Used Leica M's

[Kim Coxon]

Talking about well used ones, How about this for use?

Kim

 

[Treb]

How about these for used M's?

 

[jkelly]

I recommend watching Ebay and being patient. Last month, I picked up a cosmetically challenged M3 DS for $380 that had slipped under the radar. It has some nicks and scratches, and missing a couple small pieces of vulcanite, but was recently CLA'd and the shutter is accurate and whisper quiet.

 

[KoNickon]

There seem to be some M3s on eBay right now that are in user condition, for not very much at all. They're early models, with no frame selector, but if that isn't a concern then you should consider them.

I got an M3 on eBay last fall, a later version double stroke that had been converted to single, with minor vulcanite "issues" and working perfectly, for just over $400 including the case. A couple of months ago I got another, a single stroke, from an ad in the newspaper (!) --slightly rougher cosmetically but still quite presentable and working fine, with a 5 cm Elmar and 135 Elmar, for $460. (I needed to get a take-up spool but an RFF member sold me one for cheap.) Both lenses need a little work but are eminently usable. Needless to say, I am quite pleased with both. The deals are out there -- keep looking!

 

[mad_boy]

Look at epray 7615776735

This is your ugly m4 coming up!
Perhaps price will be reasonable.

mad_boy

 

[Toby]

I suddenly have a strange desire for a well used M. They look cool -like the designer jean of the camera world

 

[Nick R.]

Bad vulcanite seems to be the easiest way to pick up an inexpensive Leica M that won't break the bank fixing up. I paid $400 for my otherwise very clean M4-P. Reskinning is pretty easy. Check this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20665

 

[Ken Ford]

I'm really enjoying having the meter in my M6 - I never thought I'd say it. I don't know if I could be happy with an unmetered M anymore.

 

[Ken F.]

I'm really enjoying having the meter in my M6 - I never thought I'd say it. I don't know if I could be happy with an unmetered M anymore.

Hey Ken,

I know the feeling, that was the main reason I bought an MP, best of both worlds!

Cheers,
kf

 

[ben lloyd]

my well worn M4-2 was cheap and ugly, I do wonder how many rolls of film its seen...

 

[Zack]

im not sure i would even bother to fix the vulcunite, if it doesnt affect any major function i think i would just leave it.

As far as lenes go, are they ok to buy bargain too?

 

[erikhaugsby]

As far as lenes go, are they ok to buy bargain too?

As long as the glass is clean (no haze, fogging, seperation, major scratches), go bargain hunting and have fun!

 

[Zack]

hopefully by the end of summer ill have enough cash

 

[DaveKennedy]

Get a CL and a 40mm lens and go take pictures...a cheap combination that will have you "using Leica" cheaply.

 

[egpj]

It seems like, every leica i ever see, wether it be at a camera show or retail store, every single one is in mint condition, i just want one thats been well used, i couldnt care less if it was cosmetically rough looking, i want one that, was liek used professionally, with a million rolls of film through it. i just want one thats not a collectors piece. cameras were made for shooting, not to put up on a mantle, does anyone know of where to get one like this, because i wanna shoot with a leica but not for thousands of dollars.

Orlando Camera Exchange in Orlando, FL has several M's that are in less then prestine condition but still function. Should be able to Google some info about how to get a hold of them.

 

[Nick R.]

im not sure i would even bother to fix the vulcunite, if it doesnt affect any major function i think i would just leave it.

As far as lenes go, are they ok to buy bargain too?

The camera might not feel comfortable in your hands with chipped/missing vulcanite. It's an easy, cheap fix anyway.

Don't skimp on glass. If you can't afford clean, modern Leica glass, buy Zeiss or VC lenses. Old, hazy, and scratched lenses may say Leica on them but stay away.

 

[kbg32]

How about these for used M's?

Those are beautiful Treb!

 

[Treb]

Of course none of the beauties are mine I'm sorry to say. But for those who want to know:

1. Used by Elliot Erwitt
2. Used by a guy who shot quite some pics for Nat. Geo
3. Used by Jim Marshall

 

[Treb]

my well worn M4-2 was cheap and ugly, I do wonder how many rolls of film its seen...

Good grief! Now that's a worn down specimen. Isn't it great these bodies can stand so much (ab)use?

 

[sockeyed]

In terms of lenses - I was really lucky and got a rough-looking rigid Summicron-50 (1957) for $50 recently. A local tech cleaned a lubed it, and I pulled the front element, which had scuffed and ugly coatings, and sent it to ARAX in the Ukraine for polishing and multicoating. In all, it will cost me about $150 for a now-gorgeous Summicron.

BTW, it gave really nice images prior to the re-coat, but it flared a lot.