Where to get a beater Leica M4/M6

chilohm

Jack Sloan
Local time
9:03 AM
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
154
Location
London, UK
Hey there
I am interested in getting an M4 or possibly an M6, but nearly all used sales seem to be sold commercially in mint or Ex+ condition. Anyone got any ideas of where to look for stuff in less glamorous condition? I am not fussed about cosmetics (although it has to work...!)

Thanks,
Jack
Manchester
UK
 
a lot of people here have had good experiences with keh.com .

every camera i have bought from *bay or craigslist has needed a cla.

good luck.

bob
 
As you're in the UK, it's worth keeping an eye on the following sellers,

www.mwclassic.com

www.mxv.co.uk

Both sell Leicas at very reasonable prices - I understand MXV sold a "user" M2 to another RFF member for £200 and MW currently have one listed for £225.

The M4 or M6 does not crop up quite so often, but I think the last one MXV sold was in their E++ condition (which is mint- to other dealers) for around the £600 mark - which gives you an idea of what sort of price they would sell a "beater" for.
 
www.apertureuk.com also occasionally have beater stuff, 'ugly' as they call it. My beater M4 came from there, very ugly but cheap.

M4s don't seem to be that common, M6s come up much more often and it shouldn't be hard to find a slightly rough one, but MW Classic seem to always have a cheap M2 knocking around lately.

May I ask why you particularly wanted a M4 or M6?
 
Just one additional point worth mentioning: it's a good idea to contact as many of the UK sellers of secondhand Leicas as you can and let them know what you are after and in what condition.

Some dealers turn away Leicas in "user" condition because they fear they will not be able to sell them. If they have a potential purchaser, they will probably be more inclined to take one of these cameras on, or at least contact you and give you first refusal.
 
Another thought (that's the trouble with old age - you get the thoughts, but not all at the same time") is contacting The Real Camera Company in Manchester. I seem to remember that the proprietor, Jem Kime, had (or still has) good connections in Leica land. Maybe he can help you out.
 
1. Find a spare athletic sock.
2. Fill it with half a kilo of spare coins.
3. Wait outside The Classic Camera in London.
4. When you see a punter with a camera that is attractive, let swing.
 
1. Find a spare athletic sock.
2. Fill it with half a kilo of spare coins.
3. Wait outside The Classic Camera in London.
4. When you see a punter with a camera that is attractive, let swing.

Ken,

From my experience with them, you may find that the "punter" will take the sock off you and hit himself over the head with it!
 
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