Used Leica’s serial unknown to Leica?

[ilya]

Hey folks,

I bought a used Leica MP from ebay a few days ago.

When I tried to register it on Leica site to my account it kept getting a “wrong serial number” error, so I reached out to Leica support about it. I also reached out to the eBay seller and they told me they will ask the previous owner to deregister this camera (haven’t heard back from them yet)

The s/n is 7 digits starting with 5898, supposedly built in 2023 (according to the listing).

After some back and forth, Support told me this:

> The camera looks genuine in the pictures, but I can't definitively say for sure.
> …
> However, that doesn't change the fact that the serial number doesn't exist in our system. Furthermore, the seller can't trace any previous owners, as the camera can't even be registered.
> I'm sorry, but it would probably be better if you returned the camera, as its origin cannot be clearly verified.

I’m inclined to follow the advice, since it’s an expensive purchase, and if there’s a chance it’s somehow a fake camera, I’d rather return and try again. It definitely doesn’t feel like a fake camera, but what do I know.

But I also want to see if other people have had a similar experience, or if this is some known problem?

 

[joe bosak]

Search the forum - there are known to be MP "fakes" made from other Leica models.

 

[ilya]

Searched (just now), didn't spot anything relevant, but that's good to know.

I was able to register this camera as M6 TTL - not sure if that means anything (surely, the top plate is so different this one couldn't've been from an M6??). Either way, now I'm definitely returning it.

 

[joe bosak]

Thread 'leica mp (original 1950s version)'

Aug 25, 2008

just out of curiosity, how much would a leica mp with a leicavit accessory be worth (and why)?

i have seen one on ebay for a buy-it-now price of some € 20,000 and wonder what the deal is -- if i got it correctly, it is a modified m2? fine, it had a limited run, but so ...?

thanks.

• cameosis
• Replies: 36
• Forum: Leica M Film Cameras

I thought that one had some useful info, but maybe not, seemed in line with what you have found though.

 

[WoodallP]

Out of interest, was the rewind knob that from an MP (vertical, not at an angle)? Are you willing to share any pictures. I once had trouble registering an M10 I bought new from a Leica store so problems do happen.

I can’t imagine anyone would fake a modern MP when an M6 can cost as much.

 

[ilya]

Yeah, the rewind knob pulls out vertically.

 

[WoodallP]

Yeah, the rewind knob pulls out vertically.


View attachment 4879621View attachment 4879622View attachment 4879623View attachment 4879624

That looks legit. If you like the camera I wouldn’t send it back. There is little value in registering a second hand camera anyway I think.

 

[Duofold RF]

The paint………, not the the quality of photo or light, kind of rough

 

[38Deardorff]

The paint………, not the the quality of photo or light, kind of rough

Yes, the paint on mine was much smoother, more glossy.

 

[WoodallP]

I can't comment about the paint but it is clearly a modern MP, I bought mine new in about 2022 and it is 5613XXX, it is chrome (which is why I can't comment on paint) but it is otherwise identical down to the CE sticker on the bottom with the rough edges. I can't imagine that anyone would fake a modern MP as there is no financial reason; original MPs yes but those are a different camera and very valuable. My suggestion would be to go to the local Leica dealership and ask, I am sure they would give reassurance. The worst case is that it is a repaint of a very modern MP but that would not explain the serial number problem which is likely just a database error.

 

[ilya]

I went to my local Leica store.

A couple of people there inspected the camera and both said that it definitely looks and feels real, even after comparing it to one of their own MPs.

There was a difference in the sticker on the bottom plate - mine just has CE, theirs has multiple (CE, UK CA etc). One person, after dropping both bottom plates on the table, noticed a slight difference in sound, and the other one said that the bottom plate is somehow different from the plate of their own old MP.

But the most interesting part was with the serial. The store MP is from 2025, mine's allegedly from 2023. Mine's serial number is higher than theirs.

All in all, glad I went, because that was quite entertaining (and informative; also the staff was so friendly and helpful 🥰). They wrote down my serial and said they'll try to find out what's up, because they're intrigued.

Barring the chance that they somehow come back to me with a confirmation that the serial is real, I think this is a pretty clear indicator that I should not keep this thing. Even because if I do, I think it'll always be in the back of my mind.

 

[splitimageview]

The camera is fine and authentic, obviously. The problem is with Leica’s records.

Keep it and shoot it! 😀