Used M6 Classic - a bit more advice

Steve_F

Steve_F

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Hi all,
I've received some very sound advice on buying a used M6 classic...but I need a little more.

Does this sound too 'to good to be true' or 'Go for it'.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Leica-M6-Rang...s_ET?hash=item20ad2cd2a2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The guy replied to my questions within 24 hrs - It's a 1996 model and serial no. is 2179339.

I spoke with The Classic Camera in London and they just sold a mint boxed M6 Classic for £900.

Thanks,

Steve.
 
Not at all. In my experience, you should be able to get a mint or close to mint classic for about 750-800 GBP. I bought a mint m6 0.85 with 1998 serial for 799.... with a six month warranty. 850 is OK - an average price - but not a bargain IMHO. Bargain would be about 700...
 
850# = $1407USD, sounds high, for the same you should be able to get a M6TTL or a little more an M7, but condition is everything and if you want A 0.72 M6 Classic in Mint condition, then its your money. I have one in 0.85 and they are very nice M's and probably the best value out there if around $1KUSD. Good luck.
BTW there are lots of M's that never really get used out there.-Dick
 
Seems like the ask is at the high range of current market price for private sales, depending on condition. Does the seller allow inspection prior to purchase? The listing mentions "full working order guaranteed" but also states "no returns." Probably best to clarify what exactly the seller means by "guaranteed."

If the difference between a private seller that you're uneasy about and a reputable dealer is only 50 quid, I'm wondering if you might want to keep looking around ...
 
I paid 699 GBP for a 1996 M6 Classic from The Classic Camera in 2005. Inflation aside, 850 is too much for an M6 Classic body. Better to try Red Dot for more honest prices. The M6 is a users camera, not a collectors so the box is pretty worthless.
 
If I'm honest with myself, as its my first 'M' I think I'd pay a bit extra from a reputable dealer.

Then of course there is a 50/f2 Summicron too......
 
Steve_F said:
If I'm honest with myself, as its my first 'M' I think I'd pay a bit extra from a reputable dealer.

Then of course there is a 50/f2 Summicron too......
Click to expand...

That's probably a wise decision😎

From my personal experience I've found that even proper Leica dealers can try and pull fast ones if it's your first time buying gear. I once bought a Summilux 35 for 375 GBP from The Classic camera after being convinced by the shops owner that it was up to scratch. "The reason why it has dust inside is because it's a handmade lens". I took it home to find it's front element unscrewed and the focus was so loose it moved if you blew on it. I returned to the shop the next day where one of the staff looked at it, shook his head in dismay and gave me a full refund.

Check both bodies and lenses thoroughly before buying. There's a few buying guides around on the web so it's worth doing some googling first.

The M6 is a fantastic camera. You won't regret your purchase😀
 
Steve_F said:
Hi all,
I've received some very sound advice on buying a used M6 classic...but I need a little more.

Does this sound too 'to good to be true' or 'Go for it'.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Leica-M6-Rang...s_ET?hash=item20ad2cd2a2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The guy replied to my questions within 24 hrs - It's a 1996 model and serial no. is 2179339.

I spoke with The Classic Camera in London and they just sold a mint boxed M6 Classic for £900.

Thanks,

Steve.
Click to expand...

ffordes has a chrome M6 for 750,00
https://secure.ffordes.com/Shop/Store/StockList.asp?Type=secd&Sub=1&code=LC&subcode=MB

I have bought from them several times, nice people.
 
Another approach may be, so long as the cosmetics aren't of prime importance, to buy from a reputable dealer but on a mechanically sound but slightly more used looking body. You could have an incredible camera with enough for the lens too.
I have an M6 .72 classic that I paid £600 for described as Ex+ with the seller showing me the tiny scratch on the vf. I never notice it.. or the scuffs and so on that it's picked up since then. As it's been said, it's a users camera and plenty tough enough to see off a few scratches and scuff marks.
Whatever you decide on the condition of the one you buy it is worth remembering that there are plenty out there, and some in great nick. Maybe even more by tomorrow if everyone sells up to buy an M9🙂 Worth looking around a bit more IMO.

Good luck
 
Hi all,
Thanks for the replies.
I guess my issue is that the 'M' system is completely new to me and a new 'M' is out of reach.
(If it was a Nikon body then I'd have no qualms as I've 13 years experience with them).
I've seen the chrome M6 at ffordes (and bought RZ gear from them - superb service) but really like the idea of a black M6 as I feel it's more discrete - a feeling I get from using my black Nikon FM3A. Is that right or do chrome 'M'' users feel they are just as 'ignored' by the public as black 'M' users. (apologies for the grammar).
Steve.
 
Steve, the one for sale is not a bad price, but not great either. Its at the upper threshold of what is roughly normal. Consider Red Dot cameras too as they offer a 6 month warranty on used Ms.
 
I'll vouch for Red Dot as a trustworthy and reputable dealer.

I also went for black rather than chrome for the same reason, no idea if it makes ANY difference, I guess it's a personal thing, but black looks okay when it's beaten up a bit as well as when it looks like new.

BTW - Red Dot normally have a pretty good choice at any one time.
 
I do find myself checking Red Dot daily as they're very good on updating their website.
Having popped in there a few months ago with a friend I found Ivor and his wife (?) very friendly.

The issue now is 'patience' - having got the funds saved I'm now 'chomping at the bit' for my first 'M'.

Steve.
 
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