Where to find a roughly used m6

[vandal138]

I'm looking to dive deeper into film photography now and considering an m6. Currently using a Bessa L, but the lack of rangefinder irks me. I am also relatively cheap.
Where would one find a well used m6 that might not be cosmetically sound. Internally, I imagine Leicas are built like a tank so I'm not fussy about the cosmetics, but most Liecas seem to sell for a high price while they are kept in pristine condition. Where are all the low grade M6's at?
:angel:

 

[chipgreenberg]

Do you need the light meter? KEH has a nice cosmetic , meter not working M5 for $668

 

[vandal138]

Yeah, a light meter and viewfinder focusing is important to me. I am looking to get a cheaper Bessa R2m or R4m, but for only a bit more money, I hope i can find a rough m6 if anything.
I was also looking at a Leica m4-2 for a good price, but the lack of light meter might bother me.

 

[benlees]

I commend your search for a "rough" M. I did the same and was not disappointed, though I bought an M4P. Mine was cosmetically rough but worked perfectly. And it was not much money- this was a few years a go. I'm constantly amazed how risk averse people are when it comes to "looks".



Be patient and good luck!

 

[madNbad]

Often M6s' and more likely M6 TTLs' with zinc oxidation (surface bubbles) are sold at lower prices because of the condition of the finish. Often the optics and mechanical condition of the camera is good.

 

[Huss]

You're not going to find anything under $1300 now for a rough M6. Prices have sky-rocketed.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I was in Red Dot Cameras in London a few weeks back and having bought my M5 I was shooting the breeze with the owner, Ivan. He said he couldn't get M6s in good condition for love or money and showed me on with extensive zinc acne that he would not have touched even 3 months ago.

So the low grade ones are now in top end dealers selling for top end prices...

 

[vandal138]

You're not going to find anything under $1300 now for a rough M6. Prices have sky-rocketed.

I can't even find one for that price 🙂 Here in Canada, checking our craigslist and facebook marketplaces. Online stores and ebay etc.
Though, I am going to be in LA next weekend, maybe I can find something there.

 

[Colin Corneau]

Honestly I'd look for an M4 (or M3 or M3) and buy a $100 Digisix meter. I have an M6 and never use the meter in it...I get better results from a small handheld incident/reflected meter anyway.

You'll get the same camera for a better price.

 

[Fraser]

Everyone is looking for cosmetically challenged Ms, as already said the prices have shot up, when I bought my M2 from a dealer 8ish years ago I only paid £300 and that seemed quite a lot at the time, the best deal I got was for the rough non working M4p with missing base for £120 another £130 to get it repaired, I sold it to a dealer for £350 and thought I was doing well now even M42s and M4ps in the UK are selling for £800.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I'd agree w/ Vandal 138. For example this rough M4... looks good except for the missing vulcanite for $850 (no it's not mine...) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-M-4-...921268?hash=item5474dd6cf4:g:iEkAAOSwxSldZWtW

 

[raid]

If "rough looking" M bodies sell for (say) $800, what do very clean M bodies sell for? My M3 and M6 look extremely clean to me as I used them very carefully over the past years.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Raid, Here's your 'rough' M3 with a jammed shutter for $400...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-M3-D...503044?hash=item5475235684:g:1UoAAOSwmZFdbH4I

 

[mpaniagua]

I think it will require lots of patience and luck. They come once and again, but problem is, you are not the only one looking for them.


I've sold some of my Leicas on the past (from pristine to rough) for a fair price (some of them here) and sold them within 2 hours. I'm talking prices from $600 to $1200.

So place to look? probably this forum, Keh and ebay.

Like Colin said, looking for a M4-P or M4 would like net you something usable at the price you are willing to pay.

On the other hand, Bessa R2 have a great viewfinder and a light meter. Out bartender service them by the way.

Marcelo

 

[aizan]

You're not going to find anything in LA. =(

What's your budget? Do you need a Leica? Does it have to be an M3-type body? Personally, I'd get a Zeiss Ikon ZM for about $1300-1500, or a NIB Voigtlander Bessa R2a for $1300, an M5 if I had about $1000, or a $900 Konica Hexar RF. If I could live without a meter, I'd jump for a $900 Nikon S3 2000.

 

[vandal138]

Well I was just offered an m4-2 for $1200, thats probably the best value I can find and hope to just deal with and learn to not have a built in light meter. Or spend just $900 on a new Bessa R2m which has all those features, except for a red dot and bombproofness.
(I am drawn to Leicas over Bessa for their build quality, though, I haven't handled a Leica)

 

[Gregm61]

I'm looking to dive deeper into film photography now and considering an m6. I am also relatively cheap.

You win the prize for oxymoron of the day....

I saw nice Minolta CLE with 40 and 90mm lenses at Tamarkin for $1,000.

 

[jsrockit]

I wouldn`t mess with Leica if you don`t have the $. Grab something else.

 

[mpaniagua]

I wouldn`t mess with Leica if you don`t have the $. Grab something else.

Rough, but completely agree with you.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Looks like Sherry Krauter has a bunch of Leica Ms in your ballpark..... & nothing too rough.... essentially 650-1200 $

http://www.sherrykrauter.com/store