Where to get a beater Leica M4/M6

[chilohm]

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

 

[bob338]

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

 

[John Lawrence]

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.

 

[historicist]

- double post, deleted -

 

[historicist]

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?

 

[John Lawrence]

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.

 

[newspaperguy]

It's like Vic said.

The beater Canon 7 that I bought (OK, traded for) last year,
cost me more than twice the purchase value to make right. :bang:
It's great now, but I could have had a 'good' one for less.

 

[John Lawrence]

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.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

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

www.mwclassic.com...

John Lawrence: Thank you so much, what a wonderful online store! I had never heard of them before.

 

[wintoid]

MW Classic had an M4 for £350 last week. Didn't look too bad either.

 

[Ken Ford]

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.

 

[John Lawrence]

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!

 

[Wouter]

I have a 'beater' M4 that I can sell through the classifieds section here if you're interested. It won't need a CLA, it's working fine.