 250 euros, which makes the deal range from crappy to ok.

Accessories like boxes and papers usually don't matter for user items like these. This is just a nice kit for someone wanting to shoot an M2, not for the museums. Sold separately they might pique someones interest, but it does not affect the value of this kit.

And finally the seller doesn't seem to be a experienced, knowledgable seller. What with the high starting price, lack of description, and he usually sells antique. I don't trust he is capable of determining the camera and lens are any good without knowing what possible problems he has been looking for.

 

[ampguy]

looks ok, but very possible the body and lens might need ~300ish to get back working well.

I've got this on my watch list: 250771110551 but for me, if no quick load, and no meter, I'm going to bid low, since I might never even use it!