Who to buy a Laeica M from???

[Stephen S. Mack]

I'm looking at (finally!) buying a Leica M, of some mark or the other this year. Maybe an M6. Where would be a good place to look? My local Leica dealer (there really *is* one in Charlottesville, VA, near where I live), or one of the camera stores such as KEH or Tamarkin, or National Camera Exchange? Or, from a RFF member?

I understand that the cameras from most of the stores mentioned are *cosmetically graded*, and could look spiffy on the outside, but on the inside they're full of spiders and mice😱. Well, not really, but I have no way of knowing about the innards from these stores until waaay too late. At the very least I should probably plan on a CLA?

I've seen some good deals offered by RFF members here, but everybody wants to use PayPal. I used to have a PayPal account, but I let it drop after someone tried to hack it. Any suggestions? Should I get another PayPal account, just in case? I understand about wanting to get paid. I'm just not quite sure how to do it. Can someone help when I'm ready?

With best regards.

Stephen

 

[photo4ls]

Check here first(RFF), if you find one that
you are interested in contact the seller
to see if he or she is willing to make other
arrangements. Not everyone is asking for
paypal.
Nelson

 

[gilpen123]

If you want to buy here I suggest to renew your paypal. You can also check KEH, Tamarkin and Popflash if you want from dealers, btw, credit card is accepted.

 

[gdmcclintock]

While I have purchased a few lenses from members of the RFF and couldn't be happier with the process and the products (I use Paypal), I also recommend the Photo Village in NYC (photovillage.com) where I purchased my used M6, new Canon 5D MKII, and other gear. They are very knowledgeable and fair. -George

 

[wgerrard]

Check with the folks typically recommended here for repairs and service: Sherry Krauter, Dag, Youxin Ye, etc. With a bit of luck, you can find something they've already CLA'd and can avoid Paypal. I know that at least one of the people I've named here prefers direct bank transfers.

 

[degruyl]

One thing: KEH is really quite pessimistic in its grading, as well as giving fair warning on things like "meter inoperative" and shutter timings. I also find that their prices are competitive.

I, personally, would look at the classifieds here first, and then proceed to KEH. (Much as I hate the new website). They usually offer a return period (except on "ugly" grade, I believe). I know that I have never been disappointed with their grading of EX or better (or BGN for that matter, but I was expecting worse).

As for CLA: on an M6 it is probably premature. These cameras really do run quite well. I find the camera repair people to have the highest prices, but of course they are throwing in a service prior to purchase. I have never dealt with any of them.

 

[payasam]

I've bought several things on RFF, and each one was paid for with a cheque. The sellers were accommodating.

To the dealers named, I'll add www.igorcamera.com.