Used M6 Classic - advice please.

[Steve_F]

Hi all,
I'm looking at picking up my first 'M'; probably around the beginning of October.
I've decided on an M6 Classic and as it's my first RF / Leica I'm looking at purchasing from an authorised dealer (guarantee etc).
What is there in particular to look for.

Oh and I'd like a newish 50 Summicron too.....

Any advice/hints/tips welcome.

Thanks,

Steve.

 

[JohnTF]

If the camera has been recently serviced, it should have a warranty from the repair service, I would ask.

It may also have a print out of the shutter speeds, again, I would ask.

Look up the serial number, you should know the precise vintage of your M6.

Questions should be asked, before you hand over your money.

Slide film may be easier to evaluate as test film in terms of exposure, and I would have it hi res scanned to test focus.

I am pretty sure this is not the first thread on this, you might do a search, I generally rely on the opinion of others who know more than I for testing, fortunately not difficult to find. ;-)

Good Luck,

Regards, John

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

There is an EX++ M6 classic in the classifieds right now.

 

[Turtle]

quite a few dealers offer 60,90, even 180 day warranties on used cameras. I would recommend a later model so it is younger and has the updated meter circuitry. The ones that show two opposing arrows equally lit to indicate correct exposure have the later circuitry and I believe a slightly more sensitive meter. I have a 24XXXXetc body and am very happy with it. It was made in 1998, but could have been made yesterday apart from the odd wear mark (of which it will get many more).

 

[FrozenInTime]

I really like my M6 classics and think it's best camera to go for - I've got a x0.72 and a x0.85.
Good M6 classic bodies sell very quickly - so don't hang around too long if you see a good one.

There was an update to the metering circuits: apart from the earliest bodies, most bodies have LEDs that flash if you leave the lens cap on.

Check that the film counter resets when the back is opened : there is a plastic cog that eventually fails.

Check for corrosion - does the battery cover open easily.

To get an idea of what sort of life it's lead, check for ware on the lens mount and strap eyelets.

If you have doubt about the vertical or horizontal infinity adjustment of the rangefinder ask them to get it aligned

Try to buy from somewhere reputable : as you are in the UK Ffordes are a good place to start and will offer you sale or return and a 6 month guarantee.
https://secure.ffordes.com/Shop/Store/StockList.asp?Type=secd&Sub=1&code=LC&subcode=Mb

 

[CopperB]

There is an EX++ M6 classic in the classifieds right now.

There is? I don't see it.