Used Leica M Dealers

[hhoolee]

I am considering purchasing a used Leica M-series body- an M6 Classic, most likely, but perhaps other models. In that all my current DSLR equipment has been purchased new, I have not had to deal with purchasing used equipment except for one modest lens. I am not in a position to buy new Leica equipment so will have to purchased used. One important piece of advice given for purchasing any used equipment is to personally inspect the equipment and to use one's vision, hearing and touch as part of the evaluation process. For example, listening for shutter and gear sounds, determining the smoothness of the film advance, etc. In that I am a complete rookie in terms of RFs, I am at a great disadvantage. There are several used dealers offering equipment on the web- Sam Shoshan, George Ury, Tamarkin. They appear to have the better quality inventories and I am wondering what experiences some of you may have had in purchasing from them. Even if they offer returns, this is still a cumbersome way of purchasing- paying postage both ways and in waiting days for transit. I understand that grading is ultimately a subjective process, but some dealers (Keh reputedly) grade conservatively, and I wonder if any Leica dealers have that reputation. I live in a relatively small town and there are no used camera equipment dealers. I am willing to drive to San Francisco or Los Angeles if there are any reputable Leica dealers specializing in used equipment.

There also are certified pre-owned cameras that apparently have been inspected by Leica (and given a CLA?). It appears that these are priced higher, which is worthwhile to me if it helps ensure that I am getting a quality piece of equipment.

I would sincerely appreciate your experiences and feedback. I thank you in advance.

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to this forum hhoolee! 🙂 Back a year and a half ago, I had the same qualms as you in buying my first rangefinder. To cut a long story short I purchased an M6TTL from a reputable dealer - in my case Rich Pinto at Photo Village in NYC - and I have not regretted it. I think I paid $1295 for the body which was about $100 more than the going rate at the time but that $100 bought me peace of mind that was priceless. This is the only dealer I have bought a body from and I recommend him.

If you find a body of interest I think it would be worth your time to check on the links below - these are photo.net member recommendations with fairly large volumes of info. (the figures after the links show the current numbers of postings as of the time of this post).

Camera Shops (4796)

Individuals selling photo equipment on the internet (6690)

 

[Huck Finn]

I have had excellent dealings with all 3 dealers you mention. Good luck.

 

[merciful]

Just buy one off eBay and send it to DAG for a CLA if it ends up needing work. Don't get obsessive about the whole process: a Leica body in good shape from a seller with a good rep will almost certainly have been treated well and give you plenty of mileage.

 

[MarkB]

I'll second Rich Pinto at Photovillage in NYC for used gear. Also keep an eye out for For Sale listings in the Leica forum at photo.net. As Merciful says, the biggest thing is to get one and start shooting!!

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum Mark! 🙂 Hey its nowhere near as snowy in Vermont as it is here in Boston! 😉 Over 30 inches this week - enough already!

Another good place to look is the LUG, they have a FS only on Friday rule that they strictly enforce so today is a good day! 🙂

 

[MarkB]

Ok, how about just plain COLD Vermont!

Rich Pinto at Photovillage used to post a Friday FS at the LUG with all kinds of good used stuff, not sure if he still does...

 

[kafrf]

Mark, I've dealt with KEH several times and have never been disappointed. If anything, I've been more than pleasantly surprised. (Doesn't mean it will always happen, but so far.....) I've bought from Tamarkin and Sam Shoshan and, again, been pleased. Sam has a very large inventory. (I just ordered a screwmount to M mount adapter from him today, in fact.) M's are exceedingly durable, and if you get one in halfway decent shape, you've got a good camera. I've bought Leica gear on photo.net and at Photogon. If I'm buying from an individual, I generally exercise more prudence...asking for more details and photos, etc. Oh, I've also had excellent service from Adorama. And, as others have mentioned, LUG is a good place to post a wanted to buy ad. Have fun!

 

[Huck Finn]

Hopefully this will make amends for my earlier blunder:

www.nemeng.com/leica/004e.shtml

🙂