Who to buy from?

rbiemer

rbiemer

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My loving family wants to buy me a "big" present for my upcoming 50th birthday.

I haven't asked for a specific present since I was a kid but this year I have been asked to do so; yesterday mom asked me again, "What do you want for your birthday? And none of that 'whatever you guys want to get me' nonsense."

An M2 is the answer to that question.

If I were doing this for myself, it would be a fun and, maybe, somewhat involved process but I'm confident in doing my own "due diligence" and I'm pretty sure I could find a good user and not pay too much.

But, I'm not the one doing the shopping this time. And no one else really knows anything about film cameras--or much cares either.

So, who should I suggest that my family talks to? I'd like to be able to tell them something like "Call this dealer/person and ask for a good user Leica M2."


Any thoughts or better ideas?
Rob
 
Yes KEH is good. Also Sandy at Collectible Cameras in Pheonix. Sandy is a little pricier than KEH but they are able to discuss a particular camera on the phone while KEH can't. I have used both outfits a number of times.
 
Depends on what you want to end up with Rob. Is it not better to shop for it yourself and be happy with the condition etc and then just have it shipped to the buyer without you getting sight 'till b'day? Unless you are actually familiar with M's or indeed cameras of this age in general it would be very easy for your gifters to get the wrong thing or something not to your standard or liking. It is a little sad that for this reason I don't let anyone buy me stuff like this but this way end up with what I like. What about on here? At ;east then you can usually get something that's been used and probably looked after. Members here are more likely to have something nice and at a realistic price point.
 
In your place I would give them Sherry Krauter's name. A bit more expensive, but the camera will be exactly as she will describe it to them. And M2s very often have hidden flaws, like slightly separated VF, etc.

Roland.
 
+ 1 for Sherry Krauter. I haven`t bought a camera from her but had a lens repaired. Outstanding service and work.
 
Will, resellers like Popflash are a good option when not buying item yourself. Popflash usually has some time of warranty/guarantee with there products. I purchased a used Mamiya 7ii from them and the condition was top notch, near brand new. I've also had great luck with KEH. Just make sure they get something in the VG or better condition items.

I agree with you Nobbylon. Buying expensive items like this should be left to the person receiving the item. Though I'd love it if someone gifted me a M9 or a MP, I would otherwise rather buy the item myself (though gladly with an others money 😀 ).
 
Good suggestions, all.

KEH was actually my first thought; I've dealt with them before and been happy and they have a good return policy.

I had not thought about Sandy at Collectible (I still think of 'em as "Ritz") Cameras and have also dealt with them. In fact, my first deal with them was for some filters and after looking at their site I thought I knew what I wanted. When I called 'em, the guy on the phone had a different idea that was less expensive. That was a pleasant surprise!
I have not dealt with Tony or Sherry but certainly can't argue against their reputation.

Nobbylon,
You make valid points and, frankly, I would rather do this my self but that is not really an option for this--the family wants to do this and I haven't figured out a graceful way to refuse (yeah, I know, it's a tough life I have!🙂.

Rob
 
Indeed, Rob, "it's a tough life [you] have". Happy birthday in advance.

On two occasions I asked people to buy things for me and bring them to India, and they came back not with what I had specified but with "But the shop said this is the same thing." You might get a Leica IIIb or M9.
 
Plus one on Collectable Cameras. It helps to be able to walk into the store, but they do most of their business out of state anyway - they've got somenice stuff in there!
 
How about buying one from a fellow RFF member? There are a few that were posted in the classifieds this week. I have no connection with the sellers, but I've never had a bad experience with RFF-sourced purchase.
 
lol. oops! I got an M9 by mistake. what a pity.
payasam said:
Indeed, Rob, "it's a tough life [you] have". Happy birthday in advance.

On two occasions I asked people to buy things for me and bring them to India, and they came back not with what I had specified but with "But the shop said this is the same thing." You might get a Leica IIIb or M9.
Click to expand...
 
Another vote for Sherry and Igor Resnick. Hmm, my imac doesn't like my spelling of Resnick, with or without a "c". I'll have to look it up. OK it's Resnik without the c. I have bought from Igor, and it's all good. Sherry does my CLA work. I can vouch for both.
 
You might want to try Camera West. (949) 347-1276; 27680 Marguerite Pkwy; Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Sean and staff are very helpful and have great inventory, wish they were still in Monterey.
 
Lucky rbiemer

Lucky rbiemer

rbiemer,

You're more fortunate than you realize. I've 'never' gotten what I wanted for my birthday (or any other gift receiving event). Sorry to sound so pathetic, but it may help you to appreciate this gift you're getting even more. I used to try telling the wife (now ex-wife), mother, girlfriend (not while married), and others exactly what I wanted--when they would ask, of course--but they would always come back with the cheapest version of what I asked for, even though I would clean out my bank account and max out credit cards buying them fantastic and thoughtful gifts. For instance, if I had asked for an M-2, they would have probably given me $5 worth of socks the first few times I asked for a Leica M-2 camera. Eventually they'd catch the word 'camera' and give me a disposable camera and then expect me to be excited that I finally got what I wanted. I would respond usually with, "ah, a camera. how sweet. thanks.", but it would be hard to get excited. I'm not a good actor. Luckily and unfortunately, they weren't perceptive at noticing my bad acting or good at suspecting I was disappointed. Incidentally, I'm chuckling as I type this--so don't feel sorry for me. It's become a source of comedy in my life.

Many years ago I gave up and would refuse to tell them what I wanted and would instead beg them to get my nothing: nothing was better than cheap socks or a disposable camera and having to pretend. Like a fool, though, I never gave up on buying them great gifts: I like giving presents--it's so fun figuring out what someone wants, hunting for a special gift they'll never forget, etc.. After years of begging for nothing, though, they now sometimes forget to give me something, but remember a couple months after my birthday and will send me something that costs less than $10 and is usually broken out of the box. It's amazing how bad they all are at giving gifts.

So, rbiemer, when your family gives you that M2, not only enjoy the camera, but enjoy having a family that listens to you, a family that's not giftedly challenged (is that a word?). If I may, I will vicariously enjoy your present. Happy birthday. I'm happy for you.

-Russell
 
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