Used M6 Classic - a bit more advice

I've had a Black M6 and now a Chrome MP and find that people pay little or no attention to the camera. I much prefer the Chrome as it wears much better than Black.
 
I've had a few people in Afghanistan show an interest in my 'very expensive camera' (Silver chrome MP) and show no interest whatsoever in the black Ms I have.
 
I think there is a difference between the M2s. M4s and M3s etc, which look old and the clean lines of the MP in chrome. Even completely camera ignorant westerners here thought the chrome MP looked much more expensive than the BP MP at a glance. Its not a huge deal either way, but there is no question in my mind, black never looks more expensive, or more eye catching so is a safe bet.
 
I don't purchase used gear from dealers unless I can personally examine the gear. If its in really good condition, a seller can usually sell the gear themselves at more than a dealer will offer on a trade. Dealers get lots of crap gear and they have to turn it around. There are lots of M's for sale from users who baby thier M and infrequently use the gear. that is my target market to purchase from.-Dick
 
Once again, thanks for all the sound advice.
I've found a black M6 classic in London. (Medium and Large format specialist - customers p/ex)
Serial No. 243**** - 1998(?)
They want £599 + VAT = approx £700 ($1050 US). Apparently it's had light amateur use. I was told over the phone there was no brassing, dings or dents just the usual fine marks on the base and they give 3 months guarantee. I intend to go and have a look next week.
My thoughts on the Chrome / Black debate run along the lines of some those views here.
Chrome - to the non-photographer - old camera. To the knowledgeable - obviously Leica M
Black - To the non-photographer; old camera or more likely - probably digital compact.
To the knowledgeable - obviously Leica M.

I'm going to look for 50 Summicron too. A newer type, and if I'm not mistaken I won't need a 6-bit as this is to help comms between lens and digital body.

The Camtech ad looks quite good but I would prefer a hands-on approach.

Steve.
 
...just make sure you use it at the top and bottom shutter speeds to check it is accurate/in adjustment within your 3 months. If the shutter is not adjusted properly you can get issues at the 1/500 or 1/1000 speeds with inconsistent exposure across the width of the frame. Make sure you check this is OK, because we Brits don't always get to shoot at high speeds due to the lack of sun!
 
Condition is more important then chrome or black.
Take the bottom plate off, open the back door and put your eye to the back as you check out each shutter speed. For 1/60 or less, you should see a circle image from the lens since the shutter is wide open at these speeds. for faster speeds, you should get a glimse of light, its a rough method of shutter verification. If possible, run a roll of color reversal film and have processed somewhere fast to verify no light leaks etc.
The newer the lens the better in my mind to avoid age problems and a newer 50mm summicron is a great lens. Of course I still have a 1964 DR Summicron that is in excellent condition but some are not. Good luck.
BTW, you are taking the right approach by being cautious, doing your homework and not jumping at the first thing available.-Dick
 
Once again, thanks for all the sound advice.
I've found a black M6 classic in London. (Medium and Large format specialist - customers p/ex)
Serial No. 243**** - 1998(?)
They want £599 + VAT = approx £700 ($1050 US). Apparently it's had light amateur use. I was told over the phone there was no brassing, dings or dents just the usual fine marks on the base and they give 3 months guarantee. I intend to go and have a look next week.

"Loose lips sink ships" 🙁

Steve.
 
Try real camera company in manchester. they have a website but you will have to ring for stock (they have a black m6 in there though with m3 style advance lever and black dot which is nice and some other m6's and a chrome m7 when i went in on friday)
 
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