What should I check buying used MP?

[Arvay]

I'm going to buy MP these days and as soon as I've never had it I would like to ask those who are familiar with it what should I check and what to pay attention at?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mackinaw]

Very early production MPs' would leak dust around the rear eyepiece. This was fixed by Leica pretty early on. Mine (289XXXXX) purchased in November of 2004 shows no dust in the viewfinder. Other than that, I'm not aware of any problems with the MP. Mine's been 100% perfect since the day I bought it and sees a lot use. By far my favorite 35mm camera.

Jim B.

 

[maddoc]

The shutter .... check the shutter speeds of 1/500s and 1/1000s. Might be some bad surprise ...

 

[pfoto]

Would agree about the known dust problem. Mine is s/n 2983xxx and the VF is as clear as a bell. Have not previously heard about the speed problem though - did others have it maddoc? As always when you buy a used camera it is a good idea to get it checked by a technician then you'll be happy it's up to spec. Wonderful camera! 🙂

 

[Arvay]

pfoto

The cam has the same 3 first digits as yours, but I can't find any info on the year of production.
Unfortunately here in Moscow it's quite difficult to find a technician to check the cam. That's why I should count on myself and yours' advice of course.

 

[maddoc]

Would agree about the known dust problem. Mine is s/n 2983xxx and the VF is as clear as a bell. Have not previously heard about the speed problem though - did others have it maddoc? As always when you buy a used camera it is a good idea to get it checked by a technician then you'll be happy it's up to spec. Wonderful camera! 🙂

There were some reports over at photo dot net and I had to sent my MP to Leica for shutter repair under warranty ... (At that time the camera was about two years old)

 

[Spider67]

As I am looking from time to time after an affordable Leica: Whats the story about parts in the rangefinder coming apart because of "canadian glue dissolving"?
I heard that's a problem of thge ealrier M3's

 

[Mackinaw]

I don't any camera/lens manufacture has used Canadian Balsam in optics for a good 35+ years. Everything today is glued with modern space-age adhesives.

Remember that the M3 dates back to 1954. Things happen to cameras that are over 50 years old.

Jim B.

 

[pfoto]

There were some reports over at photo dot net and I had to sent my MP to Leica for shutter repair under warranty ... (At that time the camera was about two years old)

@maddoc: Interesting. So our friend Arvay should check out those shutter speeds then.

pfoto

The cam has the same 3 first digits as yours, but I can't find any info on the year of production.
Unfortunately here in Moscow it's quite difficult to find a technician to check the cam. That's why I should count on myself and yours' advice of course.

@Arvay: No info from Leica on modern production but I would guess 2004 for our cameras as manufacturing date. I bought mine used and the owner had definitely put it through it's paces. 🙂 It is fine. Its a good idea to use a roll to just test everything including the obvious things like shutter speeds and vertical alignment.

 

[Arvay]

pfoto
maddoc

The most simple idea comes the last 🙂
I wonder why didn't I think about it!

Thanks, Gentlemen.